JP7101343B2 - Developing equipment, process cartridges, and image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction device thereof, and a developing apparatus and a process cartridge installed therein.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a developing apparatus containing a developing agent such as a two-component developer composed of toner and a carrier, and sending air from the inside of the developing apparatus to the outside. It is known that an opening for the purpose is formed and a filter is installed so as to cover the opening (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Specifically, the developing case (case) in the developing apparatus has an opening that communicates inside and outside, and a filter (toner filter) is covered in the opening. On the other hand, it is on the downstream side of the developing region in order to prevent toner from scattering from an opening formed in the developing apparatus so that the developing roller (developer carrier) faces the photoconductor drum (image carrier). The above-mentioned gap is set in the gap between the developing roller and the developing case so that a suction airflow is formed toward the inside of the developing apparatus by the pumping action. Due to such a configuration, the internal pressure of the developing apparatus tends to increase, and the above-mentioned opening and the filter function in order to prevent toner from scattering from the gaps of the apparatus due to the increase in the internal pressure. That is, by providing the opening covered with the filter, the toner is collected and only the air is ventilated while preventing the toner from scattering to the outside, and the increase in the internal pressure of the developing apparatus is suppressed.

On the other hand, in a developing apparatus in which such a filter is installed, a technique of giving vibration to the filter is known for the purpose of reducing a problem that the filter is clogged with toner over time and does not function as a filter.
Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of vibrating a filter in the horizontal direction using a vibration motor or a piezoelectric element as a vibration source.

Since the conventional developing device described above vibrates the filter, it can be expected to have the effect of reducing the problem that the filter is clogged with toner over time and the function as a filter is deteriorated. That is, it can be expected to have the effect of reducing the problem that the function as a filter is deteriorated and toner is scattered due to an increase in the internal pressure of the developing apparatus.
However, in the conventional developing apparatus, the above-mentioned effect may not be sufficient yet.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and efficiently and sufficiently reduces the problem of the filter being clogged with toner, such as a developing device, a process cartridge, an image forming device, and a powder. To provide a body containment device.

The developing apparatus in the present invention is a developing apparatus driven by a driving means to develop a latent image formed on an image carrier to form a toner image, and has an opening so as to communicate with the inside and outside of the developing apparatus. A developing case in which the It is equipped with a means of swaying and swaying.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing device, a process cartridge, an image forming device, and a powder containing device, which can efficiently and sufficiently reduce the problem of clogging of a filter with toner.

It is an overall block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the image-making part. (A) A schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the developing device in the longitudinal direction, and (B) a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower part of the developing device in the longitudinal direction. It is a perspective view which shows the developing apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows one end side of a developing apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the other end side of a developing apparatus. A perspective view showing (A) one end side and a perspective view showing (B) the other end side of the filter unit. It is a perspective view which shows the cam unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a cam mountain and a filter unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the drive transmission path to a cam unit. It is an enlarged view which shows the neighborhood of the filter unit installed in a developing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the overlapping description thereof will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

First, FIG. 1 describes the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 1.
In FIG. 1, 1 is a tandem color copier as an image forming apparatus, 3 is a document transport section for transporting a document to a document reading section, 4 is a document reading section for reading image information of a document, and 5 is loaded with an output image. A paper ejection tray and 7 indicate a paper feeding unit in which a sheet P such as paper is housed.
Further, 9 is a resist roller (timing roller) that adjusts the transfer timing of the sheet P, and 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK are photosensitive as an image carrier on which a toner image of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) is formed. Shows the body drum.
Further, 13 is a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11BK, and 14 is a toner image formed on the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11BK. Is shown as a primary transfer bias roller, which transfers the sheet P on top of the sheet P.
Further, 17 is an intermediate transfer belt on which toner images of a plurality of colors are superimposed and transferred, 18 is a secondary transfer bias roller for transferring a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 onto the sheet P, and 20 is a secondary transfer bias roller on the sheet P. A fixing device for fixing an unfixed image, 28 indicates a toner container of each color for supplying toner of each color (yellow, cyan, magenta, black) to the developing device 13.

