JPH07114257A - Developing device - Google Patents

Developing device

Info

Publication number
JPH07114257A
JPH07114257A JP5284358A JP28435893A JPH07114257A JP H07114257 A JPH07114257 A JP H07114257A JP 5284358 A JP5284358 A JP 5284358A JP 28435893 A JP28435893 A JP 28435893A JP H07114257 A JPH07114257 A JP H07114257A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
developer
toner
transport unit
transport
developing device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP5284358A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Yoshihiro Sojo
義弘 荘所
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Minolta Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Minolta Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Minolta Co Ltd filed Critical Minolta Co Ltd
Priority to JP5284358A priority Critical patent/JPH07114257A/en
Priority to US08/257,184 priority patent/US5682583A/en
Publication of JPH07114257A publication Critical patent/JPH07114257A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Abstract

PURPOSE:To stably attain excellent image formation without surface fogging on an image and the scattering of toner by quickly electrifying the toner when fresh toner is replenished to a developing device. CONSTITUTION:In the developing device replenishing the toner from a toner replenishing part 17 to a developer carrying part in such a manner that a developer supplying part 13 supplying a developer 2 to a developing sleeve 11 leading it to an image carrier 1 is parted from the developer carrying part 15 by a partition wall 16 and the developer is circulated between the developer supplying part 13 and the developer carrying part 15, when the length of the developer carrying and supplying parts is defined as L, the relation between the quantity Q1 of the developer fed to the developer supplying part from the developer carrying part at a part L/6 a part from an end part provided with a supplying port and the quantity Q. of the developer fed to the developer supplying part from the developer carrying part in a part except the above part is 1<=Q2/Q1<13.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】この発明は、複写機やプリンター
等の画像形成装置において使用される現像装置に係り、
特に、像担持体に現像剤を送る現像スリーブの軸方向に
沿って現像剤を撹拌しながら搬送させる第１搬送部と、
現像剤を撹拌させながら上記の第１搬送部と逆方向に搬
送させる第２搬送部とが仕切り壁によって分離され、こ
の仕切り壁の一方の端部に第２搬送部から第１搬送部に
現像剤を送り込む供給口が開口される一方、この仕切り
壁の他方の端部に第１搬送部から第２搬送部に現像剤を
戻す戻し口が開口されて、現像剤が第２搬送部と第１搬
送部との間で循環するように形成されると共に、トナー
を補給するトナー補給部が設けられてなる現像装置に関
するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer,
In particular, a first transport unit that transports the developer while stirring it along the axial direction of the developing sleeve that transports the developer to the image carrier,
A partition wall separates the first transport section and the second transport section that transports the developer in the opposite direction while stirring the developer, and develops from the second transport section to the first transport section at one end of the partition wall. While a supply port for feeding the developer is opened, a return port for returning the developer from the first transport unit to the second transport unit is opened at the other end of the partition wall, so that the developer is transferred to the second transport unit and the second transport unit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device that is formed so as to circulate between a single carrying unit and a toner replenishing unit that replenishes toner.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来より、複写機やプリンター等の画像
形成装置においては、像担持体に形成された静電潜像に
現像装置からトナーを供給して現像を行うようにしてお
り、このような現像装置としては、現像剤にトナーだけ
を使用した一成分現像方式の現像装置のほかに、トナー
とキャリアとを含む現像剤を使用した二成分現像方式の
現像装置が知られていた。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a developing device supplies toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier to develop the electrostatic latent image. As such a developing device, in addition to a one-component developing system using only toner as a developer, a two-component developing system using a developer containing toner and carrier has been known.

【０００３】ここで、トナーとキャリアとを含む現像剤
を使用した二成分現像方式の現像装置の場合、像担持体
にトナーを供給して現像を行うと、現像剤中におけるト
ナーの濃度が次第に低下するため、現像剤中におけるト
ナー濃度がある程度低下すると、新たなトナーを補給す
ることが必要になった。Here, in the case of a two-component developing system using a developer containing a toner and a carrier, when toner is supplied to the image carrier to perform development, the toner concentration in the developer gradually increases. Therefore, when the toner concentration in the developer decreases to some extent, it becomes necessary to supply new toner.

【０００４】そして、このように新たなトナーを補給す
るにあたっては、現像スリーブの軸方向に沿ったライン
でトナーを補給するようにした現像装置や、図１〜図３
に示すように、現像装置のハウジング１０内に仕切り壁
１６を設け、この仕切り壁１６により、像担持体１に現
像剤２を送る現像スリーブ１１側において現像剤２を混
合撹拌させながらこの現像スリーブ１１の軸方向に沿っ
て搬送させる第１搬送路１３と、現像剤２を混合撹拌さ
せながらこの第１搬送部１３と現像剤２を逆方向に搬送
させる第２搬送部１５とを分離させ、上記の第１搬送部
１３において現像剤２を現像スリーブ１１に供給させる
ようにすると共に、トナー補給部１７から上記の第２搬
送部１５側に新たなトナーを供給するようにした現像装
置が使用されていた。When replenishing new toner in this manner, a developing device that replenishes toner along a line along the axial direction of the developing sleeve, and FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, a partition wall 16 is provided in the housing 10 of the developing device, and the partition wall 16 mixes and stirs the developer 2 on the side of the developing sleeve 11 that sends the developer 2 to the image carrier 1. The first transport path 13 for transporting along the axial direction of 11 and the second transport section 15 for transporting the developer 2 in the opposite direction while mixing and stirring the developer 2 are separated from each other, A developing device is used in which the developer 2 is supplied to the developing sleeve 11 in the first transport unit 13 and new toner is supplied from the toner replenishing unit 17 to the second transport unit 15 side. It had been.

【０００５】ここで、上記のように現像スリーブの軸方
向に沿ったラインでトナーを補給する現像装置の場合、
トナーが現像スリーブの軸方向に一律に供給されるた
め、トナーを供給した際に、現像剤中におけるトナーの
濃度にむらが生じるということはないが、装置が大型化
するという問題があり、また部分的にトナーの消費が多
い画像形成を行うと、その部分における現像剤中のトナ
ー濃度が低下し、続けて画像形成を行うと、その部分に
おける画像濃度が著しく低下するという問題があった。Here, in the case of the developing device for replenishing the toner in the line along the axial direction of the developing sleeve as described above,
Since the toner is uniformly supplied in the axial direction of the developing sleeve, the toner concentration in the developer does not become uneven when the toner is supplied, but there is a problem that the device becomes large. There is a problem that when the image formation that consumes a large amount of toner is partially performed, the toner density in the developer in that portion is reduced, and when the image formation is continuously performed, the image density in that portion is significantly reduced.

【０００６】一方、図１〜図３に示す現像装置において
は、これらの図に示すように、上記の第１搬送部１３を
水平に設け、この第１搬送部１３内に回転軸１２ａの周
囲に搬送羽根１２ｂと現像剤２を掻き上げる掻き上げ部
材１２ｃとが設けられた第１搬送ローラ１２を配し、こ
の第１搬送ローラ１２を回転させて、第１搬送部１３内
における現像剤２を現像スリーブ１１の軸方向に沿って
搬送させながらこの現像剤２の一部を現像スリーブ１１
に供給させるようにすると共に、上記の第２搬送部１５
を現像剤２の搬送方向上流側から下流側に向かって上方
に傾斜するように設け、この第２搬送部１５内に回転軸
１４ａの周囲にスパイラル状になった搬送羽根１４ｂが
設けられた第２搬送ローラ１４を配し、この第２搬送ロ
ーラ１４を回転させて、第２搬送部１５内における現像
剤２を混合撹拌させながら第１搬送部１３と逆方向に搬
送させるようにしていた。On the other hand, in the developing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, as shown in these figures, the above-mentioned first transfer section 13 is provided horizontally, and inside the first transfer section 13, the circumference of the rotary shaft 12a is provided. The first conveying roller 12 provided with the conveying blade 12b and the scraping member 12c for scraping up the developer 2 is arranged on the first conveying roller 12, and the first conveying roller 12 is rotated so that the developer 2 in the first conveying portion 13 is rotated. Is conveyed along the axial direction of the developing sleeve 11, a part of the developer 2 is
And the second transport unit 15 described above.
Is provided so as to incline upward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the developer 2 in the transport direction, and the spiral transport blade 14b is provided in the second transport portion 15 around the rotary shaft 14a. The two transport rollers 14 are arranged, and the second transport roller 14 is rotated so that the developer 2 in the second transport unit 15 is mixed and stirred to be transported in the direction opposite to the first transport unit 13.

【０００７】また、上記のようにハウジング１０内を第
１搬送部１３と第２搬送部１５とに分離させる仕切り壁
１６については、この仕切り壁１６の高さを高くして、
現像剤２が仕切り壁１６を越えて第１搬送部１３と第２
搬送部１５との間で移動しないようにする一方、この仕
切り壁１６の一端部に第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１
３に現像剤２を送り込む供給口１６ａを開口させると共
に、この仕切り壁１６の他端部に第１搬送部１３から第
２搬送部１５に現像剤２を戻す戻し口１６ｂを開口させ
ていた。As for the partition wall 16 for separating the inside of the housing 10 into the first transport section 13 and the second transport section 15 as described above, the height of the partition wall 16 is increased to
The developer 2 passes over the partition wall 16 and the first transport unit 13 and the second transport unit 13
While not moving between the second transfer unit 15 and the first transfer unit 1, one end of the partition wall 16 is prevented from moving.
3, the supply port 16a for sending the developer 2 is opened, and the return port 16b for returning the developer 2 from the first carrying unit 13 to the second carrying unit 15 is opened at the other end of the partition wall 16.

