JP4461884B2 - Developing device, image forming apparatus, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

  As this type of image forming apparatus, for example, a photoconductor as an example of an image carrier for carrying a latent image and a latent image carried on the photoconductor by a liquid developer (hereinafter also simply referred to as a developer). 2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus having a developing device for developing an image is known. Such an image forming apparatus forms a latent image on a photoreceptor when an image signal or the like is transmitted from an external device such as a host computer. Then, the latent image formed and carried on the photosensitive member reaches the developing position as the photosensitive member rotates, and is developed by the developing device, so that a developer image is formed on the photosensitive member.

  In order to realize the above-described function of developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive member, the developing device described above includes a developing roller as an example of a developer carrying member for carrying the developer, and development. A rotatable developer supply member for supplying the developer to the developing roller, and a developer accommodating portion as an example of a developer accommodating body for accommodating the developer.

The developer supply member is immersed in the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion in a state where a part of the developer supply member is exposed. To be supplied. Further, the developer supplied to the developing roller is used for developing the latent image.
JP 7-219355 A

  When the developer supply member rotates while the developer supply member is immersed in the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion with a part thereof exposed, the developer supply member becomes the developer. Air may be taken in when entering, and bubbles may be generated in the developer. When the developer having the bubbles is supplied to the developing roller and the latent image carried on the photosensitive member is developed by the supplied developer to form an image, the image quality may be deteriorated.

  On the other hand, a developing device having a developer supply roller for supplying a developer to the developer supply member is known. The developer supply roller rotates and moves the developer contained in the developer container toward the developer supply member, thereby supplying the developer to the developer supply member. Due to the above-described action of moving the developer toward the developer supply member, it also serves to separate air bubbles present around the developer supply member from the developer supply member.

  However, when there is only one developer supply roller provided in the developing device, the function of separating the bubbles from the developer supply member of the developer supply roller is insufficient. When the developer having the bubbles is supplied from the developer supply member to the developing roller, and the latent image carried on the photosensitive member is developed by the supplied developer, the image quality is deteriorated. It will be.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it realizes a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system that appropriately prevent deterioration in image quality.

A main aspect of the present invention is a developer carrier that carries a liquid developer, a rotatable developer supply member that supplies the liquid developer to the developer carrier, and a developer container that contains the liquid developer. And a regulating member in contact with the developer supply member, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the liquid developer carried on the developer carrier, and the developer supply A rotatable first developer that is immersed in the liquid developer housed in the developer container and that supplies the liquid developer to the developer supply member, with a part of the member exposed. The developer supply member includes a supply roller and a second developer supply roller, and the developer supply member is a rotatable third developer supply roller for supplying a liquid developer to the developer carrier, and the first developer supply The roller is connected to the central axis of the third developer supply roller. The third developer supply roller is provided on the side that advances from the liquid developer accommodated in the developer container, as viewed from the vertical plane, and the first developer supply roller and the second developer The developer supply roller is provided so as to face the third developer supply roller with the liquid developer sandwiched therebetween, and the second developer supply roller is the third developer as viewed from the first developer supply roller. Located on the upstream side of the rotation direction of the developer supply roller, the second developer supply roller rotates when the third developer supply roller rotates as viewed from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller. The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are provided on the side entering the liquid developer stored in the developer container, and the axial direction of the central axis of the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller is the third developer supply Provided along the axial direction of the central axis of the roller The central axis of the second developer supply roller is positioned vertically above the central axis of the first developer supply roller, and the second developer supply roller rotates the third developer supply roller. The second developer supply roller is provided in contact with the developer container, and rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller. A developing device that slides on a container .
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A developer carrying member carrying a liquid developer; a rotatable developer supply member for supplying the liquid developer to the developer carrying member; a developer containing member containing the liquid developer; and the developer. A developing device comprising: a regulating member that abuts a supply member; and a rotatable first developer supply roller and a second developer supply roller that supply the liquid developer to the developer supply member.
Since the developing device includes the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller, it is possible to appropriately prevent deterioration in image quality.

  The developer supply member may be a rotatable third developer supply roller that supplies a liquid developer to the developer carrier.

The first developer supply roller is a liquid stored in the developer container as the third developer supply roller rotates as viewed from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller. It may be provided on the side that advances from the developer.
In such a case, a roller suitable for supplying the liquid developer (that is, the first developer supply roller) can be disposed in the developing device.

The first developer supply roller is provided such that the axial direction of the central axis of the first developer supply roller is along the axial direction of the central axis of the third developer supply roller, and the first developer The supply roller may rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller.
In such a case, a roller (that is, a first developer supply roller) more suitable for supplying the liquid developer can be disposed in the developing device.

The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are provided to face the third developer supply roller with a liquid developer interposed therebetween, and the second developer supply roller includes The third developer supply roller may be positioned upstream of the third developer supply roller in the rotational direction as viewed from the first developer supply roller.
In such a case, a roller (that is, a second developer supply roller) suitable for avoiding adverse effects due to bubbles can be disposed in the developing device.

The second developer supply roller is provided on a side where the third developer supply roller rotates and enters the liquid developer when viewed from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller. It is good to be.
In such a case, a more suitable roller (that is, the second developer supply roller) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles.

The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are provided such that an axial direction of a central axis thereof is along an axial direction of the central axis of the third developer supply roller, and the second development The central axis of the agent supply roller may be positioned vertically above the central axis of the first developer supply roller.
In such a case, a more suitable roller (that is, the second developer supply roller) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles.

The second developer supply roller may rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller.
In such a case, a more suitable roller (that is, the second developer supply roller) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles.

The second developer supply roller is provided in contact with the developer container, and slides relative to the developer container by rotating in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller. It is good to do.
In such a case, a more suitable roller (that is, the second developer supply roller) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles.