Hereinafter, the operation of a normal color image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus will be described. Note that FIG. 2 can also be referred to for the image forming process performed on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK.
First, the original is conveyed from the platen by the transfer roller of the original transfer unit 3 and placed on the contact glass of the original reading unit 4. Then, the document reading unit 4 optically reads the image information of the document placed on the contact glass.

Specifically, the document reading unit 4 scans the image of the document on the contact glass while irradiating the light emitted from the illumination lamp. Then, the light reflected by the document is imaged on the color sensor via the mirror group and the lens. The color image information of the original is read by the color sensor for each RGB (red, green, blue) color separation light, and then converted into an electrical image signal. Further, based on the RGB color separation image signal, the image processing unit performs processing such as color conversion processing, color correction processing, and spatial frequency correction processing to obtain color image information of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

Then, the image information of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is transmitted to the writing unit. Then, the laser beam L (see FIG. 2) based on the image information of each color is emitted from the writing unit toward the surfaces of the corresponding photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK, respectively.

On the other hand, each of the four photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK is rotated clockwise in FIG. 1. First, the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK are uniformly charged at the portion facing the charging device 12 (see FIG. 2) (the charging step). In this way, a charging potential is formed on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK. After that, the surfaces of the charged photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK reach the irradiation positions of the respective laser beams L.
In the writing unit, laser light corresponding to an image signal is emitted from four light sources corresponding to each color. Each laser beam passes through a different optical path for each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color components (exposure process).

The laser beam corresponding to the yellow component irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 11Y, which is the first from the left side of the paper surface. At this time, the laser beam of the yellow component is scanned in the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photoconductor drum 11Y by the polygon mirror rotating at high speed. In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow component is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11Y after being charged by the charging device 12.

Similarly, the laser beam corresponding to the magenta component is applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 11M second from the left on the paper surface to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta component. The cyan component laser beam is applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 11C, which is the third from the left on the paper surface, to form an electrostatic latent image of the cyan component. The laser beam of the black component is applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 11BK, which is the fourth from the left on the paper surface, to form an electrostatic latent image of the black component.

After that, the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK on which the electrostatic latent images of each color are formed reach the positions facing each other with the developing device 13. Then, toner of each color is supplied from each developing device 13 to the surface of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11BK, and the latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11BK is developed (development step). It is.).
After that, the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK after the developing step reach the facing portions with the intermediate transfer belt 17, respectively. Here, a primary transfer bias roller 14 is installed on each of the facing portions so as to abut on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, at the position of the primary transfer bias roller 14, toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK are sequentially superimposed and transferred on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 (primary transfer). It is a transfer process.).

Then, the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK after the transfer step reach the positions facing each other with the cleaning device 15. Then, the cleaning device 15 recovers the untransferred toner remaining on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK (this is a cleaning step).
After that, the surface potential of the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK is eliminated at the position of the static elimination unit, and a series of image forming processes on the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK are completed.

On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 17 on which the toners of the respective colors on the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11BK are overlapped and transferred (supported) travels in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. Reach the opposite position of. Then, the color toner image supported on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is transferred onto the sheet P at the position facing the secondary transfer bias roller 18 (the secondary transfer step).
After that, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device. Then, the untransferred toner adhering on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device, and a series of transfer processes on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is completed.

Here, the sheet P conveyed between the intermediate transfer belt 17 and the secondary transfer bias roller 18 (which is the secondary transfer nip) is conveyed from the paper feed unit 7 via the resist roller 9 and the like. It is a thing.
Specifically, the sheet P fed by the paper feed roller 8 is guided to the resist roller 9 from the paper feed unit 7 for accommodating the sheet P after passing through the transport guide. The sheet P that has reached the resist roller 9 is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip at the same timing.

Then, the sheet P to which the full-color image is transferred is subsequently guided to the fixing device 20. In the fixing device 20, the color image is fixed on the sheet P by the nip of the fixing roller and the pressure roller.
Then, the sheet P after the fixing step is discharged as an output image to the outside of the apparatus main body 1 by the paper ejection roller, and is stacked on the paper ejection tray 5, to complete a series of image forming processes.