【０００８】そして、この現像装置においては、上記の
ように第２搬送部１５内に設けられた第２搬送ローラ１
４の回転軸１４ａを回転させ、この回転軸１４ａの周囲
に設けられた搬送羽根１４ｂによって現像剤２を混合撹
拌させながら搬送させ、このように搬送されてきた現像
剤２を上記仕切り壁１６の一端に設けられた供給口１６
ａを通して第１搬送部１３に送り込むようにしていた。In this developing device, the second transport roller 1 provided in the second transport section 15 as described above.
4 rotates the rotary shaft 14a, and the developer 2 is mixed and stirred by the transport blades 14b provided around the rotary shaft 14a, and the developer 2 is transported in such a manner. Supply port 16 provided at one end
It was designed to be sent to the first transport unit 13 through a.

【０００９】一方、このように現像剤２が送り込まれる
第１搬送部１３においては、この第１搬送部１３内に設
けられた上記の第１搬送ローラ１２の回転軸１２ａを回
転させ、この回転軸１２ａの周囲に設けられた掻き上げ
部材１２ｃによって現像剤２を掻き上げ、この現像剤２
の一部を内部にマグネットローラ１８が設けられた現像
スリーブ１１に供給し、この現像スリーブ１１によって
供給された現像剤２を像担持体２に導き、この現像剤２
中におけるトナーを像担持体２に供給して現像を行うと
共に、上記の回転軸１２ａの周囲に設けられた搬送羽根
１２ｂによって現像剤２を第２搬送部１５とは逆方向に
搬送させ、このように搬送されてきた現像剤２を上記仕
切り壁１６の他端に設けられた戻し口１６ｂを通して第
２搬送部１５に戻し、現像剤２を第２搬送部１５と第１
搬送部１３との間で循環させるようにしていた。On the other hand, in the first transporting section 13 into which the developer 2 is fed in this way, the rotary shaft 12a of the first transporting roller 12 provided in the first transporting section 13 is rotated, and this rotation is performed. The developer 2 is scraped up by a scraping member 12c provided around the shaft 12a.
A part of the developer is supplied to the developing sleeve 11 in which the magnet roller 18 is provided, and the developer 2 supplied by the developing sleeve 11 is guided to the image carrier 2.
The toner inside is supplied to the image carrier 2 for development, and at the same time, the developer 2 is transported in the direction opposite to the second transport unit 15 by the transport blades 12b provided around the rotating shaft 12a. The developer 2 thus transported is returned to the second transport unit 15 through the return port 16b provided at the other end of the partition wall 16 to transfer the developer 2 to the second transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 15.
It was arranged to circulate with the transport unit 13.

【００１０】そして、上記のように現像スリーブ１１か
ら現像剤２中におけるトナーを像担持体１に供給して現
像を行った結果、現像剤２中におけるトナーの濃度が低
下した場合には、上記のようにトナー補給部１７から新
たなトナーを第２搬送部１５に供給し、このように供給
されたトナーを戻し口１６ｂを通して第２搬送部１５に
戻されてきた現像剤２と一緒にして、上記の第２搬送ロ
ーラ１４によりこのトナーを現像剤２と混合撹拌させな
がら搬送させるようにしていた。When the toner in the developer 2 is supplied to the image carrier 1 from the developing sleeve 11 as described above and the image is developed, the toner concentration in the developer 2 decreases, and As described above, new toner is supplied from the toner replenishing unit 17 to the second transport unit 15, and the toner thus supplied is combined with the developer 2 returned to the second transport unit 15 through the return port 16b. The toner is mixed and agitated with the developer 2 by the second conveying roller 14 and conveyed.

【００１１】ここで、上記のようにトナー補給部１７を
通して新たに補給されたトナーを第２搬送部１５におけ
る現像剤２と混合させると、新たにトナーが補給された
部分における現像剤２中のトナー濃度だけが高くなり、
現像剤２中におけるトナー濃度に部分的なむらが生じ、
特に、多くのトナーが消費された場合において、トナー
補給部１７から一度に多くのトナーを補給すると、トナ
ーが補給された部分における現像剤２中のトナー濃度だ
けが著しく高くなり、新たに補給されたトナーが現像剤
２と十分に混合撹拌されない状態で搬送され、トナーが
十分に帯電さてないまま供給口１６ａに導かれるように
なった。Here, when the toner newly replenished through the toner replenishing section 17 as described above is mixed with the developer 2 in the second conveying section 15, the developer 2 in the newly replenished portion of the toner 2 is mixed. Only the toner density becomes high,
Partial unevenness occurs in the toner density in the developer 2,
Particularly, when a large amount of toner is consumed, if a large amount of toner is replenished from the toner replenishing unit 17 at a time, only the toner concentration in the developer 2 in the portion to which the toner is replenished is significantly increased, and the toner is newly replenished. Further, the toner is conveyed without being sufficiently mixed and stirred with the developer 2, and the toner is introduced to the supply port 16a without being sufficiently charged.

【００１２】そして、このように補給されたトナーが十
分に帯電されない状態で現像剤２が供給口１６ａを通し
て第１搬送部１３に送り込まれ、このような帯電不良ト
ナーを含む現像剤２が現像スリーブ１１に供給されて現
像に使用される結果、形成される画像に地肌かぶりが生
じたり、またこのような帯電不良トナーが現像装置から
飛散して画像形成装置内が汚れたりするという問題があ
った。Then, the developer 2 is sent to the first conveying portion 13 through the supply port 16a in a state where the toner thus replenished is not sufficiently charged, and the developer 2 containing such a poorly charged toner is developed. As a result of being supplied to No. 11 and used for development, there is a problem that background fog occurs in an image to be formed, and such poorly charged toner is scattered from the developing device and the inside of the image forming device is soiled. .

【００１３】また、新たに補給されたトナーを第２搬送
部１５内において十分に帯電させるため、上記の第２搬
送ローラ１４による現像剤２の撹拌条件を強くすること
が考えられたが、第２搬送ローラ１４による現像剤２の
撹拌条件を強くすると、これにより現像剤２に大きな負
荷がかかって現像剤２が劣化したり、第２搬送ローラ１
４に大きな負担がかかる等の新たな問題が生じた。Further, in order to sufficiently charge the newly replenished toner in the second conveying portion 15, it has been considered that the stirring condition of the developer 2 by the second conveying roller 14 is strengthened. When the stirring condition of the developer 2 by the second transport roller 14 is strengthened, a large load is applied to the developer 2 due to this, and the developer 2 is deteriorated, or the second transport roller 1
New problems such as a large burden on 4 occurred.

【００１４】[0014]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】この発明は、像担持体
に現像剤を送る現像スリーブの軸方向に沿って現像剤を
撹拌しながら搬送させる第１搬送部と、現像剤を撹拌さ
せながら上記の第１搬送部と逆方向に搬送させる第２搬
送部とが仕切り壁によって分離され、この仕切り壁の一
方の端部に第２搬送部から第１搬送部に現像剤を送り込
む供給口が開口される一方、この仕切り壁の他方の端部
に第１搬送部から第２搬送部に現像剤を戻す戻し口が開
口されて、現像剤が第２搬送部と第１搬送部との間で循
環するように形成されると共に、トナーを第２搬送部側
に補給するトナー補給部が設けられてなる現像装置にお
ける上記のような問題を解決することを課題とするもの
である。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a first conveying section for conveying a developer while stirring it along an axial direction of a developing sleeve for feeding the developer to the image carrier, and the above-mentioned constitution while stirring the developer. The first transporting section and the second transporting section for transporting in the opposite direction are separated by the partition wall, and a supply port for sending the developer from the second transporting section to the first transporting section is opened at one end of this partition wall. On the other hand, a return port for returning the developer from the first transport unit to the second transport unit is opened at the other end of the partition wall so that the developer is transferred between the second transport unit and the first transport unit. It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems in a developing device that is formed so as to circulate and is provided with a toner replenishing portion that replenishes toner to the second conveying portion side.

【００１５】すなわち、この発明は、上記のような現像
装置において、トナー補給部から第２搬送部側にトナー
を補給し、このように補給されたトナーを第２搬送部内
において現像剤と混合撹拌させながら搬送させるにあた
り、現像剤中におけるトナー濃度が部分的に高くなっ
て、新たに補給されたトナーに帯電不良が生じるという
ことがなく、新たに補給されたトナーが現像剤中にうま
く分散され、現像剤が劣化することなく、新たに補給さ
れたトナーが十分に帯電されて現像に用いられるように
なり、形成される画像に地肌かぶりが生じたり、トナー
が現像装置から飛散して画像形成装置内が汚れたりする
ということがなく、良好な画像形成が安定して行えるよ
うにすることを課題とするものである。That is, according to the present invention, in the developing device as described above, the toner is replenished from the toner replenishing portion to the second conveying portion side, and the toner thus replenished is mixed and stirred with the developer in the second conveying portion. When the toner is conveyed while being conveyed, the toner concentration in the developer partially increases and the newly replenished toner does not cause charging failure, and the newly replenished toner is well dispersed in the developer. , The newly replenished toner is sufficiently charged and used for development without deterioration of the developer, and the formed image has a background fog or the toner is scattered from the developing device to form an image. An object of the present invention is to prevent the inside of the apparatus from becoming dirty and to stably perform good image formation.

