JP4120245B2 - Developing device, image forming apparatus, and computer system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a developing device for developing using a developer, an image forming apparatus having the developing device, and a computer system including the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Background]
As a developing device of an image forming apparatus, for example, a developing device that develops a latent image formed on a photoreceptor using toner or the like as a developer is known. Such a developing device includes a developer carrying roller that carries a developer such as toner accommodated therein, and supplies the toner and the like to the photosensitive member via the developer carrying roller. Therefore, the developing device accommodates toner or the like inside, and in order to make the developer carrying roller face the photoconductor, an opening for exposing the developer carrying roller to the outside must be provided in the housing.
[0003]
However, if an opening is provided in a housing that accommodates toner or the like, it is natural that toner or the like may leak from a gap with the developer carrying roller. For this reason, for example, a circumferential seal member such as urethane foam that seals between the peripheral surface and the housing at both ends of the developer carrying roller, and the developer carrying roller between the circumferential seal members. An axial seal member such as urethane foam that seals along the axial direction is provided.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the toner or the like contained in the developing device has very fine particles and may leak out from a slight gap between the circumferential seal member and the axial seal member. There is also a method in which the circumferential seal member and the axial seal member are integrally formed and adhered to the housing with a double-sided tape or the like. However, the housing has a complicated shape such as a peripheral surface along the development carrying roller, and the sealing member that is attached while being bent along the circumference has a long and complicated shape. For this reason, even if a seal member in which the circumferential seal member and the axial seal member are integrated is adhered, wrinkles are likely to occur in the seal member, and there is a problem that toner leaks from a gap due to the wrinkles. .
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a developing device having a seal structure in which a developer is unlikely to leak, an image forming apparatus including such a developing device, and this It is to realize a computer system including an image forming apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the main present invention includes a housing having an opening and containing a developer, a developer carrying roller provided facing the opening and carrying the developer, A frame to which the developer carrying roller is attached and attached to the housing; At both ends of the developer carrying roller, Along the circumferential direction of the developer carrying roller A circumferential seal member for preventing developer leakage; Provided in the housing and located between the circumferential seal members in the axial direction of the developer carrying roller; A first axial seal member for preventing developer leakage along the axial direction; Provided in the frame; And a second axial seal member that prevents leakage of the developer along the axial direction. The second axial seal member includes the first axial seal member and the circumference. It is provided across the direction seal member, At both ends of the developer carrying roller, the circumferential seal member and the second axial seal member are located closer to the developer carrying roller than the circumferential seal member. In this state, it is sandwiched between the housing and the developer carrying roller, seals between the housing and the developer carrying roller, and between the circumferential seal members, the first axial seal member And the second axial seal member includes the housing and the developer carrying roller in a state in which the second axial seal member is positioned closer to the developer carrying roller than the first axial seal member. To seal between the housing and the developer carrying roller. This is a developing device.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0008]
A housing having an opening and containing a developer; a developer carrying roller provided facing the opening to carry the developer; and a peripheral surface at both ends of the developer carrying roller and the housing A circumferential seal member that seals the gap between the developer carrying roller and the housing along the axial direction of the developer carrying roller between the circumferential seal members. A first axial seal member to be prevented and a developer carrying roller abutted by the first axial seal member to prevent developer leakage from between the developer carrying roller and the housing. In the developing device including the second axial seal member, the second axial seal member is provided across the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member. To Image apparatus.
According to such a developing device, the leakage of the developer from the gap between the circumferential seal member and the first axial seal member is prevented by the second axial seal member provided across them. Is possible.
[0009]
Further, in the developing device, it is desirable that the first axial seal member is in contact with the circumferential seal member.
According to such a developing device, since the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member are in contact with each other and the second seal member is provided across the first seal member and the circumferential seal member, the sealing performance is further improved.
[0010]
Further, in the developing device, the second axial seal member has a sheet shape, one end is attached to the housing side, and the other end is in contact with the developer carrying roller. It is desirable to partially cover the axial seal member and the circumferential seal member.
According to such a developing device, since the housing side and the peripheral surface of the developer carrying roller are covered along the axial direction by the second axial seal member, leakage of the developer to the outside of the developing device is prevented. Further prevention is possible.
