JP6003184B2 - Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus using the developing device.

Conventional developing devices include those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.
In Patent Document 1, as a color image forming apparatus, on the premise that toner images of a plurality of colors are formed on a latent image carrier with a plurality of developing units and then transferred onto a transfer material, a plurality of developing units include: It has a plurality of developer carriers that rotate in the same direction at the position facing the latent image carrier, and has bias applying means for applying a DC bias in which an AC bias is superimposed on each developer carrier, and AC The bias has a constant frequency, and the developer carrier disposed on the upstream side with respect to the rotation direction of the latent image carrier has a higher peak value than the developer carrier disposed on the downstream side. Is disclosed.
Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus that has a plurality of developing rolls and develops the same electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member a plurality of times using a developer held by the plurality of developing rolls. A technique is disclosed in which the development share of each developing roll is obtained and image forming conditions such as a developing bias voltage and a developing roll rotation speed are set based on the values.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-172043 (Embodiment of the Invention, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-24337 (Embodiment of the Invention, FIG. 2)

  The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to maintain a two-component developer containing a small-diameter carrier in a plurality of developer holders and maintain a good development quality with little image distortion, and An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device capable of suppressing the phenomenon of carrier transfer to an image carrier and an image forming apparatus using the same.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the electrostatic latent image can be held and provided opposite to the circulating image holding member, and the moving direction of the image holding member is opposite to the image holding member at a portion facing the image holding member. And a developer containing toner and a carrier of less than 35 μm is held toward a developing area located at a position facing the image carrier so as to develop an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier. A first developer holding body to be conveyed; and provided opposite to the image holding body, disposed on the downstream side of the first developer holding body with respect to a moving direction of the image holding body, and A developing area located at a position facing the image carrier so as to rotate in the same direction as the moving direction of the image carrier at a position facing the image carrier and developing an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier. A second developer holder for holding and transporting the developer toward the first, and the first and The first and second developer holders so as to form a developing electric field capable of developing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with respect to the developer held on the second developer holder. and a development voltage applying device for applying a developing voltage contains a DC component and periodically changing alternating current component for the developing voltage applying apparatus, the developing voltage applied to the first developer retaining member the maximum amplitude of the AC component of the developing voltage in comparison with the maximum amplitude of the AC component is applied to the second developer holding member is set smaller, the AC of the first and second developing voltage applied to the developer carrier The parameters other than the maximum amplitude are synchronized in common with respect to the components, and at least the maximum amplitude of the AC component is variably set among the parameters of the developing voltage applied to the first and second developer holders. , The first developer carrier Provided at a position upstream of the facing portion between the holder and the second developer holder in the developer transport direction, corresponding to at least one of the first and second developer holders. And a developing device comprising a variable transport mechanism for variably setting a developer transport amount held in at least one of the second developer holders .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first aspect, when measuring the resistance of the carrier of the developer, the carrier is placed in a pair of magnet plates facing each other at an interval of 1 mm, and 1000 V is applied to both ends thereof. Using a measurement method that measures the current that constantly flows between paired magnet plates by applying a DC voltage, the carrier resistance calculated based on this measurement result has a resistance of 8.5 logΩ or more. Is a developing device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first or second aspect, the development voltage applying device sets the maximum amplitude of the alternating current component of the developing voltage applied to the second developer holding member to 0.6 kV or less. The developing device is characterized in that it is set.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the developing voltage application device sets the maximum amplitude of the alternating current component of the developing voltage applied to the first developer holder to 1.5 kV. The developing device is characterized by being set as described above.
The invention according to claim 5, in the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first or second developer holding member provided opposite to the image carrier so as to add separately, One or a plurality of additional developer holders that hold and convey the developer toward a development area located at a position facing the image carrier so as to develop an electrostatic latent image of the image carrier; These additional developer holders are provided between the first or second developer holders or between a plurality of additional developer holders, and the first or second developer holder is used for development. Delivery means for delivering the supplied developer, and when the additional developer holder is located downstream of the second developer holder in the moving direction of the image holder, the image The image holder is rotated in the same direction as the moving direction of the image holder at the portion facing the holder, and the first When the developer holding member is positioned upstream of the image holding member in the moving direction, the developer holding member is rotated in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the image holding member at a portion facing the image holding member, and the developing voltage application The apparatus holds the second developer holding member for the additional developer holding member located downstream of the second developer holding member in the moving direction of the image holding member. An additional developer located on the upstream side in the moving direction of the image carrier from the first developer carrier by applying a development voltage containing an AC component having a maximum amplitude less than the maximum amplitude of the AC component of the development voltage applied to the body The developing device is characterized in that a developing voltage including an AC component having a maximum amplitude greater than the maximum amplitude of the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the first developer holding body is applied to the holding body.

The invention according to claim 6 is formed on the image holding body that can hold the electrostatic latent image and circulates, a latent image forming apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image on the image holding body, and the image holding body. a developing unit claims 1 to develop the electrostatic latent image according to 5 any, is an image forming apparatus comprising the.
The invention according to claim 7 is formed on the image holding body that can hold the electrostatic latent image and circulates, a latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the image holding body, and the image holding body. and a developing device according to claim 1 for developing an electrostatic latent image, a control device for controlling a parameter or the transport variable mechanism of the developing voltage by the developing voltage applying device according to the use conditions of the image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a mode in which development is performed by holding a two-component developer containing a small-diameter carrier in a plurality of developer holders, good development quality with little image distortion is maintained and image holding is performed. The carrier transfer phenomenon to the body can be suppressed. Furthermore, different development voltages to be applied to a plurality of developer holders can be easily created, and the development performance in the development area of the plurality of developer holders can be adjusted more suitably, and a plurality of developments can be performed. It is possible to variably set the developer transport amount provided to at least one development area of the developer holding member, and to maintain good development performance.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the development electric field is adjusted to control the development density, even when the development electric field changes, the development performance by the developer can be kept good.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the carrier transfer phenomenon in the development area of the second developer holding member can be more reliably prevented as compared with the aspect without this configuration.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently ensure the developability in the development area of the first developer holding member and to obtain an image having a good image density, as compared with the aspect without this configuration. Can do.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5 , compared with the aspect which has two developer holding bodies, development performance can be improved more.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in a mode in which development is performed by holding a two-component developer containing a small-diameter carrier in a plurality of developer holders, good development quality with little image disturbance is maintained, and image holding is performed. An image forming apparatus including a developing device capable of suppressing the carrier transfer phenomenon to the body can be easily constructed.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily control the development performance in a plurality of development areas in accordance with the use conditions of the image forming apparatus.

(A) is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of embodiment of the image forming apparatus containing the developing device to which this invention was applied, (b) is applied to each developer holding body of the developing device used for (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a developing voltage. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically developing operation of the developing device which concerns on embodiment, (b) (c) is explanatory drawing which shows typically developing operation of the developing device which concerns on comparative form 1,2. is there. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating details of a developing device used in the first embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the developing roll used in Embodiment 1, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the developing voltage applied to each developing roll. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows intentionally the image development operation process by the developing device used in Embodiment 1, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the measuring method for measuring the resistance of the carrier used by this example It is. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a control system of a developing device used in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating the entire configuration of a developing device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a layer regulation principle of a developer used in a developing device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a developing device according to a third embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the variable setting principle of developer conveyance amount MOS by the layer control member (rotary trimmer) used with the developing device concerning Embodiment 3, (b) is development of a layer control member (rotary trimmer). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a peripheral speed ratio with respect to a roll and a developer conveyance amount MOS. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a drive system used in a developing device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a control system used in a developing device according to a third embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the developing device which concerns on Embodiment 4, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the developer delivery part of (a). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a developing device according to a fifth embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the carrier resistance of the developing agent used with the image development apparatus which concerns on an Example, and BCO generation voltage. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the carrier particle size of the developer used and the number of carriers transferred to the surface of the photoreceptor, for the developing devices according to the examples and comparative examples. In the developing devices according to the example and the comparative example, the development voltage Vpp applied to the first developing roll is changed, and the number of defects on the sheet (corresponding to the number of image results such as white spots due to carrier transfer). FIG. In the developing device according to the example, it is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship of Vpp of the developing voltage applied to the first and second developing rolls for maintaining good developing performance. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram in which a setting range of Vcln (Δ) is examined in the developing devices according to the examples and comparative examples 1 and 2;