Next, the image forming portion in the image forming apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming unit. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view (horizontal cross-sectional view) of the upper part of the developing apparatus 13 (position of the second transport screw 13b2 as the second transport member) viewed in the longitudinal direction, and is FIG. (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the developing apparatus 13 (the position of the first transport screw 13b1 as the first transport member) as viewed in the longitudinal direction.
Since each image forming unit has almost the same structure, the image forming unit and the developing device are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 by excluding the alphabets (Y, C, M, BK) of the reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit includes a photoconductor drum 11 as an image carrier, a charging device 12, a developing device 13, a cleaning device 15, and the like.
The photoconductor drum 11 as an image carrier is a negatively charged organic photoconductor, and is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction of FIG. 2 by a rotation drive mechanism.

The charging device 12 is an elastic charging roller in which a medium-resistance urethane foam layer in which a urethane resin, carbon black as conductive particles, a sulfide agent, a foaming agent, etc. are formulated is formed in a roller shape on a core metal. The material of the medium resistance layer of the charging device 12 is urethane, ethylene-propylene-diene polyethylene (EPDM), butadiene acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, etc., and carbon black or metal oxide for resistance adjustment. It is also possible to use a rubber material in which a conductive substance such as is dispersed, or a foamed material thereof.
The cleaning device 15 is provided with a cleaning blade that is in sliding contact with the photoconductor drum 11, and mechanically removes and recovers the untransferred toner on the photoconductor drum 11.

In the developing apparatus 13, a developing roller 13a as a developer carrier is arranged so as to be close to the photoconductor drum 11, and a developing region (development) in which the photoconductor drum 11 and the magnetic brush come into contact with each other is in the opposite portion. Nip portion) is formed. A developer G (two-component developer) composed of a toner T and a carrier C is housed in the developing apparatus 13. In the present embodiment, a predetermined amount of the developer G having a toner concentration of 7% by weight is contained in the developing apparatus 13. Then, the developing apparatus 13 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 11 to form a toner image.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the toner container 28 houses the toner T to be supplied into the developing apparatus 13 inside the toner container 28. Specifically, based on the information of the toner concentration (the ratio of the toner in the developing agent G) detected by the magnetic sensor 13m as the toner concentration detecting means installed in the developing device 13, the toner transfer tube is used. Then, the toner T is appropriately replenished from the toner container 28 toward the inside of the developing device 13 from the toner replenishment port 13e.

Hereinafter, the developing device 13 in the image forming device will be described in detail.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing apparatus 13 includes a developing roller 13a as a developer carrier, a first transport screw 13b1 as a first transport member, a second transport screw 13b2 as a second transport member, and development. It is composed of a doctor blade 13c as an agent controlling member, a filter unit including a filter 13p and a holding member 13q, a sealing member 13r, and the like.

In the developing roller 13a, a sleeve 13a2 formed of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel, or a conductive resin in a cylindrical shape is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 2 by a driving motor 50 as a driving means. It is configured in. In the sleeve 13a2 of the developing roller 13a, a magnet 13a1 forming a plurality of magnetic poles is fixedly provided on the peripheral surface of the sleeve 13a2. The developer G supported on the developing roller 13a is conveyed along with the rotation of the developing roller 13a in the arrow direction and reaches the position of the doctor blade 13c. Then, the developer G on the developing roller 13a is restricted to an appropriate amount at this position and then conveyed to a position facing the photoconductor drum 11 (a developing region). Then, the toner is adsorbed on the latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 11 by the electric field (developing electric field) formed in the developing region. The developing roller 13a rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2, and the photoconductor drum 11 rotates clockwise in FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 2 and the like, the doctor blade 13c is a non-magnetic plate-shaped member (a part thereof may be formed of a magnetic material) arranged below the developing roller 13a.

The two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 stir and mix the developer G contained in the developing apparatus 13 while circulating in the longitudinal direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2).
The first transport screw 13b1 is disposed at a position facing the developing roller 13a, and horizontally transports the developer G from one end side in the longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction) toward the other end side (FIG. 3 (FIG. 3). The developer G is supplied onto the developing roller 13a (supplied in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 3B) together with the transport in the left direction shown by the broken line arrow in B). The first transport screw 13b1 rotates counterclockwise in FIG.