[0011]
Further, in the developing device, the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member have elasticity, and the second axial seal member includes the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member. It is desirable to be biased toward the developer carrying roller by elasticity.
According to such a developing device, since the second axial seal member is biased toward the developer carrying roller by the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member, the second axial seal member Is less likely to generate a gap with the peripheral surface of the developer carrying roller, and can improve the sealing performance.
[0012]
Further, in the developing device, it is preferable that one end portion of the circumferential seal member is sandwiched between the second axial seal member and the housing. According to such a developing device, even if the clearance between the circumferential seal member and the first axial seal member may pass, the developer that has passed through the circumferential seal member, the second seal member It is possible to prevent leakage to the outside by staying in the closed space formed by the axial seal member and the housing.
[0013]
A housing having an opening and containing a developer; a developer carrying roller provided facing the opening to carry the developer; and a peripheral surface at both ends of the developer carrying roller; A circumferential seal member that seals between the housing and the circumferential seal member, and the developer carrying roller between the developer carrying roller and the housing along the axial direction of the developer carrying roller between the circumferential seal members. A first axial seal member for preventing leakage, and the developer bearing roller abutted by the first axial seal member to prevent developer leakage from between the developer bearing roller and the housing. In the developing device including the second axial seal member to prevent, the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member have elasticity, and the first axial seal member is in the circumferential direction. Seal part The second axial seal member has a sheet shape, one end is attached to the housing side, and the other end straddles the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member. The first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member are urged and contacted by the elasticity of the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member to cover the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member. The developing device is characterized in that one end of the circumferential seal member is sandwiched between the housing and the housing.
[0014]
According to such a developing device, the second axial seal member provided across the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member prevents leakage of the developer from between the two, Since the second axial seal member is urged by the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member, leakage of the developer from the developer carrying roller side can be prevented. Furthermore, even if the developer passes through the gap between the circumferential seal member and the first axial seal member, the developer that has passed through the circumferential seal member, the second axial seal member, and the housing. It is possible to prevent leakage to the outside.
[0015]
A housing having an opening and containing a developer; a developer carrying roller provided facing the opening to carry the developer; and a peripheral surface at both ends of the developer carrying roller; A circumferential seal member that seals between the housing and the circumferential seal member, and the developer carrying roller between the developer carrying roller and the housing along the axial direction of the developer carrying roller between the circumferential seal members. A first axial seal member for preventing leakage, and the developer bearing roller abutted by the first axial seal member to prevent developer leakage from between the developer bearing roller and the housing. In the image forming apparatus having the developing device including the second axial seal member to prevent, the second axial seal member straddles the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member. Establishment It also becomes possible to realize an image forming apparatus according to claim being.
[0016]
Further, a computer main body, a housing connected to the computer main body, having an opening and containing a developer, a developer carrying roller provided facing the opening and carrying the developer, and the developer A circumferential seal member that seals between the peripheral surface and the housing at both ends of the carrying roller, and the developer carrying along the axial direction of the developer carrying roller between the circumferential seal members A first axial seal member that prevents leakage of developer from between the roller and the housing; and the developer bearing roller abutted against the developer bearing roller by the first axial seal member; An image forming apparatus having a developing device including a second axial seal member for preventing leakage of developer from between the housing and the housing. 2 in the axial direction seal member, it becomes possible to realize a computer system, characterized in that provided across said circumferential seal member and the first axial seal member.
[0017]
=== Overview of Image Forming Apparatus (Laser Beam Printer) ===
Next, an outline of a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 10 as an example of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting the printer 10. In FIG. 1, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is disposed at the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is disposed at the upper part of the printer 10.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes a charging unit 30, an exposure unit 40, and a YMCK developing device 50 along the rotation direction of a photoreceptor 20 that is a latent image carrier that carries a latent image. A primary transfer unit 60, an intermediate transfer member 70, a cleaning unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a notification unit for a user, a display unit 95 formed of a liquid crystal panel, and these units. It has a control unit 100 (FIG. 2) that controls and operates as a printer.
[0019]
The photoreceptor 20 has a cylindrical conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable around a central axis. In the present embodiment, the photoreceptor 20 is indicated by an arrow in FIG. Rotate clockwise.