Outline of Embodiment FIG. 1A shows an outline of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus includes an image holding body 11 that can hold an electrostatic latent image z and circulates, a latent image forming apparatus 12 that forms an electrostatic latent image z on the image holding body 11, and the image. And a developing device 13 for developing the electrostatic latent image z formed on the holding body 11.
Here, the image carrier 11 includes not only a photoconductor and a dielectric, but also a mode in which pixel electrodes are arranged. Further, as the latent image forming device 12, depending on the physical properties of the image carrier 11, for example, in the case of a photosensitive member or a dielectric member, an electrostatic latent image can be written by a writing means such as light or ions after charging. In addition, when a pixel electrode is provided, a latent image voltage may be applied to each pixel electrode to form an electrostatic latent image.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the developing device in this example is provided to face an image holding body 11 that can hold the electrostatic latent image z and circulates, and the image holding body 11. The image carrier 11 rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the image carrier 11 and is positioned at a site opposite to the image carrier 11 so as to develop the electrostatic latent image z of the image carrier 11. A first developer holding body 1 that holds and conveys toner T and a developer G containing a carrier C of less than 35 μm toward the developing area D1, and is provided to face the image holding body 11, It is disposed downstream of the first developer holding body 1 with respect to the moving direction of the image holding body 11 and is in the same direction as the moving direction of the image holding body 11 at a portion facing the image holding body 11. The image carrier so that the electrostatic latent image z of the image carrier 11 is developed. On the second developer holding body 2 that holds and conveys the developer G toward the developing area D2 that is located at a position opposite to the first area, and on the first and second developer holding bodies 1 and 2 The first and second developer holders 1 and 2 are formed with respect to the held developer G so as to form a developing electric field in which the electrostatic latent image z on the image holder 11 can be developed. A developing voltage applying device 3 that applies a developing voltage VB (specifically, VB1, VB2) including a direct current component Vdc and a periodically changing alternating current component Vac. The maximum amplitude Vpp2 of the AC component Vac of the developing voltage VB2 applied to the second developer holder 2 is set smaller than the maximum amplitude Vpp1 of the AC component Vac of the developing voltage VB1 applied to the developer holder 1 It is.

In such technical means, the developer G used in the present example has a particle diameter d _S (see FIG. 2A) having a particle size distribution peak value of less than 35 μm as a carrier particle diameter. Compared to a carrier with a large diameter (large-diameter carrier), the bulk density between the carriers is more dense in constructing the magnetic brush of the developer G, and accordingly, the toner is more uniformly held on the peripheral surface of the carrier. This is preferable to a large-diameter carrier in order to achieve high image quality.
However, in this type of small-diameter carrier, the carrier C is attracted and held by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic members of the developer holders 1 and 2, but when the particle size is reduced, the magnetic binding force is reduced. It should be noted that the tendency to easily transfer to the background portion of the image carrier 11 increases accordingly.
Further, the first developer holding body 1 rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the image holding body 11 at a portion facing the image holding body 11 (so-called again rotation). In this method, as shown in FIG. 2A, the relative speed of the developer G held by the developer holder 1 in the development area D1 with respect to the image holder 11 of the magnetic brush Gb is fast, and the development performance is high. For this reason, although it is good in securing the image density, since the magnetic brush Gb has a strong force to rub the image holding body 11, a smear pattern (brush mark) generated by the magnetic brush Gb rubbing the image. ) There is a concern that the BM is caused as an image defect such as unevenness in the moving direction (process direction) of the image carrier 11.
Further, in the development area D1 of the first developer holder 1, since the carrier C has a small magnetic restraint force, there is a possibility that the carrier C may be transferred to the image carrier 11 side by rubbing against the image carrier 11. Since the magnetic brush Gb moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the image carrier 11, even if the carrier C is transferred onto the image carrier 11, the transferred carrier C is blocked by the magnetic brush Gb. Pushed back. For this reason, the transfer of the carrier C to the image carrier 11 hardly occurs in the development area D1 of the first developer carrier 1.

The second developer holding body 2 is arranged downstream of the first developer holding body 1 in the moving direction of the image holding body 11, and the image holding body 11 moves at a position facing the image holding body 11. It rotates in the same direction as the direction (so-called with rotation). As shown in FIG. 2 (a), this method has a low relative speed between the magnetic brush Gb of the developer G held on the developer holding body 2 and the image holding body 11 in the developing area D2, and therefore, the first method. Even if the brush mark BM is formed on the image on the image carrier 11 in the development area D1 of the developer carrier 1, the brush mark BM is leveled, but the second developer carrier 2 Since the rubbing force for collecting the carrier C scattered on the image holding member 11 in the developing area D2 is weak, the image defect (the carrier C on the second developer holding member 2 is scattered on the image holding member 11). BCO (Beads Carry Over) is likely to occur.
However, this type of image defect (BCO) is improved by the development voltage developing device 3 as will be described later.
In addition, the developer is supplied to the first and second developer holders 1 and 2 individually to control the layer, or the developer necessary for both of the developer holders 1 and 2 The layer may be regulated after the amount of developer G is supplied, and the developer may be distributed at the opposed portions of both developer holders 1 and 2. Here, the developer transport amount in the developer holders 1 and 2 is appropriately set according to the layer regulating member 4 that regulates the layer of the developer G, the surface characteristics of the developer holders 1 and 2, the peripheral speed, and the like.

Furthermore, if the developing voltage application device 3 has a configuration capable of applying the respective developing voltages VB (specifically, VB1 and VB2) to the first and second developer holders 1 and 2, A developing power source may be provided corresponding to each developer holding body 1, 2, or after a common developing voltage is generated from the common developing power source, the common developing voltage is converted through a conversion unit. The development voltage VB corresponding to the developer holders 1 and 2 may be selected as appropriate.
As described above, when the development voltage VB (VB1, VB2) is applied to the developer holders 1 and 2, as shown in FIG. 2A, the development voltage VB is set in the development areas D1 and D2, respectively. The developing electric fields E (VB1) and E (VB2) based thereon act.
Since the maximum amplitude (Vpp) of the AC component Vac of the developing voltage V applied to the second developer holder 2 is set smaller than that of the first developer holder 1, FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the transfer phenomenon of the carrier C is suppressed in the development area D2 of the second developer holder 2. Further, when Vpp is lowered, the developability is correspondingly reduced. However, in the development area D1 of the first developer holder 1, reverse development in which sufficient Vpp acts is performed. The developability is sufficiently secured, and problems such as density reduction do not occur.
Here, in evaluating the performance of the developing device according to the embodiment, the performance of the developing device according to Comparative Example 1 shown in FIG. 2B and the developing device according to Comparative Example 2 shown in FIG. consider.
The developing device according to the first comparative example shown in FIG. 2B has a maximum amplitude Vpp of the first developer holding body 1 as an AC component Vac of the developing voltage VB2 applied to the second developer holding body 2. What is set to be the same as the maximum amplitude Vpp1 of the AC component of the developing voltage VB1 to be applied is used.
According to the first comparative example, the development area D1 of the first developer holding body 1 is the same as the embodiment, but the development area D2 of the second developer holding body 2 has a development having Vpp1. Since the voltage VB1 is applied, a developing electric field E (VB1) stronger than that in the embodiment acts, and the image carrier of the carrier C from the developer G using the carrier particle size d _{S correspondingly.} There is a concern that the transition to 11 occurs.
The developing apparatus according to the second comparison shown in FIG. 2 (c), a developing device and substantially the same configuration according to the first comparison shown in FIG. 2 (b), the carrier particle size d _L as the developer G The one using (d _L > d _S ) is used.
According to this comparative embodiment 2, since the large-diameter carrier C is used as compared with the developing device according to the embodiment, the magnetic restraining force by the magnet members of the developer holding bodies 1 and 2 is large. Even when the developing electric field E (Vpp1) having the maximum amplitude Vpp1 acts, the large-diameter carrier C hardly transfers to the background portion of the image carrier 11. However, the developer G using the large-diameter carrier C (particle diameter d _L ) has a slightly lower surface uniformity with respect to the surface image than the developer using the small-diameter carrier C (particle diameter d _S ). In terms of high image quality, it is still insufficient.