In addition, center axes of the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are located vertically below a center axis of the third developer supply roller, and the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller The second developer supply roller may be provided in the liquid developer accommodated in the developer accommodating body.
The diameter of the second developer supply roller may be smaller than the diameter of the first developer supply roller.
The distance between the second developer supply roller and the third developer supply roller may be smaller than the distance between the first developer supply roller and the third developer supply roller.
Further, a regulating member for regulating the amount of the liquid developer on the third developer supply roller in contact with the surface of the third developer supply roller may be provided.
In such a case, the above-described effect, that is, the effect of preventing the deterioration of the image quality is more effectively exhibited.
The liquid developer may be a non-volatile liquid developer that is non-volatile at normal temperature.
In such a case, the above-described effect, that is, the effect of preventing the deterioration of the image quality is more effectively exhibited.

  An image carrier that carries a latent image, a developer carrier that carries a liquid developer, a rotatable developer supply member that supplies the liquid developer to the developer carrier, and the liquid developer A developer accommodating body for accommodating the developer, a regulating member in contact with the developer supplying member, a rotatable first developer supplying roller and a second developer supplying for supplying the liquid developer to the developer supplying member An image forming apparatus including a developing device having a roller can also be realized.

  By having the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to appropriately prevent deterioration in image quality.

  A computer and an image carrier that can be connected to the computer and carries a latent image; a developer carrier that carries a liquid developer; and a rotation that supplies the liquid developer to the developer carrier. A developer supply member, a developer container that contains the liquid developer, a regulating member that contacts the developer supply member, and a rotatable member for supplying the liquid developer to the developer supply member. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus using a developing device having a first developer supply roller and a second developer supply roller can also be realized.

  By having the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller in the image forming system, it is possible to appropriately prevent deterioration in image quality.

=== Example of Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus ===
Next, an outline of a laser beam printer (hereinafter also 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 developing units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K are arranged in the lower part of the printer 10, and the intermediate transfer member 70 is arranged in the upper part of the printer 10. Is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes four developing units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, an intermediate transfer member 70, a secondary transfer unit 80, and a fixing unit (not shown). The display unit includes a liquid crystal panel that serves as an informing means for the user, and a control unit 100 (FIG. 2) that controls these units and operates as a printer.

The developing units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K have a function of developing a latent image with a yellow (Y) developer, a magenta (M) developer, a cyan (C) developer, and a black (K) developer, respectively. ing. Since the developing units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K have the same configuration, the developing unit 15Y will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, the developing unit 15Y includes a charging unit 30Y, an exposure unit 40Y, a developing unit 50Y as an example of a developing device, and a primary transfer unit along the rotation direction of a photoconductor 20Y as an example of an image carrier. 60Y, a charge eliminating unit 73Y, and a photoreceptor cleaning unit 75Y.
The photoreceptor 20Y has a cylindrical base material and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable about a central axis. In the present embodiment, as shown by an arrow in FIG. Rotate clockwise.
The charging unit 30Y is a device for charging the photoconductor 20Y, and the exposure unit 40Y is a device for forming a latent image on the photoconductor 20Y charged by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40Y has 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. Irradiation is performed on the photoconductor 20Y.
The developing unit 50Y is a device for developing the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 20Y using a yellow (Y) developer. Details of the developing unit 50Y will be described later.

The primary transfer unit 60Y is a device for transferring the yellow developer image formed on the photoreceptor 20Y to the intermediate transfer body 70. When the four color developers are sequentially transferred by the primary transfer units 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K, a full color developer image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.
The intermediate transfer member 70 is an endless belt stretched around a plurality of support rollers, and is driven to rotate while contacting the photoreceptors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.
The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring a single color developer image or a full color developer image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a medium such as paper, film, or cloth.
A fixing unit (not shown) is a device for fusing a single color developer image or a full color developer image transferred onto a medium onto a medium such as paper to form a permanent image.
The neutralization unit 73Y is a device that removes residual charges on the photoreceptor 20Y after the developer image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60Y.
The photosensitive member cleaning unit 75Y has a rubber photosensitive member cleaning blade 76Y that is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive member 20Y. After the developer image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 70 by the primary transfer unit 60Y, the photosensitive member cleaning unit 75Y is photosensitive. This is a device for scraping and removing the developer remaining on the body 20Y by the photoreceptor cleaning blade 76Y.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102. An image signal and a control signal are input to the main controller 101, and in response to a command based on the image signal and the control signal. A unit controller 102 controls each of the units and forms an image.

Next, the operation of the printer 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to other components.
First, when an image signal and a control signal from a host computer (not shown) are input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. Under the control, the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, the developing rollers (described later) provided in the developing units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K, the intermediate transfer body 70, and the like rotate. The photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are sequentially charged by the charging units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K at the charging positions while rotating.

The charged regions of the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K reach the exposure position as the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K rotate, and are exposed to yellow Y and magenta by the exposure units 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K. A latent image corresponding to the image information of M, cyan C, and black K is formed in the area.
The latent images formed on the photoreceptors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K reach the development position as the photoreceptors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K rotate, and are developed by the development units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K. . As a result, developer images are formed on the photoreceptors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.
The developer images formed on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K reach the primary transfer position as the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K rotate, and are transferred by the primary transfer units 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K. Then, it is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developer is applied to the primary transfer units 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K. As a result, the four color developer images formed on the respective photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are transferred to overlap the intermediate transfer member 70, and a full color developer image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70. Is done.

The full color developer image formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer member 70 rotates, and is transferred to the medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The medium is transported from a paper feed tray (not shown) to the secondary transfer unit 80 via various rollers (the arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the transport direction of the medium). 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 developer image transferred to the medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit and fused to the medium.

