JPH04311978A - Powder transfer method and development device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable powder to be efficiently circulated and carried by transferring the powder downward with a deflecting member after upward transfer along a membrane surface with a powder transfer means. CONSTITUTION:A vibration generated by an ultrasonic excitation means 8 is transmitted to one end of a sound wave propagation membrane 21 via a transmission means 41 for ultrasonic excitation, thereby applying progressive transverse waves to the membrane 21. In this case, an opposite member 23 is located near the membrane 21, and powder is carried aslant upward in an arrow direction, while being afloat between the membrane 21 and member 23. Also, the powder is deflected aslant downward with a deflecting member 10. Consequently, the powder falls onto the sound wave propagation membrane 21 due to gravity. Thereafter, the powder is carried aslant downward along the membrane 21. In addition, the powder is carried aslant downward stably due to the action of gravity, and passes the powder passage port of the transmission means 41. The powder is further carried aslant downward and falls onto a deflecting member 10'. As a result, the powder is carried aslant upward between the membrane 21 and member 23, and circulated while being afloat.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for transporting powder and a developing device. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for transporting developer in a dry developing device and a developing device.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method using a screw is generally known as a method for transporting powder, and is used in all types of powder transport means.

For example, in a developing device that performs development using a dry developer, the above-mentioned screw or bucket is used as a method of transporting the developer within the developing device.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when a screw is used as a conveyance means, there is a problem that the conveyance efficiency decreases if the gap between the screw and the inner wall of the developer container is large; If the gap between the screw and the inner wall is small, the transport efficiency will increase, but the friction between the screw and the inner wall of the developer container will increase the rotational torque of the screw, and this friction will cause the developer to deteriorate, break, or melt due to frictional heat. There was a problem with this. Further, since the developer is generally easily charged, the developer is often charged during transportation and adheres to the screw, and in severe cases, there is a problem in that image quality is impaired or transportation failure occurs.

[0005] Furthermore, depending on the depth of the developer container, a large number of screws may be required, resulting in problems such as a complicated device configuration, high costs, and an increase in the size of the device. Furthermore, failures were likely to occur due to wear and vibration load fluctuations in the mechanical drive section of the screw.

Although the above-mentioned problems are common to powder conveying devices other than developing devices, there are other problems unique to developing devices.

[0007] This relates to a so-called "ghost image" which causes a difference in image density due to a difference in image history in an electrophotographic development method, particularly in a one-component thin layer development method. As shown in FIG. 19, a method for preventing this ghost image is to rub an elastic roller 7 as a developer stripping means on the surface of the developing sleeve 3 as a developer carrier at a location past the development position. , Stripping off the remaining developer on the developing sleeve 3 has been conventionally performed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, an elastic roller 7
Instead, there is also a method of using an electrode roller 70 to strip off the remaining developer on the developing sleeve 3.

In this way, using a one-component developer, the residual developer on the developing sleeve 3 after passing through the developing position is once stripped off by the elastic roller 7 or the electrode roller 70, and the regulating blade 5 is used to carry out the development to the developing position. The amount of ingress of the agent is regulated and electrostatic attraction is used to transfer the agent from the developing sleeve 3 to the non-contact photosensitive drum 6.
The method of developing by moving the developer to the developer is free from ghost images and is extremely excellent in terms of development performance, image reproducibility, developer life, etc.

However, in the conventional developing method as described above, the developer on the developing sleeve 3 is transferred to the elastic roller 7.
When the developer is removed by, for example, removing the developer, the removed developer may stay under the remover, resulting in clogging or spillage of the developer. To prevent this, the developer below the stripping area can be transported into the developer container 1, but the inner wall of the developer container 1 behind the developing sleeve 3 is usually plate-shaped and slopes diagonally upward. Therefore, it is necessary to devise ways to transport the developer on a wide plate-like surface against gravity.

In such a case, when trying to transport the developer upward along the plate-like surface of the inner wall of the developer container 1 using the screw, the transported developer collides with the rear wall of the developer container 1. In some cases, the developer is pulled back by the action of gravity, and the developer stagnates in this area, resulting in a decrease in developer transport efficiency and insufficient developer circulation. Therefore, the ghost image described above cannot be prevented, and it is difficult to obtain a good image.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and includes: (1) ability to efficiently transport powder even on a plate-like surface; (2) ability to transport powder upwards on an inclined surface; (2) ability to circulate and transport powder. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for conveying powder that can be carried out.

In particular, by applying it to the conveyance of developer in a dry developing device, it is possible to (1) transport the developer upwardly on a plate-shaped inclined surface with a simple structure, (2) efficiently and stably, and (2) ■ Circulates and transports the developer without degrading the developer,
The present invention provides a developer conveyance method and a developing device that (1) stably maintains image quality, (2) is quiet, and (2) has a low probability of failure due to mechanical drive.

Furthermore, in order to prevent ghost images in a one-component thin layer developing method, the present invention can be applied to a developer conveying method in a dry developing device provided with a stripping means for stripping off residual developer on a developing sleeve. To provide a developing device that has a simple configuration, has no image fog, no ghost, has high image density, and does not cause toner clogging or spillage, and can stably obtain high-quality images.

[0015]

[Means and effects for solving the problems] According to the present invention, after the powder is transported upward along the plate-like surface by the powder transport means, the powder is transported downward by the deflection member. Therefore, the powder can be efficiently circulated and transported.

Particularly when applied to the conveyance of developer in a dry type developing device, the developer is conveyed along the inner wall of the developer container from the side of the developer carrier in a direction away from the developer carrier, and the deflection member Therefore, the conveyance direction of the developer is deflected in the direction toward the developer carrier, so that the remaining developer that is not consumed during development is circulated within the developer container, thereby preventing developer clogging and spillage. , to stably form high-quality images.

Furthermore, since the developer whose conveyance direction is deflected joins and mixes with the developer conveyed through a different conveyance path, the developer is not unevenly consumed even after long-term use. This allows a stable image to be maintained for a long period of time.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First to eleventh embodiments of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings.