The second transport screw 13b2 is arranged above the first transport screw 13b1 at a position facing the developing roller 13a. Then, the developer G detached from the developing roller 13a (the developer G forcibly detached from the developing roller 13a after the developing step and detached in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 3A) is removed. It is horizontally transported from the other end side in the longitudinal direction toward one end side (transportation in the right direction shown by the broken arrow in FIG. 3A). In this embodiment, the rotation direction of the second transport screw 13b2 is set to be opposite to the rotation direction of the developing roller 13a (clockwise in FIG. 2).
Then, the second transport screw 13b2 transfers the developer G flowing in from the downstream side of the first transport path by the first transport screw 13b1 via the first relay portion 13f to the first transport path by the first transport screw 13b1. It is transported to the upstream side via the second relay unit 13 g (clockwise transport shown by the alternate long and short dash arrow in FIG. 3).
Like the developing rollers 13a and the photoconductor drum 11, the two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 are arranged so that the rotation axes are substantially horizontal. Further, each of the two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 is a screw member in which the screw portion is spirally wound around the shaft portion. Then, each of the two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 is rotationally driven by inputting the drive input from the drive motor 50 (driving means) to the developing roller 13a via the gear train.

Here, the first transport path by the first transport screw 13b1 and the second transport path by the second transport screw 13b2 are separated by a wall portion except for both ends in the longitudinal direction.
With reference to FIG. 3, the downstream side of the second transport path by the second transport screw 13b2 and the upstream side of the first transport path by the first transport screw 13b1 communicate with each other via the second relay portion 13g. .. The developer G that has reached the downstream side of the second transport path by the second transport screw 13b2 drops by its own weight at the second relay portion 13 g and reaches the upstream side of the first transport path.
Further, referring to FIG. 3, the downstream side of the first transport path by the first transport screw 13b1 and the upstream side of the second transport path by the second transport screw 13b2 communicate with each other via the first relay unit 13f. ing. Then, the developer G that was not supplied onto the developing roller 13a in the first transport path by the first transport screw 13b1 stays in the vicinity of the first relay section 13f and rises, and the developer G rises through the first relay section 13f. 2 It will flow (convey) to the upstream side of the second transport path by the transport screw 13b2.

With such a configuration, the two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 form a circulation path for circulating the developer G in the photofinishing apparatus 13 in the longitudinal direction. That is, when the developing apparatus 13 is operated, the developing agent G contained in the developing apparatus 13 flows in the clockwise direction indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG. Then, in this way, the supply path of the developer G to the developing roller 13a (the first transport path by the first transport screw 13b1) and the recovery path of the developer G detached from the developing roller 13a (the second transport screw). By separating from (1), which is the second transport path according to 13b2, the density deviation of the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 11 can be reduced.

A magnetic sensor 13m (toner concentration detecting means) for detecting the toner concentration of the developer circulating in the apparatus is installed in the transport path by the first transport screw 13b1. Then, based on the toner concentration information detected by the magnetic sensor 13m, the toner container 28 is arranged in the vicinity of the toner supply port 13e (the second transport path extending portion and the first relay portion 13f). .), A new toner T (replenishment toner) is replenished into the developing apparatus 13.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 2, 4 to 6, 11 and the like, an opening 13k1 is formed in the developing case 13k at a position above the second transport path by the second transport screw 13b2. A filter 13p is installed so as to cover the opening 13k1. In other words, a flow path for sending air from the inside of the developing device 13 to the outside is formed in the developing case 13k. A filter 13p is installed so as to cover a part of the flow path. The filter 13p is made of a mesh smaller than the particle size of the toner T and the carrier C, and is formed so that only air can pass through. As a result, the problem that the pressure inside the developing device 13 rises and the toner scatters from the gap of the developing device 13 is reduced.
The filter 13p is held by a holding member 13q made of a resin material, and is held in the direction of the rotation axis by the oscillating means (in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2 and in the direction of the double-headed arrows in FIGS. 5 and 6). It is configured to be oscillating, which will be explained in detail later.