  On the other hand, the photoreceptors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are neutralized by the neutralization units 73Y, 73M, 73C, and 73K after passing the primary transfer position, and are further supported by the photoreceptor cleaning units 75Y, 75M, 75C, and 75K. The developer adhering to the surface is scraped off by the photoconductor cleaning blades 76Y, 76M, 76C, and 76K to prepare for charging to form the next latent image. The developer that has been scraped off is collected in a remaining developer collecting section provided in the photoreceptor cleaning units 75Y, 75M, 75C, and 75K.

=== 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 includes units (charging units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K, exposure units 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, developing units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K, primary transfer units 60Y, 60M, and 60C, and the like. 60K, static elimination units 73Y, 73M, 73C, 73K, photoconductor cleaning units 75Y, 75M, 75C, 75K, secondary transfer unit 80, fixing unit, display unit), and signals from sensors included in these , Each unit is controlled based on a signal input from the main controller 101 while detecting the state of each unit.

=== Configuration Example of Development Unit ===
Next, a configuration example of the developing unit will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing main components of the developing unit. FIG. 4 is a conceptual perspective view showing the surface of the developer supply roller 550. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing the shapes of grooves provided on the surface of the developer supply roller 550. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the trail regulation of the regulation blade 560. In FIG. 3, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows as in FIG. 1. For example, the developing roller 510 is above the developer supply roller 550.

  The printer 10 includes, as developing units, a black developing unit 50K containing black (K) developer, a magenta developing unit 50M containing magenta (M) developer, and a cyan developing unit 50C containing cyan (C) developer. , And a yellow developing unit 50Y containing a yellow (Y) developer is provided. Since each developing unit has the same configuration, the yellow developing unit 50Y will be described below.

  The yellow developing unit 50Y includes a developer container 530 as an example of a developer container, a developing roller 510 as an example of a developer carrier, and a rotatable roller for supplying the developer D to the developer carrier. A third developer supply roller as an example of a simple developer supply member, a rotatable first developer supply roller and a second developer supply roller for supplying developer D to the developer supply member, and a regulating member As an example, a regulation blade 560 and a developing roller cleaning unit 570 are provided. Hereinafter, for convenience, only a third developer supply roller as an example of a developer supply member for supplying the developer D to the developer carrier is referred to as a developer supply roller 550, and the developer D is referred to as the developer supply roller 550. The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller for supplying to the developer supply member are omitted and referred to as a first roller 540 and a second roller 545.

  The developer storage unit 530 stores a developer D for developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20Y. The developer D accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 530 has a low concentration (about 1 to 2 wt%) and a low viscosity with Isopar (trademark: exon) as a carrier, which is generally used conventionally. It is not a volatile liquid developer having volatility, but a non-volatile liquid developer D having a high concentration and high viscosity and having non-volatility at room temperature. That is, the liquid developer D according to the present embodiment contains toner particles made of resin, pigment, and the like having an average particle size of about 0.1 to 5 μm in a non-volatile and insulating carrier liquid such as paraffin oil and silicone oil. It is a developer D having a high viscosity (about 100 to 10,000 mPa · s) dispersed in a high concentration (about 5 to 40 wt%).

  The developer supply roller 550 has a function of supplying the developer D to the developing roller 510. The developer supply roller 550 is formed by uniformly and spirally providing a groove 550b as an example of a concave portion as shown in FIG. 4 on the surface of a metallic roller such as iron and having a diameter thereof. About 25 mm. The developer supply roller 550 in the present embodiment includes a groove 550b having a trapezoidal cross section as shown in FIG. 5A as the groove, for example, a groove having an inverted triangular cross section as shown in FIG. 5B. Or a groove having a semicircular cross section as shown in FIG. 5C. As shown in FIG. 5A, the groove dimensions of the developer supply roller 550 in the present embodiment are a groove pitch of about 170 μm, a peak width of about 45 μm, a valley width of about 30 μm, and a groove depth of about 50 μm.

  Further, in order to appropriately transfer the developer D on the developer supply roller 550 to the development roller 510, the surface of the developer supply roller 550 is in pressure contact with a later-described elastic layer of the development roller 510. ing. Further, the developer supply roller 550 can rotate around its central axis 550 a, and the central axis 550 a is below the rotation central axis of the developing roller 510. Further, the developer 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).

  Further, the developer supply roller 550 is immersed in the developer D accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 530 with a part thereof being exposed. Therefore, when the developer supply roller 550 rotates in such a situation, the developer supply roller 550 enters the developer D on the right side in FIG. 3 when viewed from the vertical plane A passing through the central axis of the developer supply roller 550, and FIG. The developer supply roller 550 advances from the developer D on the middle left side.

The first roller 540 supplies the developer D to the developer supply roller 550 by moving the developer D stored in the developer storage unit 530 toward the developer supply roller 550. The first roller 540 is a SUS roller having a diameter of about 15 mm.
The first roller 540 has the developer supply roller 550 rotated so that the axial direction of the central axis 540a thereof is along the axial direction of the central axis 550a of the developer supply roller 550 and when viewed from the vertical plane A described above. Thus, it is provided on the side that advances from the developer D (that is, the left side in FIG. 3 when viewed from the vertical plane A). Further, the central shaft 540a of the first roller 540 is positioned vertically below the central shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550, and the first roller 540 is provided in the developer D liquid. Further, the first roller 540 supplies the developer with the developer D sandwiched in a state having a width of about 2 mm from the developer supply roller 550 in order to appropriately supply the developer D to the developer supply roller 550. Opposite the roller 550.

Further, the first roller 540 is rotatable about its central axis 540a, and rotates in the same direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) as the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550 (clockwise in FIG. 3). The rotation speed of the first roller 540 is the same as the rotation speed of the developer supply roller 550 and the linear speed.
The first roller 540 has a function of supplying the developer D to the developer supply roller 550 and also has a function of stirring the developer D in order to maintain the developer D in an appropriate state.