First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 shows that among two closely facing plate-like members arranged to form an inclined surface, one of the sound wave propagating members 21 is ultrasonically excited to cause a transverse wave to progress through the member. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a transport method for transporting powder between two members by applying waves to move a standing wave sound field between the two members.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a flat sound wave propagation member, and 23 denotes a fixed flat opposing member, both of which are disposed close to each other and facing each other. Reference numeral 8 denotes ultrasonic excitation means, which is composed of a piezoelectric vibrating element 81, a high frequency power source 82 for driving the piezoelectric vibrating element 81, and a horn 83. Reference numeral 41 denotes a transmission means for transmitting vibrations generated by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 to one end of the plate-shaped sound wave propagation member 21 uniformly in the width direction of the sound wave propagation member 21. This transmission means 41 has only both longitudinal ends in contact with the sound wave propagation member 21, and most of the central area is open as a powder passage port 42. This powder passage port 42 transfers the powder 27 on the sound wave propagation member to the transmission means 4.
1 for conveyance. Reference numeral 43 denotes an additional vibrating body, which is further configured to uniformly transmit vibrations caused by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 in the width direction of the sound wave propagation member 21.
The additional vibrating body 43 is provided behind the transmission means 41 as shown in FIG. 1 to perform vibration adjustment.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a mechanical-electrical conversion means for converting mechanical vibration into electrical energy. One side of the sound wave propagation member 21 opposite to the above (in FIG. 1, the sound wave propagation member 21
(on the right side of the
3, and this electromechanical conversion means 9 is provided behind the transmission means 41. 93 is a horn similar to 83. 91 is a piezoelectric element. Reference numeral 92 denotes an electrical resistance load, which converts mechanical vibration into electrical energy by the piezoelectric element 91 and converts it into thermal energy, thereby absorbing the energy from the mechanical vibration. The electromechanical conversion means 9 includes this horn 93 and the piezoelectric element 91
and an electrical resistance load 92. The purpose of these is to allow the transmission means 41 to receive the mechanical vibrations propagated through the sound wave propagation member 21, and to further absorb the energy of the mechanical vibrations by the electromechanical conversion means 9. 10,
Reference numeral 10' denotes a deflection member, which is a member for deflecting the conveyance direction of the powder 27 that has been conveyed through the gap between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the opposing member 23.

Next, the circulating conveyance of powder in this embodiment will be explained.

In this embodiment, the vibrations generated by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 are transmitted to the plate-shaped sound wave propagation member 2 through the transmission means 41.
The ultrasonic waves are transmitted to one end of the waveform 1 to excite the ultrasonic wave, and a traveling transverse wave is applied to the sound wave propagation member 21. At this time, by arranging the facing member 23 in close proximity to the sound wave propagating member 21, the ultrasonic reflection effect of the facing member 23 attempts to levitate the gap between the sound wave propagating member 21 and the facing member 23. The spatial sound pressure can be increased and the standing wave sound field can be moved efficiently. As a result, the powder is conveyed diagonally upward in the direction of the arrow while floating between the members, and is deflected diagonally downward by the deflecting member 10. This powder falls onto the sound wave propagation member 21 due to the action of gravity. Since the sound wave propagation member 21 is given a traveling wave by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 as described above, the powder is conveyed obliquely downward on the sound wave propagation member 21, but in addition, it is stabilized by the action of gravity. The powder is then conveyed diagonally downward, passes through the powder passage port 42 of the transmission means 41, and is further conveyed diagonally downward and falls onto the deflection member 10'. The powder that has fallen onto the deflection member 10' is floated and conveyed obliquely upward between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the opposing member 23, as described above. In this way, the powder can be circulated and transported.

The powder 27 may be aluminum fine powder with almost no charge, pine pollen, or
Even with charged developing particles (toner) for electrophotography (recording) in which a thermoplastic resin with an average particle diameter of 3 μm to 30 μm is used as a binder component, the charged toner is applied to the sound wave propagation member 21 and the opposing member 23 made of aluminum plates. The particles could be transported at a sufficiently high speed and density without being strongly electrostatically attached due to electrostatic mirroring force. Even under harsh environments such as low humidity, the conveyance performance remained stable and could be conveyed stably. In this embodiment, the high frequency power source 82 was ultrasonically excited at a frequency between 20 kHz and 60 kHz. The gap length between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the opposing member 23, which are arranged closely together, is, for example, about several tens of μm to several mm, but it goes without saying that it also depends on the power of ultrasonic excitation. Sound wave propagation member 2
1 and the transmission means 41 are supported by fixedly supporting the vibration node portions of the horns 83 and 93.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained using FIG. 2. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the first embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, an unfixed sound wave propagation member 24 is used instead of the fixed facing member 23, and this sound wave propagation member 24 is also ultrasonically excited in the same way as the sound wave propagation member 21 is ultrasonically excited. It is something that However, since the transmission means 44 for ultrasonically exciting the sound wave propagation member 24 does not need to pass through powder, the shape was changed to make the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations to the sound wave propagation member 24 more uniform. That is, the transmission means 44 is configured to be in contact with the entire widthwise area of the sound wave propagation member 24, and the vibrations caused by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 are transmitted more uniformly to the width direction of the plate-shaped sound wave propagation member 24. be able to.

Reference numeral 45 indicates elongated holes, which are provided at a plurality of locations in the width direction. These elongated holes 45 are provided with holes of different shapes at the positions of the transmission means 44 corresponding to the central part and the opposite ends thereof in the width direction of the sound wave propagation member 24, so that the vibrations caused by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 can be prevented. The sound waves are designed to be uniformly transmitted to the plate-shaped sound wave propagation member 24 in the width direction of the sound wave propagation member 24.

22 is a sound wave propagation member 21, a deflection member 10,
10', and prevents powder from leaking from the sound wave propagation member 21. As the sealing member 22, a flexible adhesive tape such as Mylar tape or cellophane tape is used, but a foam such as sponge rubber or moltoprene may also be used.

Next, the means for ultrasonic exciting the sound wave propagating member 24 will be explained.

In this embodiment, the sound wave propagation member 24 is excited by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 from one end of the sound wave propagation member 24, and one end of the sound wave propagation member 24 on the opposite side (FIG.
Below the sound wave propagating member 24), a transmitting means 44 and an additional vibrating body 43 are provided in the same manner as above, and a mechanical-electric converting means 9 is provided behind the transmitting means 44. Mechanical vibration transmitting means 44
The mechanical vibration is received by the mechanical-electrical converter 9, and the energy of this mechanical vibration is absorbed by the mechanical-electrical converting means 9 to provide a stable traveling wave to the sound wave propagation member 24.