[0020]
The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20, and the exposure unit 40 is a device for forming a latent image on the photoconductor 20 charged by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like, and charges the modulated laser based on an image signal input from a host computer (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor. The irradiated photoconductor 20 is irradiated.
[0021]
The YMCK developing device 50 uses a black (K) toner, a magenta (M) toner, a cyan (C) toner, and a yellow (Y) toner as a developer for the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 20. It is an apparatus for developing. These toners are respectively stored in a black developing device 51, a magenta developing device 52, a cyan developing device 53, and a yellow developing device 54 of the YMCK developing device 50.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, the YMCK developing device 50 can rotate to move the positions of the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54. That is, this YMCK developing device 50 holds the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 by the four holding portions 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, and the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 is rotatable around the central axis 50a while maintaining the relative position thereof. Then, the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 corresponding to the latent image formed on the photosensitive member 20 are selectively opposed to the photosensitive member 20, and the toners stored in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are respectively. Then, the latent image on the photoconductor 20 is developed. Details of each developing device will be described later.
[0023]
The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring a single color toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer body 70. When four color toners are sequentially transferred in a superimposed manner, the full color toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70. An image is formed. The intermediate transfer member 70 is an endless belt, and is driven to rotate at substantially the same peripheral speed as the photosensitive member 20. The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring a single color toner image or a full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a recording medium such as paper, film, or cloth.
[0024]
The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing a single color toner image or a full color toner image transferred onto a recording medium onto a recording medium such as paper to form a permanent image.
[0025]
The cleaning unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the charging unit 30 and has a rubber cleaning blade 76 that is in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 20. The cleaning unit 75 is disposed on the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. After the toner image is transferred, the toner remaining on the photoreceptor 20 is scraped off and removed by the cleaning blade 76.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102. An image signal is input to the main controller 101, and the unit controller 102 responds to an instruction based on the image signal. The unit is controlled to form an image.
[0027]
=== Operation of Printer 10 ===
Next, the operation of the printer 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to other components.
First, when an image signal from a host computer (not shown) is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive device is controlled by the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. The body 20, the developing roller 510 (FIG. 3) as the developer carrying roller provided in the developing device, and the intermediate transfer body 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.
[0028]
At this time, the charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches the exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the exposure unit 40 causes a latent image corresponding to the image information of the first color, for example, yellow Y, to enter the area. It is formed. In the YMCK developing device 50, the yellow developing device 54 containing yellow (Y) toner is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.
The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the development position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing device 54. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 20.
The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer member 70.
[0029]
By repeating the above process for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, the toner images of the respective colors corresponding to the respective image signals are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70 in an overlapping manner. As a result, a full color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.
The full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer body 70 rotates, and is transferred to the recording medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The recording medium is conveyed from the paper feed tray 92 to the secondary transfer unit 80 via the paper feed roller 94 and the registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.
The full color toner image transferred to the recording medium is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the recording medium.
[0030]
On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has elapsed, the toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 of the cleaning unit 75 to prepare for charging for forming the next latent image. The toner that has been scraped off is collected by a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.
[0031]
=== Overview of Control Unit ===
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 101 of the control unit 100 is connected to a host computer via an interface 112 and includes an image memory 113 for storing image signals input from the host computer. The unit controller 102 is electrically connected to each unit (charging unit 30, exposure unit 40, primary transfer unit 60, cleaning unit 75, secondary transfer unit 80, fixing unit 90, display unit 95) of the apparatus main body and the YMCK developing device 50. The units and the YMCK developing device 50 are detected based on signals input from the main controller 101 while detecting the states of the units and the YMCK developing device 50 by receiving signals from the sensors included in the units. To control.
[0032]
The CPU 120 included in the unit controller 102 is connected to a non-volatile storage element (hereinafter referred to as a main body side memory) 122 such as a serial EEPROM via a serial interface (I / F) 121. The CPU 120 is connected not only to the main body side memory 122 but also to the developing device side memories 51 a, 52 a, 53 a, 54 a provided in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 via the serial interface 121. In addition, data can be transferred between the main body side memory 122 and the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and chip select is made to each developing device side memory 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a via the input / output port 123. The signal CS can be input. Further, the CPU 120 is also connected to the HP detection unit 31 via the input / output port 123.