【００１６】[0016]

【課題を解決するための手段】この発明においては、上
記のような課題を解決するため、像担持体に現像剤を送
る現像スリーブの軸方向に沿って現像剤を撹拌しながら
搬送させる第１搬送部と、現像剤を撹拌させながら上記
の第１搬送部と逆方向に搬送させる第２搬送部とが仕切
り壁によって分離され、この仕切り壁の一方の端部に第
２搬送部から第１搬送部に現像剤を送り込む供給口が開
口される一方、この仕切り壁の他方の端部に第１搬送部
から第２搬送部に現像剤を戻す戻し口が開口されて、現
像剤が第２搬送部と第１搬送部との間で循環するように
形成されると共に、トナーを第２搬送部側に補給するト
ナー補給部が設けられてなる現像装置において、現像剤
が循環する第１搬送部や第２搬送部の長さをＬとした場
合に、供給口が設けられた端部からＬ／６の部分におい
て第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤の単
位時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の部分
において第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像
剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 との関係が、１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ
1 ＜１３になるように構成したのである。According to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, a developer is conveyed while being stirred along the axial direction of a developing sleeve that sends the developer to the image carrier. The transport unit and the second transport unit that transports the developer in the opposite direction to the first transport unit while stirring the developer are separated by a partition wall, and one end of the partition wall is separated from the second transport unit by the first transport unit. While a supply port for feeding the developer to the transport unit is opened, a return port for returning the developer from the first transport unit to the second transport unit is opened at the other end of the partition wall, so that the developer is fed to the second transport unit. In a developing device that is formed so as to circulate between a transport unit and a first transport unit, and is provided with a toner replenishing unit that replenishes toner to the second transport unit, the first transport in which the developer circulates If the length of the transport section and the second transport section is L, the supply port And flow rate to Q 1 per unit time of the developer from being end fed from the second conveying unit in the first conveying portion in the portion of the L / 6, the second conveying section at a portion other than the portion of the L / 6 The relationship with the flow rate Q 2 of the developer sent to the first transport section per unit time is 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q
The configuration is such that 1 <13.

【００１７】ここで、この発明の現像装置において、上
記のように供給口が設けられた端部からＬ／６の部分に
おいて第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤
の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の
部分において第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる
現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 との関係が１≦Ｑ2／
Ｑ1 ＜１３になるようにしたのは、このＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値
が１より小さいと、Ｌ／６の部分以外の部分において第
２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤の量が少
なく、新しいトナーを補給した場合、従来の現像装置と
同様に、トナーが補給された部分における現像剤中のト
ナー濃度だけが高くなり、新たに補給されたトナーが現
像剤と十分に混合撹拌されない状態で搬送され、トナー
が十分に帯電されていない状態で供給口に導かれるよう
になる一方、Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１３以上になると、Ｌ／
６の部分以外の部分において第２搬送部から第１搬送部
に送り込まれる現像剤の量が多くなり過ぎ、供給口に導
かれる現像剤の量が少なくなり、新しいトナーを補給し
た場合、補給されたトナーの大部分が供給口に導かれる
までに第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれてしま
い、供給口を通して第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込
まれる現像剤中のトナー濃度が上昇するのに長い時間が
必要になるためである。Here, in the developing device of the present invention, per unit time of the developer fed from the second carrying section to the first carrying section at the portion L / 6 from the end portion where the supply port is provided as described above. between the flow rate Q 1, the L / 6 relationship from the second conveyor section at a portion other than the portion between the flow rate Q 2 per unit of developer time fed to the first conveying portion of 1 ≦ Q 2 /
Q 1 <13 is set so that when the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is smaller than 1, the developer fed from the second transport section to the first transport section in a portion other than the L / 6 portion is When the amount of toner is small and new toner is replenished, only the toner concentration in the developer in the portion where the toner is replenished becomes high, and the newly replenished toner mixes well with the developer, as in the conventional developing device. When the toner is conveyed without being agitated and is guided to the supply port while the toner is not sufficiently charged, when the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 13 or more, L /
In a portion other than the portion of 6, the amount of developer fed from the second transport unit to the first transport unit becomes too large, the amount of developer guided to the supply port becomes small, and when new toner is replenished, it is replenished Most of the toner is sent from the second transport unit to the first transport unit before being guided to the supply port, and the toner concentration in the developer sent from the second transport unit to the first transport unit through the supply port is This is because it takes a long time to rise.

【００１８】なお、上記のように供給口が設けられた端
部からＬ／６の部分において第２搬送部から第１搬送部
に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、こ
のＬ／６の部分以外の部分において第２搬送部から第１
搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2
との関係が１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１３になるように調整する
にあたっては、例えば、第１搬送部と第２搬送部とを分
離させる仕切り壁の高さを適当な範囲で低くし、このよ
うに低くなった仕切り壁の部分を越えて現像剤を第２搬
送部から第１搬送部に送り込むようにしたり、仕切り壁
に部分的な切り欠き部を設け、この切り欠き部を通して
現像剤を第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込むようにし
たり、仕切り壁に現像剤を通過させる通過口を開口さ
せ、この通過口を通して現像剤を第２搬送部から第１搬
送部に送り込むようにして調整することができる。The flow rate Q 1 of the developer sent from the second transport section to the first transport section per unit time at the portion L / 6 from the end where the supply port is provided as described above, and this L From the second transport section to the first section except the / 6 section.
Flow rate Q 2 of the developer sent to the transport unit per unit time
When adjusting so that the relationship of 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q 1 <13 is satisfied, for example, the height of the partition wall that separates the first transport unit and the second transport unit is lowered in an appropriate range, The developer may be sent from the second transport unit to the first transport unit over the thus lowered partition wall portion, or a partial cutout portion may be provided in the partition wall, and the developer may be passed through the cutout portion. To feed the developer from the second transport unit to the first transport unit, or to open a passage opening for passing the developer in the partition wall, and to feed the developer from the second transport unit to the first transport unit through this passage opening. Can be adjusted.

【００１９】[0019]

【作用】この発明における現像装置においては、上記の
ように仕切り壁によって分離され第１搬送部と第２搬送
部とにおいて現像剤を撹拌させながら、現像剤を第１搬
送部と第２搬送部とで逆方向に搬送させるようになって
いる。In the developing device according to the present invention, the developer is agitated by the partition wall as described above, and the developer is agitated in the first transport portion and the second transport portion while the developer is transported in the first transport portion and the second transport portion. And to transport in the opposite direction.

【００２０】そして、第２搬送部においては、上記のよ
うに撹拌されながら搬送されてきた現像剤を仕切り壁の
一端に設けられた供給口を通して第１搬送部に送り込む
ようにすると共に、供給口に導かれる途中の部分におい
ても第１搬送部に送り込むようになっている。In the second transport section, the developer transported while being stirred as described above is sent to the first transport section through the supply port provided at one end of the partition wall, and the supply port is also provided. Even in the middle of being guided to, the sheet is fed to the first transport section.

【００２１】一方、このようにして現像剤が送り込まれ
る第１搬送部においては、上記のように現像剤を撹拌さ
せながら第２搬送部と逆方向に搬送させ、このように搬
送されてきた現像剤を仕切り壁の他端に設けられた上記
の戻し口を通して上記の第２搬送部に戻し、現像剤を第
２搬送部と第１搬送部との間で循環させるようになって
いる。On the other hand, in the first transport section in which the developer is fed in this way, the developer is transported in the direction opposite to the second transport section while stirring the developer as described above, and the development transported in this way is carried out. The developer is returned to the second transport section through the return port provided at the other end of the partition wall, and the developer is circulated between the second transport section and the first transport section.

【００２２】そして、上記のように搬送される現像剤を
現像スリーブに供給して現像を行った結果、現像剤中に
おけるトナーが消費され、現像剤中のトナー濃度が所定
の濃度より低下した場合には、トナー補給部から新たな
トナーを第２搬送部側に補給するようになっている。When the developer conveyed as described above is supplied to the developing sleeve to develop the toner, the toner in the developer is consumed and the toner concentration in the developer falls below a predetermined concentration. In this case, new toner is replenished from the toner replenishing section to the second conveying section side.

【００２３】ここで、この発明における現像装置におい
ては、上記のように第２搬送部における現像剤が仕切り
壁の一端に設けられた供給口を通して第１搬送部に送り
込まれるようにすると共に、供給口に導かれる途中の部
分においても現像剤が第１搬送部に送り込まれるように
し、供給口が設けられた端部からＬ／６の部分において
第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤の単位
時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の部分に
おいて第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤
の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 との関係が１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜
１３になるようにしている。Here, in the developing device according to the present invention, the developer in the second transport section is fed to the first transport section through the supply port provided at one end of the partition wall as described above, and is supplied. The developer is made to be sent to the first transport unit even in the middle of being guided to the mouth, and the developer is sent to the first transport unit from the second transport unit at the portion L / 6 from the end where the supply port is provided. and flow rate to Q 1 per unit time of the dosage, the L / 6 relationship 1 ≦ Q between the flow rate Q 2 per unit of developer time fed from the second conveying section to the first conveyor in a portion other than the portion of the 2 / Q 1 <
I am going to be 13.

【００２４】このため、現像剤中におけるトナー濃度が
所定の濃度より低下した場合において、トナー補給部か
ら新たなトナーを第２搬送部側に補給すると、補給され
たトナーが第２搬送部における現像剤と一緒に仕切り壁
の一端に設けられた供給口に導かれる途中において、こ
のトナーの一部が仕切り壁を越えて分散されながら第１
搬送部に送り込まれ、補給されたトナーが現像剤全体に
速やかに分散され、現像剤全体におけるトナー濃度が素
早く一定化し、補給されたトナーが現像剤と十分に混合
撹拌されて適切に帯電されるようになる。Therefore, when new toner is replenished from the toner replenishing portion to the second conveying portion side when the toner concentration in the developer is lower than the predetermined concentration, the replenished toner is developed in the second conveying portion. While being guided along with the agent to a supply port provided at one end of the partition wall, a part of this toner is dispersed over the partition wall to be first
The toner that is sent to the transport unit and replenished is quickly dispersed throughout the developer, the toner concentration in the entire developer quickly becomes constant, and the replenished toner is sufficiently mixed and stirred with the developer to be appropriately charged. Like

【００２５】そして、このようにトナーが適切に帯電さ
れた現像剤が現像スリーブに供給されて現像に使用され
るようになる。Then, the developer thus properly charged with the toner is supplied to the developing sleeve and used for the development.

【００２６】[0026]

【実施例】以下、この発明の実施例に係る現像装置を添
付図面に基づいて具体的に説明すると共に、この実施例
の現像装置と従来の現像装置の特性を比較して、この実
施例の現像装置が優れていることを明らかにし、さらに
実験例に基づいてこの発明の現像装置が優れていること
を明確にする。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the characteristics of the developing device of this embodiment and those of a conventional developing device will be compared to compare the characteristics of this embodiment. It is clarified that the developing device is excellent, and further it is clarified that the developing device of the present invention is excellent based on experimental examples.