As described above, in this embodiment, one end of each of the two plate-shaped sound wave propagation members 21 and 24 in the same direction is ultrasonically excited, and a traveling transverse wave is transmitted to the sound wave propagation members 21 and 24. giving. At this time, the sound wave propagation member 21
By arranging the sound wave propagating member 24 in close proximity to each other, the ultrasonic reflection effects of the sound wave propagating members 21 and 24 overlap, and a strong standing wave sound field is moved between the sound wave propagating members 21 and 24. Can be done. This made it possible to transport the powder while floating it between the members. That is, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it was possible to more stably transport the powder along approximately the center between the two sound wave propagation members 21 and 24.

<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 3. Note that parts common to the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is the upper deflection member 10 of the second embodiment.
Supply container 26A, 2 for supplying powder 27 above
6B, a notch and a guide 25 are provided in the lower deflection member 10', and a collection container 28 for collecting the powder 27 is provided below the guide 25.

In this embodiment, the powder 27 supplied from the supply containers 26A and 26B is circulated through the apparatus as described above, and after being mixed and made homogeneous, the shutter (not shown) is opened. In particular, a homogeneous powder can be guided 25
and is collected into the collection container 28. In addition, the supply container 26
From A and 26B, new powder is supplied little by little onto the powder that has been sufficiently circulated and conveyed, so that it is quickly mixed and a homogeneous powder can be quickly obtained.

<Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the first to third embodiments, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is applied to a developing device provided to prevent so-called "ghost images," which cause differences in image density due to differences in image history.

Conventionally, in order to prevent the occurrence of a "ghost image," an elastic roller 7 serving as a developer stripping means is rubbed at a location past the development position of the developing sleeve 3 serving as a developer carrying member. 3, the remaining developer on the top is stripped off, but with only this configuration, the above-mentioned stripped developer stays below the strip, resulting in developer clogging,
Spills could occur. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to transport the above-described peeled and removed developer into the hopper 1, and the present invention is applied as a means for transporting this developer.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the developing device of the present invention, which is applied to a copying machine equipped with a drum-shaped photosensitive drum as a latent image carrier. Although not shown in the figure, the photosensitive drum 6, which is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow A in the figure, is surrounded by a charging mechanism, an image exposure mechanism, a transfer mechanism,
A cleaning mechanism, a static elimination mechanism, etc. are provided. In order to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 6, a developing mechanism as described below is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 6.

First, a hopper 1 serving as a developer container is provided as a means for storing one-component non-magnetic toner (hereinafter referred to as toner) 2 as a developer. At the opening of the hopper 1, a non-magnetic developing sleeve 3, which is a developer carrier, is arranged to face the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 6 with a predetermined distance therebetween. Further, the hopper 1 is provided with an elastic blade 5 serving as a developer layer thickness regulating member for regulating the developer on the surface of the developing sleeve 3 to a required thickness of the coating layer. Other components include an elastic roller 7 as a developer supplying means and a developer stripping means that is in contact with the surface of the developing sleeve 3 and rotatably supported within the hopper 1, and a hopper 1 behind the elastic roller 7. A sound wave propagation member 21 provided substantially parallel to the inner wall, an ultrasonic excitation means 8 for vibrating the sound wave propagation member 21, and a mechanical-electric conversion means 9;
A toner feeding member 12 is provided as a developer conveying means for supplying the developer in the rear chamber S2 to the hopper front chamber S1 in which the developing sleeve 3, elastic roller 7, etc. are disposed.

The opening of the hopper 1 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the developing device (perpendicular to the plane of the paper), and the developing sleeve 3 disposed in the opening is made of aluminum, stainless steel, or the like. Made of non-magnetic material. The developing sleeve 3 is rotatably supported and rotationally driven in the direction of arrow B by a drive source (not shown). The surface of the developing sleeve 3 has a thickness of 0.5 to 5 μm to ensure toner retention.
Concavities and convexities with a pitch of m are formed.

The elastic roller 7 disposed behind the developing sleeve 3 rotates in sliding contact with the developing sleeve 3, and rotates in the same direction as the developing sleeve 3 to transfer the developer to the developing sleeve. The developing sleeve 3 is supplied to the sleeve 3 and is brought into elastic contact with the developing sleeve 3.
Peel off the top toner.

Further, the elastic blade 5 is located downstream of the sliding contact portion between the elastic roller 7 and the developing sleeve 3 in the rotational direction of the developing sleeve 3, and the free end of the elastic blade 5 is connected to the developing sleeve 3. 3 and restricts the passage of the developer on the developing sleeve 3 at this abutting portion.

The elastic blade 5 is preferably made of a triboelectrification material suitable for charging the toner to a desired polarity. For example, in order to positively charge a toner containing polystyrene, carbon, etc., ethylene propylene rubber, fluorine rubber, natural rubber, polychlorobutadiene, polyisoben, N. B. R and the like are preferred, and in order to negatively charge the toner, silicone rubber, polyurethane, styrene butadiene, etc. may be used. By using the above-mentioned materials, it is possible to further increase the frictional charging efficiency of the toner. In addition, when a suitably selected conductive rubber is used in the triboelectrification array as described above, it is possible to prevent the toner from being excessively triboelectrified, thus preventing or loosening the electrostatic agglomeration or solidification of the toner. effective. In addition to the materials mentioned above,
Metal sheets such as phosphor bronze and stainless steel can also be used.

The elastic roller 7 has an elastic layer 72 provided on the outer periphery of a shaft 71 made of a rigid body such as iron or stainless steel. These elastic materials can be used alone or in appropriate combinations. For example, the elastic layer may have a two-layer structure, with the lower layer made of silicone sponge rubber and the upper layer made of urethane rubber. With such a configuration, dimensional accuracy of the outer periphery of the elastic layer can be obtained.

Further, the contact portion between the elastic blade 5 and the developing sleeve 3 is located on the elastic roller 7 side with respect to the vertical line passing through the center of the developing sleeve 3 and above the elastic roller 7, and is located above the elastic roller 7. The sliding contact portion between the roller 7 and the developing sleeve 3 and the contact portion have a positional relationship with each other such that the toner separated at the contact portion can fall onto the elastic roller 7. In this way, a smooth circulating flow of toner is formed in the space between the abutting portion and the sliding contact portion.

As described above, behind the elastic roller 7, a sound wave propagation member 21 and an ultrasonic excitation means 8 for vibrating the sound wave propagation member 21 by ultrasonic waves are arranged substantially parallel to the inner wall of the hopper 1. There is.