Next, a typical aspect or a preferable aspect of the developing device according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, as a preferred mode of the developer G, when measuring the resistance of the carrier C of the developer G, the carrier C is placed in a pair of magnet plates facing each other at an interval of 1 mm, and a DC voltage of 1000 V is applied to both ends thereof. By using a measuring method of measuring a current that constantly flows between paired magnet plates, the carrier resistance calculated based on this measurement result has a resistance of 8.5 logΩ or more. Here, since the resistance of the carrier C varies depending on the measurement method, it is determined together with the measurement method.
Further, when the carrier C has a low resistance, when the magnetic brush of the developer G comes into contact with the image carrier 11 in the development area D (D1, D2) of the developer carrier 1, 2, the carrier C is based on the development electric field. There is a concern that current may flow and hinder the development operation. For this reason, the carrier C needs to have a high resistance to some extent. For example, in order to control the density by adjusting the developing electric field due to environmental fluctuations or toner density fluctuations, a withstand voltage of about 300 V or more is required. To satisfy this, a resistance of 8.5 log · Ω or more is required, for example.

Further, as a preferred embodiment of the developing voltage VB (VB2) applied to the second developer holding body 2, the developing voltage applying device 3 has a maximum AC component of the developing voltage applied to the second developer holding body 2. Examples include setting the amplitude to 0.6 kV or less. Further, since the developability is lowered in the development area D2 of the second developer holder 2, the transfer phenomenon (BCO) of the carrier C is suppressed, and the development area D1 of the first developer holder 1 is suppressed. Even if the brush mark BM or the like is formed on the image by the magnetic brush of the developer G, the brush mark BM is leveled by the soft magnetic brush Gb of the developer G in the development area D2 of the second developer holder 2. Is done.
Further, as a preferred embodiment of the developing voltage VB (VB1) applied to the first developer holding body 1, the developing voltage applying device 3 includes an AC component Vac of the developing voltage VB1 applied to the first developer holding body 1. The maximum amplitude Vpp1 is set to 1.5 kV or more.
In this case, the larger the maximum amplitude Vpp1 of the AC component Vac of the developing voltage VB1, the higher the developing property, and the developing property is sufficiently secured at 1.5 kV or more.
Furthermore, the developing voltage application device 3 synchronizes parameters other than the maximum amplitude Vpp in common with respect to the AC component Vac of the developing voltage VB applied to the first and second developer holders 1 and 2 .

As the embodiment of the developing voltage applying device, and a maximum amplitude Vpp of at least the AC component Vac of the parameters of the developing voltage VB applied to the first and second developer holding bodies 1 and 2 variably set. The behavior of the developer G in the development area D can be adjusted by variably setting the maximum amplitude Vpp of the AC component Vac among the parameters of the development voltage VB.
Furthermore, as an aspect of the developing device, the first and second developers are located upstream in the conveyance direction of the developer G from the facing portion between the first developer holding body 1 and the second developer holding body 2. A variable transport mechanism 5 is provided corresponding to at least one of the holders 1 and 2 and variably sets the developer transport amount held on at least one of the first and second developer holders 1 and 2. Yes .
Here, the conveyance variable mechanism 5 may be any mechanism that adjusts the developer conveyance amount held in at least one of the first and second developer holders 1 and 2. Includes those that adjust the transport amount.
As the variable transport mechanism 5, a layer regulating member 4 is provided opposite to the developer holding body 1 or 2, and the developer carrying amount is changed by changing the gap between the developer holding body 1 or 2 and the layer regulating member 4. A variable setting mode, or the surface of the developer holding body 1 or 2 is a smooth surface, and rotates in the same direction as the moving direction of the developer holding body 1 or 2 at a portion facing the developer holding body 1 or 2 There is an aspect in which the layer regulating rotating body 4 as a layer regulating member is provided, and the developer conveyance amount is variably set by changing the peripheral speed of the layer regulating rotating body 4.

Further, the developing device 13 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the one provided with the two developer holders 1 and 2 and may be provided with three or more developer holders.
In this case, the electrostatic latent image z of the image carrier 11 is developed so as to be provided opposite to the image carrier 11 so as to be added separately from the first or second developer holders 1 and 2. One or a plurality of additional developer holders (not shown) that hold and convey the developer G toward the development zone D located at a position facing the image holder 11, and these additional developer holders Development provided between the first and second developer holders 1 and 2 or between a plurality of additional developer holders and used for development by the first or second developer holder A transfer means (not shown) for transferring the developer, and when the additional developer holder is positioned downstream of the second developer holder 2 in the moving direction of the image holder 11, the image holder The image carrier 11 rotates in the same direction as the moving direction of the image carrier 11 at a position facing the body 11, and the image is held by the first developer carrier 1. 11 is rotated in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the image holding member at a portion facing the image holding member 11, and the developing voltage applying device 3 is connected to the additional developer holding member. Among them, the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the second developer holding body 2 is applied to the additional developer holding body positioned downstream of the second developer holding body 2 in the moving direction of the image holding body 11. A developing voltage VB including an AC component having a maximum amplitude Vpp2 or less is applied, and the first developer holding body positioned on the upstream side in the moving direction of the image holding body 11 from the first developer holding body 1 is the first. The developing voltage VB including the AC component having the maximum amplitude Vpp1 or more of the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the developer holder 1 may be applied.
In this embodiment, the number of additional developer holders is not limited to one and may be plural. In an embodiment in which a plurality of developer holders 1 and 2 are provided, a plurality of additional developer holders may be provided side by side at a position adjacent to the first or second developer holders 1 and 2. A plurality of additional developer holders may be separately provided at the position. Further, the delivery means may be any means that delivers the developer G provided for development by the first or second developer holders 1 and 2, and is typically opposed to the opposite developer holders. The developer G may be appropriately selected based on the magnetic field generated by devising the magnetic pole configuration of the part.

Further, in this type of image forming apparatus, it is needless to say that the development performance may be variably set according to the use conditions of the image forming apparatus.
In this case, as the developing device 13, a mode in which a parameter of the developing voltage by the developing voltage applying device 3 is variably set or a mode having a conveyance variable mechanism is adopted.
Then, a control device 15 for controlling the parameter of the developing voltage by the developing voltage applying device 3 or the variable transport mechanism 5 may be provided according to the use conditions of the image forming apparatus.
Here, examples of usage conditions of the image forming apparatus include the following.
・ Image information (image density)
-Usage history information (number of prints)
・ Environmental information (temperature / humidity)
The development voltage parameters include not only the maximum amplitude of the AC component, but also other frequencies, duty ratios, and DC components.
With regard to the variable transport mechanism 5, the developing performance may be changed by increasing or decreasing the developer transport amount.
(1) Image parameters relating to an electrostatic latent image to be developed, for example, an optimum developer layer or development voltage parameter for an image that emphasizes fine lines such as characters or a high density image, and calculates the fine image or high density image The image quality of both can be improved.
(2) Even if the charging characteristics of the developer change due to usage history information (for example, the number of images formed) or environmental information, development is performed by calculating the optimum developer layer or development voltage parameter corresponding to this. It is possible to correct the characteristics.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is a reference form related to the present invention.
-Overall configuration of image forming apparatus-
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 30 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive member 31 as an image holding member, a charging device 32 that charges the photosensitive member 31, and a photosensitive member 31 charged by the charging device 32. An exposure device 33 that writes an image with light, a developing device 34 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image written on the photoconductor 31 with a developer (toner), and a visible image that is developed by the developing device 34 A transfer device 35 that transfers the converted toner image to a recording material 38 as a transfer medium, and a cleaning device 36 that cleans residual toner remaining on the photoreceptor 31 after being transferred by the transfer device 35. ing.
In this example, the transferred image transferred to the recording material 38 is discharged after being fixed by a fixing device (not shown). In this example, the recording material 38 is exemplified as the transfer medium, but is not limited thereto, and includes an intermediate transfer body that temporarily holds the toner image before being transferred to the recording material 38.