In the present embodiment, known toners T and carriers C can be used. In this embodiment, a toner T having a small diameter of 10 μm or less is used, and a carrier C having a small diameter of 40 μm or less is used.

Hereinafter, characteristic configurations and operations of the developing apparatus 13 of the present embodiment will be described.
As described above with reference to FIG. 2 and the like, the developing device 13 is driven by a drive motor 50 as a drive means. Specifically, a drive is input from the drive motor 50 to the developing roller 13a (sleeve 13a2), the developing roller 13a (sleeve 13a2) rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2, and the drive input to the developing roller 13a is a gear. The two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 are input to the two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 via the row, respectively, and the two transport screws 13b1 and 13b2 rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In the present embodiment, the drive motor 50 for driving the developing device 13 is a developing motor for the developing device provided separately from the motor for driving the photoconductor drum 11 and the like.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 11, the developing apparatus 13 is provided with a developing case 13k in which an opening 13k1 is formed so as to communicate with the inside and outside of the developing apparatus 13.
Then, in the developing apparatus 13, a filter 13p formed so as to collect and ventilate the developer G (particularly the toner T) is developed via the holding member 13q so as to cover the opening 13k1. It is held in the case 13k.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 11, 11 and the like, the filter 13p has a periphery of the filter surface (the surface facing the inside of the developing device 13 and the surface to which the toner T adheres). It is held by the holding member 13q so as to abut on the upper surface of the holding member 13q. The holding member 13q is provided with a through hole so that the opening 13k1 of the developing case 13k opens toward the outside of the apparatus. In this way, the filter 13p and the holding member 13q are integrated to form a filter unit. With such a configuration, a flow path for sending air to the outside is formed from the inside of the developing apparatus 13 through the opening 13k1, the through hole of the holding member 13q, and the filter 13p. ..

Then, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the filter 13p covers the opening 13k1 and has a predetermined oscillating direction (along the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13a) with respect to the developing case 13k. It is held in a swingable direction (in the longitudinal direction). Specifically, the holding member 13q (filter unit) holding the filter 13p is oscillated in the longitudinal direction (swivel direction) with respect to the developing case 13k. The developing case 13k is formed with a rail portion for enabling smooth movement of such filter units 13p and 13q.
Further, the developing apparatus 13 in the present embodiment is driven by a drive motor 50 (driving means) to oscillate the filter 13p and the holding member 13q (filter unit) in the longitudinal direction (swivel direction). Mechanisms 13n and 13j are provided.

That is, the filter 13p and the holding member 13q (filter unit) are vibrated in the directions of the double-headed arrows of FIGS. Will be. As a result, the toner T adhering to the surface of the filter 13p is shaken off.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the opening 13k1 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the direction along the longitudinal direction of the developing apparatus 13 as the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the filter 13p (filter unit) that swings in the longitudinal direction while covering the opening 13k1 is configured so that the longitudinal range includes the longitudinal range of the opening 13k1 including the swinging range. Has been done.

Specifically, the swing mechanism (swing means) is composed of a cam unit 13n provided with a cam 13n3, a compression spring 13j as a biasing member, and the like.
The cam 13n3 of the cam unit 13n is rotationally driven by a drive motor 50 (driving means) with the direction along the swaying direction as the rotation axis direction, and is configured to abut on the cam follower portion 13q1 of the holding member 13q.
The compression spring 13j (the urging member) urges the holding member 13q on one end side in the swaying direction in the direction in which the cam follower portion 13q1 abuts on the cam 13n3. That is, the filter units 13p and 13q are urged by the compression spring 13j in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7B, and the cam follower portion 13q1 is maintained in contact with the cam 13n3.
The cam follower portion 13q1 is a contact portion formed so as to stand downward (in the direction in which the cam 13n3 is located) on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the holding member 13q and abut on the cam 13n3.