The sound wave propagating member 21 is formed on a flat plate as shown in FIG. 5, and is disposed close to and facing the hopper 1. Further, an additional vibrating body 43, an ultrasonic excitation means 8, and a mechanical-electric conversion means 9 are arranged above the sound wave propagation member 21 via a transmission means 41. Said transmission means 4
The central part of the sound wave propagation member side of the sound wave propagation member 1 is open and serves as a powder passage port (hereinafter referred to as a toner passage port) 42, and the vibration from the ultrasonic excitation oscillation unit 8 is transmitted to one end of the sound wave propagation member 21 through the transmission means 41. is transmitted to cause ultrasonic excitation, and a traveling transverse wave is applied to the sound wave propagation member 21. In this way, since the sound wave propagation member 21 and the hopper 1 are arranged close to each other, the sound pressure of the air to be floated between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the hopper 1 can be increased, and the standing wave can be efficiently You can move the sound field. As a result, the toner can be efficiently transported while floating the toner between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the hopper 1.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a toner 2 which is conveyed to the upper right direction between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the hopper 1 by the ultrasonic excitation means 8.
It is a deflecting member for deflecting the conveying direction of the toner 2 and causing the toner 2 to fall and convey onto the sound wave propagation member 21, and has a curved shape. Therefore, the toner stripped from the developing sleeve 3 by the elastic roller 7 is conveyed obliquely upward between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the hopper 1 by the traveling wave transmitted to the sound wave propagation member 21 by the ultrasonic excitation means 8. ,
It is deflected diagonally downward by the deflection member 10 fixed to the hopper 1 and falls onto the sound wave propagation member 21 . The fallen toner joins and mixes with the toner that has been conveyed from the hopper rear chamber S2 over the guide wall 13 by the toner conveying member 12, and is then transferred onto the sound wave propagating member 21 by the conveying force caused by ultrasonic excitation and the action of gravity. is conveyed diagonally downward, and further conveyed diagonally downward while passing through the toner passage port 42 which is the central opening of the transmission means 41. After that, the elastic roller 7
and further supplied to the developing sleeve 3.

Further, a sealing member 11 is provided below the developing sleeve 3 of the apparatus of this embodiment to close the gap with the hopper 1. The sealing member 11 is a flexible sheet such as Mylar (trade name manufactured by DuPont, hereinafter the same applies to Mylar).

Note that a power source 15 is disposed between the photosensitive drum 6 and the developing sleeve 3 to apply a bias, but the developing method in this embodiment is based on, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-32375. The method described above applies an alternating current in which a direct current is superimposed between the photosensitive drum 6 and the developing sleeve 3, and the thin layer of toner on the developing sleeve 3 is imagewise transferred to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 6. Although a so-called non-contact development method can be used, a contact development method may also be used.

Next, the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment as described above will be explained.

In FIG. 4, the toner conveying member 12 rotates in the direction of the arrow to convey the toner 2 to the elastic roller 7, and the elastic roller 7 rotates in the direction of the arrow C to convey the toner 2 onto the elastic roller 7. is supplied to the sliding contact portion with the developing sleeve 3. Next, at the sliding contact portion between the developing sleeve 3 and the elastic roller 7, the toner 2 on the elastic roller 7 is transferred to the developing sleeve 3.
By coming into sliding contact with the developing sleeve 3, the developing sleeve 3 receives frictional electrification and is supplied to the developing sleeve 3.

Furthermore, when the toner 2 passes through the abutting portion between the elastic blade 5 and the developing sleeve 3, it comes into sliding contact with the surface of the developing sleeve 3 by the elastic blade 5, and is further subjected to frictional electrification. In this way, the toner 2 can receive sufficient triboelectric charging. The toner 2 that has been sufficiently triboelectrically charged passes through the contact portion and is formed as a thin layer of toner on the developing sleeve 3, and is carried on the developing sleeve 3 to a developing section facing the photosensitive drum 6. In the developing section, some toner is consumed by the developing operation, and other toner is collected from the lower part of the developing sleeve 3 as the developing sleeve 3 rotates. A sealing member 11 is provided in this collection portion to allow the toner that has not been consumed in development to pass into the hopper 1 and to prevent the toner 2 in the hopper 1 from leaking from the lower part of the hopper 1. The collected toner on the developing sleeve 3 is scraped off by elastic contact at the sliding contact portion between the elastic roller 7 and the developing sleeve 3. The scraped off toner is floated and conveyed into the hopper 1 between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the hopper 1 as shown by arrow D by the action of ultrasonic excitation, and is deflected downward by the deflection member 10. At this time, it merges with the toner conveyed by the toner conveying member 12, is conveyed downward on the sound wave propagation member 21 by the conveying force caused by the ultrasonic excitation, and the action of gravity, and is again transferred to the elastic roller 7 and the developing sleeve as described above. It is transported to the sliding contact part with 3. Therefore, even with such a simple configuration, the toner stripped off from the developing sleeve by the developer stripping means can be efficiently and stably transported into the hopper, thereby preventing toner clogging and spillage. In addition, toner that was not subjected to development due to a non-image forming area (blank area) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 6 or toner that was not subjected to development due to a defective tribo is mixed with newly replenished toner. Since toner can be reused at the same time, uneven consumption of toner can be prevented.

Next, an experimental example conducted under the following conditions will be explained.

In this experimental example, a developing sleeve with a diameter of 2
The surface of an aluminum sleeve with a diameter of 0 mm was roughened with No. 600 sandpaper to form unevenness with a pitch of 1.5 μm. The elastic blade has a thickness of 2 mm,
Urethane with a width of 20 mm and a hardness of 60° rubber was used. Regarding hardness, when the dimensions and shapes are changed, 5
0° to 80° was effective.

The non-magnetic toner used at this time was a powder containing 10 parts of carbon and 90 parts of polystyrene with an average particle size of 7 to 15 μm, and about 1.0% of silica was added as an external additive. Gives fluidity to the toner. A thin Mylar seal with a thickness of 50 μm was used as a seal member to prevent the toner from scattering from the container. The contact pressure of the elastic blade against the developing sleeve is effective to be about 5 to 100 g/cm when the hardness and size and shape of the blade are changed, and it is preferable to keep the error within 5 g in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve. In the experimental example, it was set to about 45 g/cm. As the elastic roller, a sponge roller was used in which Everlite (trade name, manufactured by Bridgestone Corporation) material with a foam diameter of 1 mm was wound around a stainless steel core metal with a diameter of 6 mm to form a roller with a diameter of 14 mm. Also, the developing sleeve is 120mm.
The supply roller was rotated at a relative speed of 50 to 300 mm/sec with respect to the developing sleeve. The following results are for a setting of 70 mm/sec.

