JPH0527574A - Developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a developing device capable of surely preventing the leakage of a developer by securing high sealing properties. CONSTITUTION:In the developing device provided with a developer carrier 2 and a blade 3 on the opening part of a developing container 1 housing the developer, and constituted by sealing the joint part of the developer carrier 2, both end parts of the blade 3, and the developing container 1 with an end part seal 5, the end part seal 5 and the blade 3 are stuck. Since they are integrated into one body by the sticking, the joint part of them does not have a gap, but the leakage of the developer from the joint part is surely prevented, and the high sealing properties are secured on the developing container 1. On the other hand, even if high pressure is not applied on the joint part of the end part seal 5 and the blade 3, the high sealing properties are secured on this part, so that the melt-sticking of the developer can be prevented, and the driving force of the developer carrier 2 is reduced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.

[0002]

25 to 27 show the structure of a conventional developing device. That is, FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a conventional developing device, FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of the main part of the developing device (developer carrier), and FIG. 27 is a partial front view of the developing device with the developer carrier removed. As shown in the drawing, a developer carrier 2 is provided in the front opening of the developing container 1, and the developer carrier 2 is provided for controlling the layer thickness of the developer and imparting electric charge. A blade 3 having a function and a squeeze sheet 4 for preventing the developer from leaking from the lower portion of the developer carrier 2 are in contact with each other. An end seal 5 is provided at the joint between the developer carrier 2, the blade 3, and the squisheet 4 and the developer container 1.

The end seal 5 is provided on the developing container 1, and the developer carrier 2 and the blade 3 pressed by the developer carrier 2 are in contact with the end seal 5. At this time, in order to prevent a gap from being generated between the end portion of the blade 3 and the squi sheet 4 and the end seal 5 and the developer from leaking from the gap, as shown in FIG.
The end of the squi sheet 4 is configured to overlap the end seal 5.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional developing device, the blade 3 is pushed and brought into contact with the end seal 5 by the developer carrying member 2, so that the end seal 5 and the blade 3 are not in contact with each other. A gap may occur in the contact portion, and in such a case, there is a problem that the developer leaks from the gap. Therefore, if a strong pressure is applied to the contact portion between the end seal 5 and the blade 3 in order to prevent the occurrence of a gap, the fusion of the developer due to friction is likely to occur at that portion, so that the vicinity of the end portion is likely to be fused. The problem of developer leakage due to the deformation of the blade 3 is likely to occur.

Further, there may occur a problem that the developer leaks from the contact portions A and B between the blade 3 and the squi sheet 4 and the end seal 5. The reason for this is that the developer easily flows to the portion A by the rotation of the developer carrier 2 or a developer supply member (not shown), in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 27 (the direction from the center to the end), The developer is blocked at the portion B, and the developer easily leaks from the portion. In the vicinity of the joint between the blade 3 and the end seal 5, the blade 3 comes into contact with the developer carrier 2 for sealing the joint. It is conceivable that the developer is likely to be fused because the pressure is set to be larger than that of other portions. It should be noted that the developer is apt to fuse when the pressure is high or the frictional heat is high, and in particular, the non-magnetic developer has a high fluidity and is apt to leak.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a developing device capable of ensuring a high sealing property and reliably preventing the developer from leaking.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first invention, in which at least a developer carrying member and a blade are provided in an opening of a developing container for containing a developer, and the developer carrying member and the blade are carried. In a developing device in which both end portions of the body and the blade and the developing container are sealed with end seals,
The end seal and the blade are bonded together.

According to a second aspect of the invention, at least a developer carrying member is provided in an opening of a developing container for containing the developer, and a joint between the both ends of the developer carrying member and the developing container serves as an end seal. In a developing device formed by sealing the inside of the end seal, a first member for regulating the inflow of the developer into the end seal and regulating the application of the developer to the developer carrier near the inside of the end seal is provided. The first restriction member is provided.