【００２７】この実施例に係る現像装置においても、図
４〜図６に示すように、従来の現像装置と同様に、内部
にマグネットローラ１８が設けられた現像スリーブ１１
を像担持体１と対向するようにしてハウジング１０の開
口部分に回転可能に設けると共に、このハウジング１０
内に現像スリーブ１１の軸方向に沿って仕切り壁１６を
設け、ハウジング１０内をこの仕切り壁１６により、現
像スリーブ１１側において現像剤２を混合撹拌させなが
らこの現像スリーブ１１の軸方向に沿って搬送させる第
１搬送路１３と、現像剤２を混合撹拌させながらこの第
１搬送部１３と現像剤２を逆方向に搬送させる第２搬送
部１５とを分離させている。Also in the developing device according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, like the conventional developing device, the developing sleeve 11 having the magnet roller 18 therein is provided.
Is rotatably provided in the opening of the housing 10 so as to face the image carrier 1, and the housing 10
A partition wall 16 is provided inside along the axial direction of the developing sleeve 11, and the partition wall 16 allows the developer 2 on the developing sleeve 11 side to be mixed and stirred inside the housing 10 along the axial direction of the developing sleeve 11. The first transport path 13 for transporting and the second transport section 15 for transporting the developer 2 in the opposite direction while mixing and stirring the developer 2 are separated.

【００２８】そして、この実施例の現像装置において
も、第１搬送部１３を水平に設け、この第１搬送部１３
内に回転軸１２ａの周囲に搬送羽根１２ｂと現像剤２を
掻き上げる掻き上げ部材１２ｃとが設けられた第１搬送
ローラ１２を配し、この第１搬送ローラ１２を回転させ
て、この第１搬送部１３内における現像剤２を現像スリ
ーブ１１の軸方向に沿って搬送させながらこの現像剤２
の一部を現像スリーブ１１に供給させるようになってい
る。Also in the developing device of this embodiment, the first carrying section 13 is provided horizontally, and the first carrying section 13 is provided.
A first conveying roller 12 provided with a conveying blade 12b and a scraping member 12c for scraping up the developer 2 around the rotary shaft 12a is arranged therein, and the first conveying roller 12 is rotated to rotate the first conveying roller 12a. While carrying the developer 2 in the carrying section 13 along the axial direction of the developing sleeve 11, the developer 2
Is supplied to the developing sleeve 11.

【００２９】また、上記の第２搬送部１５についても、
現像剤２の搬送方向上流側から下流側に向かって上方に
傾斜するように設け、この第２搬送部１５内に回転軸１
４ａの周囲にスパイラル状になった搬送羽根１４ｂが一
定の状態で設けられた第２搬送ローラ１４を配し、この
第２搬送ローラ１４を回転させて、第２搬送部１５内に
おける現像剤２を混合撹拌させながら、この現像剤２を
上記の第１搬送部１３と逆方向に搬送させるようにして
おり、またこの第２搬送部１５における現像剤２の搬送
方向上流側の部分にトナーを補給するトナー補給部１７
を設け、トナーボトル（図示せず）等からこのトナー補
給部１７に新たなトナーを補給し、新たに補給されたト
ナーをこのトナー補給部１７から上記の第２搬送ローラ
１４によって第２搬送部１５に送り込むようにしてい
る。Further, regarding the above-mentioned second transfer section 15,
The developer 2 is provided so as to incline upward from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the rotary shaft 1 is provided in the second transport unit 15.
The second conveying roller 14 provided with the spiral conveying blades 14b provided in a constant state around the peripheral portion 4a is rotated, and the second conveying roller 14 is rotated so that the developer 2 in the second conveying portion 15 is rotated. While the developer 2 is mixed and stirred, the developer 2 is conveyed in the direction opposite to the above-described first conveying portion 13, and the toner is transferred to a portion of the second conveying portion 15 on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the developer 2. Toner supply section 17 for supplying toner
Is provided, and new toner is replenished to the toner replenishing portion 17 from a toner bottle (not shown) or the like, and the newly replenished toner is supplied from the toner replenishing portion 17 to the second conveying roller 14 by the second conveying portion. I am sending it to 15.

【００３０】さらに、上記の仕切り壁１６についても、
第２搬送部１５の上昇した側の端部に第２搬送部１５か
ら第１搬送部１３に現像剤２を供給する供給口１６ａを
開口させると共に、この仕切り壁１６の他方の端部に第
１搬送部１３から第２搬送部１５に現像剤２を戻す戻し
口１６ｂを開口させ、現像剤２が上記の供給口１６ａと
戻し口１６ｂとを通して第２搬送部１５と第１搬送部１
３との間で循環するようにしている。Further, regarding the partition wall 16 described above,
A supply port 16a for supplying the developer 2 from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13 is opened at the raised end of the second transport unit 15, and the other end of the partition wall 16 is provided at the other end. The return port 16b for returning the developer 2 from the first transport unit 13 to the second transport unit 15 is opened, and the developer 2 passes through the supply port 16a and the return port 16b, and the second transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 1
I am trying to circulate between 3 and.

【００３１】ここで、この実施例の現像装置において
は、図４及び図６に示すように、上記の第２搬送部１５
における現像剤２の搬送方向下流側、すなわち供給口１
６ａ側から仕切り壁１６の中央部分までにおける仕切り
壁１６の上部を切り欠いて、この部分における仕切り壁
１６の高さを低くし、このように仕切り壁１６の高さが
低くなった部分において現像剤２がこの仕切り壁１６を
越えて第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込まれ
るようにしている。Here, in the developing device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
Downstream of the developer 2 in the conveying direction, that is, the supply port 1
The upper portion of the partition wall 16 from the 6a side to the central portion of the partition wall 16 is cut out to reduce the height of the partition wall 16 in this portion, and the development is performed in the portion where the height of the partition wall 16 is reduced in this way. The agent 2 is sent over the partition wall 16 to the first carrying section 13 from the second carrying section 15.

【００３２】なお、このように低くなった仕切り壁１６
の部分を越えて第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送
り込まれる現像剤２の量について、この実施例の現像装
置においては、現像剤２が循環する第２搬送部１５や第
１搬送部１３の長さをＬとした場合に、供給口１６ａが
設けられた端部からＬ／６の部分において第２搬送部１
５から第１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間
当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の部分におい
て第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤の単
位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 との関係が、Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＝１にな
るようにしている。The partition wall 16 thus lowered
Regarding the amount of the developer 2 which is sent from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13 beyond the above portion, in the developing device of this embodiment, the developer 2 circulates in the second transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 15. When the length of the portion 13 is L, the second conveying portion 1 is provided at a portion L / 6 from the end where the supply port 16a is provided.
5 per unit time of the flow rate Q 1 of the developer sent to the first transfer unit 13, and per unit time of the developer sent from the second transfer unit to the first transfer unit in a portion other than this L / 6 part. The flow rate of Q 2 is Q 2 / Q 1 = 1.

【００３３】そして、この実施例の現像装置において
も、像担持体１に形成された静電潜像にトナーを供給し
て現像を行うにあたっては、第１搬送部１３と第２搬送
部１５とに設けられた第１及び第２の各搬送ローラ１
２，１４をそれぞれの回転軸１２ａ，１４ａを介して回
転させ、各搬送ローラ１２，１４に設けられた搬送羽根
１２ｂ，１４ｂによって現像剤２を混合撹拌させなが
ら、第２搬送部１５と第１搬送部１３とで逆方向に搬送
させるようにする。Also in the developing device of this embodiment, when the toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 1 to carry out the development, the first carrying section 13 and the second carrying section 15 are used. First and second conveyance rollers 1 provided in the
2 and 14 are rotated via respective rotary shafts 12a and 14a, and the developer 2 is mixed and stirred by the transport blades 12b and 14b provided on the transport rollers 12 and 14, respectively, and the second transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 15 The transport unit 13 is configured to transport in the opposite direction.

【００３４】ここで、上記のように第２搬送ローラ１４
を回転させると、第２搬送部１５内を混合撹拌されなが
ら搬送されてきた現像剤２が、上記のように仕切り壁１
６の低くなった部分において仕切り壁１６を越えて第１
搬送部１３に送り込まれると共に、仕切り壁１６の一端
に設けられた上記の供給口１６ａを通して第１搬送部１
３に送り込まれるようになる。Here, as described above, the second transport roller 14
When is rotated, the developer 2 that has been conveyed while being mixed and stirred in the second conveyance section 15 is transferred to the partition wall 1 as described above.
First, over the partition wall 16 in the lower part of 6
The first transport unit 1 is fed to the transport unit 13 and also passes through the supply port 16a provided at one end of the partition wall 16.
It will be sent to 3.

【００３５】一方、このように現像剤２が送り込まれた
第１搬送部１３においては、上記の第１搬送ローラ１２
によって現像剤２が第２搬送部１５とは逆方向に搬送さ
れると共に、この第１搬送ローラ１２に設けられた掻き
上げ部材１２ｃによって現像剤２が掻き上げられ、この
現像剤２の一部が内部にマグネットローラ１８が設けら
れた現像スリーブ１１に供給されるようになり、このよ
うに供給された現像剤２が現像スリーブ１１によって像
担持体２に導かれ、この現像剤２中におけるトナーが像
担持体２に供給されて現像に使用されるようになる。On the other hand, in the first transport section 13 into which the developer 2 has been fed in this way, the first transport roller 12 described above is used.
The developer 2 is conveyed in a direction opposite to that of the second conveying portion 15, and the developer 2 is scraped by the scraping member 12c provided on the first transport roller 12, and a part of the developer 2 is scraped. Is supplied to the developing sleeve 11 in which the magnet roller 18 is provided, and the developer 2 thus supplied is guided to the image carrier 2 by the developing sleeve 11, and the toner in the developer 2 is supplied. Is supplied to the image carrier 2 and used for development.

