JP5051614B2 - Developing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Developing device and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP5051614B2
JP5051614B2 JP2007111678A JP2007111678A JP5051614B2 JP 5051614 B2 JP5051614 B2 JP 5051614B2 JP 2007111678 A JP2007111678 A JP 2007111678A JP 2007111678 A JP2007111678 A JP 2007111678A JP 5051614 B2 JP5051614 B2 JP 5051614B2
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developer
magnetic pole
rotating member
magnetic
developing device
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JP2008268576A (en
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卓士 松本
一郎 河原
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fuji Xerox Co Ltd
Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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本発明は、現像装置及び画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus.

特許文献1は、現像剤保持体に接触又は近接して対向配置された状態で該現像剤保持体の回転方向と同一方向に回転する現像剤供給兼剥離用回転部材を設けた二成分現像装置を開示する。また、特許文献2は、マグネットローラに設けられた現像磁極から現像剤汲上げ磁極にいたる間に、マグネットローラを内包する非磁性の円筒体の外表面に現像剤剥取り領域が設けられ、円筒体の回転中心と平行な軸芯周りに回転する回転部材が現像剤剥取り領域に相対するように設けられた現像装置を開示する。また、特許文献3は、現像剤担持体表面の現像済み現像剤の自重落下位置に対応する磁石体の一部に磁束密度をほぼ零にする無磁極部分を設けるとともに、無磁極部分に対応する現像剤担持体表面を軽圧接して現像済み現像剤を剥離・落下させる弾性を有する非磁性の剥離部材を、現像剤攪拌部材の上方に配設した現像装置を開示する。   Patent Document 1 discloses a two-component developing device provided with a developer supplying / separating rotating member that rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the developer holding member in a state of being opposed to and in contact with the developer holding member. Is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, a developer stripping area is provided on the outer surface of a non-magnetic cylindrical body that encloses the magnet roller between the developing magnetic pole provided on the magnet roller and the developer pumping magnetic pole. Disclosed is a developing device in which a rotating member that rotates about an axis parallel to the center of rotation of the body is provided to face the developer stripping area. Further, Patent Document 3 provides a non-magnetic pole portion that makes the magnetic flux density substantially zero in a part of the magnet body corresponding to the position where the developed developer falls on its surface on the developer carrier, and also corresponds to the non-magnetic pole portion. A developing device is disclosed in which a non-magnetic peeling member having elasticity that peels and drops the developed developer by lightly pressing the surface of the developer carrying member is disposed above the developer stirring member.

特開平08−062983号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-062983 特開2006−227116号公報JP 2006-227116 A 特開平04−343376号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-343376

本発明は、像保持体に向けて磁界を形成する磁極による磁力を低下させることなく、現像体を小型化することができる現像装置及び画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus that can reduce the size of a developer without reducing the magnetic force generated by magnetic poles that form a magnetic field toward an image carrier.

上記目的を達成するため、請求項1に係る本発明は、非磁性のトナー及び磁性のキャリアを含む現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、この現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を像保持体に向けて搬送する現像体と、前記現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を前記現像体に向けて供給する現像剤供給手段と、前記現像体が搬送する現像剤を前記現像体から剥離する現像剤剥離手段とを有し、前記現像体は、像保持体に対向して回転する非磁性の回転部材と、この回転部材内に配置された磁石部材とを具備し、前記磁石部材は、像保持体に向けて前記回転部材の法線方向に磁界を形成する第1の磁極と、この第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側に配置された第2の磁極と、前記第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側に配置された第3の磁極とからなる3つの磁極のみを外面側に具備し、前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極は、前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向それぞれが前記第1の磁極を挟んで形成する角度が180度未満であり、前記現像剤剥離手段は、前記第3の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向し、前記現像剤供給手段は、前記現像剤剥離手段よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向するよう設けられている現像装置である。
請求項1に係る本発明によれば、3つの磁極のみとしても、上述の角度が180度以上の場合と比較して第1の磁極の磁力を高くさせることができ、像保持体に向けて磁界を形成する磁極による磁力を低下させることなく現像体を小型化(小径化)することができる。
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 is directed to a developer containing portion that contains a developer containing non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier, and an image holding means for the developer contained in the developer containing portion. A developer conveyed toward the body, a developer supplying means for supplying the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion toward the developer, and the developer conveyed by the developer is peeled from the developer. A developer peeling means, and the developer includes a nonmagnetic rotating member that rotates to face the image holding member, and a magnet member disposed in the rotating member, and the magnet member includes: A first magnetic pole that forms a magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member toward the image carrier, and the first magnetic pole has a different polarity, and is upstream of the rotating direction of the rotating member with respect to the first magnetic pole. The second magnetic pole disposed on the first magnetic pole is different in polarity from the first magnetic pole, Only the three magnetic poles including the third magnetic pole disposed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member with respect to the first magnetic pole are provided on the outer surface side, and the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole are The direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member is maximized is less than 180 degrees with the first magnetic pole interposed therebetween, and the developer peeling means is less than the third magnetic pole. The rotating member faces the rotating member downstream in the rotating direction of the rotating member and upstream of the rotating member in the rotating direction of the rotating member, and the developer supplying means rotates the rotating member more than the developer peeling means. The developing device is provided to face the rotating member on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the member and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member with respect to the second magnetic pole.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, even with only three magnetic poles, the magnetic force of the first magnetic pole can be increased compared to the case where the above-described angle is 180 degrees or more, and toward the image carrier. The developer can be reduced in size (reduced diameter) without reducing the magnetic force generated by the magnetic poles forming the magnetic field.

請求項2に係る本発明は、前記現像剤供給手段及び前記現像剤剥離手段が、前記回転部材に接触しつつ回転する現像剤剥離供給部材によって形成されている請求項1記載の現像装置である。
請求項2に係る本発明によれば、現像剤の剥離及び供給を狭い領域で行うことができる。
The present invention according to claim 2 is the developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply means and the developer peeling means are formed by a developer peeling supply member that rotates while being in contact with the rotating member. .
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the developer can be peeled off and supplied in a narrow region.

請求項3に係る本発明は、前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極が、前記第3の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側に、前記第1の磁極が形成する磁界と同極性の磁界を形成する請求項2記載の現像装置である。
請求項3に係る本発明によれば、第1の磁極が形成する磁界と同極性の磁界が形成されるので、現像剤供給手段により供給される現像剤を回転部材に吸着させて搬送させることができる。
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole are located downstream of the third magnetic pole in the rotation direction of the rotating member and more than the second magnetic pole. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein a magnetic field having the same polarity as the magnetic field formed by the first magnetic pole is formed on the upstream side in the rotation direction.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since a magnetic field having the same polarity as the magnetic field formed by the first magnetic pole is formed, the developer supplied by the developer supply means is attracted to the rotating member and conveyed. Can do.