[0033]
=== Overview of Developing Device ===
Next, the outline of the developing device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components of the developing device. As in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 also shows the vertical direction in FIG. 3. For example, the central axis of the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, in FIG. 3, the yellow developing device 54 is shown in a state where the yellow developing device 54 is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.
[0034]
The YMCK developing device 50 includes a black developing device 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing device 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing device 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and yellow (Y). Although a yellow developing device 54 containing toner is provided, the configuration of each developing device is the same, so the yellow developing device 54 will be described below.
[0035]
The yellow developing device 54 has a housing 540 that contains yellow toner T as a developer, a developing roller 510 as a developer carrying roller, a toner supply roller 550 that supplies the toner T to the developing roller 510, and a developing roller 510 that carries the toner T. A regulation blade 560 for regulating the layer thickness of the toner T and a seal unit 520 provided with various seal members are provided.
[0036]
The housing 540 is manufactured by joining an integrally formed upper housing, lower housing, and the like. The interior of the housing 540 is defined by a restriction wall 545 extending upward from the lower portion (vertical direction in FIG. 3). The housing portion 530 and the second housing portion 535 are divided. The upper portions of the first storage portion 530 and the second storage portion 535 are in communication with each other, and the movement of the toner T is restricted by the restriction wall 545. An agitating member for agitating the toner T accommodated in the first accommodating portion 530 and the second accommodating portion 535 may be provided, but in the present embodiment, each development is performed as the YMCK developing device 50 rotates. The devices (the black developing device 51, the magenta developing device 52, the cyan developing device 53, and the yellow developing device 54) rotate, whereby the toner T in each developing device is agitated, so that the first accommodating portion 530 and the second accommodating portion are accommodated. The part 535 is not provided with a stirring member.
[0037]
An opening 541 that communicates with the outside of the housing 540 is provided in the lower portion of the first housing portion 530. A toner supply roller 550 is provided in the first accommodating portion 530 with its peripheral surface facing the opening 541 and is rotatably supported by the housing 540. Further, from the outside of the housing 540, a developing roller 510 is provided with the peripheral surface facing the opening 541, and is pressed against the toner supply roller 550. A seal unit 520 is attached to the opening 541 to prevent toner leakage from between the housing 540 forming the opening 541 and the developing roller 510. The configuration of the seal unit 520 and its seal structure will be described later.
[0038]
The developing roller 510 carries the toner T and conveys it to a developing position facing the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 is made of aluminum, stainless steel, iron, or the like, and is subjected to nickel plating, chrome plating, or the like, and sand blasting or the like on the toner carrying area as necessary. Further, the developing roller 510 is rotatable about the central axis, and as shown in FIG. 3, the developing roller 510 is rotated in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) opposite to the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 (clockwise in FIG. 3). Rotate. The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. As shown in FIG. 3, when the yellow developing device 54 faces the photoconductor 20, there is a gap between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. That is, the yellow developing device 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, an alternating electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20.
[0039]
The toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T stored in the first storage unit 530 and the second storage unit 535 to the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like and is in contact with the developing roller 510 in an elastically deformed state. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the first storage unit 530, and the toner T stored in the first storage unit 530 and the second storage unit is disposed below the first storage unit 530. Is supplied to the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is rotatable about a central axis, and the central axis is below the rotation central axis of the developing roller 510. Further, the toner supply roller 550 rotates in a direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) opposite to the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 (counterclockwise in FIG. 3). The toner supply roller 550 has a function of supplying the toner T stored in the first storage unit 530 and the second storage unit 535 to the developing roller 510, and the toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 after development. Also, it has a function of peeling from the developing roller 510.
[0040]
The regulating blade 560 regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510, and gives an electric charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. The regulation blade 560 has a rubber part 560a and a rubber support part 560b. The rubber part 560a is made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber or the like, and the rubber support part 560b is a thin plate having spring properties such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel. The rubber part 560a is supported by the rubber support part 560b, and one end of the rubber support part 560b is fixed to the blade support metal plate 562. The blade support metal plate 562 is fixed to a seal frame 526 described later, and is attached to the housing 540 as a part of a seal unit 520 described later together with the regulation blade 560. In this state, the rubber part 560a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber support part 560b.