【００３６】また、このようにして像担持体２にトナー
が供給された後は、この現像剤２が第１搬送部１３内に
おける他の現像剤２と一緒になって第２搬送部１５とは
逆方向に搬送され、仕切り壁１６の他端に設けられた戻
し口１６ｂを通して現像剤２が第２搬送部１５に戻され
るようになる。Further, after the toner is supplied to the image carrier 2 in this way, the developer 2 together with the other developers 2 in the first carrying section 13 becomes the second carrying section 15. Are conveyed in the opposite direction, and the developer 2 is returned to the second conveying portion 15 through the return port 16b provided at the other end of the partition wall 16.

【００３７】そして、上記のように現像剤２中における
トナーを像担持体１に供給して現像を行った結果、この
現像剤２中におけるトナーの濃度が所定値より低下した
場合には、第２搬送部１５の搬送方向上流側に設けられ
たトナー補給部１７を通してトナーを第２搬送部１５に
供給し、このトナーを戻し口１６ｂを通して第２搬送部
１５に戻されてきた現像剤２と一緒にして上記の第２搬
送ローラ１４により混合撹拌させながら搬送させるよう
になっている。Then, when the toner in the developer 2 is supplied to the image carrier 1 as described above to develop the toner, the density of the toner in the developer 2 becomes lower than a predetermined value. The toner is supplied to the second conveying unit 15 through the toner replenishing unit 17 provided on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the second conveying unit 15, and the toner is returned to the second conveying unit 15 through the return port 16b. At the same time, the above-mentioned second conveying roller 14 conveys while mixing and stirring.

【００３８】ここで、このようにトナー補給部１７から
新たなトナーを第２搬送部１５に補給すると、トナーが
補給された現像剤２中のトナー濃度が高くなるが、この
ようにトナー濃度が高くなった現像剤２が上記のように
第２搬送ローラ１４により混合撹拌されながら搬送され
て仕切り壁１６が低くなった部分に達すると、この現像
剤２が低くなった仕切り壁１６を越えて徐々に第１搬送
部１３に送り込まれると共に、残りのトナー濃度の高く
なった現像剤２が上記の供給口１６ａを通して第１搬送
部１３に送り込まれるようになり、トナー濃度の高くな
った現像剤２が分散されて第１搬送部１３における現像
剤２と混合され、補給されたトナーが現像剤２全体に速
やかに分散されて、現像剤２中のトナー濃度が素早く一
定化し、新たに補給されたトナーが現像剤２と十分に混
合撹拌されて適切に帯電されるようになる。Here, when the new toner is replenished from the toner replenishing section 17 to the second conveying section 15, the toner concentration in the developer 2 to which the toner has been replenished becomes high. When the heightened developer 2 is conveyed while being mixed and stirred by the second conveyance roller 14 as described above and reaches the portion where the partition wall 16 is lowered, the developer 2 crosses over the lowered partition wall 16 The developer 2 having a high toner concentration is gradually fed to the first transport unit 13, and the remaining developer 2 having a high toner concentration is fed to the first transport unit 13 through the supply port 16a. 2 is dispersed and mixed with the developer 2 in the first transport unit 13, and the replenished toner is promptly dispersed throughout the developer 2, so that the toner concentration in the developer 2 is quickly made constant, and the toner is newly added. Toner comes to be properly charged is well mixed and stirred with the developer 2.

【００３９】この結果、この実施例の現像装置において
は、トナー補給部１７から新たなトナーを補給した場合
にも、新たに補給されたトナーが速やかに現像剤２中で
適切に帯電されて現像に使用されるようになり、形成さ
れる画像にかぶりが発生したり、トナーが飛散してチャ
ージむらが生じたり、形成された画像に濃度むらが生じ
たりするということがなく、良好な画像が安定して得ら
れるようになる。As a result, in the developing device of this embodiment, even when new toner is replenished from the toner replenishing section 17, the newly replenished toner is quickly charged appropriately in the developer 2 and developed. As a result, a good image can be obtained without causing fogging in an image to be formed, uneven toner due to toner scattering, and uneven density in the formed image. You will get stable.

【００４０】次に、この実施例の現像装置と図１〜図３
に示した従来の現像装置とを用い、それぞれトナー補給
部１７から新たなトナーを補給した場合におけるトナー
の移動状態を調べた。Next, the developing device of this embodiment and FIGS.
Using the conventional developing device shown in FIG. 1, the toner movement state when new toner was replenished from the toner replenishing section 17 was examined.

【００４１】ここで、これらの各現像装置において、補
給されたトナーの移動状態を調べるにあたっては、図７
に示すように、各現像装置における第２搬送部１５と第
１搬送部１３とをそれぞれ６等分し、第２搬送部１５を
その現像剤の搬送方向上流側から下流側に向かって順番
に１室〜６室とすると共に、第１搬送部１３をその現像
剤の搬送方向上流側から下流側に向かって順番に７室〜
１２室とし、１室〜１２室の各室における現像剤の単位
時間当りの流量及び現像剤中のトナー濃度を均一にし、
現像剤中のトナー濃度が５重量％で各室における現像剤
の量が３０ｇになるようにし、各室におけるトナーの量
が１．５ｇになるようにした。Here, in checking the moving state of the replenished toner in each of these developing devices, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second carrying section 15 and the first carrying section 13 in each developing device are divided into six equal parts, respectively, and the second carrying section 15 is sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side in the developer carrying direction. 1 to 6 chambers, and the first transport unit 13 has 7 chambers in order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the developer transport direction.
There are 12 chambers, and the flow rate of the developer per unit time and the toner concentration in the developer in each of the 1 to 12 chambers are made uniform,
The toner concentration in the developer was 5% by weight, the amount of the developer in each chamber was 30 g, and the amount of the toner in each chamber was 1.5 g.

【００４２】そして、これらの各現像装置において、先
ず、第２搬送部１５における１室に５ｇのトナーを補給
し、その後、第２搬送部１５と第１搬送部１３とに設け
られた第１及び第２の各搬送ローラ１２，１４をそれぞ
れ２秒間回転させて、各現像装置内における現像剤を混
合撹拌させながら搬送させ、トナーを補給した当初と現
像剤を２秒間搬送させた後とにおいて、各室におけるト
ナーの量の変化を測定し、さらに、２室〜１２室におい
ても、上記の１室の場合と同様にして、５ｇのトナーを
補給し、トナーを補給した当初と、現像剤を２秒間搬送
させた後とにおいて、各室におけるトナーの量の変化を
測定し、補給されたトナーがどのように移動するかを調
べた。In each of these developing devices, first, 5 g of toner is replenished in one chamber of the second transport unit 15, and then the first transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 13 are provided with the first toner. And the respective second transport rollers 12 and 14 are rotated for 2 seconds respectively to transport the developer in each developing device while mixing and stirring the developer, at the beginning of supplying toner and after transporting the developer for 2 seconds. The change in the amount of toner in each chamber was measured, and in 2 to 12 chambers, 5 g of toner was replenished in the same manner as in the above-mentioned one chamber, and the toner was replenished at the beginning and the developer was replenished. After the toner was conveyed for 2 seconds, the change in the amount of toner in each chamber was measured to examine how the replenished toner moves.

【００４３】この結果、図１〜図３に示した従来の現像
装置においては、トナーを１室〜１２室の何れの室に補
給した場合にも同じであり、トナーを補給した当初は、
トナーが補給された室のトナー量が補給された５ｇ分だ
け増加し、現像剤を２秒間搬送させた後においては、ト
ナーが補給された室から３ｇのトナーが次の下流側の室
に移動しただけであった。As a result, in the conventional developing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the same is true when toner is supplied to any of the chambers 1 to 12, and at the beginning of supplying toner,
After the toner amount in the toner-supplied chamber is increased by 5 g and the developer is conveyed for 2 seconds, 3 g of toner is moved from the toner-supplied chamber to the next downstream chamber. I just did.

【００４４】これに対して、上記の実施例の現像装置に
おいては、トナーを第２搬送部１５における４室に補給
した場合、トナーを補給した当初は同様で、トナーが補
給された４室のトナー量が補給された５ｇ分だけ増加
し、その後、現像剤を２秒間搬送させた場合において
は、トナーが補給された４室から２．５ｇのトナーが次
の下流側の５室に移動すると共に、１．５ｇのトナーが
低くなった仕切り壁１６を越えて４室と対向する第１搬
送部１３の９室に移動しており、またトナーを５室に補
給した場合においては、現像剤を２秒間搬送させた後
に、トナーが補給された５室から２．５ｇのトナーが次
の下流側の６室に移動すると共に、１．５ｇのトナーが
低くなった仕切り壁１６を越えて５室と対向する第１搬
送部１３の８室に移動していた。On the other hand, in the developing device of the above-described embodiment, when the toner is supplied to the four chambers of the second transport unit 15, the toner is supplied at the same time as when the toner was supplied. When the amount of toner increases by 5 g of the replenished toner, and then the developer is conveyed for 2 seconds, 2.5 g of toner moves from the four chambers to which the toner has been replenished to the next five chambers on the downstream side. At the same time, 1.5 g of the toner has moved over the lower partition wall 16 to the 9 chambers of the first transport unit 13 facing the 4 chambers, and when the toner is replenished to the 5 chambers, the developer is After being carried for 2 seconds, 2.5 g of toner moves from the toner-supplemented chamber 5 to the next 6 chambers on the downstream side, and 1.5 g of toner passes over the lowered partition wall 16 for 5 seconds. Move to the 8 chambers of the first transfer unit 13 facing the chamber It had.