Further, according to a third aspect of the invention, at least a developer carrying member and a blade are provided in an opening of a developing container for containing a developer, and a joint portion between the developer carrying member and both ends of the blade and the developing container is provided. In a developing device formed by sealing with an end seal, a slope portion is provided on an inner side wall of the end seal,
It is characterized in that a space into which a developer flows is formed at least on the rear side of the developing container in the inclined surface portion.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the invention, since the end seal and the blade are bonded and integrated, no gap is formed at the joint between the two and the leakage of the developer from there is reliably prevented. , High sealing property is secured. Further, even if a high pressure is not applied to the joining portion between the end seal and the blade, a high sealing property is secured in that portion, so that the fusion of the developer is prevented and the driving force of the developer carrier is reduced. You can

According to the second aspect of the invention, the developer flowing in the direction of the end seal in the developing container is restricted or prevented from flowing into the end seal by the restriction member. Since application of the developer to the developer carrier near the contacting end seal is restricted or blocked, leakage of the developer from both ends of the blade is reliably prevented and a high seal is secured. .

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, since the direction of the flow of the developer is changed to the inside of the developing container by the inclined surface portion formed on the end seal, the developer is attached to the end of the end seal. Without concentrating, the leakage of the developer from here is surely prevented and a high sealing property is secured. Further, since the developer easily circulates at both ends in the developer container, the developer is less likely to stay at the corners in the developer container, which prevents deterioration of the developer.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the first invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
It will be described based on.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a main part (developer carrying member) of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the developing device with the developer carrying member removed. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the blade and the end seal, and FIG. 4 is an exploded sectional view of a main part of the developing device.

As shown in FIG. 1, a developer carrying member 2 is provided at the front opening of the developing container 1, and the developer carrying member 2 has a layer thickness regulation of the developer and an electric charge imparted thereto. The blade 3 having the function of and the squeeze sheet 4 for preventing the developer from leaking from the lower portion of the developer carrier 2 are in contact with each other.
An end seal 5 is provided at the joint between each end of the developer carrying member 2, the blade 3, and the squi sheet 4 and the developing container 1.

The above-mentioned end seal 5 is provided in the developing container 1, and the developer carrier 2 and the blade 3 pressed by the developer carrier 2 are in contact with the end seal 5. By the way, in this embodiment, the end seal 5 is formed with a step 5A as shown in FIG. 3, and the end of the blade 3 is fitted and adhered to the step 5A. That is, the surfaces 5a and 5b of the step 5A of the end seal 5 (hatched portions)
Then, the end surface 3a and the lower surface 3b of the blade 3 are joined to each other to bond the end seal 5 and the blade 3 together. At this time, the end seal 5
The contact surface between the blade 3 and the developer carrying member 2 should be flush with each other as shown in FIG.

Thus, the end seal 5 and the blade 3 (see FIG. 4) which are joined and integrated as described above are attached to the developing container 1, and then the developer carrying member 2 is attached to the developing container 1. . Then, the end seal 5 becomes the developer carrier 2
And is pressed against the developing container 1 as shown in FIG.

In the above, the end seal 5 is used in this embodiment.
Since the blade 3 and the blade 3 are bonded and integrated with each other, no gap is generated at the joint between the two and the leakage of the developer from there is reliably prevented, and a high sealing property is secured. Further, even if a high pressure is not applied to the joint portion between the end seal 5 and the blade 3, a high sealing property is secured in the portion, so that the fusion of the developer is prevented and the driving force of the developer carrier 2 is increased. It can be reduced.

Next, second, third, and fourth embodiments of the first invention are shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the end seal 5 made of an elastic material is attached to the end 3 of the blade 3.
A step portion 5A to be fitted with A is formed, and the step portion 5A is formed.
The three surfaces 5a, 5b, 5c (hatched portions) of the blade 3 are joined and bonded to the three surfaces 3a, 3b, 3c of the end portion 3A of the blade 3.

When the end seal 5 and the blade 3 are bonded and integrated, as shown in FIG. 6, the end seal 5 comes into contact with the developer carrying member 2 (see FIG. 1). The surface protrudes from the surface of the blade 3 by D. When the integrated end seal 5 and blade 3 are attached to the developing container 1 (see FIG. 1) and the developer carrier 2 is assembled to the developing container 1, The end seal 5 is compressed and deformed, and the contact surface with the developer carrying member 2 is flush with the contact surface of the blade 3.

Further, in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7, an L-shaped packing member 17 having elasticity is adhered to the joint portion of the blade 3 with the end seal 5, and the end member is adhered by this packing member 17. It is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the partial seal 5 and the seal 5.

Further, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.
A cutout groove 5B is formed in a side portion of the end seal 5, and the ends of the blade 3 and the blade holding member 18 are fitted and adhered to the cutout groove 5B.

Thus, the same effects as those obtained in the first embodiment can be obtained in the second to fourth embodiments described above.