[0041]
Further, a blade back member 570 made of malt plane or the like is provided on the side opposite to the developing roller 510 side of the regulating blade 560. The blade back member 570 prevents the toner T from entering between the rubber support portion 560b and the housing 540, stabilizes the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber support portion 560b, and from the back of the rubber portion 560a to the rubber portion 560a. The rubber portion 560a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by urging the developing roller 510 toward the developing roller 510. Therefore, the blade back member 570 improves the uniform contact property and the sealing property of the rubber portion 560a to the developing roller 510.
[0042]
The end of the regulating blade 560 opposite to the side supported by the blade support metal plate 562, that is, the tip is not in contact with the developing roller 510, and a portion away from the tip by a predetermined distance is the developing roller. 510 is in contact with a width. That is, the regulating blade 560 is not in contact with the developing roller 510 at the edge, but is in contact with the belly. The regulating blade 560 is disposed so that the tip thereof faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in a so-called counter contact. The contact position where the regulating blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the developing roller 510 and below the central axis of the toner supply roller 550.
[0043]
In the yellow developing device 54 configured as described above, the toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T stored in the first storage unit 530 and the second storage unit 535 to the development roller 510. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 as the developing roller 510 rotates, and the layer thickness is regulated and electric charge is applied when passing through the contact position. Is done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose layer thickness is regulated reaches the developing position facing the photoconductor 20 by further rotation of the developing roller 510, and is formed on the photoconductor 20 under an alternating electric field at the developing position. Used for developing the latent image. The toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position due to further rotation of the developing roller 510 passes through an upper seal 521 described later, and is collected in the developing device without being scraped off by the upper seal 521.
[0044]
=== Configuration of seal unit and seal structure thereof ===
Next, the configuration of the seal unit and the seal structure thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is a perspective view of the yellow developing device 54 viewed from the developing roller 510 side, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where the developing roller is removed, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the seal unit 520, and FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view for explaining the seal structure, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the seal structure of the opening 541.
[0045]
As shown in the figure, the seal unit 520 prevents the toner from leaking between the developing roller 510 and the portion of the housing 540 that forms the upper edge of the opening 541, and the upper seal 521 as a second axial seal member. The regulating blade 560 also has a function of preventing leakage of toner from between the developing roller 510 and the portion of the housing 540 that forms the lower edge of the opening 541, and the upper seal 521 and the regulating blade 560 are attached as a unit. A circumferential direction that is fixed to a seal frame 526 for fixing to the housing 540 and a rubber support portion 560b of the regulating blade 560, and prevents leakage of the toner T in the axial direction of the developing roller 510 at both ends of the developing roller 510. And two end seals 527 as seal members.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 6, the seal frame 526 includes an axial frame portion 526a provided along the axial direction of the developing roller 510, left and right frame side portions 526b bent and raised at both ends of the axial frame portion 526a, The lower portions of the left and right frame side portions 526b are bent and raised inward, and are configured by a support metal plate fixing portion 526c for fixing the blade support metal plate 562. As shown in FIG. 5, the axial frame portion 526 a is in contact with a portion of the housing 540 that has an upper seal 521 attached thereto and forms an upper edge portion of the opening 541. The left and right frame side portions 526b are arranged to face the side portion of the housing 540 in which the bearing portion of the developing roller 510 is formed. The seal frame 526 has a frame shape that comes into contact with the housing 540 along the opening 541 when the blade support metal plate 562 with the restriction blade 560 fixed between the left and right support metal plate fixing portions 562c is attached. To the housing 540.
[0047]
The rubber support portion 560b of the restriction blade 560 is longer than the rubber portion 560a in the axial direction of the developing roller, and extends from both ends of the rubber portion 560a. A non-woven fabric end seal 527 having a thickness greater than that of the rubber portion 560a is attached to the extended portion of the rubber support portion 560b on the same surface as the rubber portion and 560a. Specifically, felt is used as the end seal 527 made of nonwoven fabric. At this time, the end surface of the rubber portion 560 a is in contact with the side surface of the end seal 527.