【００４５】次に、上記のように第１搬送部１３と第２
搬送部１５とが仕切り壁１６によって分離された現像装
置において、図８〜図１４に示すように、上記の仕切り
壁１６の状態を変更させて、この仕切り壁１６を越えて
第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像
剤の量を変化させ、上記のように供給口１６ａが設けら
れた端部からＬ／６の部分において第２搬送部１５から
第１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの
流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の部分において第２
搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の
単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 との割合（Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ）を変更
させ、このＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値の変化がどのような影響を及
ぼすかを調べた。Next, as described above, the first transport unit 13 and the second transport unit 13
In the developing device in which the transport section 15 is separated from the partition wall 16, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, the state of the partition wall 16 is changed so that the second transport section 15 is crossed over the partition wall 16. The amount of the developer sent from the first carrying unit 13 to the first carrying unit 13 is changed, and the developer is sent from the second carrying unit 15 to the first carrying unit 13 at the L / 6 portion from the end where the supply port 16a is provided as described above. The flow rate Q 1 of the developer to be generated per unit time and the second value in the portion other than the L / 6 portion.
The ratio (Q 2 / Q 1 ) to the flow rate Q 2 of the developer sent from the carrying unit 15 to the first carrying unit 13 is changed, and what kind of change in the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is I investigated whether it would affect.

【００４６】ここで、図８に示す従来の現像装置におい
てはＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が０，図９に示す現像装置において
は０．６７，図１０に示す上記実施例の現像装置におい
ては１．０，図１１に示す現像装置においては１．５，
図１２に示す現像装置においては４．０，図１３に示す
現像装置においては６．０，図１４に示す現像装置にお
いては１３．０になっていた。Here, in the conventional developing device shown in FIG. 8, the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 0, in the developing device shown in FIG. 9, it is 0.67, and in the developing device of the above embodiment shown in FIG. 1.0, 1.5 in the developing device shown in FIG.
It was 4.0 in the developing device shown in FIG. 12, 6.0 in the developing device shown in FIG. 13, and 13.0 in the developing device shown in FIG.

【００４７】そして、上記の各現像装置において、第２
搬送部１５の搬送方向上流側に設けられたトナー補給部
１７に現像剤２全体に対して２重量％に相当するトナー
を補給し、その後、第２搬送部１５と第１搬送部１３と
に設けられた第１及び第２の各搬送ローラ１２，１４を
回転させて、トナー補給部１７に補給されたトナーを第
２搬送部１５に送り込むと共に、このようにトナーが補
給された現像剤２を第２搬送部１５と第１搬送部１３と
の間で循環させ、それぞれの第１搬送部１３において、
現像剤２の搬送方向上流側における供給口１６ａの近く
の部分と、中央部分と、現像剤２の搬送方向下流側にお
ける戻し口１６ｂの近くの部分との３箇所で、それぞれ
の現像剤２中におけるトナー濃度を測定し、その変化を
図１５〜図２１に図示すると共に、各現像装置において
上記の３箇所で測定した現像剤２中におけるトナー濃度
が一定化するまでの時間を測定し、Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値とト
ナー濃度が一定化するまでの時間との関係を図２２に示
した。In each of the above developing devices, the second
Toner replenishing unit 17 provided on the upstream side of the conveying unit 15 in the conveying direction is replenished with toner corresponding to 2% by weight with respect to the entire developer 2, and then the second conveying unit 15 and the first conveying unit 13 are supplied. The first and second conveying rollers 12 and 14 provided are rotated to feed the toner replenished by the toner replenishing section 17 to the second conveying section 15, and the developer 2 thus replenished with the toner is supplied. Are circulated between the second transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 13, and in each of the first transport units 13,
In each of the two developers 2, three parts are provided: a part near the supply port 16a on the upstream side of the developer 2 in the transport direction, a central part, and a part near the return port 16b on the downstream side of the developer 2 in the transport direction. 15 to 21 and the time until the toner concentration in the developer 2 becomes constant at the above-mentioned three points in each developing device is measured. The relationship between the value of 2 / Q 1 and the time until the toner concentration becomes constant is shown in FIG.

【００４８】ここで、図１５にはＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が０で
ある従来の現像装置の測定結果を、図１６にはＱ2 ／Ｑ
1 の値が０．６７である現像装置の測定結果を、図１７
にはＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１．０である上記実施例の現像装
置の測定結果を、図１８にはＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１．５で
ある現像装置の測定結果を、図１９にはＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値
が４．０である現像装置の測定結果を、図２０にはＱ2
／Ｑ1 の値が６．０である現像装置の測定結果を、図２
１にはＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１３．０である現像装置の測定
結果を示した。なお、これらの図においては、いずれも
上記の供給口１６ａの近くの部分におけるトナー濃度の
変化を実線で、中央部分におけるトナー濃度の変化を破
線で、戻し口１６ｂの近くの部分におけるトナー濃度の
変化を一点鎖線で示した。Here, FIG. 15 shows the measurement results of the conventional developing device in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 0, and FIG. 16 shows Q 2 / Q 1.
The measurement result of the developing device in which the value of 1 is 0.67 is shown in FIG.
Shows the measurement result of the developing device of the above-mentioned embodiment in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 1.0, and FIG. 18 shows the measurement result of the developing device in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 1.5. the measurement results of the developing device the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 4.0 in FIG. 19, in FIG. 20 Q 2
2 shows the measurement result of the developing device in which the value of / Q 1 is 6.0.
1 shows the measurement result of the developing device in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 13.0. In each of these figures, the change in toner concentration in the portion near the supply port 16a is indicated by a solid line, the change in toner concentration in the central portion is indicated by a broken line, and the toner concentration in the portion near the return port 16b is indicated by a broken line. The change is indicated by a dashed line.

【００４９】さらに、上記のように各現像装置にトナー
を補給して現像を行い、１０００枚のコピーを行った場
合において、各現像装置から飛散したトナーの量を測定
し、１０００枚のコピーあたりにトナーの飛散量とＱ2
／Ｑ1 の値との関係を図２３に示した。Further, when toner was supplied to each developing device to develop as described above, and 1000 copies were made, the amount of toner scattered from each developing device was measured, and per 1000 copies. Toner scattering amount and Q 2
The relationship with the value of / Q 1 is shown in FIG.

【００５０】これらの結果から明らかなように、Ｑ2 ／
Ｑ1 の値が０である従来の現像装置においては、補給さ
れたトナーが現像剤２中に分散されて現像剤２全体のト
ナー濃度が一定化するのに時間がかかり、トナー濃度が
一定化する迄に、現像剤２が第２搬送部１５と第１搬送
部１３との間で５循環以上する必要があり、トナー濃度
が安定化するまでに１２０秒以上の時間がかかり、長い
間、形成される画像に地肌かぶりが発生し、またトナー
の飛散量も１０００枚のコピーあたり５０ｍｇと多く、
飛散したトナーによって画像形成装置内がよごれてチャ
ージむら等が発生した。As is clear from these results, Q 2 /
In the conventional developing device in which the value of Q 1 is 0, it takes time for the replenished toner to be dispersed in the developer 2 so that the toner concentration of the entire developer 2 becomes constant, so that the toner concentration becomes constant. It is necessary that the developer 2 circulates 5 times or more between the second transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 13 by the time, and it takes 120 seconds or more for the toner concentration to stabilize, and for a long time, Background fogging occurs in the formed image, and the amount of toner scattering is as high as 50 mg per 1000 copies,
The scattered toner stains the inside of the image forming apparatus, causing uneven charging.

【００５１】また、Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１より小さい０．
６７の現像装置においては、上記の従来の現像装置に比
べて、補給されたトナーが現像剤２中に分散されて現像
剤２全体におけるトナー濃度が一定化する迄の時間がか
なり短縮されると共に、トナーの飛散量も少なくなって
いたが、依然として、現像剤２全体のトナー濃度が一定
化する迄には８０秒以上の時間がかかり、またトナーの
飛散量も１０００枚のコピーあたり２０ｍｇ以上であ
り、現像装置の清掃サイクルを考慮すると十分なもので
はなかった。Further, when the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is smaller than 1, 0.
In the developing device of No. 67, compared with the above-mentioned conventional developing device, the time taken for the replenished toner to be dispersed in the developer 2 and the toner concentration in the entire developer 2 to become constant is considerably shortened. Although the amount of toner scattered was small, it still takes more than 80 seconds until the toner concentration of the entire developer 2 becomes constant, and the amount of toner scattered is 20 mg or more per 1000 copies. However, it was not sufficient considering the cleaning cycle of the developing device.

【００５２】一方、Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１３．０と高くな
った現像装置においては、トナーの飛散量が少なくなっ
たが、上記のようにトナーの補給された現像剤２が供給
口１６ａに導かれる前に、この現像剤の多くが仕切り壁
１６を越えて第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り
込まれるようになり、供給口１６ａ近くの部分における
現像剤２中のトナー濃度がなかなか上昇せず、現像剤２
全体のトナー濃度が一定化するまでに８０秒以上の時間
がかかり、この間は、供給口１６ａの付近に対応する位
置に形成される画像の濃度が低くなり、形成された画像
に濃度むらが生じた。On the other hand, in the developing device in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 was as high as 13.0, the amount of toner scattering was small, but the developer 2 supplemented with toner as described above was supplied to the supply port. Before being guided to 16a, most of this developer passes through the partition wall 16 and is fed from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13, and the toner in the developer 2 near the supply port 16a is discharged. The density does not rise easily and the developer 2
It takes 80 seconds or more for the entire toner density to become constant, and during this time, the density of the image formed at the position corresponding to the vicinity of the supply port 16a becomes low, and uneven density occurs in the formed image. It was

【００５３】これらに対して、Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１．０
と１．５と４．０と６．０になったこの発明の条件を満
たす各現像装置においては、トナーが補給された現像剤
２が第２搬送部１５と第１搬送部１３との間で２循環程
度するだけで、トナーが補給された現像剤２が分散され
て、現像剤２全体におけるトナー濃度が素早く一定化
し、従来の現像装置と比べて半分以下の６０秒以下の時
間で現像剤２全体のトナー濃度が安定化し、形成される
画像に地肌かぶりが生じたりするということが著しく低
減されると共に、トナーの飛散量も１０００枚のコピー
あたり１０ｍｇ程度の少ない量になり、飛散したトナー
によってチャージむらが生じたりするということがな
く、現像装置の清掃も少なくて済むようになった。For these, the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 1.0
In each of the developing devices satisfying the conditions of the present invention, that is, 1.5, 4.0, and 6.0, the toner-supplemented developer 2 is between the second transport unit 15 and the first transport unit 13. The developer 2 to which toner is replenished is dispersed by just about 2 circulations, and the toner density in the entire developer 2 is quickly fixed, and development is performed in 60 seconds or less, which is less than half that of the conventional developing device. The toner concentration of Agent 2 as a whole is stabilized, and the occurrence of background fog in the formed image is significantly reduced, and the amount of toner scattering is as small as about 10 mg per 1000 copies, and scattering occurs. There is no uneven charging due to toner, and the cleaning of the developing device can be reduced.