Next, a first embodiment of the second invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the main part of the developing device (developer carrying member portion) according to the first embodiment of the second invention, and FIG. 10 is a partial front view of the developing device with the developer carrying member removed. In these figures, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted below.

In the second aspect of the invention, the first regulating member 6 made of an elastic material such as felt or urethane foam is provided inside the joint between the blade 3 and the end seal 5 between the developing container 1 and the developer carrying member 2. The restriction member 6 is lightly pressed against the developer carrying member 2 so as to cover the developer contacting portion of the developer carrying member 2 inside the developing container 1.

Thus, the developer flowing in the direction of the end seal 5 in the developing container 1 is restricted or prevented from flowing into the end seal 5 by the restriction member 6, and further the restriction member 6 The application of the developer to the developer carrying member 2 in the vicinity of the contacting end seal 5 is regulated or blocked, the developer is surely prevented from leaking from both ends of the blade 3, and A high seal is secured.

The second, third and fourth embodiments of the second invention are shown below in FIGS. 11 and 12, 13 and 14, respectively.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the back side of the blade 3 is located at the back side of the blade 3 in the vicinity of the end portion where the regulating member 6 used in the first embodiment is provided. A second restricting member 7 is provided for restricting the developer that flows in the sheet direction. The second restricting member 7 is made of felt, rubber, foam or the like. Further, the regulating members 6 and 7 have an appropriate inclination so that the flow of the developer is not blocked, that is, the flow of the developer is directed inward of the developing container 1.

Further, in the third embodiment shown in FIG.
The regulating members 6 and 7 in the second embodiment are integrated as the regulating member 8, and the end portion of the blade 3 is fitted or adhered to the step portion 8A of the regulating member 8.

Further, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the regulating member 8 and the end seal 5 in the above-mentioned third embodiment are used.
And 9 are integrated to form a member 9, and a portion of the member 9 corresponding to the regulating member 8 in the third embodiment is pressed against the developer carrier 2 with a smaller pressure than other portions. To be done.

Thus, also in the above-mentioned second to fourth embodiments, the same effect as that obtained in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Next, a first embodiment of the third invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the main part of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the third invention, FIG. 16 is a partial front view of the developing device with the developer carrier removed, and FIG. 17 is the developer carrier. 18 is a partial perspective view showing the seal structure of the end portion, and FIG. 18 is a plan sectional view thereof. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals. Is omitted.

In the third invention, the side wall of the end seal 5 is formed with a slope 5C. Therefore, the developer flowing in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
Along the direction of the arrow in FIG. That is, since the flow direction of the developer is changed by the inclined surface portion 5C to the inner direction of the developing container 1, the developer is not concentrated at the end portion of the end seal 5, and the developer leaks from this reliably. This prevents the development container 1 from having a high sealing property. In addition, since the developer easily circulates at both ends in the developer container 1, the developer is less likely to stay at the corners in the developer container 1, thereby preventing deterioration of the developer. In the developing container 1, the developer deflected by the inclined surface portion 5C of the end seal 5 is the developing container 1 concerned.
It has a shape that allows it to return to the inside.

The second, third and fourth embodiments of the third invention are shown below in FIGS. 19 to 21, 22 and 23, 24, respectively.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 21,
The end seal 5 is configured to overlap with the blade 3, and the side surface of the end seal 5 on the back surface of the blade 3 is also formed with the inclined surface portion 5C similar to that of the first embodiment. The developer that has flowed in the direction of the broken arrow in FIGS. 20 and 21 is also redirected inwardly of the developing container 1.

Further, in the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the slope of the side wall of the end seal 5 is formed of another member 10 made of PET film or the like. Since the end seal 5 is generally made of a material such as felt, the end seal 5 is
When the slope is formed by itself, the edge portion cannot be sharpened, but according to this configuration, the edge portion of the end seal 5 can be brought close to the outer periphery of the developer carrying member 2,
The blocking of the developer can be prevented.

Further, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the inclined surface of the end seal 5 is constituted by the side wall 1A of the developing container 1 (the bearing member of the developer carrier 2 provided in the developing container 1). There is. In this case, the side wall 1A is a rigid body,
Since it is difficult to bring the edge portion close to the developer carrying member 2, the elastic member 1 is provided between the side wall 1A and the developer carrying member 2.
1 is provided.