[0048]
The end seal 527 is provided so as to come into contact with the non-toner carrying area at the end of the developing roller 510 when the developing roller 510 is attached, and has a width extending outward from the end of the developing roller 510. As shown in FIG. 7, the end seal 527 extends sufficiently longer than the tip of the rubber portion 560 a of the regulating blade 560. When the seal frame 526 to which the regulation blade 560 is attached is attached to the housing 540, the end seal 527 is placed along the portion of the housing 540 formed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 510, and the end seal 527 The distal end portion 527a has a length that reaches the axial frame portion 526a. The axial frame portion 526a is provided with notches 526d (FIG. 7) at two positions where the end seal 527 is disposed, and the tip 527a slightly protrudes from the notch 526d. A sheet-like upper seal 521 made of a polyethylene film or the like is attached between the two cutout portions 526d. The upper seal 521 has a width wider than the width between the two cutout portions 526d, and the front end portion 527a protruding from the cutout portion 526d is bent along the housing 540 so as to cover the upper portion thereof. A seal 521 is provided. The free end side of the upper seal 521 extends toward the rubber part 560a side of the regulating blade 560.
[0049]
The integrated seal unit 520 is attached to the housing 540, and the developing roller 510 is further attached, whereby each seal is pressed and the open portion of the developing device is sealed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in the housing 540, the blade back member 570 and the upper seal 521 described above are urged toward the developing roller 510, and a seal urging member 524 as a first axial seal member is provided. Is provided. Each of the blade back member 570 and the seal biasing member 524 is an elastic member such as a malt plane, and is compressed when the developing roller 510 is attached to bias the regulating blade 560 and the upper seal 521 toward the developing roller 510. A biasing force is generated. Here, the blade back member 570 is provided so as to cover the entire area of the back side of the two end seals 527 and the back side of the rubber portion 560a, and the seal biasing member 524 is provided between the two end seals 527. When the seal unit 520 is attached, the seal biasing member 524 is disposed so that the end surface of the seal biasing member 524 contacts the inner surface of the end seal 527 when the seal unit 520 is attached.
[0050]
Therefore, when the developing roller 510 is attached, on the lower side of the opening 541, the regulating blade 560 is pressed against the developing roller 510 and the blade back member 570 is compressed, and the portion of the housing 540 that forms the opening 541 and the developing roller 510. Is blocked. At both ends of the developing roller 510, the end seal 527 is compressed by the housing 540 and the developing roller 510, and the space between the housing 540 and the developing roller 510 is closed. On the upper side of the opening 541, an upper seal 521 is provided so as to cover the end seals 527 slightly projecting at both ends of the axial frame portion 526a, and the end seal 527 is formed by cutting the axial frame portion 526a. The notch 526d is sandwiched between the housing 540 and the upper seal 521. The upper seal 521 enters between the developing roller 510 and the portion of the housing 540 that forms the opening 541 and is disposed across the seal urging member 524 and the end seal 527, and at least the entire area of the seal urging member 524 and the end thereof. The part seal 527 is partially covered. Therefore, the upper seal 521 is pressed toward the developing roller 510 by the elastic force of the seal urging member 524 and the end seal 527, and the space between the developing roller 510 and the portion of the housing 540 that forms the opening 541 is closed. The At this time, the end seal 527 and the seal urging member 524 are in contact with each other. Even if a very small gap is generated between the end seal 527 and the seal urging member 524, the upper seal 521 is connected to the end seal. Since it is provided across 527 and the seal urging member 524, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the toner T from the gap to the outside. Further, since the end seal 527 is sandwiched between the upper seal 521 and the housing 540, leakage of toner from between the end seal 527 and the upper seal 51 is prevented and high sealing performance is realized. It becomes possible to do.
[0051]
=== Other Embodiments ===
The developing device and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on one embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. . The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.
[0052]
The present invention further includes a rotatable toner supply member that supplies toner to the developer carrying roller, and a rotation direction of the toner supply member is opposite to the rotation direction of the developer carrying roller. However, the present invention is also applicable to a developing device in which the rotation direction of the toner supply member is the same as the rotation direction of the developer carrying roller.