【００５４】なお、上記の各現像装置においては、前記
のように仕切り壁１６の供給口１６ａ側の端部からその
中央部分までにおける仕切り壁１６の高さを調整し、高
さが低くなった仕切り壁１６の部分を越えて第２搬送部
１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の量を変
更させて、供給口１６ａが設けられた端部からＬ／６の
部分において第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り
込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／
６の部分以外の部分において第２搬送部１５から第１搬
送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ
2 との割合を調整するようにしたが、Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が
１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１３になるように調整する手段は、特
に上記のような手段に限定されるものではない。In each of the developing devices described above, the height of the partition wall 16 from the end of the partition wall 16 on the side of the supply port 16a to the central portion thereof is adjusted as described above, and the height is lowered. By changing the amount of the developer fed from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13 beyond the partition wall 16, the second transport is performed at a portion L / 6 from the end where the supply port 16a is provided. The flow rate Q 1 of the developer sent from the section 15 to the first transport section 13 per unit time and this L /
The flow rate Q per unit time of the developer sent from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13 in a portion other than the portion 6
The ratio with 2 is adjusted, but the means for adjusting the value of Q 2 / Q 1 to be 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q 1 <13 is not particularly limited to the above means. Absent.

【００５５】例えば、図２４に示すように、仕切り壁１
６の適当な部分に部分的な切り欠き部１６ｃを設け、こ
の切り欠き部１６ｃを通して第２搬送部１５から第１搬
送部１３に送り込む現像剤２の量を調整したり、図２５
に示すように、仕切り壁１６の適当な部分に現像剤２を
通過させる通過口１６ｄを開口させ、この通過口１６を
通して第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込む現
像剤２の量を調整したりすることにより、上記のＱ2 ／
Ｑ1 の値が１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１３になるように調整すこ
とも可能である。For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the partition wall 1
25, a partial cutout portion 16c is provided at an appropriate portion, and the amount of the developer 2 sent from the second transfer portion 15 to the first transfer portion 13 is adjusted through the cutout portion 16c.
As shown in FIG. 3, a passage port 16d for passing the developer 2 is opened in an appropriate portion of the partition wall 16, and the amount of the developer 2 fed from the second conveyance unit 15 to the first conveyance unit 13 through the passage port 16 is adjusted. By adjusting the above, Q 2 /
It is also possible to adjust the value of Q 1 so that 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q 1 <13.

【００５６】また、上記の各現像装置においては、ハウ
ジング１０内に現像スリーブ１１の軸方向に沿った仕切
り壁１６をハウジング１０内に１つ設け、ハウジング１
０内をこの仕切り壁１６により、現像スリーブ１１側に
おいて現像剤２を混合撹拌させながらこの現像スリーブ
１１の軸方向に沿って搬送させる第１搬送路１３と、現
像剤２を混合撹拌させながらこの第１搬送部１３と現像
剤２を逆方向に搬送させる第２搬送部１５との２つの搬
送路１３，１５に分離させただけであるが、ハウジング
１０内に仕切り壁１６を複数設け、ハウジング１０内に
第１及び第２搬送部１３，１５以外の搬送部を設け、隣
接する２つの搬送部を第１及び第２搬送部１３，１５と
して用いるようにしてもよい。In each of the developing devices described above, one partition wall 16 is provided in the housing 10 along the axial direction of the developing sleeve 11, and the housing 1 is provided with the partition wall 16.
This partition wall 16 mixes and stirs the developer 2 on the side of the developing sleeve 11 by the partition wall 16 and conveys the developer 2 along the axial direction of the developing sleeve 11 and the developer 2 while stirring and mixing the developer 2. Only the two transport paths 13 and 15 of the first transport unit 13 and the second transport unit 15 for transporting the developer 2 in the opposite direction are separated, but a plurality of partition walls 16 are provided in the housing 10, It is also possible to provide a transport unit other than the first and second transport units 13 and 15 in 10 and use two adjacent transport units as the first and second transport units 13 and 15.

【００５７】例えば、図２６及び図２７に示す現像装置
のように、ハウジング１０内に２つの仕切り壁１６，２
６を設けて、ハウジング１０内を３つの搬送部１３，１
５，２７に分離させ、現像スリーブ１１側に設けられた
仕切り壁１６の上部を供給口１６ａ側から仕切り壁１６
の中央部分まで切り欠き、この仕切り壁１６によって分
離される搬送部を第１及び第２搬送部１３，１５とし、
上記のように切り欠かれて高さが低くなった仕切り壁１
６の部分を越えて現像剤２を第２搬送部１５から第１搬
送部１３に送り込むようにし、供給口１６ａが設けられ
た端部からＬ／６の部分において第２搬送部１５から第
１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流
量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の部分において第２搬
送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の単
位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 との関係が、１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１
３になるように調整するようにしてもよい。For example, as in the developing device shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, two partition walls 16 and 2 are provided in the housing 10.
6 is provided, and three transfer units 13 and 1 are provided in the housing 10.
5, 27, and the upper portion of the partition wall 16 provided on the developing sleeve 11 side is separated from the supply port 16a side by the partition wall 16
Is cut out to the central portion, and the transport sections separated by this partition wall 16 are the first and second transport sections 13 and 15,
Partition wall 1 that has been cut out and the height is low as described above
The developer 2 is fed from the second transport portion 15 to the first transport portion 13 beyond the portion 6 and the first transport portion 15 is fed from the second transport portion 15 at a portion L / 6 from the end where the supply port 16a is provided. The flow rate Q 1 of the developer sent to the transport unit 13 per unit time, and the flow rate of the developer sent to the first transport unit 13 from the second transport unit 15 at a portion other than the L / 6 portion. The relationship with Q 2 is 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q 1 <1
You may make it adjust so that it may become 3.

【００５８】なお、図２６及び図２７に示す現像装置に
おいては、現像スリーブ１１から離れた位置に設けられ
た仕切り壁２６の高さを高くし、この仕切り壁２６によ
って上記の第２搬送部１５と分離された第３搬送部２７
にトナー補給部１７を設け、このトナー補給部１７に補
給されたトナーを上記の第３搬送部２７において現像剤
２と混合撹拌させながら搬送し、この現像剤２を上記の
仕切り壁２６の一端部に設けられた供給口２６ａから第
２搬送部１５に送り込み、このように送り込まれた現像
剤２を第２搬送部１５において搬送され、この現像剤２
を上記のようにして第１搬送部１３に送り込むと共に、
この現像剤２の一部を上記の仕切り壁２６の他端部に設
けられた戻し口２６ｂから第３搬送部２７に戻すように
ようになっている。In the developing device shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the height of the partition wall 26 provided at a position distant from the developing sleeve 11 is increased, and the partition wall 26 allows the second transport section 15 to be provided. Third transport section 27 separated from
A toner replenishing unit 17 is provided in the toner replenishing unit 17, and the toner replenished in the toner replenishing unit 17 is conveyed while being mixed and stirred with the developer 2 in the third conveying unit 27, and the developer 2 is supplied to one end of the partition wall 26. From the supply port 26a provided in the section, the developer 2 thus fed is carried by the second carrying unit 15, and the developer 2
Is sent to the first transport unit 13 as described above,
A part of the developer 2 is returned to the third transport unit 27 from a return port 26b provided at the other end of the partition wall 26.

【００５９】また、図２８及び図２９に示す現像装置の
ように、ハウジング１０内に２つの仕切り壁１６，２６
を設けて、ハウジング１０内を３つの搬送部１３，１
５，２７に分離させ、現像スリーブ１１から離れた位置
に設けられた仕切り壁１６の上部を供給口１６ａ側から
仕切り壁１６の中央部分まで切り欠き、この仕切り壁１
６によって分離される搬送部を第１及び第２搬送部１
３，１５とし、上記のように切り欠かれて高さが低くな
った仕切り壁１６の部分を越えて現像剤２を第２搬送部
１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込むようにし、供給口１
６ａが設けられた端部からＬ／６の部分において第２搬
送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込まれる現像剤の単
位時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の部分
において第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込ま
れる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2との関係が、１≦
Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１３になるように調整するようにしてもよ
い。Further, like the developing device shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, two partition walls 16 and 26 are provided in the housing 10.
Is provided, and three transfer units 13 and 1 are provided in the housing 10.
5 and 27, and the upper portion of the partition wall 16 provided at a position away from the developing sleeve 11 is cut out from the side of the supply port 16a to the central portion of the partition wall 16.
The first and second transport units 1 are separated by the transport unit 6.
3, 15 so that the developer 2 is sent from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13 over the portion of the partition wall 16 which is cut out and the height is lowered as described above.
6a is provided at a portion L / 6 from the end portion, the flow rate Q 1 of the developer sent from the second transport portion 15 to the first transport portion 13 per unit time, and at a portion other than the portion L / 6. The relationship with the flow rate Q 2 of the developer sent from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13 per unit time is 1 ≦
Q 2 / Q 1 <may be adjusted to be 13.