請求項4に係る本発明は、前記第3の磁極が、該第3の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向と、前記第1の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向とがなす角度が90度以下となるように、配置されている請求項2又は3記載の現像装置である。
請求項4に係る本発明によれば、第1の磁極の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる位置に対して回転部材の回転方向下流側の接線方向の強さを大きくさせることができるので、磁性キャリアが像保持体に付着することを低減させることができる。
The present invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the third magnetic pole has a direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member by the third magnetic pole is maximized, and the rotating member by the first magnetic pole. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the developing device is arranged so that an angle formed by a direction in which the magnetic field strength in the normal direction is maximum is 90 degrees or less.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the strength in the tangential direction on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member can be increased with respect to the position where the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the first magnetic pole is maximized. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the adhesion of the magnetic carrier to the image carrier.

請求項5に係る本発明は、前記第2の磁極が、該第2の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向と、前記第1の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向とがなす角度が90度以下となるように、配置されている請求項2又は3記載の現像装置である。
請求項5に係る本発明によれば、第1の磁極の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる位置に対して回転部材の回転方向上流側の接線方向の強さを大きくさせることができるので、現像体により搬送される現像剤が第1の磁極へ向けて良好に搬送されずに滞留してしまうことを回避することができる。
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the second magnetic pole has a direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member by the second magnetic pole is maximized, and the rotating member by the first magnetic pole. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the developing device is arranged so that an angle formed by a direction in which the magnetic field strength in the normal direction is maximum is 90 degrees or less.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the strength in the tangential direction on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member can be increased with respect to the position where the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the first magnetic pole is maximized. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the developer transported by the developer from staying without being transported well toward the first magnetic pole.

請求項6に係る本発明は、前記現像剤剥離供給部材が、前記第2の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の前記第1の磁極とは異なる極性の磁界の強さが略0となる前記回転部材の回転方向上流側の位置よりも、前記回転部材の回転方向上流側から現像剤を供給し、前記第3の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の前記第1の磁極とは異なる極性の磁界の強さが略0となる前記回転部材の回転方向下流側の位置よりも、前記回転部材の回転方向下流側から現像剤を剥離する請求項2乃至5いずれか記載の現像装置である。
請求項6に係る本発明によれば、3つの磁極とは異なる比較的磁力の弱い位置で剥離させるので現像剤剥離供給部材が接触していても現像剤にかかるストレスを軽減させることができる。
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the strength of the magnetic field having a polarity different from that of the first magnetic pole in the normal direction of the rotating member by the second magnetic pole is approximately zero. The developer is supplied from the upstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member relative to the upstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member, and is different from the first magnetic pole in the normal direction of the rotating member by the third magnetic pole. 6. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the developer is peeled off from the downstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member rather than the downstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member where the intensity of the magnetic field of polarity is substantially zero. is there.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the peeling is performed at a position where the magnetic force is different from the three magnetic poles, the stress applied to the developer can be reduced even if the developer peeling supply member is in contact.

請求項7に係る本発明は、前記現像剤剥離供給部材が、前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極による前記回転部材の接線方向の前記第1の磁極が形成する磁界と同極性の磁界の強さが略0となる領域で現像剤を供給するとともに、現像剤を剥離する請求項2乃至6いずれか記載の現像装置である。
請求項7に係る本発明によれば、更に磁力の弱い位置で剥離させるので現像剤剥離供給部材が接触していても現像剤にかかるストレスを軽減させることができ、磁力のある領域で現像剤を供給させるので現像剤を回転部材に吸着させて搬送させることができる。
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the developer peeling supply member has a magnetic field having the same polarity as the magnetic field formed by the first magnetic pole in the tangential direction of the rotating member by the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the developer is supplied in a region where the strength of the toner is substantially 0 and the developer is peeled off.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the peeling is performed at a position where the magnetic force is weaker, the stress applied to the developer can be reduced even when the developer peeling supply member is in contact with the developer, and the developer can be developed in the magnetic field. Therefore, the developer can be conveyed by being adsorbed to the rotating member.

請求項8に係る本発明は、前記現像剤剥離供給部材が、回転軸が磁性体からなる請求項2乃至7いずれか記載の現像装置である。
請求項8に係る本発明によれば、現像体と現像剤剥離供給部材との間で磁界が形成され現像剤が立つので、更に現像剤を剥離し易くすることができる。
The present invention according to claim 8 is the developing device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the developer peeling supply member has a rotating shaft made of a magnetic material.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the magnetic field is formed between the developer and the developer peeling supply member and the developer stands, the developer can be further easily peeled off.

請求項9に係る本発明は、前記現像剤剥離供給部材が、弾性を有する発泡性部材が前記回転部材に接触しつつ回転する請求項2乃至8いずれか記載の現像装置である。
請求項9に係る本発明によれば、現像体と現像剤剥離供給部材との接触領域を広くし易く、更に現像剤を剥離し易くすることができ、また現像体が経時的に磨耗することを低減させることができる。
The present invention according to claim 9 is the developing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the developer peeling supply member rotates while an elastic foamable member is in contact with the rotating member.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the contact area between the developer and the developer peeling supply member can be easily widened, the developer can be easily peeled off, and the developer is worn over time. Can be reduced.

請求項10に係る本発明は、前記現像剤剥離供給部材が、前記回転部材と同一方向に回転する請求項2乃至9いずれか記載の現像装置である。
請求項10に係る本発明によれば、回転部材と現像剤剥離供給部材との対向部位では互いに逆方向に移動するので、更に現像剤を剥離し易くすることができる。
The present invention according to claim 10 is the developing device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the developer peeling supply member rotates in the same direction as the rotating member.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the developer is more easily peeled off because the rotating member and the developer peeling supply member move in opposite directions.

請求項11に係る本発明は、像保持体と、この像保持体に形成された潜像を現像剤により現像する現像装置と、この現像装置により現像された現像剤像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、この転写手段により記録媒体に転写された現像剤像を記録媒体に定着させる定着装置とを有し、前記現像装置は、非磁性のトナー及び磁性のキャリアを含む現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、この現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を像保持体に向けて搬送する現像体と、前記現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を前記現像体に向けて供給する現像剤供給手段と、前記現像体が搬送する現像剤を前記現像体から剥離する現像剤剥離手段とを有し、前記現像体は、像保持体に対向して回転する非磁性の回転部材と、この回転部材内に配置された磁石部材とを具備し、前記磁石部材は、像保持体に向けて前記回転部材の法線方向に磁界を形成する第1の磁極と、この第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側に配置された第2の磁極と、前記第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側に配置された第3の磁極とからなる3つの磁極のみを外面側に具備し、前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極は、前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向それぞれが前記第1の磁極を挟んで形成する角度が180度未満であり、前記現像剤剥離手段は、前記第3の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向し、前記現像剤供給手段は、前記現像剤剥離手段よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向するよう設けられている画像形成装置である。   According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, an image holding member, a developing device that develops a latent image formed on the image holding member with a developer, and a developer image developed by the developing device are transferred to a recording medium. A transfer unit; and a fixing device that fixes the developer image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer unit to the recording medium. The developing device contains a developer including a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier. A developer accommodating portion, a developer conveying the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion toward the image carrier, and a developer supplying the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion toward the developer. And a developer peeling means for peeling the developer conveyed by the developer from the developer. The developer is a non-magnetic rotating member that rotates to face the image holding member. A magnet member disposed in the rotating member, The recording magnet member has a first magnetic pole that forms a magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member toward the image carrier, and the first magnetic pole has a different polarity, and the rotating member is more than the first magnetic pole. The second magnetic pole disposed upstream in the rotation direction of the first magnetic pole is different in polarity from the first magnetic pole, and the third magnetic pole disposed downstream in the rotation direction of the rotating member from the first magnetic pole. And the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole are each in the direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member is maximized. And the developer peeling means is located downstream of the third magnetic pole in the rotational direction of the rotary member and in the rotational direction of the rotary member relative to the second magnetic pole. Opposite to the rotating member on the upstream side, the developer supplying means is the developer The downstream side in the rotational direction of the rotary member than away means is and the image forming apparatus is provided so as to face the rotary member at the upstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member than the second pole.