Similar to the first roller 540, the second roller 545 moves the developer D accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 530 toward the developer supply roller 550, thereby causing the developer D to move to the developer supply roller 550. Supply. The second roller 545 is a SUS roller having a diameter of about 10 mm.
Similar to the first roller 540, the second roller 545 is provided so that the axial direction of the central shaft 545a is along the axial direction of the central shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550.
The second roller 545 is provided on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates and enters the developer D as viewed from the vertical plane A (that is, the right side in FIG. 3 as viewed from the vertical plane A). The developer supply roller 550 is located upstream of the first roller 540 in the rotation direction.

  Further, the center shaft 545a of the second roller 545 is positioned vertically below the center shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550, and the second roller 545 is provided in the developer D liquid. The position of the center axis 545a of the second roller 545 is above the position of the center axis 540a of the first roller 540 in the vertical direction. Further, the second roller 545 supplies the developer with the developer D sandwiched in a state having a width of about 1 mm from the developer supply roller 550 in order to appropriately supply the developer D to the developer supply roller 550. Opposite the roller 550.

  The second roller 545 is rotatable about its central shaft 545a and rotates in the same direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) as the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550 (clockwise in FIG. 3). The rotation speed of the second roller 545 is the same as the rotation speed of the developer supply roller 550 and the linear speed. The second roller 545 is in contact with the side wall 530a of the developer accommodating portion 530, and slides relative to the side wall 530a by rotating.

  Note that the second roller 545 has a function of supplying the developer D to the developer supply roller 550 as well as the first roller 540, and agitates the developer D in order to maintain the developer D in an appropriate state. It has a function.

  The regulating blade 560 is in contact with the surface of the developer supply roller 550 and regulates the amount of the developer D on the developer supply roller 550. That is, the regulation blade 560 plays a role of scraping off the excess developer on the developer supply roller 550 and measuring the developer D on the developer supply roller 550 supplied to the development roller 510. The restriction blade 560 is made of urethane rubber as an elastic body, and is supported by a restriction blade support member 562 made of metal such as iron. Further, the regulating blade 560 is provided on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates from the developer D when viewed from the vertical surface A (that is, the left side in FIG. 3 when viewed from the vertical surface A). Yes. The rubber hardness of the regulation blade 560 is about 62 degrees according to JIS-A, and the hardness (about 62 degrees) of the contact portion of the regulation blade 560 with the surface of the developer supply roller 550 is about the developing roller described later. This is lower than the hardness (about 85 degrees) of the pressure contact portion of the elastic body layer 510 to the surface of the developer supply roller 550.

  Further, the edge 560a of the regulating blade 560 is in contact with the surface of the developer supply roller 550, and so-called edge regulation is performed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the regulating blade 560 is disposed so that the tip thereof faces the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550, and performs so-called trail regulation. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the trail angle is about 10 degrees.

  The developing roller 510 carries the developer D and conveys it to the developing position facing the photoconductor 20Y in order to develop the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20Y with the developer D. The developing roller 510 includes a conductive elastic layer on the outer peripheral portion of an inner core made of metal such as iron, and has a diameter of about 20 mm. The elastic body layer has a two-layer structure. As the inner layer, urethane rubber having a rubber hardness of about 30 degrees JIS-A and a thickness of about 5 mm is used, and as the surface layer (outer layer), the rubber hardness is JIS. A urethane rubber having a thickness of about 30 μm at about 85 ° A is provided. The developing roller 510 is in pressure contact with the developer supply roller 550 and the photoreceptor 20Y in a state where the surface layer is a pressure contact portion and is elastically deformed.

  Further, the developing roller 510 can rotate around its central axis, and the central axis is below the rotational central axis of the photoconductor 20Y. Further, the developing roller 510 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) opposite to the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 20Y (clockwise in FIG. 3). When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20Y, an electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20Y.

  The developing roller cleaning unit 570 has a rubber developing roller cleaning blade 571 in contact with the surface of the developing roller 510, and the developer D remaining on the developing roller 510 after development is performed at the developing position. Is scraped off by the developing roller cleaning blade 571 and removed.

  In the yellow developing unit 50Y configured as described above, the first roller 540 and the second roller 545 rotate, so that the developer D stored in the developer storage unit 530 is directed toward the developer supply roller 550. The developer D is supplied to the developer supply roller 550.

  The developer D reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 by the rotation of the developer supply roller 550. Then, when passing through the contact position, the excess amount of the developer D is scraped off by the regulating blade 560, and the amount of the developer D supplied to the developing roller 510 is measured. That is, since the developer supply roller 550 is provided with the groove 550b as described above, the regulating blade 560 that contacts the developer supply roller 550 causes the developer D on the developer supply roller 550 to enter the groove 550b. The retained developer D is left and scraped off. Further, since the dimension of the groove 550b is determined so that the developer amount of the developer D supplied to the developing roller 510 is an appropriate amount, the regulating blade 560 causes the developer D on the developer supply roller 550 to be removed. When scraped off, the developer D measured to an appropriate amount by the groove 550b remains in the groove 550b.

  The developer D held in the groove 550b of the developer supply roller 550 reaches the pressure contact position with the development roller 510 by further rotation of the developer supply roller 550. The developer D that has reached the pressure contact position is transferred from the developer supply roller 550 to the development roller 510 due to the pressure generated by the pressure contact between the developer supply roller 550 and the development roller 510, and is transferred onto the development roller 510. A thin film of developer D is formed.