Here, the charging device 32 includes, for example, a charging container 321, and a discharge wire 322 and a grid electrode 323 are disposed as charging members in the charging container 321, but the charging device 32 is not limited to this. Instead, for example, a roll-shaped charging member may be appropriately selected.
Further, as the exposure device 33, a laser scanning device, an LED array, or the like is used.
Further, as the developing device 34, a device adopting a two-component developing method using a two-component developer containing toner and carrier is used. Details of the developing device 34 will be described later.
Furthermore, the transfer device 35 may be any device that applies a transfer electric field that electrostatically transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor 31 to the recording material 38 side. For example, a roll-shaped transfer member to which a transfer bias is applied is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a transfer corotron using a discharge wire may be appropriately selected.
The cleaning device 36 includes a cleaning container 360 that is open on the photosensitive member 31 side and that stores residual toner. A blade or a scraper or the like is disposed on the downstream edge of the opening of the cleaning container 360 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive member 31. And a brush-like or roll-like rotary cleaning member 362 is provided upstream of the plate-like cleaning member 361 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 31, and is included in the cleaning container 360. A sealing member 363 for sealing is provided at the upstream edge in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 31. Further, a conveying member 364 that conveys the cleaned residual toner below the rotating cleaning member 362 in the cleaning container 360 for waste collection. (For example, a mode in which spiral blades are provided around the rotating shaft member) is provided.

―Developer―
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developing device 34 has a developing container 40 that is open on the side of the photoreceptor 31 and contains a two-component developer containing toner and a carrier. A plurality (two in this example) of developing rolls 41 and 42 capable of holding and transporting the developer G are arranged side by side at a location facing the photoreceptor 31 of the container 40 and the developing roll 41 in the developing container 40 is arranged. , 42 are provided with agitating / conveying members 43, 44, which are capable of agitating and conveying the developer G in order to frictionally charge the toner, arranged vertically, and the developer agitated and conveyed by the agitating / conveying members 43, 44. G is supplied to the developing rolls 41 and 42, and the developer G held on the developing rolls 41 and 42 is subjected to layer regulation by the layer regulating members 45 and 46, respectively. Supply developer G to D2) In which was to so that.
Here, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the developing container 40 partitions the developing chamber 47, which is an internal space, with a partition plate 48 extending along the axial direction of the developing rolls 41 and 42. In the developing chamber 47 partitioned by the partition plate 48, for example, spiral stirring blades 52 are provided around the rotary shaft member 51. , 44, and the developer G is circulated and conveyed through the agitating and conveying members 43, 44 and the through holes 49, 50.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 55 denotes a guide plate for returning the developer G peeled off by the first developing roll 41 to the developing chamber 47 (in this example, the developing chamber above the partition plate 48). A sealing member (not shown) for sealing is provided on the periphery of the opening of the container 40.

<Developer>
In this example, the developer G is a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier. As the toner, for example, a nonmagnetic insulating toner having an average particle diameter of 5 to 8 μm is used. As the toner, pulverized toner may be used, but from the viewpoint of achieving high image quality, it is preferable to use, for example, a so-called high sphericity toner manufactured by an emulsion polymerization method.
On the other hand, the carrier C is made of, for example, magnetic powder, and in this example, a carrier having a small particle size distribution with a peak value of less than 35 μm is used.
The carrier C has a high resistance of 8.5 log · Ω or higher.
This is in consideration of, for example, providing a withstand voltage of 300 V or more at the time of development and preventing a phenomenon (BCO) in which the carrier C is transferred to the photoreceptor 31 side.
Here, as a method for measuring the resistance of the carrier C, as shown in FIG. 6B, when measuring the resistance of the carrier C of the developer G, a predetermined interval g (1 mm interval in this example) is used. The carrier C is placed in the opposing pair of magnet plates 171 and 172, and a DC voltage 173 of 1000 V is applied to both ends thereof, whereby a current that constantly flows between the pair of magnet plates 171 and 172 is supplied to the measuring instrument 174. The resistance Rc of the carrier C is calculated on the basis of the measurement result.

In the present embodiment, among the plurality of developing rolls 41 and 42, the developing roll 41 positioned upstream in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 31 is referred to as a first developing roll and is positioned downstream in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 31. The developing roll 42 is referred to as a second developing roll.
<First developing roll>
In this example, the first developing roll 41 is disposed in a non-contact manner with the photoreceptor 31 in the developing area D1 through a gap, and the gap is the first developing roll with respect to the developing area D1. When the developer transport amount MOS (MOS: Abbreviation of Mass on the sleeve) necessary for development is provided on 41, the developer G is filled to the extent between the photoreceptor 31 and the first developing roll 41. Selected. The first developing roller 41 rotates in the opposite direction (against) to the moving direction of the photoconductor 31 at a portion facing the photoconductor 31 and has a peripheral speed vd1 (for example, a peripheral speed of the photoconductor 31). It rotates at a circumferential speed ratio of 1.2 to 2.5 with respect to vp.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 5A, for example, the first developing roll 41 includes a developing sleeve 61 that is formed of a nonmagnetic material (such as SUS304) and is rotatable, and the developing sleeve. 61 and a magnet roll 62 that is fixedly included in 61.
In the present embodiment, the developing sleeve 61 has a rough surface 65 on the surface thereof. The rough surface 65 is formed, for example, by blasting the surface of the base tube of the developing sleeve 61 made of a nonmagnetic material, or by providing a groove extending in the axial direction, for example, a ten-point average roughness Rzjis. (JIS B0601 2001) is selected to be about 10 to 30 μm.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the magnet roll 62 has a plurality of magnetic poles 64 (in this example, five magnetic poles 64a to 64e) arranged around a non-magnetic roll member 63. Is a developing magnetic pole 64a (N pole in the present example) for developing the developer G corresponding to the developing area D1, and a conveying magnetic pole 64b (main) on the downstream side of the developing magnetic pole 64a in the developer conveying direction. In this example, a repulsive magnetic field is generated between the transport magnetic pole 64b and the transport magnetic pole 64b on the downstream side of the transport magnetic pole 64b, so that the developer G of the first developing roll 41 is peeled off. Layer regulation for regulating the developer layer corresponding to the layer regulation part B1 (B) by the layer regulation member 45 on the downstream side in the developer conveying direction of the separation magnetic pole 64c (S pole in this example) Magnetic pole 64d (N pole in this example), and further, this layer regulating magnet The downstream side of the developer carrying direction of 64d (in this example S-pole) carrying poles 64e is obtained by arranging the. The separation magnetic pole 64c also serves as an adsorption magnetic pole for adsorbing and holding the developer G, and a portion corresponding to the adsorption magnetic pole is defined as a developer supply portion P1 (P). The magnetic pole 64c and the layer regulating magnetic pole 64d function as a transporting magnetic pole between adjacent magnetic poles of different polarities.