本発明によれば、像保持体に向けて磁界を形成する磁極による磁力を低下させることなく、現像体を小型化することができる。   According to the present invention, the developing body can be reduced in size without reducing the magnetic force due to the magnetic poles that form a magnetic field toward the image carrier.

次に本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
図1は、本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置10の概要を示す側面図である。この画像形成装置10は、画像形成装置本体12を有し、この画像形成装置本体12内に画像形成部14と、画像形成部14にシートなどの記録媒体を供給する記録媒体供給装置54と、電源ユニット16と、図示しないCPUなどを有する制御部68とが配設されている。また、画像形成装置本体12の上部に画像形成がなされた記録媒体が排出される記録媒体排出部15が設けられている。
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outline of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 12, an image forming unit 14 in the image forming apparatus main body 12, a recording medium supply device 54 that supplies a recording medium such as a sheet to the image forming unit 14, A power supply unit 16 and a control unit 68 having a CPU (not shown) are arranged. In addition, a recording medium discharge unit 15 for discharging a recording medium on which an image has been formed is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 12.

画像形成部14は、カラー画像を形成する電子写真方式のもので、トナー像を保持する像保持体としてのドラム形状の感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bと、この各感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bを一様に帯電する帯電ロールを備えた帯電手段としての帯電装置24Y、24M、24C、24Bと、各感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bに光により静電潜像を書き込む潜像形成手段としての光書き込み装置26Y、26M、26C、26Bと、各感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bに書き込まれた潜像を非磁性のトナーと磁性のキャリアとからなる二成分系の現像剤を用いて現像する現像装置28Y、28M、28C、28Bと、各感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bに形成されたトナー像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段として用いられる転写ユニット42と、転写ユニット42によるトナー像の転写がなされた後に感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bに残留する廃トナーを例えば掻き取ってクリーニングするクリーニング装置30Y、30M、30C、30Bとを有する。   The image forming unit 14 is of an electrophotographic system for forming a color image, and drum-shaped photoconductors 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B as image holding bodies for holding toner images, and the photoconductors 22Y, 22M, Charging devices 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24B as charging means equipped with charging rolls that uniformly charge 22C and 22B, and latent images for writing electrostatic latent images on the respective photoconductors 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B by light Optical writing devices 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26B as forming means, and a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier for converting latent images written on the photosensitive members 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B. Developing devices 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28B, and toner images formed on the photosensitive members 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B, and transferring the toner images to a recording medium. A transfer unit 42 used as a means, and cleaning devices 30Y, 30M, 30C for cleaning off, for example, scraping waste toner remaining on the photoreceptors 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22B after the transfer of the toner image by the transfer unit 42 30B.

光書き込み装置26Y、26M、26C、26Bは、それぞれレーザー露光装置からなり、光書き込み装置26Yは感光体22Yにイエロー画像に対応するレーザー光を、光書き込み装置26Mは感光体22Mにマゼンダ画像に対応するレーザー光を、光書き込み装置26Cは感光体22Cにシアン画像に対応するレーザー光を、光書き込み装置26Bは感光体22Bにブラック画像に対応するレーザー光をそれぞれ発し、感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bに、それぞれ静電潜像を書き込むようになっている。   Each of the optical writing devices 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26B includes a laser exposure device. The optical writing device 26Y corresponds to a laser beam corresponding to a yellow image on the photoconductor 22Y, and the optical writing device 26M corresponds to a magenta image on the photoconductor 22M. The optical writing device 26C emits a laser beam corresponding to a cyan image to the photoconductor 22C, and the optical writing device 26B emits a laser beam corresponding to a black image to the photoconductor 22B, and the photoconductors 22Y, 22M, and 22C. , 22B are written with electrostatic latent images, respectively.

画像形成部14が有する部材のうち感光体22Y、22M、22C、22B、帯電装置24Y、24M、24C、24B、現像装置28Y、28M、28C、28B及びクリーニング装置30Y、30M、30C、30Bは、交換ユニットとして用いられる像形成ユニット32として一体型とされ、画像形成装置本体12に対して正面側(図1において右側)から着脱自在に装着される。   Among the members of the image forming unit 14, the photosensitive members 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B, the charging devices 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24B, the developing devices 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28B, and the cleaning devices 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30B are The image forming unit 32 used as an exchange unit is integrated and is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12 from the front side (right side in FIG. 1).

また、感光体22Y、帯電装置24Y及びクリーニング装置30Yは、一体化されて像保持体ユニットを構成する。同様に、感光体22M、22C、22Bは、帯電装置24M、24C、24B及びクリーニング装置30M、30C、30Bとともに対応する画像の色ごとに一体化されてそれぞれ像保持体ユニットを構成する。現像装置28Y、28M、28C、28Bは、それぞれ像形成ユニット32に対して着脱可能に装着されている。   Further, the photoreceptor 22Y, the charging device 24Y, and the cleaning device 30Y are integrated to form an image holding unit. Similarly, the photoconductors 22M, 22C, and 22B are integrated with the charging devices 24M, 24C, and 24B and the cleaning devices 30M, 30C, and 30B for each corresponding image color to form an image carrier unit. The developing devices 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28B are detachably attached to the image forming unit 32, respectively.

また、この像形成ユニット32には、現像装置28Y、28M、28C、28Bに供給されるトナーをそれぞれ収容する交換ユニットとしてのトナーカートリッジ34Y、34M、34C、34Bが画像形成装置本体12に対して側面側から着脱自在に装着されている。
トナーカートリッジ34Y、34M、34C、34Bは、トナーを収容するトナー収容室36Y、36M、36C、36B及び廃トナー収容室38Y、38M、38C、38Bがそれぞれ内部に形成されており、画像形成装置本体12に設けられたトナー供給路(図示せず)を介して、それぞれトナーを現像装置28Y、28M、28C、28Bに対して供給する。例えば、トナーカートリッジ34Yにはイエロートナーが、トナーカートリッジ34Mにはマゼンダトナーが、トナーカートリッジ34Cにはシアントナーが、トナーカートリッジ34Bにはブラックトナーが充填(収容)されている。
Further, in the image forming unit 32, toner cartridges 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34B as replacement units that respectively store toner supplied to the developing devices 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28B are provided to the image forming apparatus main body 12. It is detachably mounted from the side.
The toner cartridges 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34B have toner storage chambers 36Y, 36M, 36C, and 36B for storing toner, and waste toner storage chambers 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38B, respectively, inside the image forming apparatus main body. The toner is supplied to the developing devices 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28B through a toner supply path (not shown) provided in 12, respectively. For example, the toner cartridge 34Y is filled (contained) with yellow toner, the toner cartridge 34M with magenta toner, the toner cartridge 34C with cyan toner, and the toner cartridge 34B with black toner.