[0053]
The present invention further includes a toner storage portion that stores toner, the toner supply member is disposed below the toner storage portion, and the toner stored in the toner storage portion is stored in the toner storage portion. Although particularly effective for a developing device that is supplied to the developer carrying roller by the toner supply member at the lower part, the toner supply member is disposed at the upper part of the toner storage unit and is stored in the toner storage unit. The present invention can also be applied to a developing device in which the toner is supplied to the developer carrying roller by the toner supply member at the upper portion of the toner container.
[0054]
Further, in the above-described embodiments, the intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the intermediate transfer type, but a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome laser beam printer, and a copying machine. It can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as facsimiles.
[0055]
Further, the developing device according to the present invention is not limited to the device having the configuration described in the above-described embodiment, and at least a gap between the developer carrying roller that carries and moves the developer and the housing The present invention can be applied to any developing device as long as the developing device requires a seal structure for sealing the above.
[0056]
For example, any developer carrying roller can be used as long as it can constitute the developer carrying roller, such as magnetic, non-magnetic, conductive, insulating, metal, rubber, resin, and the like. For example, materials include metals such as aluminum, nickel, stainless steel, iron, natural rubber, silicon rubber, urethane rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, neoprene rubber, NBR rubber, styrene resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyurethane resin. Resins such as polyethylene resin, methacrylic resin, and nylon resin can be used. Needless to say, the upper layer portion of these materials can be used for coating. In that case, as the coating material, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyester, nylon, acrylic, or the like can be used. Moreover, as a form, all things, such as a non-elastic body, an elastic body, a single layer, a multilayer, a film, a roller, can be used. Further, the developer is not limited to toner, and may be a two-component developer mixed with a carrier.
[0057]
The same applies to the toner supply member, and as the material, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polyester foam, ethylene propylene foam, nylon foam, silicon foam and the like can be used in addition to the polyurethane foam described above. Note that the foaming cell of the toner supply means can be either single bubble or continuous bubble. In addition, it is not restricted to a foam material, You may use the rubber material which has elasticity. Specifically, conductive agents such as carbon are dispersed in silicon rubber, urethane rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, and acrylic rubber. Molded ones can be used.
[0058]
=== Configuration of Computer System etc. ===
Next, embodiments of a computer system, a computer program, and a recording medium that records the computer program, which are examples of embodiments according to the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the computer system. The computer system 1000 includes a computer main body 1102, a display device 1104, a printer 1106, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. In this embodiment, the computer main body 1102 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1104 is generally a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 1106, the printer described above is used. In this embodiment, the input device 1108 is a keyboard 1108A and a mouse 1108B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 1110 uses a flexible disk drive device 1110A and a CD-ROM drive device 1110B. However, the reading device 1110 is not limited to this. Disk) etc. may be used.
[0059]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 1204 are further provided in a housing in which the computer main body 1102 is housed.
[0060]
In the above description, the printer 1106 is connected to the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110 to configure the computer system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the computer system may include a computer main body 1102 and a printer 1106, and the computer system may not include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110.
[0061]
Further, for example, the printer 1106 may have a part of each function or mechanism of the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110. As an example, the printer 1106 includes an image processing unit that performs image processing, a display unit that performs various displays, a recording medium attachment / detachment unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium that records image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as a structure to have.
[0062]
The computer system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a developing device having a seal structure in which developer is unlikely to leak, an image forming apparatus and a computer system provided with such a developing device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the developing device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the yellow developing device as viewed from the developing roller side.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where a developing roller is removed.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a seal unit.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view for explaining a seal structure.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a seal structure of an opening.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system.