<Second developing roll>
In this example, the second developing roll 42 is disposed in a non-contact manner with the photoreceptor 31 in the developing area D2 via a gap, but the gap is the second developing roll with respect to the developing area D2. When the developer transport amount MOS (MOS: Abbreviation for Mass on the sleeve) necessary for development is provided on the surface 42, the developer G is filled to the extent that the space between the photoconductor 31 and the second developing roll 42 is filled. Selected.
The second developing roll 42 rotates in the same direction (with) as the moving direction of the photosensitive member 31 at a portion facing the photosensitive member 31, and the photosensitive roller 31 is exposed to the peripheral speed vp. It rotates at a peripheral speed vd2 that is faster than the peripheral speed vp of the body 31 (for example, a peripheral speed ratio of 1.4 to 2.0 with respect to the peripheral speed vp of the photoreceptor 31).
Further, the developing sleeve 61 has a rough surface 65 similar to the developing sleeve 61 of the first developing roll 41.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the magnet roll 62 has a plurality of magnetic poles 64 (in this example, five magnetic poles 64a to 64) around the nonmagnetic roll member 63, as in the first developing roll 41. 64e), and specifically, a developing magnetic pole 64a (N pole in this example) for developing the developer G corresponding to the developing area D2, and the developer conveying direction of the developing magnetic pole 64a A repulsive magnetic field is generated between the conveying magnetic pole 64b (in this example, the S pole) on the downstream side and the conveying magnetic pole 64b on the downstream side in the developer conveying direction with respect to the conveying magnetic pole 64b. A peeling magnetic pole 64c (S pole in this example) for peeling off the developer G from the developing roll 41, and a layer regulating portion B2 (B) by the layer regulating member 46 on the downstream side in the developer conveying direction of the peeling magnetic pole 64c. Thus, the layer regulating magnetic pole 64d (N in this example) regulates the developer layer. ), Further, on the downstream side of the developer conveying direction of the thickness regulating magnetic pole 64d in the conveying pole 64e (this example is obtained by arranging the S pole). The separation magnetic pole 64c also serves as an adsorption magnetic pole for adsorbing and holding the developer G, and a portion corresponding to the adsorption magnetic pole is used as a developer supply portion P2 (P). The magnetic pole 64c and the layer regulating magnetic pole 64d function as a transporting magnetic pole between adjacent magnetic poles of different polarities.

<Developing voltage application device>
In the present embodiment, each developing roll 41, 42 is provided with two developing power sources 67, 68 as a developing voltage applying device for applying a developing voltage.
Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the developing power source 67 is connected to the developing sleeve 61 of the first developing roll 41, and the developing sleeve 61 is preliminarily determined at the time of developing. A voltage VB1 is applied to form a predetermined developing electric field in the developing area D1 between the first developing roll 41 and the photoreceptor 31.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the development voltage VB1 includes a predetermined DC component Vdc and a periodically changing AC component Vac.
Vdc:
As shown in FIG. 6A, after forming the electrostatic latent image z, the photosensitive member 31 having the pre-charging potential V ₀ is charged with the background portion potential VH (for example, −600 V to −700 V), and then the exposure device 33. To form an electrostatic latent image z having an image portion potential VL (for example, −100 to −300 V), and a potential (| VL | <| Vdc | <| VH |) necessary for developing the electrostatic latent image z. : -400V to -550V, for example) may be selected. At this time, it is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing carrier scattering to select Vdc so as to ensure a voltage (Vcln) between | VH | − | Vdc |
Vac:
・ Predetermined frequency (1 / τ (period))
-A predetermined duty ratio (for example, 50%)
・ Maximum amplitude (Vpp1: for example, 1.5 kV to 2.0 kV)
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the developing power source 68 is connected to the developing sleeve 61 of the second developing roll 41, and a predetermined developing voltage is applied to the developing sleeve 61 during development. VB2 is applied to form a predetermined developing electric field in the developing area D2 between the second developing roll 42 and the photosensitive member 31.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the development voltage VB2 includes a predetermined direct current component Vdc and an alternating current component Vac that periodically changes.
Vdc: selected in the same manner as Vdc applied to the first developing roll 41.
Vac: Vac to be applied to the first developing roll 41 is the same except for Vpp and in a synchronized state.
That is, the frequency and the duty ratio are the same, and the maximum amplitude (Vpp2) is set smaller than Vpp1 applied to the first developing roll 41. For example, it is set to 0.6 kV or less. In the present embodiment, the AC component Vac of the developing voltage VB is synchronized by a parameter other than the maximum amplitude Vpp in common. However, it is necessary to at least observe the magnitude relationship of Vpp.

<Layer regulating member>
In this example, the layer restricting members 45 and 46 are both plate-like layer restricting members, and are fixedly provided on the developing container 40 via a bracket (not shown). The layer restricting members 45 and 46 and the developing rolls 41 are provided. , 42, the rough surface 65 of the developing rolls 41, 42 and the peripheral speed vd (vd1, vd2) of the developing rolls 41, 42, the developer transport amount (developer layer) on the developing rolls 41, 42. Is to regulate.

<Drive control system>
In this embodiment, the control unit 100 CPU, RAM, consists computer system including a ROM and input and output ports, as shown in FIG. 7, for example using conditions of the image forming apparatus J (e.g. _J 1 through J ₃₎ The development control program received as an input signal and pre-installed in the ROM is executed by the CPU, and a control signal is sent to one drive motor (MOT1) 71 and development power sources 67 and 68 via the drive motor 71. In addition to driving and controlling the developing sleeves 61 of the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42, the developing voltages of the developing rolls 41 and 42 are on / off controlled at a predetermined timing.

According to the present embodiment, when the image forming process is started, an electrostatic latent image z is formed on the photosensitive member 31 and developed by the developing device 34 as shown in FIGS. Then, the developed toner image is transferred to a paper 38 as a transfer material by the transfer device 35, and then the toner image is transferred onto the proton 38 by a fixing device (not shown).
In such a series of image forming processes, paying attention to the developing operation of the developing device 34, as shown in FIG. 4, the developer G is supplied to the developing rolls 41 and 42, and is held and conveyed to the developing areas D1 and D2. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image z is developed on the photosensitive member 31 in the development areas D1 and D2, respectively.
At this time, in this example, the first developing roller 41 rotates in the opposite direction to the photosensitive member 31 at the portion facing the photosensitive member 31, and the developing voltage VB1 is applied from the developing power supply 67, and the first developing roller 41 is rotated. A developing electric field acts between the roll 41 and the electrostatic latent image z of the photoconductor 31.
In this state, since the AC component Vac and the DC component Vdc of Vpp1 are applied to the first developing roll 41, the developer G held on the first developing roll 41 is different from the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 31. It moves while applying a magnetic brush to the photoconductor 31 from the opposite direction and is used for development. For this reason, the electrostatic latent image z on the photoconductor 31 is sufficiently developed, but a brush mark BM depending on the developing brush is generated.
Thereafter, since the AC component Vac and the DC component Vdc of Vpp2 (<Vpp1) are applied to the second developing roll 42, the developer G held on the second developing roll 42 rotates the photoconductor 31. It moves while applying a magnetic brush to the photoconductor 31 in the same direction as the direction, and is used for development. At this time, since Vpp2 is small, the carrier C does not transfer from the magnetic brush of the developer G to the photoconductor 31 side in the development area D2. Further, in the developing area D2, the magnetic brush Gb (see FIG. 2A) of the developer G softly rubs against the photosensitive member 31, so that it is generated in the developing area D1 of the first developing roll 41. The brush mark BM (see FIG. 2A) is leveled in the developing area D2 of the second developing roll 42 and passes through the developing area D2.
Therefore, the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 31 is sufficiently developed to maintain a good density while passing through the plurality of development areas D1 and D2, and the brush mark BM is also leveled. In addition to recovery, carrier transfer is not observed in the background portion (VH region) of the photoreceptor 31.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the developing device according to the second embodiment. This embodiment is a reference form related to the present invention.
In the drawing, the basic configuration of the developing device 34 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but includes a developer supply system 120 and a layer regulating member 131 which are different from those of the first embodiment. In addition, about the component similar to Embodiment 1, the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1 is attached | subjected, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.
In the same figure, the developing device 34 has a developing container 40 having an opening on the side of the photoconductor 31 and containing a two-component developer containing toner and carrier, as in the first embodiment. A plurality (two in this example) of developing rollers 41 and 42 capable of holding and transporting the developer G are arranged side by side in a position facing the photoreceptor 31.
The developer supply system 120 used in the present embodiment is arranged in the axial direction of the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 on the back surface of the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 of the developing container 40. A partition plate 125 extending along the partition wall 125 is provided. The partition plate 125 divides the developing chamber 126, which is an internal space, in the horizontal direction, and the developer G in each partitioned developer chamber 126 is triboelectrically charged. The agitating and conveying members 123 and 124 that can be agitated and conveyed are arranged horizontally, and further, through holes (not shown) are formed near both longitudinal ends of the partition plate 125, and the agitating and conveying members 123 and 124 and the through holes are opened. The developer G is circulated and conveyed.