転写ユニット42は、像形成ユニット32の感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bと当接するように配置されている。この転写ユニット42は、ユニットとして一体化されていて二つの支持ロール44a、44bと、記録媒体又は像を搬送する搬送手段としての搬送ベルト46と、この搬送ベルト46に記録媒体を吸着させる吸着手段としての吸着ロール48と、搬送ベルト46により搬送中の記録媒体に、各感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bに形成されたトナー像をそれぞれ転写する転写ロール50Y、50M、50C、50Bとが装着されてなる。   The transfer unit 42 is disposed so as to contact the photoreceptors 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B of the image forming unit 32. The transfer unit 42 is integrated as a unit, and includes two support rolls 44a and 44b, a conveyance belt 46 as a conveyance unit for conveying a recording medium or an image, and an adsorption unit that adsorbs the recording medium to the conveyance belt 46. And a transfer roll 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50B for transferring the toner images formed on the photoreceptors 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B to a recording medium that is being conveyed by the conveyance belt 46, respectively. Being done.

吸着ロール48は、搬送ベルト46を介して支持ロール44aに圧接する状態で設けられ、電源ユニット16から電圧が印加されて搬送ベルト46に静電的に記録媒体を吸着させるようになっている。   The suction roll 48 is provided in pressure contact with the support roll 44 a via the transport belt 46, and a voltage is applied from the power supply unit 16 to electrostatically attract the recording medium to the transport belt 46.

転写ロール50Y、50M、50C、50Bは、それぞれ転写バイアスが印加されており、感光体22Y、22M、22C、22Bに形成されたトナー像を、搬送ベルト46によって搬送中の記録媒体へ順に転写し、記録媒体にイエロー、マゼンダ、ブラック、シアンの4色のトナー像が重ねられたカラートナー像を形成するようになっている。   The transfer rolls 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50B are each applied with a transfer bias, and sequentially transfer the toner images formed on the photoreceptors 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B to the recording medium being conveyed by the conveyance belt 46. A color toner image is formed by superimposing four color toner images of yellow, magenta, black, and cyan on a recording medium.

また、画像形成装置本体12内の上部には、転写ユニット42により記録媒体に転写されたトナー像を記録媒体へと定着する定着装置52が設けられている。定着装置52は、加熱ロール52aと加圧ロール52bとからなり、加熱ロール52aと加圧ロール52bとの間を通過する記録媒体に転写されたトナー像を加熱し加圧することで、記録媒体にトナー像を定着するようになっている。   Further, a fixing device 52 for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer unit 42 to the recording medium is provided in the upper part in the image forming apparatus main body 12. The fixing device 52 includes a heating roll 52a and a pressure roll 52b. The fixing device 52 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the recording medium passing between the heating roll 52a and the pressure roll 52b. The toner image is fixed.

また、画像形成装置本体12内には、記録媒体供給装置54から供給された記録媒体を記録媒体排出部15まで搬送する搬送路60が設けられていて、この搬送路60に沿って、記録媒体搬送方向上流側から順に、レジストロール62、転写ユニット42、定着装置52及び排出ロール64が配置されている。排出ロール64は、定着装置52から搬送された記録媒体を記録媒体排出部15へと排出する。   Further, the image forming apparatus main body 12 is provided with a conveyance path 60 for conveying the recording medium supplied from the recording medium supply device 54 to the recording medium discharge unit 15, and along the conveyance path 60, the recording medium is provided. A resist roll 62, a transfer unit 42, a fixing device 52, and a discharge roll 64 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the transport direction. The discharge roll 64 discharges the recording medium conveyed from the fixing device 52 to the recording medium discharge unit 15.

図2は、現像装置28Yの構成を示す断面図である。現像装置28Y、28M、28C、28Bは、現像する画像の色が異なる他は、ほぼ同様に構成されている。そこで、以下、現像装置28Yについて詳述する。
現像装置28Yは、現像装置本体70の感光体22Y側に配設される現像体としての現像ロール72、第1の攪拌搬送部材74、第2の攪拌搬送部材76、現像剤剥離供給部材78及び層厚規制部材82を有し、上述したように非磁性のトナーと磁性のキャリアとからなる二成分系の現像剤を現像ロール72により感光体22Yに向けて搬送し、感光体22Yに書き込まれた潜像を現像する。
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the developing device 28Y. The developing devices 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28B have substantially the same configuration except that the color of the image to be developed is different. The developing device 28Y will be described in detail below.
The developing device 28Y includes a developing roll 72, a first stirring / conveying member 74, a second stirring / conveying member 76, a developer peeling supply member 78, and a developing roller disposed on the photosensitive member 22Y side of the developing device main body 70. As described above, the two-component developer composed of the non-magnetic toner and the magnetic carrier is conveyed toward the photosensitive member 22Y by the developing roller 72, and written on the photosensitive member 22Y. Develop the latent image.

現像装置本体70は、画像形成装置本体12に設けられたトナー供給路(図示せず)を介して、トナー収容室36Yからトナーを受け入れ、トナーとキャリアとを攪拌搬送する筒状の現像剤搬送路84,86と、現像ロール72を収容する現像室88とを有する。また、現像剤搬送路84と現像剤搬送路86とは、間に仕切り板90が設けられており、仕切り板90の両端には、現像剤搬送路84と現像剤搬送路86とを接続する通路(図示せず)が設けられている。つまり、現像剤搬送路84,86は、現像剤を予め収容する現像剤収容部を構成し、第1の攪拌搬送部材74と第2の攪拌搬送部材76とが互い違いの方向に現像剤を搬送することにより、トナーがキャリアによって所定の極性に摩擦帯電されて現像装置本体70内で循環するようにされている。第2の攪拌搬送部材76は、現像剤搬送路84を介して搬送された現像剤を攪拌搬送し、現像剤を現像室88へ供給する。   The developing device main body 70 receives a toner from the toner storage chamber 36Y via a toner supply path (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus main body 12, and transports the toner and the carrier with stirring. It has paths 84 and 86 and a developing chamber 88 in which the developing roll 72 is accommodated. Further, a partition plate 90 is provided between the developer transport path 84 and the developer transport path 86, and the developer transport path 84 and the developer transport path 86 are connected to both ends of the partition plate 90. A passage (not shown) is provided. That is, the developer conveying paths 84 and 86 constitute a developer accommodating portion that accommodates the developer in advance, and the first agitating and conveying member 74 and the second agitating and conveying member 76 convey the developer in alternate directions. As a result, the toner is frictionally charged to a predetermined polarity by the carrier and circulated in the developing device main body 70. The second agitating and conveying member 76 agitates and conveys the developer conveyed via the developer conveying path 84 and supplies the developer to the developing chamber 88.