As the sound wave propagation member 21, an aluminum plate having a thickness of 2 mm was used, and the distance between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the bottom surface of the hopper 1 was 2 mm. An alternating current voltage with a peak-to-peak voltage of 100 V and a frequency of 50 kHz was applied to the ultrasonic excitation means 8.

As a result of conducting the experiment in this manner, it was found that the surface of the developing sleeve had no streaks of 30 to 100 μm.
A thin toner layer could be formed. It was also confirmed that the toner layer thickness could be changed by changing the linear pressure of the elastic blade.

In this experimental example, the thickness of the toner layer on the developing sleeve was made smaller than the length of the facing gap between the developing sleeve and the photosensitive drum, and the toner was moved from the developing sleeve to the photosensitive drum within the gap as described above. A method of developing the film (so-called non-contact development or jumping development) was used.

In this experimental example, a dark area of +60
0V, forming a latent image with 0V in bright areas, keeping the gap between the photosensitive drum and developing sleeve at about 300 μm, regulating the toner layer thickness to 50 μm, and applying a peak-to-peak voltage of 1400 V and a 1800 Hz square wave to the developing sleeve. +1 to alternating voltage
A developing bias with a DC voltage of 50 V superimposed was applied, and development was carried out using an NP1215 machine manufactured by Canon Inc. (process speed 100 mm/sec).

As a result, even under long-term use, toner can be transported efficiently and stably, preventing toner deterioration, toner clogging,
The image density was maintained sufficiently high without any spills or "ghost images," and a stable and good image was maintained without any image deterioration such as background fog or scattering. Furthermore, toner could be transported quietly without any noise, and no malfunctions occurred.

<Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the fourth embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the developing device according to this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the toner conveying means by ultrasonic excitation according to this embodiment. perspective view when cut at the position).

This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment only in the arrangement of the ultrasonic excitation means, and the other structures are the same.

That is, the ultrasonic excitation means 8, the transmission means 4
1. The electromechanical conversion means 9 and the like are arranged below the sound wave propagation member 21 rather than above it.

Even in such a configuration, the elastic roller 7
The toner peeled off from the top of the developing sleeve 3 is conveyed obliquely upward between the sound wave propagation member 21 and the hopper 1 by the traveling wave transmitted to the sound wave propagation member 21 by the ultrasonic excitation means 8, and is transported diagonally upward to the center of the transmission means 41. It is further conveyed diagonally upward while passing through the open portion, and is deflected diagonally downward by a deflection member 10 fixed to the hopper 1. At this time, the toner feeding member 12 moves the guide wall 1 from the hopper rear chamber S2.
It joins and mixes with the toner that has been conveyed in small amounts over 3. The mixed toner is conveyed obliquely downward on the sound wave propagating member 21 by the conveying force caused by ultrasonic excitation and the action of gravity, and is supplied to the elastic roller 7 and further to the developing sleeve 3.

When an image was formed using the apparatus of this embodiment in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, there was no toner deterioration, no toner clogging, no toner spillage, and no "ghost image".
A sufficiently high image density was maintained without any image deterioration such as background fog or scattering, and a stable and good image was obtained. Furthermore, toner could be transported quietly without any noise, and no malfunctions occurred.

<Sixth Embodiment> Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 8 and 9. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the fourth embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of a developing device according to this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of a toner conveying means using ultrasonic excitation according to this embodiment.

This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment only in the arrangement configuration of the ultrasonic excitation means 8, and the other configurations are the same. That is, 21 and 23 are sound wave propagating members on a flat plate, and are arranged close to each other and facing each other. 22 is a sealing member disposed between the hopper 1 and the sound wave propagation member 21;
Toner is prevented from entering the ultrasonic excitation means 8 and the electromechanical conversion means 9. As the sealing member 22, a flexible adhesive tape such as Mylar tape or cellophane tape, or a foam such as sponge rubber or Moltoprene was used.

Even in such a configuration, the elastic roller 7
The toner peeled off from the top of the developing sleeve 3 is conveyed obliquely upward between the sound wave propagation members 21 and 23 by the traveling wave transmitted to the sound wave propagation member 21 by the ultrasonic excitation means 8, and is then transported diagonally upward to the hopper 1. The deflection member 10 deflects the light diagonally downward. At this time, the toner feeding member 12
As a result, it joins and mixes with the toner that has been conveyed little by little over the guide wall 13 from the hopper rear chamber S2. The mixed toner is conveyed obliquely downward on the sound wave propagating member 21 by the conveying force caused by ultrasonic excitation and the action of gravity, and is supplied to the elastic roller 7 and further to the developing sleeve 3.

When the device of this embodiment was used for development in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, there was no toner deterioration, no toner clogging, no toner spillage, no "ghost image", no background fogging, no scattering. There was no image quality deterioration such as, etc., a sufficiently high image density was maintained, and a stable and good image was obtained. Additionally, toner transport was quiet and no malfunctions occurred.

[0074] Here, toner conveyance above the sound wave propagation member 23 will be explained. Since no sound wave propagation member is disposed above and close to the sound wave propagation member 23, no reflection effect is caused by both members. Therefore, the toner on the sound wave propagation member 23 is transported toward the lower left by ultrasonic excitation. The toner on the sound wave propagation member 23 is stably transported because it is affected by gravity in addition to the transport force caused by the ultrasonic excitation.

<Seventh Embodiment> Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the sixth embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a developing device showing this embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the main part of the toner conveying means using ultrasonic excitation of this embodiment.

This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment only in the arrangement of the ultrasonic excitation means, and the other structures are the same.

That is, acrylic plates with a thickness of 2 mm are used as the sound wave propagation members 21 and 23, and the ultrasonic excitation means 8 is provided, but no mechanical-electric conversion means is provided. In this embodiment, since an acrylic plate is used as the sound wave propagation member, the traveling wave exhibits a relatively large attenuation characteristic. Since the traveling wave transmitted to the sound wave propagation member 21 by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 is attenuated, there is almost no reflected wave at the end, and therefore the traveling wave is not disturbed by the reflected wave. Therefore, toner can be sufficiently transported without absorbing energy from mechanical vibrations.

As described above, it is not limited to acrylic as long as it exhibits relatively large damping characteristics; experiments have shown that acrylic, nylon, POM (polyacetal), ABS, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc. are suitable. was.