Further, referring to FIG. 8, the cam unit 13n is provided with a gear portion 13n1, a one-way clutch 13n2, and a shaft portion 13n4 in addition to the cam 13n3.
Specifically, the cam 13n3 is integrally formed with the shaft portion 13n4. Further, the cam 13n3 is provided with a plurality of cam ridges 13n30 formed so as to be inclined stepwise in the swing direction at intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, when the cam 13n3 rotates around the shaft portion 13n4 together with the shaft portion 13n4, as shown in FIG. 9, the cam peak 13n30 whose height gradually increases in three stages sequentially performs the cam follower portion 13q1 of the filter unit 13p and 13q. , The compression spring 13j is pushed toward the other end side in the longitudinal direction (to the right in FIG. 9) so as to resist the urging force. As shown in FIG. 9, between the cam ridges 13n30 and the cam ridges 13n30, the height (the distance in the swaying direction) from the top of the cam ridges is relatively large.
On the other hand, the shaft portion 13n4 is held by the gear portion 13n1 via the one-way clutch 13n2. As shown in FIG. 10, the gear portion 13n1 meshes with the idler gear 13t that meshes with the gear 13s installed on the shaft portion of the developing roller 13a (sleeve 13a2). Therefore, the drive is transmitted from the drive motor 50 to the gear portion 13n1 via the gear 13s and the idler gear 13t. The drive transmitted to the gear portion 13n1 is transmitted to the shaft portion 13n4 to rotate the cam 13n3 when the one-way clutch 13n2 is engaged (in the present embodiment, it is a reverse rotation time described later). It will be.

Then, when the drive of the drive motor 50 is transmitted to the shaft portion 13n4 and the cam 13n3 rotates in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of cam ridges 13n30 sequentially pass through the positions of the cam follower portions 13q1. At this time, since each of the plurality of cam ridges 13n30 is formed with three stepped ridges whose heights gradually increase, the filter units 13p and 13q have relatively small amplitudes each time they pass through the individual ridges. Will be swayed in the longitudinal direction.
Immediately after the cam follower portion 13q1 crosses the last third step of the three-tiered mountain, the push of the cam follower portion 13n30 against the cam follower portion 13q1 is released, and the filter unit is released by the urging force of the compression spring 13j. 13p and 13q will move vigorously to the left in FIG. That is, the filter units 13p and 13q move in the longitudinal direction with a relatively large amplitude. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, in the developing case 13k, when the cam follower portion 13q1 passes through the position of the cam ridge 13n30 (third stage ridge) with the rotation of the cam 13n3, the compression spring 13j (force). A contact portion 13k2 is provided on which the holding member 13q urged to collide with the member). Therefore, immediately after the cam follower portion 13q1 crosses the third step peak, the filter units 13p and 13q move vigorously to one end side in the longitudinal direction and collide with the contact portion 13k2, and the toner T adhering to the filter 13p is deposited. It will be shaken off.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the filter 13p (filter unit) is vibrated with a relatively large amplitude by using the vibration mechanisms 13n and 13j including the cam mechanism, the filter uses a vibration motor or a piezoelectric element as a vibration source. Compared with the case where the filter 13p is vibrated with a relatively small amplitude, the problem that the filter 13p is clogged with the toner T over time and the function as the filter 13p is deteriorated can be efficiently and sufficiently reduced. Therefore, the problem that the function as the filter 13p is deteriorated and the toner is scattered due to the increase in the internal pressure of the developing apparatus 13 can be efficiently and sufficiently reduced.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the filter 13p (filter unit) is vibrated even with a relatively small amplitude by the cam mountain 13n30 composed of a plurality of stepped mountains whose height gradually increases, so that the filter 13p (filter unit) is vibrated. ) Will be vibrated with the amplitude of variations of large and small, and the toner adhering to the filter 13p will be shaken off more efficiently.
Further, in the present embodiment, since the oscillating mechanisms 13n and 13j are driven by the drive motor 50 which is the driving source of the developing apparatus 13, the apparatus is provided as compared with the case where the driving source for the oscillating mechanism is separately provided. The cost can be reduced and the size can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the vibration (vibration) of the filter units 13p and 13q by the vibration mechanisms 13n and 13j is performed during non-image formation (the image formation process described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2). It is done when it is not done.).
As a result, the vibrations of the filter units 13p and 13q are less likely to propagate to the image forming member such as the developing device 13 and the photoconductor drum 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that a normal image is not formed due to vibration.