現像剤剥離供給部材78は、磁性体からなる回転軸79と、この回転軸79を覆う例えば発泡ウレタンなどの弾性を有する発泡性部材80とを有し、第2の攪拌搬送部材76に対向するように配置されている。発泡性部材80は、現像ロール72に接触しつつ、回転軸79を軸として時計回り(図2において右回り)に回転し、現像室88へ供給された現像剤を現像ロール72に対して供給するとともに、現像ロール72が潜像を現像した後に現像ロール72の表面に残留して搬送される現像剤を現像ロール72から剥離する。また、回転軸79は、磁性体であるため、マグネットロール94との間で磁界を形成する。層厚規制部材82は、現像剤剥離供給部材78の上方に配置され、現像ロール72が感光体22Yに向けて搬送する現像剤の層厚を所定値に規制する。   The developer peeling supply member 78 has a rotating shaft 79 made of a magnetic material and a foamable member 80 having elasticity such as foamed urethane that covers the rotating shaft 79, and faces the second agitating and conveying member 76. Are arranged as follows. The foamable member 80 rotates clockwise around the rotation shaft 79 (in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2) while being in contact with the developing roll 72, and supplies the developer supplied to the developing chamber 88 to the developing roll 72. At the same time, after the developing roller 72 develops the latent image, the developer that remains on the surface of the developing roller 72 and is conveyed is peeled off from the developing roller 72. Moreover, since the rotating shaft 79 is a magnetic body, it forms a magnetic field with the magnet roll 94. The layer thickness regulating member 82 is disposed above the developer peeling supply member 78, and regulates the layer thickness of the developer conveyed by the developing roll 72 toward the photoreceptor 22Y to a predetermined value.

現像ロール72は、反時計回り(図2において左回り)に回転する感光体22Yに対向して回転する非磁性の回転部材であるスリーブ92と、このスリーブ92内に固定配置された磁石部材であるマグネットロール94とを有する。スリーブ92は、例えば外径が12mm以下の円筒状のアルミニウム又はステンレス鋼などからなり、感光体22Yとの間に所定の間隔をあけて時計回り(図2において右回り)に回転するようにされている。   The developing roll 72 includes a sleeve 92 that is a non-magnetic rotating member that rotates in a counterclockwise direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 2) and a magnet member that is fixedly disposed in the sleeve 92. And a certain magnet roll 94. The sleeve 92 is made of, for example, cylindrical aluminum or stainless steel having an outer diameter of 12 mm or less, and is rotated clockwise (clockwise in FIG. 2) at a predetermined interval from the photoreceptor 22Y. ing.

マグネットロール94は、例えばフェライト磁石又はプラスチック樹脂磁石などを金属製のシャフト95に固定したものであり、例えば外面側に1つのS極(主極)である磁極96と、2つのN極である磁極98,100が配置されている。磁極96及び磁極98,100は、それぞれスリーブ92の法線方向を含む方向に磁界を形成するとともに、相互に磁界に影響を与えている。
図2中の太破線は、スリーブ92の表面からの法線方向の距離が、スリーブ92の表面上における法線方向の磁界の強さ又は磁束密度の大きさを示しており、例えば磁極96周辺のスリーブ92の表面では磁束密度の最大値が100mT以上となっている。
なお、マグネットロール94は、ロールの外面に磁極が位置するように磁石を配置して構成されてもよいし、着磁された部材によって構成されてもよい。
The magnet roll 94 is, for example, a ferrite magnet or a plastic resin magnet fixed to a metal shaft 95, and has, for example, a magnetic pole 96 that is one S pole (main pole) on the outer surface side and two N poles. Magnetic poles 98 and 100 are disposed. The magnetic pole 96 and the magnetic poles 98 and 100 each form a magnetic field in a direction including the normal direction of the sleeve 92 and also affect the magnetic field with each other.
A thick broken line in FIG. 2 indicates that the distance in the normal direction from the surface of the sleeve 92 indicates the strength of the magnetic field or the magnetic flux density in the normal direction on the surface of the sleeve 92. On the surface of the sleeve 92, the maximum value of the magnetic flux density is 100 mT or more.
The magnet roll 94 may be configured by arranging magnets so that the magnetic poles are positioned on the outer surface of the roll, or may be configured by a magnetized member.

磁極96(第1の磁極)は、スリーブ92を挟んで感光体22Yに対向するように配置されており、感光体22Yに向けてスリーブ92の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向s1におけるスリーブ92表面上の法線方向の磁束密度が所定値(例えば100mT)となるようにされている。   The magnetic pole 96 (first magnetic pole) is disposed so as to face the photoconductor 22Y with the sleeve 92 interposed therebetween, and the direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 is maximized toward the photoconductor 22Y. The magnetic flux density in the normal direction on the surface of the sleeve 92 at s1 is set to a predetermined value (for example, 100 mT).

磁極98(第2の磁極)は、感光体22Yと層厚規制部材82との間に配置されており、上方に向けてスリーブ92の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向n1におけるスリーブ92表面上の法線方向の磁束密度が所定値(例えば40mT)となるようにされている。   The magnetic pole 98 (second magnetic pole) is disposed between the photoreceptor 22Y and the layer thickness regulating member 82, and in the direction n1 in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 is maximized upward. The magnetic flux density in the normal direction on the surface of the sleeve 92 is set to a predetermined value (for example, 40 mT).

磁極100(第3の磁極)は、磁極96に対してスリーブ92の回転方向下流側に配置されており、下方に向けてスリーブ92の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向n2におけるスリーブ92表面上の法線方向の磁束密度が所定値(例えば40mT)となるようにされている。
以下、方向s1を囲む磁極96側の太破線を太破線S1と、方向n1を囲む磁極98側の太破線を太破線N1と、方向n2を囲む磁極100側の太破線を太破線N2と略記する。
The magnetic pole 100 (third magnetic pole) is disposed downstream of the magnetic pole 96 in the rotation direction of the sleeve 92, and in the direction n2 where the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 is maximized downward. The magnetic flux density in the normal direction on the surface of the sleeve 92 is set to a predetermined value (for example, 40 mT).
Hereinafter, the thick broken line on the side of the magnetic pole 96 surrounding the direction s1 is abbreviated as the thick broken line S1, the thick broken line on the side of the magnetic pole 98 surrounding the direction n1 is abbreviated as the thick broken line N1, and the thick broken line on the magnetic pole 100 side surrounding the direction n2 is abbreviated as the thick broken line N2. To do.