[0080] With such a configuration, there is no need to use mechanical/electrical conversion means, so the configuration is simple and costs can be reduced.

When an image was formed using the apparatus of this embodiment in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, there was little or no difference in image density due to differences in image history (so-called ghost images), and there was no toner clogging or spillage. Sufficiently high image density is maintained without image deterioration such as background fog or scattering.
Stable and good images were obtained.

Eighth Embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the sixth embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment only in the arrangement of the ultrasonic excitation means, and the other structures are the same.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of a developing device showing this embodiment, and will be described later.

FIG. 13 shows a method of applying a traveling wave to a sound wave propagation member, which is different from the method of ultrasonic excitation of the propagation member by the ultrasonic excitation means 8 used in the first and fifth embodiments. Another embodiment for transporting toner is shown. 101, 102
is a flat sound wave propagation member made of materials such as duralumin and stainless steel. 103, 104, 105, 106
is a piezoelectric vibrating element for causing the sound wave propagation members 101 and 102 to undergo ultrasonic excitation of bending vibration to provide a traveling transverse wave. These piezoelectric vibration elements 103, 104, 105
, 106 indicate the difference in polarization orientation direction in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric vibrating element. Plate-shaped piezoelectric vibration elements 103, 104, 105, 10
Electrodes are provided on both wide sides of 6, and 103 and 10
5, 104 and 106 are joined to the back surfaces of the sound wave propagation members 101 and 102 so as to face each other. The piezoelectric vibration elements 103 and 105 are elements that give sine mode vibration, and the piezoelectric vibration elements 104 and 106 are elements that give cos mode vibration. 107 is a high frequency power source for driving piezoelectric vibrating elements 103, 104, 105, and 106. 108 is a coupler, which corresponds to the antinode of vibration for the sin mode vibration of the piezoelectric vibration elements 103 and 105;
For the cos mode vibration of No. 6, four rod-shaped rods are placed at the four corners of the sound wave propagation members 101, 102 corresponding to the nodes of vibration, with piezoelectric vibration elements 103, 104, 105, 106 sandwiched therebetween. The sound wave propagation members 101 and 102 are firmly connected to each other via a coupler. The gap length between the sound wave propagation members 101 and 102 that are arranged closely together depends on the power of ultrasonic excitation, but may be set to, for example, several tens of μm to several mm. Piezoelectric vibrating element 103 It is preferable that the resonance frequencies of and 104, 105 and 106 be as close as possible, and the use of coupler 108 is particularly effective.

FIG. 14(a) is a side view showing the state between the two sound wave propagation members shown in FIG. (A) in Figure 14(a),
(B), (C), (D) are sound wave propagation members 101, 102
This figure shows a bending vibration pattern that clearly shows the bending vibration of a transverse wave. (A) and (B) are sin mode vibrations,
It shows how they vibrate relative to each other in symmetrical modes. On the other hand, (C) and (D) are cos mode vibrations, and show how they vibrate in an asymmetric mode relative to each other so as to follow each other. Furthermore, the toner 2 is shown floating and conveyed along approximately the center of the gap between the opposing sound wave propagation members 101 and 102. However, if the gap length between the sound wave propagation members 101 and 102 is 100 μm or less, it appears as if the toner 2 is conveyed along both sound wave propagation members 101 and 102 while occasionally coming into contact with each member. FIG. 14(b) shows the sound wave propagation member 101,1
2 is a diagram schematically representing the particle velocity v of air in the gap direction and the magnitude of the sound pressure p with respect to the gap length of the gap 02. FIG. In other words, when a traveling wave is applied to both sound wave propagation members, the sound pressure distribution between the two members will be lower at the center between the members, and the air particle velocity (particle velocity in the direction of the gap between the members) will be lower between the members. The center becomes larger. As a result, the toner gathered at the center between the members, and could be effectively transported by floating without electrostatically adhering due to electrostatic mirroring force or the like.

[0087] In this way, it is also possible to use a piezoelectric element as the ultrasonic excitation means.

Next, toner conveyance by ultrasonic excitation in this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 12. The toner stripped off from the developing sleeve 3 by the elastic roller 7 serving as a developer stripping means is transferred to a piezoelectric vibrating element 103,
Sound wave propagation members 101, 1 by 104, 105, 106
The traveling wave applied to the hopper 02 conveys the sound wave diagonally upward between the sound wave propagation members 101 and 102, and is deflected diagonally downward by the deflection member 10 fixed to the hopper 1. At this time, the toner that has been conveyed little by little from the hopper rear chamber S2 past the guide chamber 13 by the toner feeding member 12 joins with the toner,
mixed. This mixed toner is transferred to the sound wave propagation member 10
1 and is conveyed diagonally downward by the action of gravity, supplied to the elastic roller 7, and then supplied to the developing sleeve 3.

When an image was formed using the apparatus of this embodiment in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, there was little or no difference in image density due to differences in image history (so-called ghost images), and there was no toner clogging or spillage. Sufficiently high image density is maintained without image deterioration such as background fog or scattering.
Stable and good images were obtained.

<Ninth Embodiment> Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 15. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the fourth embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that an electrode roller 70 is used as the developer stripping means and that the type of photoreceptor is changed to perform reverse development. Other configurations are common.

In this embodiment, an electrode roller 70 is provided as a developer stripping means and an electric field generating means, and maintains a predetermined gap (approximately 300 μm) between it and the surface of the developing sleeve 3. 1 and is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow. Note that the electrode roller 70 is grounded.

Further, a scraper blade as a developer removing means is provided on the electrode roller 70 and is attached to the hopper 1 with its cutting edge in contact with the electrode roller 70 in the forward direction relative to the moving direction of the electrode roller 70. . At this time, of course, the scraper blade may be disposed in contact with the electrode roller 70 in a direction opposite to the moving direction thereof.

The outer diameter of the electrode roller 70 is 6 mm, and the peripheral speed ratio of the electrode roller 70 and the developing sleeve 3 is 20.
~150%.

The following results are obtained when the circumferential speed of the electrode roller 70 is set to 120 mm/sec, which is the same as the circumferential speed of the developing sleeve 3.

As the photosensitive drum 6, an OPC photosensitive member is used, and the dark area on the photosensitive drum is -700V and the bright area is -100V.
The gap between the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve 3 was maintained at approximately 300 μm, the toner layer thickness was regulated at 50 μm, and a peak-to-peak voltage of 1400 V was applied to the developing sleeve.
, 1800 Hz alternating square wave voltage and a DC voltage of -550 V were applied to perform reversal development.