The developer supply system 120 collects the amount of developer held by both the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 and collects the developer amount with respect to the developer supply portion P of the second developing roll 42. The developer G is supplied from the agitating / conveying member 123 facing the two developing rolls 42, and each developing roll 41 is provided in the vicinity of a portion where the first developing roll 41 and the second developing roll 42 face each other. , 42, the developer G supplied together is distributed.
Here, in the second developing roll 42, the upstream side made of, for example, a plate-like member that regulates the developer G held by both of the developing rolls 41 and 42 on the downstream side in the developer transport direction from the developer supply portion P. The layer regulating member 131 is disposed in a non-contact manner with a predetermined gap between the layer developing member 131 and the second developing roll 42, and the layer regulating member 131 is peeled off in the developing chamber 126 corresponding to the developer peeling portion of the first developing roll 41. A guide plate 132 is provided for returning the developed developer G to the stirring and conveying members 123 and 124.
Further, in this example, the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 are, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, a magnet roll 62 in which seven magnetic poles 64 (S1 to S4, N1 to N3) are arranged. A developer distribution portion 135 is formed at a portion facing the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42. For example, the developer distributor 135 includes distribution magnetic poles 136 and 137 formed of magnetic poles 64 (N3 and S4 in this example) having different polarities at opposite portions of the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42, respectively. Conveying magnetic poles 138 and 139 comprising magnetic poles 64 (S4 and N3 in this example) having different polarities from the distribution magnetic poles 136 and 137 are disposed on the downstream side of the developer conveying direction of the developing rolls 41 and 42, respectively. It is a thing.

According to the present embodiment, the developer G from the developer supply system 120 is supplied to the developer supply site P of the second developing roll 42, and the developer G held on the second developing roll 42 is After the upper layer restriction member 131 roughly restricts the layer, the developer distribution unit 135 is reached.
The developer distributing unit 135 is distributed to the first developing roll 41 and the second developing roll 42 by the magnetic field generated by the distribution magnetic poles 136 and 137 having different polarities, and then distributed to the respective distribution magnetic poles 136 and 137 and the transport magnetic pole. The developer G distributed respectively along the tangential magnetic field formed by 138 and 139 is held and conveyed.
Then, the developer G held on the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 is directed to the respective developing areas D1 and D2, and has a predetermined developer by substantially the same operation as in the first embodiment. The transport amount is set to MOS (MOS1, MOS2) and is transported as a predetermined developer layer to the development areas D1, D2.
Development voltages VB1 and VB2 are applied to the developing rolls 41 and 42 from developing power supplies 67 and 68, respectively, and are subjected to development by substantially the same operation as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3
FIG. 10 shows the overall configuration of the developing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
In the figure, the developing device 34 has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but unlike the first embodiment, the surface of the first developing roll 41 is, for example, a smooth surface 66 having a maximum height of 5 μm or less. Instead of the layer regulating member 45 formed and opposed to the first developing roll 41, a rotatable layer regulating member 140 (rotary trimmer) is provided. In addition, about the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1, the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1 is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.
As shown in FIG. 11A, the layer regulating member (rotating trimmer) 140 rotates at least in the same direction at a portion facing the first developing roll 41, and the developer transport amount by the first developing roll 41. The developer layer that is conveyed to the developing zone D1 of the first developing roll 41 is regulated by setting the MOS substantially constant and changing the circumferential velocity vr to variably set the developer conveying amount MOS. It is.
In the present embodiment, when the change in the MOS when the peripheral speed vr of the layer regulating member (rotating trimmer) 140 was changed was measured, the tendency shown in FIG. 11B was observed.
In this figure, the horizontal axis represents the peripheral speed ratio of the rotary trimmer 140 (vs. developing roller peripheral speed). As shown in FIG. 11A, the first developing roll 41 (specifically, the developing sleeve 61) When the peripheral speed vr of the rotary trimmer 140 is changed under the condition that the rotary trimmer 140 is rotated in the same direction at the opposite part of the MOS, the MOS gradually increases. In this example, the vicinity of the maximum allowable usage amount MOSh is maximized. It is understood that it is changing.

Thus, the reason why the MOS increases / decreases by increasing / decreasing the peripheral speed vr of the rotary trimmer 140 is estimated as follows.
That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, if the rotation speed (peripheral speed) vr of the layer regulating member (rotary trimmer) 140 is set to an initial setting value, the conveyance force to the developer G as the rotary trimmer 140 rotates. The developer G to which the conveying force is applied passes through the layer regulation part B1 (B) of the rotary trimmer 140, and reaches the developing region D1 with a predetermined developer conveying amount (MOS).
Here, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the rotation speed (peripheral speed) vr of the layer regulating member (rotary trimmer) 140 decreases, the developer G is transported to a small amount as the rotation of the rotary trimmer 45 decreases. The developer G to which a force is applied and a small transport force is applied passes through the layer regulation part B1 (B) of the rotary trimmer 140, and reaches the development region D1 with MOS (reduction) indicated by a two-dot chain line.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the rotation speed (peripheral speed) vr of the layer regulating member (rotary trimmer) 140 increases, the developer G has a large conveying force as the rotation of the rotary trimmer 140 increases. The developer G to which a large conveying force is applied passes through the layer regulating portion B1 (B) of the rotary trimmer 140, and reaches the developing region D1 with MOS (increase) indicated by a dotted line.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, the rotation driving of the rotary trimmer 140 is stopped while the first developing roll 41 (specifically, the developing sleeve 61) is rotating at a constant peripheral speed vd1. Then, MOS = 0. At this time, the supply of the developer G to the development area D1 is interrupted.
As described above, when the rotation driving of the rotary trimmer 140 is stopped (vr = 0) while the developing sleeve 61 of the first developing roll 41 is rotated at the constant peripheral speed vd1, the development by the rotation of the rotary trimmer 140 is performed. Since the conveying force with respect to the agent G becomes zero, the developer G held on the first developing roll 41 is dammed by the rotating trimmer 140 whose upper portion is stopped and the lower portion of the developer G held by the first developing roll 41. It is presumed that it slides on the smooth surface 66 and stays in the layer regulation part B1 without passing through the layer regulation part B1. In this example, as shown in FIG. 11B, even when the layer regulating member (rotating trimmer) 140 is rotated in the reverse direction, the conveyance of the developer G is stopped at the layer regulating site B1 (B). It has been confirmed.