図3は、現像ロール72及び現像剤供給部材78と、スリーブ92の法線方向及び接線方向の磁束密度の大きさとの位置関係を示す図2の拡大図である。
ここで、上述した方向n1と方向n2とがなす角度θ1は、磁極96を挟んで180度未満になるようにされている。さらに、方向n1と方向s1とがなす角度θ2は90度以下(最大でも90度)とされており、方向s1と方向n2とがなす角度θ3も90度以下(最大でも90度)となるようにされている。
また、図3において、太破線は、スリーブ92の表面からの法線方向の距離が、スリーブ92の表面上における法線方向の磁束密度の大きさを示しており、太破線と太破線との間でスリーブ92から外側に向けて延びる細破線は、スリーブ92の表面からの法線方向の距離が、スリーブ92の表面上における接線方向の磁束密度の大きさを示している。
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing the positional relationship between the developing roll 72 and the developer supply member 78 and the magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the normal direction and tangential direction of the sleeve 92.
Here, the angle θ1 formed by the direction n1 and the direction n2 described above is set to be less than 180 degrees with the magnetic pole 96 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the angle θ2 formed by the direction n1 and the direction s1 is 90 degrees or less (90 degrees at the maximum), and the angle θ3 formed by the direction s1 and the direction n2 is also 90 degrees or less (the maximum is 90 degrees). Has been.
In FIG. 3, a thick broken line indicates that the distance in the normal direction from the surface of the sleeve 92 indicates the magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the normal direction on the surface of the sleeve 92. A thin broken line extending outward from the sleeve 92 between them indicates that the distance in the normal direction from the surface of the sleeve 92 indicates the magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the tangential direction on the surface of the sleeve 92.

磁極98及び磁極100は、磁極100よりもスリーブ92の回転方向下流側、且つ磁極98よりもスリーブ92の回転方向上流側(磁性体からなる回転軸79に対向する方向)に、磁極96が形成する磁界と同極性の磁界であり、スリーブ92の法線方向の磁束密度の大きさが太破線S2によって示される領域を形成している。つまり、磁極98と磁極100との間にS極の磁極が設けられていなくても(空間Aが設けられていても)、太破線S2によってスリーブ92の法線方向の磁束密度の大きさが示される磁界が存在する。   The magnetic pole 98 and the magnetic pole 100 are formed with the magnetic pole 96 on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the sleeve 92 relative to the magnetic pole 100 and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the sleeve 92 relative to the magnetic pole 98 (the direction facing the rotary shaft 79 made of magnetic material) The magnetic field has the same polarity as the magnetic field to be generated, and forms a region where the magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 is indicated by the thick broken line S2. That is, even if the S pole is not provided between the magnetic pole 98 and the magnetic pole 100 (even if the space A is provided), the magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 is increased by the thick broken line S2. There is a magnetic field shown.

そして、上述した方向n1と方向s1との間には、細破線H1によってスリーブ92の接線方向の磁束密度の大きさが示される磁界が存在する。また、方向s1と方向n2との間には、細破線H2によってスリーブ92の接線方向の磁束密度の大きさが示される磁界が存在する。さらに、太破線N2と太破線S2との間、及び太破線S2と太破線N1との間には、細破線H3及び細破線H4によってスリーブ92の接線方向の磁束密度の大きさが示される磁界が存在する。   And between the direction n1 mentioned above and the direction s1, the magnetic field by which the magnitude | size of the magnetic flux density of the tangential direction of the sleeve 92 is shown by the thin broken line H1 exists. Further, a magnetic field whose magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the tangential direction of the sleeve 92 is indicated by the thin broken line H2 exists between the direction s1 and the direction n2. Further, between the thick broken line N2 and the thick broken line S2, and between the thick broken line S2 and the thick broken line N1, a magnetic field in which the magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the tangential direction of the sleeve 92 is indicated by the thin broken lines H3 and H4. Exists.

図4は、スリーブ92の法線方向の磁束密度の分布と現像剤供給部材78との位置関係を示す図2の拡大図である。なお、図3に示した構成部分、方向、太破線及び細破線と同一のものには、同一の符号が付してある。
太破線N2と太破線S2との間には、スリーブ92の法線方向の磁束密度が略0となる点Bが存在し、太破線N1と太破線S2との間には、スリーブ92の法線方向の磁束密度が略0となる点Cが存在している。つまり、点Bは、磁極98によるスリーブ92の法線方向の磁界の強さが略0となるスリーブ92の回転方向上流側の位置を示している。また、点Cは、磁極100によるスリーブ92の法線方向の磁界の強さが略0となるスリーブ92の回転方向下流側の位置を示している。
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing the positional relationship between the distribution of magnetic flux density in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 and the developer supply member 78. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as the component part shown in FIG. 3, a direction, a thick broken line, and a thin broken line.
Between the thick broken line N2 and the thick broken line S2, there is a point B at which the magnetic flux density in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 is substantially zero, and between the thick broken line N1 and the thick broken line S2, the method of the sleeve 92 is present. There is a point C where the magnetic flux density in the linear direction is substantially zero. That is, the point B indicates the position on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the sleeve 92 where the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 by the magnetic pole 98 becomes substantially zero. A point C indicates a position on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the sleeve 92 where the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the sleeve 92 by the magnetic pole 100 becomes substantially zero.

現像剤供給部材78は、点Bよりもスリーブ92の回転方向下流側に配置されており、点Bを通るスリーブ92の法線方向の線分b1と、点Cを通るスリーブ92の法線方向の線分c1とに挟まれる太線Dで示された領域内でスリーブ92に接触している。   The developer supply member 78 is disposed downstream of the point B in the rotation direction of the sleeve 92, and the normal line segment b 1 of the sleeve 92 passing through the point B and the normal direction of the sleeve 92 passing through the point C. Is in contact with the sleeve 92 within a region indicated by a thick line D sandwiched between the line segment c1.

図5は、スリーブ92と現像剤供給部材78とが接触している領域の詳細を示す図2の拡大図である。なお、図4に示した構成部分、太破線、細破線及び点(位置)と同一のものには、同一の符号が付してある。
現像剤供給部材78は、点Bよりもスリーブ92の回転方向下流側、且つ点Cよりもスリーブ92の回転方向上流側でスリーブ92に対して所定の接触幅(ニップ幅)を形成するように圧接されている。また、現像剤供給部材78は、細破線H3からも細破線H4からも外れた細破線(スリーブ92の接線方向の磁束密度がほぼ0となる太破線Eの領域)でスリーブ92に接触している。上述したように、スリーブ92及び現像剤供給部材78が同一方向に回転しており、現像剤供給部材78は、スリーブ92の回転方向に対する接触部分の下流側端(点F)側で現像剤を現像ロール72に対して供給し、接触部分の上流側端(点G)側で現像ロール72から現像剤を剥離する。
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing details of a region where the sleeve 92 and the developer supply member 78 are in contact with each other. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as the component shown in FIG. 4, the thick broken line, the thin broken line, and the point (position).
The developer supply member 78 forms a predetermined contact width (nip width) with respect to the sleeve 92 on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the sleeve 92 from the point B and on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the sleeve 92 from the point C. It is in pressure contact. Further, the developer supply member 78 is in contact with the sleeve 92 at a thin broken line (a region of a thick broken line E where the magnetic flux density in the tangential direction of the sleeve 92 is substantially 0) that is deviated from the thin broken line H3 and the thin broken line H4. Yes. As described above, the sleeve 92 and the developer supply member 78 rotate in the same direction, and the developer supply member 78 supplies the developer on the downstream end (point F) side of the contact portion with respect to the rotation direction of the sleeve 92. The developer is supplied to the developing roll 72, and the developer is peeled off from the developing roll 72 on the upstream end (point G) side of the contact portion.