  The developer D thin film formed on the developing roller 510 in this manner reaches the developing position (that is, the pressure contact position with the photoconductor 20Y) facing the photoconductor 20Y by the rotation of the developing roller 510, and the development The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20Y is subjected to development at a position under an electric field of a predetermined magnitude. The developer D on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position reaches the contact position of the developing roller cleaning blade 571 as the developing roller 510 further rotates. When passing through the contact position, the developer D attached to the surface of the developing roller 510 is scraped off by the developing roller cleaning blade 571, and the developer D thus scraped off is removed from the developing roller cleaning unit. It is collected in a residual developer collecting unit provided in 570.

  The rotation of the developer supply roller 550 starts when the first roller 540 and the second roller 545 are rotating. That is, the printer 10 rotates the developer supply roller 550 after rotating the first roller 540 and the second roller 545.

=== About the action of the first roller and the second roller on bubbles ===
As described above, the developing device according to the present embodiment includes two rotatable rollers (first roller 540 and second roller 545) for supplying the developer D to the developer supply roller 550. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent image quality degradation.

  That is, as described in the section of the problem to be solved by the invention, the developer supply roller 550 is immersed in the developer D accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 530 with a part thereof exposed. When the developer supply roller 550 rotates, air is taken in when the developer supply roller 550 enters the developer D, and the developer supply roller 550 of the developer D (particularly, the developer D of the developer D rotates). In some cases, air bubbles may be generated at the approaching portion. When the developer D having bubbles is supplied to the developing roller 510 and the supplied developer D develops the latent images carried on the photoreceptors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, an image is formed. The image quality may be deteriorated.

  An example is given and it demonstrates more concretely. When the bubbles generated in the developer D are present around the developer supply roller 550 (for example, attached to the developer supply roller 550), when the developer supply roller 550 rotates, the bubbles are regulated by the regulating blade 560. It will reach the contact position. The bubbles are accumulated at the contact position, in other words, between the regulation blade 560 and the developer supply roller 550, but occasionally pass through the regulation blade 560 to reach the pressure contact position with the development roller 510. It will be. The bubbles reaching the pressure contact position are transferred to the developing roller 510 together with the developer D, but the bubbles may burst during or after the transfer. As a result, the developing roller 510 The film thickness of the developer D film formed thereon is nonuniform. Therefore, in such a case, the latent image carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K is developed with the developer D having a non-uniform film thickness, thereby forming an image, and the image quality is deteriorated. Will occur.

  On the other hand, there is known a developing device (the developing device is shown in FIG. 7) provided with only one roller 610 for supplying the developer D to the developer supply roller 550. When the developing device (developing device according to the comparative example) is compared with the developing device according to the above embodiment (developing device according to the present example), as is apparent from FIGS. 3 and 7, the roller 610 is related to the present example. The developing device corresponding to the first roller 540 does not have a roller corresponding to the second roller 545.

The roller 610 rotates in the same manner as the first roller 540 and moves the developer D stored in the developer storage portion 530 toward the developer supply roller 550 (an example of the direction of movement of the developer D). 7), the developer D is supplied to the developer supply roller 550. On the other hand, the above-described action of moving the developer D toward the developer supply roller 550 It also plays a role of separating bubbles present around the developer supply roller 550 from the developer supply roller 550. However, the roller 610 alone is insufficient in the function of separating the bubbles from the developer supply roller 550, and thus the developer D having the bubbles is supplied from the developer supply roller 550 to the development roller 510 and supplied. When the latent image carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K is developed with the developer D to form an image, the image quality is deteriorated.
Therefore, the developing device is provided with two rotatable rollers (first roller 540 and second roller 545) for supplying the developer D to the developer supply roller 550.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 8, the first roller 540 moves the developer D toward the developer supply roller 550 (an example of the moving direction of the developer D is indicated by an arrow X1 in FIG. 8). In addition, the second roller 545 has a function of separating air bubbles existing around the developer supply roller 550 (for example, air bubbles attached to the developer supply roller 550) from the developer supply roller 550, and the second roller 545 also has a developer. By moving D toward the developer supply roller 550 (an example of the moving direction of the developer D is indicated by an arrow X2 in FIG. 8), bubbles (for example, the developer supply roller) exist around the developer supply roller 550. The function of separating bubbles from the developer supply roller 550 is exhibited.

Therefore, the function of separating the bubbles from the developer supply roller 550 is sufficient, and the supply of the developer D having the bubbles from the developer supply roller 550 to the development roller 510 is suppressed. The latent images carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K can be developed to form an image without being adversely affected by the bubbles, and the image quality can be appropriately deteriorated. Will be prevented.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the developer D generated by the rotation of the first roller 540 and the second roller 545.

=== Other Embodiments ===
Although the developing device and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the above embodiment, the above embodiment is for facilitating 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.

  In the above embodiment, an intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is also applicable to a full-color laser beam printer other than the intermediate transfer type. Further, it is applicable not only to a full color laser printer but also to a monochrome laser beam printer. Further, it is applicable not only to a printer but also to various image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a facsimile.

  Further, the photosensitive member is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical base material, and is a so-called photosensitive belt configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the surface of a belt-shaped base material. It may be.

  Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the developer carrier and the developer supply member are the developing roller 510 and the developer supply roller 550, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a belt-like development belt or a developer supply belt may be used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the regulation blade 560 is arranged so that the tip thereof faces the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550 and performs so-called trail regulation. For example, the tip of the developer supply roller is disposed so as to face the upstream side of the rotation direction of the developer supply roller, and so-called counter regulation may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the first roller 540 is provided on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates and advances from the developer D when viewed from the vertical plane A passing through the central shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first roller 540 may be provided on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates and enters the developer D when viewed from the vertical plane A passing through the central axis 550a of the developer supply roller 550. Good.