<Drive transmission system>
In the present embodiment, a drive transmission system as shown in FIG. 12 is employed.
In the figure, the developing device 34 is driven by two drive motors (MOT1, MOT2) 71, 72.
The drive transmission system by one drive motor (MOT1) 71 has a drive gear 74 coaxially attached to the motor drive shaft 73, while the rotation shafts of the developing sleeves 61 of the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 are stirred and conveyed. Transmission gears 75 to 77 are coaxially attached to one end of the rotating shafts of the members 43 and 44, and the transmission gears 76 and 77 are engaged with each other. Further, an intermediate transmission gear 78 is interposed between the drive gear 74 and the transmission gear 76. And the intermediate transmission gear 78 are meshed with the transmission gear 76.
In the drive transmission system by the other drive motor (MOT2) 72, the drive gear 82 is coaxially attached to the motor drive shaft 81, while the transmission gear 83 is coaxially attached to the rotation shaft of the layer regulating member (rotary trimmer) 140. The gear 82 and the transmission gear 83 are engaged with each other.
The two drive motors 71 and 72 are rotated or stopped based on a control signal sent from the control device 100.
In this example, one drive motor 71 is configured to simultaneously drive or stop the developing sleeves 61 and the agitating / conveying members 43 and 44 of the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42. The other drive motor 72 is configured to rotationally drive or stop the layer regulating member (rotary trimmer) 140.

<Drive control system>
In the present embodiment, the control device 100 includes a computer system including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an input / output port. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, a use condition J (for example, J _{1 to} J ₃ ) of the image forming apparatus is set. The development drive control program received as an input signal and pre-installed in the ROM is executed by the CPU, and a control signal is sent to the two drive motors (MOT1, MOT2) 71, 72, via each drive motor 71, 72 Thus, the developing sleeves 61 and the like of the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 and the layer regulating member (rotary trimmer) 140 are driven and controlled.
In this example, the circumferential speed vd (vd1, vd2) of each developing sleeve 61 of the first and second developing rolls 41, 42 is set to a predetermined constant value (const.), And the layer regulating member (rotation) The peripheral speed vr of the trimmer 140 is variably set in a range between a predetermined lower limit value vmin and an upper limit value vmax.

Embodiment 4
FIG. 14A shows a developing device according to the fourth embodiment.
In the figure, a developing device 34 according to the present embodiment has a basic configuration of the developing device according to the third embodiment, and further includes a third developing roll 150. Components similar to those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
In this example, the developing device 34 arranges a plurality (three in this example) of developing rolls 41, 42, and 150 that can hold and convey the developer G at a location facing the photoreceptor 31 of the developing container 40. The developer G is supplied to the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 using the developer conveying system using the stirring and conveying members 43 and 44 similar to that in the first embodiment, and then the same as in the third embodiment. The developer layer held on the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 is regulated by a rotating layer regulating member (rotating trimmer) 140 and a plate-like layer regulating member (fixed trimmer) 46. is there.
In particular, in this example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the third developing roll 150 is disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 31 with respect to the first developing roll 41. The developing sleeve 61 and the magnet roll 62 are substantially the same as the second developing rolls 41 and 42, and the developing sleeve 61 has a rough surface (not shown) through which the developer G can be conveyed. By connecting a developing power supply 67 to the developing sleeve 61, a developing electric field is applied to the developing area D3 (D) facing the photoreceptor 31.
Further, a developer delivery section 160 is formed at a portion where the third developing roll 150 and the first developing roll 41 are opposed to each other. The developer delivery section 160 is provided with magnetic poles 161 and 162 (S pole in this example) for forming a repulsive magnetic field on the first developing roll 41 side, and an attracting magnetic pole 163 on the third developing roll 130 side. Thus, the developer G is delivered.
In the present embodiment, the separated developer G is returned to the site where the agitating and conveying members 43 and 44 in the developing chamber 47 are disposed at the site corresponding to the developer peeling site of the third developing roll 150. A guide plate 146 is provided.

In this example, the control operation processing by the control device 100 uses the control algorithm used in the third embodiment for the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42, and further adds the third developing roll 150. A control algorithm may be executed.
According to the present embodiment, the developer G held on the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment. The layer is regulated by a member (fixed trimmer) 46 and is used for development in the respective development areas D1 and D2.
Thereafter, the developer G that has passed through the developing zone D1 of the first developing roll 41 is delivered to the third developing roll 150 by the developer delivery section 160, and the third developing roll 150 is delivered to the third developing roll 150. The developer G is transported while being held, and is subjected to development in the development zone D <b> 3, and then returned to the development chamber 47 through the guide plate 146 from the developer peeling site.
In addition, the developer G on the second developing roll 42 passes through the developing area D <b> 2 and is then peeled off at the developer peeling site and returned to the developing chamber 47.
In this embodiment, one third developing roll 150 is added. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first developing roll 41 is located upstream in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 31. A plurality of additional developing rolls may be arranged, or separately from the present embodiment, one or a plurality of additional developing rolls are arranged on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 31 with respect to the second developing roll 42. Alternatively, one or a plurality of additional developing rolls may be disposed at locations adjacent to both the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42. The same applies to the fifth embodiment.

Embodiment 5
FIG. 15 shows a developing device according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment is a reference form related to the present invention.
In the figure, a developing device 34 according to the present embodiment has a basic configuration of the developing device according to the first embodiment, and further includes a third developing roll 150. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
In this example, the developing device 34 arranges a plurality (three in this example) of developing rolls 41, 42, and 150 that can hold and convey the developer G at a location facing the photoreceptor 31 of the developing container 40. After the developer G is supplied to the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 using the developer conveying system with the agitating and conveying members 43 and 44 similar to the first embodiment, what is the first embodiment? The developer held on the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 by the plate-like layer regulating members (fixed trimmers) 45 and 46 in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment, although the positional relationship is slightly different. It is what regulates the stratum.
In particular, in this example, as shown in FIG. 15, the third developing roller 150 is disposed downstream of the second developing roller 42 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 31, and the first and second developing rollers 150 are arranged. The developing sleeve 61 and the magnet roll 62 are substantially the same as the developing rolls 41 and 42, and the developing sleeve 61 has a rough surface (not shown) through which the developer G can be conveyed. By connecting a developing power supply 68 (developing voltage VB2) to 61, a developing electric field is applied to the developing area D3 (D) facing the photoreceptor 31.
Further, a developer delivery portion 160 is formed at a portion where the third developing roll 150 and the second developing roll 42 are opposed to each other. The developer delivery unit 160 is configured in substantially the same manner as the developer delivery unit 160 of the fifth embodiment.

In this example, the control operation processing by the control device 100 uses the control algorithm used in the first embodiment for the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42, and the second and third developing rolls 42 and 150. What is necessary is just to add the control algorithm about.
According to the present embodiment, the developer G held on the first and second developing rolls 41 and 42 is a plate-like layer regulating member (fixed trimmer) 45 by substantially the same operation as in the first embodiment. , 46 and are subjected to development in the respective development areas D1 and D2.
Thereafter, the developer G that has passed through the development zone D2 of the second developing roll 42 is delivered to the third developing roll 150 by the developer delivery section 160, and the third developing roll 150 is delivered. The developer G is transported while being held, and is subjected to development in the development zone D <b> 3, and then returned to the development chamber 47 through the guide plate 146 from the developer peeling site.
In addition, the developer G on the first developing roll 41 passes through the developing area D <b> 1, is peeled off at the developer peeling portion, and is returned to the developing chamber 47.

Example 1
The developing apparatus according to the first embodiment is referred to as Example 1, and its performance is evaluated.
In the first embodiment, the apparatus configuration is specifically as follows.
Photoreceptor diameter φ84
First and second developing roll diameter φ25
Process speed 400mm / sec
Peripheral speed ratio of the first developing roll to the peripheral speed vp of the photoreceptor: 1.8
Peripheral speed ratio of the second developing roll to the peripheral speed vp of the photoreceptor: 1.4
Distance between photoconductor and developing roll 0.250 mm
Developer transport amount of first developing roll: 250 g / m ²
Developer transport amount of second developing roll: 210 g / m ²
Developing voltage applied to the first developing roll:
Frequency: 18kHz, Vpp1: 1.5kV Duty ratio: 50%
Development voltage applied to the second development roll:
Frequency: 18kHz, Vpp1: 0.6kV Duty ratio: 50%
◎ Comparative Example 1
Comparative Example 1 was substantially the same as the example, but the developing voltage applied to the second developing roll was the same as the developing voltage applied to the first developing roll.