次に、磁極96が形成する磁界に対する磁極98及び磁極100の作用について説明する。
図2に示した現像装置28Yは、磁極96がS極であり、他の磁極98及び磁極100がN極であり、方向n1と方向n2とがなす角度θ1が磁極96を挟んで180度未満であるため、角度θ1が180度以上である場合に比べて、磁極96による磁界の強さが強くなっている。
Next, the action of the magnetic pole 98 and the magnetic pole 100 on the magnetic field formed by the magnetic pole 96 will be described.
In the developing device 28Y shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic pole 96 is the S pole, the other magnetic pole 98 and the magnetic pole 100 are the N pole, and the angle θ1 formed by the direction n1 and the direction n2 is less than 180 degrees across the magnetic pole 96. Therefore, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic pole 96 is stronger than when the angle θ1 is 180 degrees or more.

現像剤搬送路84及び現像剤搬送路86を介して搬送された現像剤は、現像剤供給手段でもある現像剤剥離供給部材78により現像ロール72に供給され、スリーブ92の表面に付着する。スリーブ92に付着して搬送される現像剤は、層厚規制部材82により層厚を規制されて、所定の層厚で感光体22Yに向けて搬送され、感光体22Yに書き込まれた静電潜像をトナーにより現像する。現像後にスリーブ92に付着して残っている現像剤は、現像剤剥離手段でもある現像剤供給部材78により、スリーブ92から剥離される。   The developer transported via the developer transport path 84 and the developer transport path 86 is supplied to the developing roll 72 by the developer peeling supply member 78 that is also a developer supply means, and adheres to the surface of the sleeve 92. The developer adhering to the sleeve 92 and transported is regulated by the layer thickness regulating member 82, transported toward the photoreceptor 22Y with a predetermined layer thickness, and the electrostatic latent written on the photoreceptor 22Y. The image is developed with toner. The developer remaining on the sleeve 92 after development is peeled off from the sleeve 92 by the developer supply member 78 which is also a developer peeling means.

本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置の概要を示す側面図である。1 is a side view illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る現像装置の構成を示す断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 現像ロール及び現像剤供給部材と、スリーブの法線方向及び接線方向の磁束密度の大きさとの位置関係を示す図2の拡大図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing a positional relationship between the developing roll and the developer supply member and the magnitude of magnetic flux density in the normal direction and tangential direction of the sleeve. スリーブの法線方向の磁束密度の分布と現像剤供給部材との位置関係を示す図2の拡大図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing the positional relationship between the distribution of magnetic flux density in the normal direction of the sleeve and the developer supply member. スリーブと現像剤供給部材とが接触している領域の詳細を示す図2の拡大図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing details of a region where a sleeve and a developer supply member are in contact with each other.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10 画像形成装置
14 画像形成部
22Y、22M、22C、22B 感光体
28Y、28M、28C、28B 現像装置
36Y、36M、36C、36B トナー収容室
42 転写ユニット
52 定着装置
70 現像装置本体
72 現像ロール
74 第1の攪拌搬送部材
76 第2の攪拌搬送部材
78 現像剤剥離供給部材
79 回転軸
80 発泡性部材
82 層厚規制部材
84,86 現像剤搬送路
88 現像室
92 スリーブ
94 マグネットロール
95 シャフト
96 磁極(S極)
98,100 磁極(N極)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 14 Image forming part 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22B Photoconductor 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28B Developing device 36Y, 36M, 36C, 36B Toner storage chamber 42 Transfer unit 52 Fixing device 70 Developing device main body 72 Developing roll 74 First stirring and conveying member 76 Second stirring and conveying member 78 Developer peeling supply member 79 Rotating shaft 80 Foamable member 82 Layer thickness regulating members 84 and 86 Developer conveying path 88 Developing chamber 92 Sleeve 94 Magnet roll 95 Shaft 96 Magnetic pole (S pole)
98,100 Magnetic pole (N pole)

Claims (9)