When the first roller 540 is provided on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates and advances from the developer D when viewed from the vertical plane A, the first roller 540 is provided on the side entering the developer D. Compared to the case, since the first roller 540 supplies the developer D to the developer supply roller 550 immediately before the developer D is supplied from the developer supply roller 550 to the development roller 510, it is more appropriate. A simple developer D supply procedure is realized.
Accordingly, a roller suitable for supplying the developer D (that is, the first roller 540) can be disposed in the developing device, and in this respect, the above embodiment is more desirable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first roller 540 is provided such that the axial direction of the central shaft 540a is along the axial direction of the central shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550, and the first roller 540 is provided with the developer supply. Although the roller 550 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first roller 540 may rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550.

When the first roller 540 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550, the first roller 540 is on the developer supply roller 550, compared to the case where the first roller 540 rotates in the opposite direction. Since the developer D can be supplied to a position closer to 510, a more appropriate procedure for supplying the developer D is realized.
Therefore, a roller (that is, the first roller 540) more suitable for supplying the developer D can be disposed in the developing device, and the above embodiment is more desirable in this respect.

  In the above embodiment, the first roller 540 and the second roller 545 are provided so as to face the developer supply roller 550 with the developer D interposed therebetween, and the second roller 545 is viewed from the first roller 540. The developer supply roller 550 is positioned upstream of the rotation direction, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the second roller 545 may be positioned on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550 when viewed from the first roller 540.

When the second roller 545 is located on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550 as viewed from the first roller 540, the second roller 545 is rotated by the rotation of the second roller 545 as compared with the case where the second roller 545 is located on the downstream side in the rotation direction. The bubbles pulled away from the developer supply roller 550 move upward, and disappear at the liquid level of the developer D located on the side where the developer supply roller 550 enters the developer D (that is, the bubbles are The phenomenon of returning to the air above the liquid level is likely to occur. Accordingly, in such a case, when the latent images carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are developed to form an image, the above-described adverse effects due to the bubbles are further less likely to occur.
As described above, a roller (that is, the second roller 545) suitable for avoiding an adverse effect due to bubbles can be disposed in the developing device, and in this respect, the above embodiment is more desirable.

  In the above embodiment, the second roller 545 is provided on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates and enters the developer D when viewed from the vertical plane A passing through the central shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the second roller 545 is on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates and advances from the developer D when viewed from the vertical plane A passing through the central shaft 550 a of the developer supply roller 550. It may be provided.

When the second roller 545 is provided on the side where the developer supply roller 550 rotates and enters the developer D when viewed from the vertical plane A, the second roller 545 is provided on the side which advances from the developer D. Compared to the case, the bubbles pulled away from the developer supply roller 550 by the rotation of the second roller 545 move upward, and the developer D positioned on the side where the developer supply roller 550 enters the developer D is moved. The phenomenon that the liquid surface disappears (that is, the bubbles return to the air above the liquid surface) is more likely to occur. Accordingly, in such a case, when the latent images carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are developed to form an image, the above-described adverse effects due to the bubbles are further less likely to occur.
As described above, a more suitable roller (that is, the second roller 545) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles, and in this respect, the above embodiment is more preferable. .

  In the above embodiment, the first roller 540 and the second roller 545 are provided such that the axial directions of the central shafts 540a and 545a are along the axial direction of the central shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550. Although the central axis 545a of the roller 545 is positioned above the central axis 540a of the first roller 540 in the vertical direction, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the center axis 545 a of the second roller 545 may be positioned below the center axis 540 a of the first roller 540 in the vertical direction.

When the center shaft 545a of the second roller 545 is positioned vertically above the center shaft 540a of the first roller 540, the developer is rotated by the rotation of the second roller 545 as compared to the case of being positioned vertically below. The bubbles pulled away from the supply roller 550 move upward and disappear at the liquid level of the developer D located on the side where the developer supply roller 550 enters the developer D (that is, the bubbles are liquid level). The phenomenon of returning to the upper air is more likely to occur. Accordingly, in such a case, when the latent images carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are developed to form an image, the above-described adverse effects due to the bubbles are further less likely to occur.
As described above, a more suitable roller (that is, the second roller 545) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles, and in this respect, the above embodiment is more preferable. .

  In the above embodiment, the second roller 545 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second roller 545 may rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550.

When the second roller 545 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550, the second roller 545 is generated in the developer D and attached to the developer supply roller 550 as compared with the case where the second roller 545 rotates in the opposite direction. The movement of bubbles that are about to move with the rotation of the developer supply roller 550 or bubbles that are located near the developer supply roller 550 and that are about to move along the direction in which the developer supply roller 550 is rotated. The flow of the developer D is generated in such a direction as to prevent (the direction indicated by the arrow X3 in FIG. 12), and the bubbles can be moved in the direction of the arrow X3 by the action of the flow of the developer D. Accordingly, in such a case, when the latent images carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are developed to form an image, the above-described adverse effects due to the bubbles are further less likely to occur.
As described above, a more suitable roller (that is, the second roller 545) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles, and in this respect, the above embodiment is more preferable. . FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the developer D generated by the rotation of the second roller 545.

  In the above embodiment, the second roller 545 is provided in contact with the developer accommodating portion 530, and slides relative to the developer accommodating portion 530 by rotating in the same direction as the rotation direction of the developer supply roller 550. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second roller 545 may not be in contact with the developer container 530.

When the second roller 545 rotates, the flow of the developer D can also occur in the direction along the direction of rotation of the second roller 545 (the direction indicated by the arrow X4 in FIG. 12). Due to the action, the bubbles may move in the direction of the arrow X4 and reach between the second roller 545 and the developer accommodating portion 530. However, since the second roller 545 is provided so as to be in contact with the developer accommodating portion 530 and slides with respect to the developer accommodating portion 530, bubbles that reach between the second roller 545 and the developer accommodating portion 530 are generated. Passing between these is prevented. Accordingly, in such a case, when the latent images carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are developed to form an image, the above-described adverse effects due to the bubbles are further less likely to occur.
As described above, a more suitable roller (that is, the second roller 545) can be disposed in the developing device in order to avoid an adverse effect due to bubbles, and in this respect, the above embodiment is more preferable. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the central shafts 540a and 545a of the first roller 540 and the second roller 545 are positioned vertically below the central shaft 550a of the developer supply roller 550, and the first roller 540 and the second roller 545 Although the roller 545 is provided in the liquid of the developer D, it is not limited to this. For example, one of the first roller 540 and the second roller 545 may be partially exposed from the developer D.