The distance between the photosensitive drum 6 and the developing sleeve 3 and the distance between the developing sleeve 3 and the electrode roller 70 are both 30
0 μm, which is the same. The developing potential between the photosensitive drum 6 and the developing sleeve 3 is -100-(-55
0)=450V, and the stripping potential between the electrode roller 70 and the developing sleeve 3 is 0-(-550)=550V. Therefore, the electric field during stripping is larger than the electric field during development. When calculated, in this example, the electric field during development is 1.5 x 104 V/cm, and the electric field during peeling is 1.8
It becomes 3×104V/cm.

Furthermore, in reversal development, toner is not consumed on the developing sleeve 3 corresponding to dark areas and remains as is, and toner is consumed on areas corresponding to bright areas, so almost no toner remains on the developing sleeve. Or there is nothing left at all. The remaining toner on the developing sleeve 3 after development is removed by the electrode roller 70 using an electric field larger than the electric field during development, so that the toner on the developing sleeve 3 is removed uniformly in all areas, and most of the toner is removed. There are no or none left.

By using the electrode roller 70 as described above, it is possible to reliably remove the toner on the developing sleeve 3 and to reliably prevent so-called "ghost images," which cause variations in image density due to differences in image history. can. Moreover, since the electrode roller 70 and the developing sleeve 3 are not in contact with each other, the electrode roller 70 and the developing sleeve 3, which serve as the stripping means, are not damaged and can be used stably for a long period of time.

When an image was formed using the apparatus of this embodiment in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, there was little or no difference in image density due to differences in image history (so-called ghost images), and there was no toner clogging or spillage. Sufficiently high image density is maintained without image deterioration such as background fog or scattering.
Stable and good images were obtained.

<Tenth Embodiment> Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The same parts as in the fourth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment has the same structure as the fourth embodiment except for the developer conveying means. That is, while the fourth embodiment utilizes the action of ultrasonic excitation as a means for transporting the developer, this embodiment uses the action of an electric field.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of a developing device showing this embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a main part of an electric field transport means 80, which is a developer transport means using an electric field action in this embodiment.

In FIG. 16, an insulating film is installed on the inner wall of the hopper 1 behind the elastic roller 7, which is in contact with the surface of the developing sleeve 3 and is rotatably supported in the hopper 1. Striped electrode groups 80a to 80g are provided via a sheet 84 that is a base material.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of stripe electrode groups 80a to 80g arranged in hopper 1. In the figure, stripe electrode groups 80a to 80g are provided substantially parallel to the axial direction of the elastic roller 7 and spaced apart from each other, and thin pieces of metal such as copper, aluminum, and stainless steel are preferably used as the stripe electrodes. , even if it is linear. The stripe electrode groups 80a to 80g are, for example,
It is formed on an insulating sheet 84 by means such as printing, etching, vapor deposition, etc., and the width of the electrode is 0.1 to 1.
mm, and the electrode spacing is set to 0.1 to 1 mm. Furthermore, AC power supplies 16A, 16B, and 16C are connected to these linear electrodes 80a to 80g, so that AC voltages of three or more phases having mutually different phases can be applied.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, seven stripe electrodes 80a to 80g are used to simplify the explanation, but in reality, more electrodes are used. The AC power supplies 16A, 16B, and 16C are three-phase AC power supplies whose phases differ by 120°, and the power supply 16A is connected to the electrodes 80a,
80d, 80g..., the power supply 16B connects the electrodes 80b, 80
e..., a power source 16C is connected to the electrodes 80c, 80f..., respectively. When an alternating current voltage is applied, an alternating electric field is generated that advances in the direction of arrow D. In this embodiment, negatively charged toner is used, and the toner 2 stripped off from the developing sleeve 3 by the elastic roller 7 falls onto the stripe electrode 80a.

At this time, when a voltage is applied to the electrodes 80a to 80g, an alternating current electric field is generated in the direction of arrow D, and the toner 2
is transported inside the hopper 1 in the direction of arrow D on the hopper 1 while vibrating between the electrodes 80a to 80g, and then merges and mixes with the toner 2 transported from the hopper rear chamber S2 by the toner transport member 12. Thereafter, it is supplied to the elastic roller 7 and further supplied to the developing sleeve 3.

Next, an experimental example conducted under the following conditions will be explained.

[0109] In this experimental example, a developing sleeve with a diameter of 2
The surface of an aluminum sleeve with a diameter of 0 mm was roughened with No. 600 sandpaper to form unevenness with a pitch of 1.5 μm. The elastic blade has a thickness of 2 mm,
Urethane with a width of 20 mm and a hardness of 60° rubber was used. Regarding hardness, when the dimensions and shapes are changed, 5
0° to 80° was effective.

The non-magnetic toner used at this time was a powder mainly composed of 10 parts of carbon and 90 parts of polystyrene and had an average particle size of 7 to 15 μm, and about 1.0% of silica was added as an external additive. Gives fluidity to the toner. A thin Mylar seal with a thickness of 50 μm was used as a seal member to prevent the toner from scattering from the container. The contact pressure of the elastic blade against the developing sleeve is effective to be about 5 to 100 g/cm when the hardness and size and shape of the blade are changed, and it is preferable to keep the error within 5 g in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve. In the experimental example, it was set to about 45 g/cm. As the elastic roller, a sponge roller was used in which Everlite (trade name, manufactured by Bridgestone Corporation) material with a foam diameter of 1 mm was wound around a stainless steel core metal with a diameter of 6 mm to form a roller with a diameter of 14 mm. Also, the developing sleeve is 120mm
The supply roller was rotated at a relative speed of 50 to 300 mm/sec with respect to the developing sleeve. The following results are for a setting of 70 mm/sec.

The stripe electrode groups 80a to 80g were made of copper. It is effective for the electrode width of the stripe electrode group to be 0.1 to 1.0 mm and the electrode spacing to be 0.1 to 1.0 mm. In this example, the electrode width of 0.3 mm and the electrode spacing of 0.3 mm are used. there was.

[0112] As a result of conducting experiments in this manner, it was possible to form a thin toner layer of 30 to 100 μm in thickness without streaks or unevenness on the surface of the developing sleeve. It was also confirmed that the toner layer thickness could be changed by changing the linear pressure of the elastic blade. In this experimental example, the thickness of the toner layer on the developing sleeve was made smaller than the length of the facing gap between the developing sleeve and the photosensitive drum, and as described above, the toner was moved from the developing sleeve to the photosensitive drum within that gap to develop the image. (so-called non-contact development or jumping development).