非磁性のトナー及び磁性のキャリアを含む現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、
この現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を像保持体に向けて搬送する現像体と、
前記現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を前記現像体に向けて供給する現像剤供給手段と、
前記現像体が搬送する現像剤を前記現像体から剥離する現像剤剥離手段と
を有し、
前記現像体は、
像保持体に対向して回転する非磁性の回転部材と、
この回転部材内に配置された磁石部材と
を具備し、
前記磁石部材は、像保持体に向けて前記回転部材の法線方向に磁界を形成する第1の磁極と、この第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側に配置された第2の磁極と、前記第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側に配置された第3の磁極とからなる3つの磁極のみを外面側に具備し、
前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極は、前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向それぞれが前記第1の磁極を挟んで形成する角度が180度未満であり、
前記現像剤剥離手段は、前記第3の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向し、前記現像剤供給手段は、前記現像剤剥離手段よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向するよう設けられており、
前記現像剤供給手段及び前記現像剤剥離手段は、前記回転部材に接触しつつ回転する現像剤剥離供給部材によって形成されており、
前記現像剤剥離供給部材は、前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極による前記回転部材の接線方向の前記第1の磁極が形成する磁界と同極性の磁界の強さが略0となる領域で現像剤を供給するとともに、現像剤を剥離する
現像装置。
A developer containing portion for containing a developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier;
A developer that conveys the developer contained in the developer container toward the image carrier;
Developer supply means for supplying the developer stored in the developer storage section toward the developer;
A developer peeling means for peeling the developer conveyed by the developer from the developer;
The developer is
A non-magnetic rotating member that rotates to face the image carrier;
A magnet member disposed in the rotating member,
The magnet member has a first magnetic pole that forms a magnetic field in a normal direction of the rotating member toward the image carrier, and the first magnetic pole has a different polarity, and the rotating member is more than the first magnetic pole. The second magnetic pole disposed upstream in the rotation direction of the first magnetic pole is different in polarity from the first magnetic pole, and the third magnetic pole disposed downstream in the rotation direction of the rotating member from the first magnetic pole. Only three magnetic poles consisting of
Each of the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole has an angle formed by sandwiching the first magnetic pole in a direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member is maximized is less than 180 degrees,
The developer peeling means opposes the rotating member on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member with respect to the third magnetic pole and on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member with respect to the second magnetic pole. The supply unit is provided to face the rotating member on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member with respect to the developer peeling unit and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member with respect to the second magnetic pole .
The developer supply means and the developer peeling means are formed by a developer peeling supply member that rotates while in contact with the rotating member,
The developer peeling supply member is a region where the strength of the magnetic field having the same polarity as the magnetic field formed by the first magnetic pole in the tangential direction of the rotating member by the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole is substantially zero. A developing device that supplies the developer and removes the developer.
前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極は、前記第3の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側に、前記第1の磁極が形成する磁界と同極性の磁界を形成する請求項記載の現像装置。 The second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole are located on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member with respect to the third magnetic pole and on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member with respect to the second magnetic pole. a developing device of a magnetic field and according to claim 1, wherein forming the same polarity magnetic field of the magnetic poles of the form. 前記第3の磁極は、該第3の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向と、前記第1の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向とがなす角度が90度以下となるように、配置されている請求項1又は2記載の現像装置。 The third magnetic pole has a direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member by the third magnetic pole is maximized, and the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member by the first magnetic pole. The developing device according to claim 1 , wherein the developing device is disposed so that an angle formed by a direction in which the angle is maximum is 90 degrees or less. 前記第2の磁極は、該第2の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向と、前記第1の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向とがなす角度が90度以下となるように、配置されている請求項1又は2記載の現像装置。 The second magnetic pole has a direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member by the second magnetic pole is maximized, and the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member by the first magnetic pole. The developing device according to claim 1 , wherein the developing device is disposed so that an angle formed by a direction in which the angle is maximum is 90 degrees or less. 前記現像剤剥離供給部材は、前記第2の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の前記第1の磁極とは異なる極性の磁界の強さが略0となる前記回転部材の回転方向上流側の位置よりも、前記回転部材の回転方向上流側から現像剤を供給し、前記第3の磁極による前記回転部材の法線方向の前記第1の磁極とは異なる極性の磁界の強さが略0となる前記回転部材の回転方向下流側の位置よりも、前記回転部材の回転方向下流側から現像剤を剥離する請求項1乃至4いずれか記載の現像装置。 The developer peeling supply member is located upstream of the rotating member in the rotational direction where the strength of the magnetic field having a polarity different from that of the first magnetic pole in the normal direction of the rotating member by the second magnetic pole is substantially zero. The developer is supplied from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member with respect to the position, and the strength of the magnetic field having a polarity different from that of the first magnetic pole in the normal direction of the rotating member by the third magnetic pole is substantially 0. and also the position of the downstream side in the rotational direction of said rotary member comprising, a developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for separating the developer from the downstream side in the rotating direction of said rotary member. 前記現像剤剥離供給部材は、回転軸が磁性体からなる請求項1乃至5いずれか記載の現像装置。 The developer peeling supply member, rotating shaft developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 made of a magnetic material. 前記現像剤剥離供給部材は、弾性を有する発泡性部材が前記回転部材に接触しつつ回転する請求項1乃至6いずれか記載の現像装置。 The developer peeling supply member, a developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 effervescent member having elasticity to rotate while in contact with the rotary member. 前記現像剤剥離供給部材は、前記回転部材と同一方向に回転する請求項1乃至7いずれか記載の現像装置。 The developer peeling supply member, a developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 rotates in the rotating member in the same direction. 像保持体と、
この像保持体に形成された潜像を現像剤により現像する現像装置と、
この現像装置により現像された現像剤像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、
この転写手段により記録媒体に転写された現像剤像を記録媒体に定着させる定着装置と
を有し、
前記現像装置は、
非磁性のトナー及び磁性のキャリアを含む現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、
この現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を像保持体に向けて搬送する現像体と、
前記現像剤収容部が収容する現像剤を前記現像体に向けて供給する現像剤供給手段と、
前記現像体が搬送する現像剤を前記現像体から剥離する現像剤剥離手段と
を有し、
前記現像体は、
像保持体に対向して回転する非磁性の回転部材と、
この回転部材内に配置された磁石部材と
を具備し、
前記磁石部材は、像保持体に向けて前記回転部材の法線方向に磁界を形成する第1の磁極と、この第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側に配置された第2の磁極と、前記第1の磁極とは極性が異なり、前記第1の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側に配置された第3の磁極とからなる3つの磁極のみを外面側に具備し、
前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極は、前記回転部材の法線方向の磁界の強さが最大となる方向それぞれが前記第1の磁極を挟んで形成する角度が180度未満であり、
前記現像剤剥離手段は、前記第3の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向し、前記現像剤供給手段は、前記現像剤剥離手段よりも前記回転部材の回転方向下流側、且つ前記第2の磁極よりも前記回転部材の回転方向上流側で前記回転部材に対向するよう設けられており、
前記現像剤供給手段及び前記現像剤剥離手段は、前記回転部材に接触しつつ回転する現像剤剥離供給部材によって形成されており、
前記現像剤剥離供給部材は、前記第2の磁極及び前記第3の磁極による前記回転部材の接線方向の前記第1の磁極が形成する磁界と同極性の磁界の強さが略0となる領域で現像剤を供給するとともに、現像剤を剥離する
画像形成装置。
An image carrier,
A developing device for developing the latent image formed on the image carrier with a developer;
Transfer means for transferring a developer image developed by the developing device to a recording medium;
A fixing device for fixing the developer image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer means to the recording medium,
The developing device includes:
A developer containing portion for containing a developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier;
A developer that conveys the developer contained in the developer container toward the image carrier;
Developer supply means for supplying the developer stored in the developer storage section toward the developer;
A developer peeling means for peeling the developer conveyed by the developer from the developer;
The developer is
A non-magnetic rotating member that rotates to face the image carrier;
A magnet member disposed in the rotating member,
The magnet member has a first magnetic pole that forms a magnetic field in a normal direction of the rotating member toward the image carrier, and the first magnetic pole has a different polarity, and the rotating member is more than the first magnetic pole. The second magnetic pole disposed upstream in the rotation direction of the first magnetic pole is different in polarity from the first magnetic pole, and the third magnetic pole disposed downstream in the rotation direction of the rotating member from the first magnetic pole. Only three magnetic poles consisting of
Each of the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole has an angle formed by sandwiching the first magnetic pole in a direction in which the strength of the magnetic field in the normal direction of the rotating member is maximized is less than 180 degrees,
The developer peeling means opposes the rotating member on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member with respect to the third magnetic pole and on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the rotating member with respect to the second magnetic pole. The supply unit is provided to face the rotating member on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member with respect to the developer peeling unit and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member with respect to the second magnetic pole .
The developer supply means and the developer peeling means are formed by a developer peeling supply member that rotates while in contact with the rotating member,
The developer peeling supply member is a region where the strength of the magnetic field having the same polarity as the magnetic field formed by the first magnetic pole in the tangential direction of the rotating member by the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole is substantially zero. An image forming apparatus that supplies the developer and removes the developer .
JP2007111678A 2007-04-03 2007-04-20 Developing device and image forming apparatus Expired - Fee Related JP5051614B2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2007111678A JP5051614B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2007-04-20 Developing device and image forming apparatus
CN2007103018312A CN101281383B (en) 2007-04-03 2007-12-14 Developing body, developing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2007111678A JP5051614B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2007-04-20 Developing device and image forming apparatus

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JP2008268576A JP2008268576A (en) 2008-11-06
JP5051614B2 true JP5051614B2 (en) 2012-10-17

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Families Citing this family (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5387980B2 (en) * 2009-02-06 2014-01-15 株式会社リコー Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3050727B2 (en) * 1993-07-27 2000-06-12 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming apparatus and developing apparatus
JPH07181786A (en) * 1993-12-22 1995-07-21 Canon Inc Developing device
JP2003215922A (en) * 2002-01-18 2003-07-30 Ricoh Co Ltd Developing device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP2007232774A (en) * 2006-02-27 2007-09-13 Tdk Corp Developing roll and magnet roll used therefor

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