As described above with reference to FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the cam unit 13n is provided with the one-way clutch 13n2.
Then, as shown in FIG. 10A, the one-way clutch 13n2 is used when the developing device 13 is driven in the positive direction by the driving motor 50 (driving means) (during normal image formation). The cam 13n3 (shaft portion 13n4) is relatively idle and does not rotate with respect to the rotating gear portion 13n1 without transmitting the drive from the drive motor 50 to the cam 13n3 (shaft portion 13n4). Therefore, at this time, the filter units 13p and 13q are in a stopped state without vibrating (vibrating).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, the one-way clutch 13n2 has a cam 13n3 (as shown in FIG. 10B) from the drive motor 50 when the developing device 13 is driven in the opposite direction by the drive motor 50 during non-image formation. The drive is transmitted to the shaft portion 13n4), and the cam 13n3 (shaft portion 13n4) rotates together with the gear portion 13n1. Therefore, at this time, the filter units 13p and 13q are oscillated (vibrated).

In this embodiment, a series of image forming operations (development steps) are completed in order to prevent the developer G from staying and sticking to the gap (doctor gap) between the doctor blade 13c and the developing roller 13a. Each time, the drive motor 50 is driven in the reverse direction for a predetermined time to rotate the developing roller 13a (developing device 13) slightly in the reverse direction. On the other hand, if the developing roller 13a is rotated in the reverse direction, the toner may separate from the developing roller 13a and the agent may leak to the outside of the apparatus. Therefore, the angle at which the developing roller 13a (developing apparatus 13) is rotated in the reverse direction. Is set to 1/4 turn or less of the developing roller 13a.
Then, when the developing device 13 is driven in the opposite direction in this way, the drive is transmitted from the drive motor 50 to the cam 13n3 (shaft portion 13n4) as described above, and the filter units 13p and 13q are shaken (vibrated). ) Will be done.
At this time, in order to sufficiently clean the filter 13p, the cam 13n3 is rotationally driven by the drive motor 50 (driving means) so as to pass through at least one of the plurality of cam ridges 13n30 during non-image formation. Is preferable.

Here, referring to FIG. 11, in the developing apparatus 13 of the present embodiment, the sealing member 13r is arranged in the gap between the opening 13k1 of the developing case 13k and the holding member 13q. This makes it possible to prevent the developer G from leaking from the gap.
Here, in the present embodiment, the sliding surface 13r1 of the seal member 13r is formed of a low friction material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or high molecular weight polyethylene. Specifically, the main portion of the seal member 13r is an elastic layer made of polyurethane foam or the like, and a double-sided tape is provided on the surface to be attached to the developing case 13k (or the holding member 13q) to hold the seal member 13r. The sliding surface 13r1 sliding on the member 13q (or the developing case 13k) is made of a low friction material.
By forming the sliding surface 13r1 of the seal member 13r with a low friction material in this way, even if the filter units 13p and 13q slide due to vibration, the seal member 13r is less likely to be damaged.

As described above, in the developing apparatus 13 of the present embodiment, an opening 13k1 is formed in the developing case 13k, and the filter 13p covering the opening 13k1 is oscillated with respect to the developing case 13k in a predetermined motion direction. It is held possible. Further, there are provided swaying mechanisms 13n and 13j (striking means) that are driven by a driving motor 50 (driving means) that drives the developing device 13 to oscillate the filter 13p in the swaying direction.
As a result, the problem that the filter 13p is clogged with the toner T can be efficiently and sufficiently reduced.