  In the above embodiment, the diameter (10 mm) of the second roller 545 is smaller than the diameter (15 mm) of the first roller 540, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the diameter of the second roller 545 may be larger than the diameter of the first roller 540, or both diameters may be the same.

  In the above embodiment, the distance (1 mm) between the second roller 545 and the developer supply roller 550 is smaller than the distance (2 mm) between the first roller 540 and the developer supply roller 550. It is not limited to this. For example, the distance between the second roller 545 and the developer supply roller 550 may be larger than the distance between the first roller 540 and the developer supply roller 550, or both distances may be the same. .

  In the above embodiment, the regulation blade 560 for regulating the amount of the developer D on the developer supply roller 550 is provided in contact with the surface of the developer supply roller 550. It is not limited to. For example, the restriction blade 560 may not be provided, or the restriction blade 560 may not contact the surface of the developer supply roller 550.

When a regulating blade 560 is provided in contact with the surface of the developer supply roller 550 to regulate the amount of the developer D on the developer supply roller 550, bubbles in the developer D are caused by the restriction blade 560. And the developer supply roller 550. When bubbles are accumulated in this way, the regulation blade 560 cannot appropriately regulate the amount of the developer D on the developer supply roller 550. Therefore, in such a case, the latent image carried on the photoconductors 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K is developed with the developer D whose amount is inappropriately regulated, and an image is formed. Deterioration will occur.
Therefore, when the regulation blade 560 is provided, the above-described effect, that is, the effect of preventing the image quality of the obtained image from being deteriorated by appropriately separating the bubbles from the developer supply roller 550 is more effective. In this respect, the above embodiment is more effective.

  In the above-described embodiment, the developer D is a non-volatile liquid developer that is non-volatile at room temperature, but is not limited thereto. For example, the developer may be a low-concentration (about 1 to 2 wt%) and low-viscosity volatile liquid developer using Isopar (trademark: Exon) as a carrier at room temperature.

The non-volatile liquid developer having non-volatility at normal temperature has a high viscosity in order to exhibit its non-volatility. When a high-viscosity liquid developer is used in the above-described developing device, air is easily taken in when the developer supply roller 550 rotates and enters the developer D due to the high viscosity. Therefore, bubbles are easily generated in the developer D. In addition, due to the high viscosity, the bubbles generated in the developer D move upward and disappear at the liquid level of the developer D (that is, the bubbles return to the air above the liquid level). , Are less likely to occur, and bubbles tend to stay in the developer D.
Therefore, the effect described above, that is, the effect of appropriately suppressing the supply of the developer D having bubbles to the developing roller 510 and preventing the image quality of the obtained image from being deteriorated is more effectively exhibited. In this respect, the above embodiment is more effective.

  In the above embodiment, the groove 550b has been described as an example of the recess provided in the developer supply roller 550. For example, a hole having a shape as shown in FIG. 13A or FIG. A large number of supply rollers 550 may be provided. 13A and 13B show the shape of the hole provided on the developer supply roller 550. FIG.

  In the above embodiment, there are only two rollers (the first roller 540 and the second roller 545) having a function of supplying the developer D to the developer supply roller 550. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Three or more may be provided.

=== Configuration of Image Forming System etc. ===
Next, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the image forming system. The image forming system 700 includes a computer 702, a display device 704, a printer 706, an input device 708, and a reading device 710. In this embodiment, the computer 702 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited thereto. The display device 704 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 706, the printer described above is used. In this embodiment, the input device 708 uses a keyboard 708A and a mouse 708B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 710 uses a flexible disk drive device 710A and a CD-ROM drive device 710B, but is not limited to this. For example, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device or DVD (Digital Versatile) Disk) etc. may be used.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. An internal memory 802 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 804 are further provided in a housing in which the computer 702 is housed.

  In the above description, the example in which the printer 706 is connected to the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710 to configure the image forming system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the image forming system may include a computer 702 and a printer 706, and the image forming system may not include any of the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710.

  For example, the printer 706 may have a part of the functions or mechanisms of the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710. As an example, the printer 706 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.

  The image forming system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

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 in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the developing unit. 5 is a perspective conceptual diagram showing the surface of a developer supply roller 550. FIG. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing the shapes of grooves provided on the surface of the developer supply roller 550. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating trail regulation of a regulation blade 560. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the developing unit which concerns on a comparative example. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a flow of developer D generated by rotation of a first roller 540 and a second roller 545. FIG. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the developing unit which concerns on another example. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the developing unit which concerns on another example. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the developing unit which concerns on another example. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a flow of developer D generated by rotation of a second roller 545. FIG. 13A and 13B show the shape of the hole provided on the developer supply roller 550. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming system. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Laser beam printer 15Y, 15M, 15C, 15K Developing unit 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K Photoconductor 30Y, 30M, 30C, 30K Charging unit 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K Exposure unit 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K Developing unit 60Y , 60M, 60C, 60K Primary transfer unit 70 Intermediate transfer member 73Y, 73M, 73C, 73K Static elimination unit 75Y, 75M, 75C, 75K Photoconductor cleaning unit 76Y, 76M, 76C, 76K Photoconductor cleaning blade 80 Secondary transfer unit 100 Control unit 101 Main controller 102 Unit controller 112 Interface 113 Image memory 510 Developing roller 530 Developer container 530a Side wall 540 First roller 540a Central axis 545 Second roller 545a Central shaft 550 Developer supply roller 550a Central shaft 550b Groove 560 Restricting blade 560a Edge 562 Restricting blade support member 570 Developing roller cleaning unit 571 Developing roller cleaning blade 700 Image forming system 702 Computer 704 Display device 706 Printer 708 Input device 708A Keyboard 708B Mouse 710 Reading device 710A Flexible disk drive device 710B CD-ROM drive device 802 Internal memory 804 Hard disk drive unit D Developer