<Relationship between carrier diameter and number of carrier transitions on photoreceptor surface>
With respect to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the developer having a changed carrier diameter was used to examine the carrier transfer phenomenon to the photoreceptor, and the result shown in FIG. 16 was obtained.
According to the figure, it was confirmed that the carrier transfer phenomenon was less than the target value (set to 200 in this example) even when the carrier diameter was less than 35 μm (for example, 30 μm and 25 μm). Furthermore, when the carrier diameter was reduced to 20 μm, the target value selected in advance was slightly exceeded, but it was confirmed that the carrier transition phenomenon can be sufficiently suppressed.
On the other hand, in the comparative example, it was confirmed that when the carrier diameter was less than 35 μm, all exceeded the target value.
As a result, it is understood that the difference in the setting of the AC component Vpp of the developing voltage greatly contributes to the suppression of the carrier transition phenomenon. <Relationship between carrier resistance and BCO generation voltage>
When the carrier resistance of the developer used in the example was changed and the carrier resistance and the BCO generation voltage (voltage at which the carrier was transferred onto the photoreceptor and visually recognized as a white spot on the image) were examined, the result shown in FIG. 17 was obtained. I was able to.
The measurement of the carrier resistance here is calculated based on the result measured by the measuring method shown in FIG.
According to the figure, as the developer, a pressure resistance of 300 V or more is necessary to control the density by adjusting the developing electric field due to environmental fluctuations or TC fluctuations, and so on. It is understood that a resistance value is preferred.

<Relationship between Vpp of first developing roll and number of defects accompanying carrier transfer on paper>
In Example 1 (second developing roll Vpp: 0.6 kV) and Comparative Example 1 (second developing roll Vpp: 1.2 kV), Vpp of the first developing roll was changed, and on the paper at that time When the number of defects accompanying carrier transfer was counted, the results shown in FIG. 18 were obtained.
In this figure, the experimental conditions are set so that defects are likely to occur in the potential condition and the nip condition in the development area in order to make it easy to detect defects . In this figure, about 20 defects are practically used. It doesn't matter.
According to the figure, in the embodiment, even when Vpp1 of the first developing roll is set larger than Vpp2 of the second developing roll, the number of defects is at a level that does not cause a problem.
On the other hand, it is understood that the number of defects is larger in Comparative Example 1 than in Example 1.
<Relationship of Vpp of first and second developing rolls>
In setting Vpp of the first and second developing rolls, Vpp1 of the first developing roll is changed, and the lowest value of Vpp of the second developing roll when the developing performance is good in each case is set. When measured, the result shown in FIG. 19 was obtained.
According to the figure, it can be understood that if Vpp (Vpp1) of the first developing roll is set high, Vpp (Vpp2) of the second developing roll can be set low. This is presumed that when the Vpp of the first developing roll is set high, the developing performance is sufficiently exhibited by the large Vpp, and the developing performance by the second developing roll can be reduced. .
For example, when Vpp of the first developing roll is 1.5kV is, Vpp of the second developing roll is grasped that may be 0.6 kV.

<Examination of development voltage parameters>
Regarding Vpp of the second developing roll, Vcln (see FIG. 6A) regarding Comparative Example 2 (50% → 65%) in which the duty ratio of Comparative Example 1 was changed in addition to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 As a result, it was found that Vcln (Δ) was 170 V and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were 75 V and 65 V, respectively.
In the first embodiment, Vcln (Δ) is 170V, so that Vcln itself can be set large. At this time, in Example 1 (Vpp2 is set to be small), by reducing Vpp2, the reverse electric field acting on the background portion of the photoconductor can be reduced, and the carrier transfer phenomenon is more effectively suppressed accordingly. Is possible.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st developer holding body, 2 ... 2nd developer holding body, 3 (3a, 3b) ... Development voltage application apparatus, 4 ... Layer regulation member, 5 ... Conveyance variable mechanism, 11 ... Image holding body, 12 ... latent image forming device, 13 ... developing device, 15 ... control device, VB (VB1, VB2) ... developing voltage, G ... developer, T ... toner, C ... carrier

Claims (7)

The electrostatic latent image can be held and is provided opposite to the circulating image holding member, and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the image holding member at a portion facing the image holding member and also holds the image holding member. A first developer holding that holds and conveys a developer containing toner and a carrier of less than 35 μm toward a developing area located at a position facing the image holding body so as to develop an electrostatic latent image on the body Body,
The image holding member is provided opposite to the image holding member, and is disposed on the downstream side of the first developer holding member with respect to the moving direction of the image holding member. The developer rotates and rotates in the same direction as the moving body, and holds and conveys the developer toward a developing area located at a position facing the image holding body so as to develop the electrostatic latent image on the image holding body. A second developer holding body,
The first and second developer so as to form a developing electric field capable of developing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with respect to the developer held on the first and second developer carriers. A developing voltage applying device that applies a developing voltage including a direct current component and a periodically changing alternating current component to the developer holder, and
The developing voltage applying apparatus, reduce the maximum amplitude of the AC component of said first developing voltage as compared to the maximum amplitude of the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the second developer holding member to be applied to the developer carrier set,
Synchronize the parameters other than the maximum amplitude in common with respect to the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the first and second developer holders,
Among the parameters of the developing voltage applied to the first and second developer holders, at least the maximum amplitude of the AC component is variably set.
Further, it corresponds to at least one of the first and second developer holders at a position upstream of the portion where the first developer holder and the second developer holder face each other in the developer transport direction. And a developer variable mechanism that variably sets a developer conveyance amount held on at least one of the first and second developer holders . The developing device according to claim 1,
In measuring the resistance of the developer carrier, the carrier is placed in a pair of magnet plates facing each other at an interval of 1 mm, and a DC voltage of 1000 V is applied to both ends of the pair of magnet plates so as to steadily move between the pair of magnet plates. A developing device using a measuring method of measuring a flowing current and having a resistance of a carrier calculated based on the measurement result of 8.5 logΩ or more. The developing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The developing device is characterized in that the maximum amplitude of the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the second developer holding member is set to 0.6 kV or less. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The developing device is characterized in that the maximum amplitude of the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the first developer holder is set to 1.5 kV or more. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
It is provided facing the image carrier so as to be added separately from the first or second developer carrier, and opposed to the image carrier so as to develop the electrostatic latent image of the image carrier. One or a plurality of additional developer holders that hold and convey the developer toward a development area located at a site;
These additional developer holders are provided between the first or second developer holders or between a plurality of additional developer holders, and the first or second developer holder is used for development. Delivery means for delivering the supplied developer,
When the additional developer holding member is located downstream of the second developer holding member in the moving direction of the image holding member, the moving direction of the image holding member at a portion facing the image holding member. And moving in the direction of the image carrier at a position opposite to the image carrier when the image developer is located upstream of the first developer carrier. Rotate in the opposite direction,
The development voltage application device is configured to apply the second developer holder to the second developer holder that is located downstream of the second developer holder in the moving direction of the image carrier. A developing voltage including an AC component having a maximum amplitude less than the maximum amplitude of the AC component of the developing voltage applied to the developer holding member is applied, and is positioned upstream of the first developer holding member in the moving direction of the image holding member. And a developing voltage including an alternating current component having an amplitude greater than or equal to a maximum amplitude of an alternating current component of the developing voltage applied to the first developer holding body. An image carrier that can hold an electrostatic latent image and circulates;
A latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier;
The claims 1 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a developing device according to 5 any one. An image carrier that can hold an electrostatic latent image and circulates;
A latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier;
And a developing device according to claim 1, wherein for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control device that controls a parameter of a developing voltage by the developing voltage application device or the variable conveyance mechanism according to a use condition of the image forming apparatus.

Images