[0113] In this experimental example, a dark area of +60
0V, a latent image with 0V in the bright area is formed, the gap between the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve is maintained at approximately 300 μm, the toner layer thickness is regulated at 50 μm, and a peak-to-peak voltage of 1400 V, 1800 Hz square wave is applied to the developing sleeve. +1 to alternating voltage
A developing bias with a DC voltage of 50 V superimposed was applied, and development was carried out using an NP1215 machine manufactured by Canon Inc. (process speed 100 mm/sec).

[0114] After forming a black belt image (image history part) and a white belt image (non-image history part) in the advancing direction and copying 30 sheets,
When character images and halftone images were formed, and we examined whether differences in the images would occur due to history differences between images and non-images, we found that there was little or no difference in image density for both character images and halftone images, and the image density was sufficiently high. It was possible to maintain a stable and good image without image deterioration such as background fog or scattering. Furthermore, even after copying 30,000 copies, no toner clogging or spillage occurred, and stable and good images were obtained.

<Eleventh Embodiment> Next, the eleventh embodiment will be described using FIG. 18. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the tenth embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment differs from the tenth embodiment only in the arrangement position of the stripe electrode group 80, and the other configurations are the same.

[0117] This stripe electrode group 80a to 80g is
An elastic roller 7 is provided on the outer wall of the hopper 1 behind the elastic roller 7 as a developer supply and developer stripping means, and on the outside thereof,
An insulating protective sheet 84 is provided.

When an image was formed using this example in the same manner as in the tenth example, the image density difference (
There were little or no so-called ghost images, no toner clogging or spillage, no image deterioration such as background fogging or scattering, and sufficiently high image density was maintained, resulting in stable and good images. .

[0119]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
After the powder is conveyed upward along the plate-like surface by the powder conveying means, the powder is conveyed downward by the deflection member, so that the powder can be efficiently circulated and conveyed. In particular, when applied to the transport of developer in a dry developing device, the developer is transported along the inner wall of the developer container from the side of the developer carrier in a direction away from the developer carrier, and the deflection member is used to transport the developer. Since the conveying direction of the toner is deflected in the direction approaching the developer carrier, the remaining developer that was not consumed during development can be circulated within the developer container, and the toner can be stored at high speeds without clogging or spilling. It is possible to stably obtain high-quality images.

Furthermore, since the developer whose conveyance direction is deflected joins and mixes with the developer conveyed through a different conveyance path, the developer is unevenly consumed even after long-term use. A stable image can be maintained for a long period of time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a powder conveying method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a powder conveying method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a powder conveying method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of a developer conveying means of an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a fifth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a main part of a developer conveying means of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of a developer conveying means of an apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a main part of a developer conveying means of a seventh embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a main part of a developer conveying means of an apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

14 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the device in FIG. 13, (b) is (a
) is a diagram schematically representing the magnitude of the air particle velocity v and the sound pressure p.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a ninth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a main part of a developer conveying means of an apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an eleventh embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional device.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another conventional device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Developer container (hopper) 2 Developer (toner, one-component developer) 3 Developer carrier (developing sleeve) 5 Developer regulating means (elastic blade) 7 Developer supply means, developer stripping means (elastic roller) 10,10'
Deflection member 21 Flat plate (sound propagation member) 23 Powder conveyance means (opposed member) 27 Powder

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A method for transporting powder, which comprises transporting the powder upward along a plate-like surface by a powder transport means and then transporting the powder downward by a deflecting member. 2. After the powder is conveyed upward along the plate-like surface by the powder conveyance means, the conveyance direction of the powder is deflected downward by the deflection member, and the powder is conveyed from another conveyance route. A method for conveying powder characterized by merging and mixing. 3. A flat plate is disposed close to the plate-like surface of a member whose inner surface is plate-like, and powder is conveyed between the plate-like surface of the member and the flat plate, and the powder is conveyed by a deflection member. A method for conveying powder, characterized by deflecting the direction and conveying the powder along a surface of a flat plate opposite to the surface adjacent to the above-mentioned member. 4. In a dry type developing device, the developer is conveyed along the inner wall of the developer container from the side of the developer carrier in a direction away from the developer carrier, and the direction of conveyance of the developer is controlled by a deflection member. A method for transporting a developer, characterized in that the developer is deflected in a direction approaching the developer carrier. 5. In a dry developing method, a flat plate is disposed close to the inner wall of the developer container, and the developer is transported between the inner wall of the developer container and the flat plate in a direction away from the developer carrier,
The deflection member deflects the developer in a direction toward the developer carrier, and the developer is moved closer to the developer carrier along a surface of the flat plate opposite to the surface adjacent to the inner wall of the developer container. A method for transporting a developer, characterized by transporting the developer in a direction. 6. The developer transport method according to claim 4, wherein the developer whose transport direction has been deflected joins and mixes with the developer transported from another transport path. 7. A developer container having an opening at the front;
a developer carrier rotatably disposed in the opening for carrying and conveying a one-component developer; a supply means for supplying the developer to the developer carrier; and coating of the developer on the developer carrier. A developer regulating means for regulating the amount of developer; and a developer stripping means disposed upstream of the developer regulating means in the rotational direction of the developer carrier and for peeling and removing the developer on the developer carrier. In the developing device, a group of electrodes provided along the wall surface of the developer container and a voltage that changes over time are applied to the group of electrodes to remove and remove the developer by the developer stripping means. What is claimed is: 1. A developing device comprising: a developer conveying means for conveying the developer; and a deflection member fixed to the developer container and reversing the conveying direction of the developer. 8. A developer container having an opening at the front;
a developer carrier rotatably disposed in the opening for carrying and conveying a one-component developer; a supply means for supplying the developer to the developer carrier; and coating of the developer on the developer carrier. A developer regulating means for regulating the amount of developer; and a developer stripping means disposed upstream of the developer regulating means in the rotational direction of the developer carrier and for peeling and removing the developer on the developer carrier. In the developing device, a sound wave propagating member provided along the wall surface of the developer container and a traveling transverse wave are applied to the sound wave propagating member to move a standing wave sound field, so that the developer is peeled off by the developer peeling means. A developing device comprising: a developer conveying means for conveying the removed developer into a developer container; and a deflecting member fixed to the developer container and reversing the conveying direction of the developer.