Thus, also in the above second to fourth embodiments, the same effect as that obtained in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0040]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, at least the developer carrying member and the blade are provided in the opening of the developing container for containing the developer, and both ends of the developer carrying member and the blade are provided. In a developing device in which a joint portion between a developing section and a developing container is sealed with an end seal, the end seal and the blade are adhered to each other, or a developer for the end seal is provided inside the end seal. A first regulating member for regulating the inflow of the toner and regulating the application of the developer to the developer carrier near the inside of the end seal, or a slope portion is provided on the inner side wall of the end seal, and at least the slope portion Since the space into which the developer flows is formed on the rear side of the developing container, it is possible to provide an effect that it is possible to provide a developing device capable of ensuring a high sealing property and reliably preventing the developer from leaking.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a main portion of a developing device (developer carrying member portion) according to a first embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention with the developer carrier removed.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a blade and an end seal of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a blade and an end seal showing a second embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a blade and an end seal showing a second embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a blade and an end seal showing a third embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a blade and an end seal showing a fourth embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of a main part of a developing device (developer carrier portion) according to the first embodiment of the second invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial front view of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the second invention with the developer carrier removed.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of a main part of a developing device (developer carrier portion) according to a second embodiment of the second invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial front view of the developing device according to the second embodiment of the second invention with the developer carrier removed.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a blade and an end seal showing a third embodiment of the second invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a blade and an end seal showing a fourth embodiment of the second invention.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a main part of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial front view of the developing device developer carrier according to the first embodiment of the third invention with the developer carrying member removed.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view showing the seal structure at the end of the developer carrier of the main part of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial plan sectional view showing a seal structure of an end portion of a developer carrier of a main part of a developing device according to a first embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of a main part of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 20 is a partial front view of the developing device according to the second embodiment of the third invention with the developer carrier removed.

FIG. 21 is a partial plan cross-sectional view showing a seal structure of an end portion of a developer carrier of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view showing a seal structure of an end portion of a developer carrier of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 23 is a partial plan cross-sectional view showing a seal structure of an end portion of a developer carrier of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 24 is a partial plan sectional view showing a seal structure at an end of a developer carrier of a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a conventional developing device.

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of a main part of a conventional developing device.

FIG. 27 is a partial front view of the developing device with the developer carrier removed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 developer container 2 Developer support 3 blades 4 Squishy sheet 5 Edge seal 5A End seal fitting part 5B End seal notch 5C End seal slope 6 First regulating member 7 Second restriction member 8 A regulating member formed by integrating the first and second regulating members 17 Packing material 18 Blade holding member

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An opening of a developing container for containing a developer,
In a developing device in which at least a developer carrying member and a blade are provided, and both end portions of the developer carrying member and the blade and a joining portion of the developing container are sealed with an end seal, the end seal and the blade are bonded to each other. A developing device characterized in that 2. A fitting portion is formed on the end seal,
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the blade is bonded to the end seal in a state where the blade is fitted in the fitting portion. 3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a packing member is bonded to a joint portion of the blade with the end seal. 4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the blade and a holding member for the blade are fitted and bonded to a fitting portion of the end seal. 5. An opening of a developing container for containing a developer,
In a developing device which is provided with at least a developer carrying member and seals the joint between the both ends of the developer carrying member and the developing container with end seals, inside the end seal, to the end seal The developing device is provided with a first regulating member for regulating the inflow of the developer and regulating the application of the developer to the developer carrier near the inside of the end seal. 6. The first regulating member is made of foam or felt and is brought into contact with the developer carrying member with a pressure smaller than that of the end seal.
The developing device described. 7. The inside of the end seal on the back surface of the blade that comes into contact with the developer carrying member is provided for restricting the inflow of the developer into the end seal and the intrusion of the developer into the restricting member. The developing device according to claim 5, further comprising a second regulating member. 8. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the first regulating member and the second regulating member are integrated. 9. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the end seal and one or both of the first and second regulating members are integrated. 10. An opening of a developing container for containing a developer,
In a developing device having at least a developer carrying member and a blade, and sealing the joint between the developer carrying member and the blade and the developing container with an end seal, a sloped surface is formed on the inner side wall of the end seal. A developing device, characterized in that a space into which a developer flows is formed at least on the rear side of the developing container of the inclined surface portion. 11. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein a slope portion is also provided on an inner wall of the end seal on the back surface of the blade. 12. The inclined surface portion is formed by a member separate from the end seal.
1. The developing device according to 1.