In the present embodiment, the second transport screw 13b2 functioning as a recovery screw is installed above the first transport screw 13b1 functioning as a supply screw, and the doctor blade 13c is installed below the developing roller 13a2. The present invention has been applied to the developing apparatus 13 of the component developing method. However, the developing apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this. For example, the second transport screw 13b2 that functions as a recovery screw is installed below the first transport screw 13b1 that functions as a supply screw, and the doctor blade 13c is also installed above the developing roller 13a for the developing device 13. , The present invention can be applied. Further, as a developing device (for example, a developing device that uses a paddle member or the like to transport the developing agent in the lateral direction instead of the longitudinal direction) or a developing device that conveys the two-component developer by another transport method. The present invention can also be applied to a one-component developing method using a toner (one-component developing agent).
Further, in the present embodiment, the developing device 13 is driven by the drive input from the drive motor 50 to the developing roller 13a, but the path of the drive input from the drive motor to the developing device is limited to this. However, for example, it can be configured to be driven and input from the drive motor to the transfer screw.
And even in such a case, the same effect as that of this embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus configured as a unit in which the developing apparatus 13 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body by itself. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can naturally be applied to an image forming apparatus in which a part or all of the image forming portion is made into a process cartridge. In that case, the workability of maintenance of the image forming unit is improved.
In the present application, the "process cartridge" includes a charging device for charging the image carrier, a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a cleaning device for cleaning the image carrier. It is defined as a unit in which at least one of them and an image carrier are integrated and detachably installed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.

It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and the present embodiment may be appropriately modified in addition to the suggestions in the present embodiment within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. be. Further, the number, position, shape and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape and the like suitable for carrying out the present invention can be used.

1 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body),
11, 11Y, 11C, 11M, 11BK Photoreceptor drum (image carrier),
13 developing equipment,
13a Develop roller (developer carrier),
13c Doctor blade (developer regulator),
13k developing case,
13k1 opening,
13k2 contact part,
13n cam unit,
13n1 gear part,
13n2 one-way clutch,
13n3 cam, 13n30 cam mountain,
13n4 shaft part,
13p filter,
13q holding member,
13q1 Cam follower part (contact part),
13r seal member,
13r1 sliding surface,
50 Drive motor (drive means),
G developer (two-component developer), T toner, C carrier.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-53274

Claims (11)

A developing device driven by a driving means to develop a latent image formed on an image carrier to form a toner image.
A developing case with an opening formed to communicate with the inside and outside of the developing device, and a developing case.
A filter that is held so as to be able to oscillate with the longitudinal direction as the oscillating direction with respect to the developing case while covering the opening.
A swaying means driven by the driving means to oscillate the filter in the swaying direction, and a swaying means.
A developing device characterized by being equipped with. A developing device that is driven in the positive direction by a driving means to develop a latent image formed on an image carrier to form a toner image.
A developing case with an opening formed to communicate with the inside and outside of the developing device, and a developing case.
A filter held so as to be able to oscillate in a predetermined oscillating direction with respect to the developing case while covering the opening.
With the driving means, the developing apparatus is driven in the opposite direction by the driving means, and the filter is moved in the swing direction.
A developing device characterized by being equipped with. A holding member provided with a cam follower portion while holding the filter and oscillating in the swaying direction with respect to the developing case.
The oscillating means is
A cam that is rotationally driven by the driving means and that comes into contact with the cam follower portion,
A urging member that urges the holding member to one end side in the swaying direction in the direction in which the cam follower portion abuts on the cam.
The developing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the developing apparatus is provided with. The cam is characterized in that it rotates with a direction along the swaying direction as a rotation axis direction and is provided with a plurality of cam ridges formed so as to be inclined stepwise in the swaying direction in the circumferential direction. Item 3. The developing apparatus according to Item 3. The developing case is characterized by having a contact portion where the holding member urged by the urging member collides with the cam follower portion when the cam follower portion passes through the position of the cam ridge as the cam rotates. The developing apparatus according to claim 4. The developing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cam is rotationally driven by the driving means so as to pass through at least one of the plurality of cam ridges during non-image formation. .. When the developing device is driven in the forward direction by the driving means, the driving is not transmitted from the driving means to the cam, and the developing device is driven in the reverse direction by the driving means even during non-image formation. The developing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a one-way clutch that sometimes transmits drive from the driving means to the cam. A seal member arranged in a gap between the opening of the developing case and the holding member is provided.
The developing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the sealing member has a sliding surface formed of a low friction material. A developer carrier that is rotationally driven by the driving means is provided facing the image carrier.
The developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the swaying direction is a direction along the rotation axis direction of the developing agent carrier. A process cartridge that is detachably installed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus.
A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the developing apparatus according to claim 9 and the image carrier are integrated. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the image carrier.

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