10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Laser beam printer
20 photoconductor
30 Charging unit
40 exposure units
50 YMCK devices
50a Center axis
50b, 50c, 50d, 50e Holding part
51 Black developing device
52 Magenta Developer
53 Cyan developing device
54 Yellow developing device
51a, 52a, 53a, 54a Development device side memory
60 Primary transfer unit
70 Intermediate transfer member
75 Cleaning unit
76 Cleaning blade
80 Secondary transfer unit
90 Fixing unit
92 Paper tray
94 Feed roller
95 Display unit
96 cashier rollers
100 control unit
101 Main controller
102 Unit controller
112 interface
113 Image memory
120 CPU
121 Serial interface
122 Main body side memory (memory element)
123 I / O port
510 Development roller (developer carrying roller)
520 seal unit
521 Upper seal (second axial seal member)
524 Seal urging member (first axial seal member)
526 seal frame
526a Axial frame part
526b side
526c Support sheet metal fixing part
526d Notch
527 End seal (circumferential seal member)
527a Tip
530 First toner container
535 Second toner container
540 housing
541 opening
545 Regulatory wall
550 Toner supply roller (toner supply member)
560 Regulatory blade
560a Rubber part
560b Rubber support
562 Blade support sheet metal
570 Blade back member
1000 computer system
1002 Computer body
1104 Display device
1106 Printer
1108 Input device
1108A keyboard
1108B mouse
1110 Reader
1110A Flexible disk drive device
1110B CD-ROM drive device
1202 Internal memory
1204 Hard disk drive unit
T Toner

Claims (3)

A housing having an opening and containing a developer;
A developer carrying roller provided facing the opening and carrying the developer;
A frame to which the developer carrying roller is attached and attached to the housing;
A circumferential seal member that prevents leakage of developer along the circumferential direction of the developer carrying roller at both ends of the developer carrying roller;
Provided in the housing, and, in the axial direction of said developer carrying roller located between the circumferential sealing member, a first axial sealing member for preventing leakage of the developer along the axial direction,
A developing device provided with the second axial seal member provided on the frame and preventing leakage of the developer along the axial direction;
The second axial seal member is provided across the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member,
At both ends of the developer carrying roller, the circumferential seal member and the second axial seal member are located closer to the developer carrying roller than the circumferential seal member. In this state, it is sandwiched between the housing and the developer carrying roller, and seals between the housing and the developer carrying roller,
Between the circumferential seal members, the first axial seal member and the second axial seal member are such that the second axial seal member is more than the first axial seal member. A developing device, wherein the developing device is sandwiched between the housing and the developer carrying roller and seals between the housing and the developer carrying roller while being positioned on the carrying roller side . A housing having an opening and containing a developer;
A developer carrying roller provided facing the opening and carrying the developer;
A frame to which the developer carrying roller is attached and attached to the housing;
A circumferential seal member that prevents leakage of developer along the circumferential direction of the developer carrying roller at both ends of the developer carrying roller;
Provided in the housing, and, in the axial direction of said developer carrying roller located between the circumferential sealing member, a first axial sealing member for preventing leakage of the developer along the axial direction,
An image forming apparatus having a developing device provided with the second axial seal member provided on the frame and preventing leakage of developer along the axial direction;
The second axial seal member is provided across the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member,
At both ends of the developer carrying roller, the circumferential seal member and the second axial seal member are located closer to the developer carrying roller than the circumferential seal member. In this state, it is sandwiched between the housing and the developer carrying roller, and seals between the housing and the developer carrying roller,
Between the circumferential seal members, the first axial seal member and the second axial seal member are such that the second axial seal member is more than the first axial seal member. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is sandwiched between the housing and the developer carrying roller and seals between the housing and the developer carrying roller while being positioned on the carrying roller side . Connected to the computer body and the computer body,
A housing having an opening and containing developer, a developer carrying roller provided facing the opening and carrying the developer , and a frame to which the developer carrying roller is attached and attached to the housing When, at both ends of said developer carrying roller, the circumferential seal member along the circumferential direction of the developer carrying roller to prevent leakage of the developer, is provided in the housing, and the developer bearing roller A first axial seal member that is positioned between the circumferential seal members in the axial direction and that prevents leakage of the developer along the axial direction, and is provided on the frame, and is provided with the developer along the axial direction. In a computer system comprising an image forming apparatus having a developing device provided with a second axial seal member for preventing leakage,
The second axial seal member is provided across the first axial seal member and the circumferential seal member,
At both ends of the developer carrying roller, the circumferential seal member and the second axial seal member are located closer to the developer carrying roller than the circumferential seal member. In this state, it is sandwiched between the housing and the developer carrying roller, and seals between the housing and the developer carrying roller,
Between the circumferential seal members, the first axial seal member and the second axial seal member are such that the second axial seal member is more than the first axial seal member. A computer system characterized by being sandwiched between the housing and the developer carrying roller in a state of being located on the carrying roller side and sealing between the housing and the developer carrying roller .

Images