Claims (8)

A developer carrying member carrying a liquid developer;
A rotatable developer supply member for supplying the liquid developer to the developer carrier;
A developer container for containing the liquid developer;
A regulating member abutting on the developer supply member ,
The latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the liquid developer carried on the developer carrier,
The developer supply member is immersed in the liquid developer accommodated in the developer container with a part thereof exposed;
A rotatable first developer supply roller and a second developer supply roller for supplying the liquid developer to the developer supply member;
The developer supply member is a rotatable third developer supply roller that supplies a liquid developer to the developer carrier.
The first developer supply roller is a liquid developer stored in the developer container as the third developer supply roller rotates as viewed from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller. It is provided on the side to advance from
The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are provided to face the third developer supply roller with a liquid developer interposed therebetween,
The second developer supply roller is located on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the third developer supply roller when viewed from the first developer supply roller,
The second developer supply roller is a liquid developer stored in the developer container as the third developer supply roller rotates as viewed from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller. Provided on the side entering
The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are provided such that the axial direction of the central axis thereof is along the axial direction of the central axis of the third developer supply roller,
The central axis of the second developer supply roller is located vertically above the central axis of the first developer supply roller,
The second developer supply roller rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller;
The second developer supply roller is provided in contact with the developer container, and slides relative to the developer container by rotating in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller. A developing device. The developing device according to claim 1,
The first developer supply roller is provided such that the axial direction of the central axis of the first developer supply roller is along the axial direction of the central axis of the third developer supply roller,
The developing device, wherein the first developer supply roller rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller. In the developing device according to claim 1 or 2,
Center axes of the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are located vertically below a center axis of the third developer supply roller, and the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller 2. A developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply roller is provided in a liquid developer accommodated in the developer accommodating body. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
2. A developing device according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the second developer supply roller is smaller than a diameter of the first developer supply roller. The developing device according to claim 1,
The developing device, wherein a distance between the second developer supply roller and the third developer supply roller is smaller than a distance between the first developer supply roller and the third developer supply roller. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A developing device comprising a regulating member that abuts on a surface of the third developer supply roller and regulates the amount of liquid developer on the third developer supply roller. An image carrier for carrying a latent image;
A developer carrying member carrying a liquid developer; a rotatable developer supply member for supplying the liquid developer to the developer carrying member; a developer containing member containing the liquid developer; and the developer. A regulating member abutting on the supply member, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the liquid developer carried on the developer carrier, and the developer supply member comprises A partially rotatable first developer supply roller that is immersed in the liquid developer accommodated in the developer container and that supplies the liquid developer to the developer supply member, and a part of the first developer supply roller that is rotatable. Two developer supply rollers, wherein the developer supply member is a rotatable third developer supply roller for supplying a liquid developer to the developer carrier, and the first developer supply roller is Is the vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller? As seen, the third developer supply roller rotates and is provided on the side that advances from the liquid developer contained in the developer container, and the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are The second developer supply roller is provided so as to face the third developer supply roller with the liquid developer sandwiched therebetween, and the second developer supply roller is configured so as to be seen from the first developer supply roller. The second developer supply roller is located on the upstream side in the rotation direction, and the third developer supply roller rotates as the third developer supply roller rotates as viewed from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller. The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are provided on the side entering the liquid developer contained in the body, and the axial direction of the central axis of the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller is the central axis of the third developer supply roller Provided along the axial direction of the second The central axis of the image supply roller is positioned vertically above the central axis of the first developer supply roller, and the second developer supply roller is in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller. The second developer supply roller is provided in contact with the developer container, and rotates in the same direction as the third developer supply roller to rotate the developer container. An image forming apparatus comprising a developing device that slides . Computer and
Can connect to this computer,
An image carrier for carrying a latent image;
A developer carrying member carrying a liquid developer; a rotatable developer supply member for supplying the liquid developer to the developer carrying member; a developer containing member containing the liquid developer; and the developer. A regulating member abutting on the supply member, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the liquid developer carried on the developer carrier, and the developer supply member comprises A partially rotatable first developer supply roller that is immersed in the liquid developer accommodated in the developer container and that supplies the liquid developer to the developer supply member, and a part of the first developer supply roller that is rotatable. Two developer supply rollers, wherein the developer supply member is a rotatable third developer supply roller for supplying a liquid developer to the developer carrier, and the first developer supply roller is Is the vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller? As seen, the third developer supply roller rotates and is provided on the side that advances from the liquid developer contained in the developer container, and the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are The second developer supply roller is provided so as to face the third developer supply roller with the liquid developer sandwiched therebetween, and the second developer supply roller is configured so as to be seen from the first developer supply roller. The second developer supply roller is located on the upstream side in the rotation direction, and the third developer supply roller rotates as the third developer supply roller rotates as viewed from a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the third developer supply roller. The first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller are provided on the side entering the liquid developer contained in the body, and the axial direction of the central axis of the first developer supply roller and the second developer supply roller is the central axis of the third developer supply roller Provided along the axial direction of the second The central axis of the image supply roller is positioned vertically above the central axis of the first developer supply roller, and the second developer supply roller is in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third developer supply roller. The second developer supply roller is provided in contact with the developer container, and rotates in the same direction as the third developer supply roller to rotate the developer container. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus using a sliding developing device.

Images