【００６０】なお、図２８及び図２９に示す現像装置に
おいては、現像スリーブ１１側に設けられた位置に設け
られた仕切り壁２６の高さを高くし、この仕切り壁２６
によって上記の第１搬送部１５を現像スリーブ１１側の
第３搬送部２７と分離させ、第１搬送部１５において搬
送されてきた現像剤２を、この仕切り壁２６の一端部に
設けられた供給口２６ａから上記の第３搬送部２７に送
り込んで現像に使用すると共に、上記の仕切り壁１６の
他端部における戻し口１６ｂから上記の第２搬送部１５
に戻すようになっている。In the developing device shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the height of the partition wall 26 provided at the position provided on the side of the developing sleeve 11 is increased, and the partition wall 26 is increased.
The above-described first transport unit 15 is separated from the third transport unit 27 on the developing sleeve 11 side, and the developer 2 transported in the first transport unit 15 is supplied to one end of the partition wall 26. The toner is sent from the port 26a to the third transport unit 27 and used for development, and the return port 16b at the other end of the partition wall 16 is used to feed the second transport unit 15.
It is supposed to return to.

【００６１】さらに、図３０に示す現像装置のように、
ハウジング１０内に設けられた２つの仕切り壁１６，１
６の上部をそれぞれ供給口１６ａ側から仕切り壁１６の
中央部分まで切り欠き、各仕切り壁１６，１６によって
分離される搬送部を第１及び第２搬送部１３，１５と
し、上記のように切り欠かれて高さが低くなった各仕切
り壁１６，１６の部分を越えてそれぞれ現像剤２を第２
搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込むようにし、そ
れぞれ供給口１６ａが設けられた端部からＬ／６の部分
において第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部１３に送り込ま
れる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の
部分以外の部分において第２搬送部１５から第１搬送部
１３に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 と
の関係が、１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１３になるように調整する
ようにしてもよい。Further, as in the developing device shown in FIG.
Two partition walls 16 and 1 provided in the housing 10.
The upper part of 6 is cut out from the side of the supply port 16a to the central part of the partition wall 16, and the transport sections separated by the partition walls 16 and 16 are the first and second transport sections 13 and 15, respectively. The second developer 2 is passed over the portions of the partition walls 16 and 16 which have been cut off and the height of which has been lowered.
A unit time of the developer sent from the second transport unit 15 to the first transport unit 13 at a portion of L / 6 from the end where the supply port 16a is provided, respectively. and flow rate to Q 1 per, the relationship between the L / in 6 portions other than the portion of the second conveying section 15 per unit of developer time fed to the first conveyance unit 13 flow rate Q 2, 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q 1 <may be adjusted to be 13.

【００６２】[0062]

【発明の効果】以上詳述したように、この発明に係る現
像装置においては、仕切り壁によって分離された第１搬
送部と第２搬送部とにおいて現像剤を撹拌させながら、
この現像剤を第１搬送部と第２搬送部とで逆方向に搬送
させて、現像剤を第１搬送部と第２搬送部との間で循環
させるにあたり、現像剤が循環する部分における長手方
向の距離をＬとした場合に、供給口が設けられた端部か
らＬ／６の部分において第２搬送部から第１搬送部に送
り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ1 と、このＬ
／６の部分以外の部分において第２搬送部から第１搬送
部に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流量Ｑ2 との
関係が１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１３になるようにしたため、ト
ナー補給部から新たなトナーを第２搬送部側に補給した
場合、補給されたトナーが第２搬送部における現像剤と
混合撹拌されながら仕切り壁の一端に設けられた供給口
に導かれる途中において、このトナーの一部が仕切り壁
を越えて分散されながら第１搬送部に送り込まれ、補給
されたトナーが現像剤中に速やかに分散されて、現像剤
中におけるトナー濃度が素早く適当な濃度に一定化する
ようになった。As described above in detail, in the developing device according to the present invention, while stirring the developer in the first transport section and the second transport section separated by the partition wall,
When the developer is transported in the opposite directions by the first transport unit and the second transport unit to circulate the developer between the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the length in the portion where the developer circulates When the distance in the direction is L, the flow rate Q 1 of the developer sent from the second transport unit to the first transport unit at a portion L / 6 from the end where the supply port is provided, L
Since the relationship with the flow rate Q 2 of the developer sent from the second transport unit to the first transport unit in a portion other than the portion / 6 is 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q 1 <13, When new toner is replenished from the replenishing unit to the second conveying unit side, the replenished toner is mixed and stirred with the developer in the second conveying unit while being guided to the supply port provided at one end of the partition wall, A part of this toner is distributed over the partition wall and is sent to the first transport unit, the replenished toner is quickly dispersed in the developer, and the toner concentration in the developer is quickly fixed to an appropriate concentration. It started to change.

【００６３】この結果、この発明に係る現像装置におい
ては、トナー補給部から新たなトナーを第２搬送部側に
補給した場合、補給されたトナーが現像剤中に速やかに
分散されて現像剤と十分に混合撹拌され、現像剤が劣化
することなく、補給されたトナーが素早く適切に帯電さ
れて現像に使用されるようになり、形成された画像に地
肌かぶりが生じたり、トナーが現像装置から飛散して画
像形成装置内が汚れてチャージむらが生じたり、また形
成された画像に濃度むらが生じたりするということがな
く、良好な画像形成が安定して行えるようになった。As a result, in the developing device according to the present invention, when new toner is replenished from the toner replenishing portion to the second conveying portion side, the replenished toner is quickly dispersed in the developer and becomes a developer. After sufficient mixing and stirring, the developer is not deteriorated and the replenished toner is quickly and properly charged and used for development, and the formed image has background fog or toner from the developing device. It is possible to stably perform good image formation without scattering and soiling the inside of the image forming apparatus to cause charge unevenness or density unevenness in the formed image.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】従来の現像装置の内部を側面側から見た状態を
示した概略断面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the inside of a conventional developing device is viewed from a side surface side.

【図２】従来の現像装置の内部を上面側から見た状態を
示した概略断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the inside of a conventional developing device is viewed from the upper surface side.

【図３】従来の現像装置において、その内部に設けられ
た仕切り壁の状態を示した概略説明図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state of a partition wall provided inside a conventional developing device.

【図４】この発明の一実施例における現像装置の内部を
側面側から見た状態を示した概略断面図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inside of the developing device in one embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the side surface side.

【図５】この発明の一実施例における現像装置の内部を
上面側から見た状態を示した概略断面図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inside of the developing device in one embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the upper surface side.

【図６】この発明の一実施例における現像装置におい
て、その内部に設けられた仕切り壁の状態を示した概略
説明図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state of a partition wall provided inside the developing device in the embodiment of the present invention.

【図７】従来の現像装置及びこの発明の一実施例におけ
る現像装置において、補給されたトナーが移動する状態
を調べるために、第２搬送部と第１搬送部とを１室〜１
２室に等分した状態を示した概略説明図である。FIG. 7 shows a conventional developing device and a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to check a state in which the replenished toner moves, the second transport unit and the first transport unit are provided in one chamber to one chamber.
It is a schematic explanatory drawing which showed the state equally divided into two chambers.

【図８】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が０である従来の現像装置にお
ける仕切り壁の状態を示した概略図である。FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state of a partition wall in a conventional developing device in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 0.

【図９】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が０．６７である現像装置にお
ける仕切り壁の状態を示した概略図である。FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state of a partition wall in a developing device having a Q 2 / Q 1 value of 0.67.

【図１０】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１．０である上記の実施例
の現像装置における仕切り壁の状態を示した概略図であ
る。FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a state of a partition wall in the developing device of the above-mentioned embodiment in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 1.0.

【図１１】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１．５である他の実施例の
現像装置における仕切り壁の状態を示した概略図であ
る。FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state of a partition wall in a developing device of another example in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 1.5.

【図１２】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が４．０である他の実施例の
現像装置における仕切り壁の状態を示した概略図であ
る。FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a state of a partition wall in a developing device of another embodiment in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 4.0.

【図１３】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が６．０である他の実施例の
現像装置における仕切り壁の状態を示した概略図であ
る。FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state of a partition wall in a developing device of another example in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 6.0.

【図１４】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１３．０である現像装置に
おける仕切り壁の状態を示した概略図である。FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state of a partition wall in a developing device having a Q 2 / Q 1 value of 13.0.

【図１５】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が０である現像装置におい
て、トナー補給部から第２搬送部に新たなトナーを送り
込んだ場合における現像剤中のトナー濃度の経時変化を
示した図である。FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a change over time in the toner concentration in the developer when a new toner is fed from the toner replenishing unit to the second conveying unit in the developing device in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 0. is there.

【図１６】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が０．６７である現像装置に
おいて、トナー補給部から第２搬送部に新たなトナーを
送り込んだ場合における現像剤中のトナー濃度の経時変
化を示した図である。FIG. 16 shows a change over time in the toner concentration in the developer when a new toner is fed from the toner replenishing portion to the second conveying portion in the developing device having a Q 2 / Q 1 value of 0.67. It is a figure.

【図１７】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１．０である現像装置にお
いて、トナー補給部から第２搬送部に新たなトナーを送
り込んだ場合における現像剤中のトナー濃度の経時変化
を示した図である。FIG. 17 shows a change over time in the toner concentration in the developer when a new toner is fed from the toner replenishing portion to the second conveying portion in the developing device in which the value of Q 2 / Q 1 is 1.0. It is a figure.

【図１８】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１．５である現像装置にお
いて、トナー補給部から第２搬送部に新たなトナーを送
り込んだ場合における現像剤中のトナー濃度の経時変化
を示した図である。FIG. 18 shows a time-dependent change in toner concentration in the developer when a new toner is fed from the toner replenishing section to the second conveying section in the developing device having a Q 2 / Q 1 value of 1.5. It is a figure.

【図１９】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が４．０である現像装置にお
いて、トナー補給部から第２搬送部に新たなトナーを送
り込んだ場合における現像剤中のトナー濃度の経時変化
を示した図である。FIG. 19 shows a change over time in the toner concentration in the developer when a new toner is fed from the toner replenishing portion to the second conveying portion in the developing device having a Q 2 / Q 1 value of 4.0. It is a figure.

【図２０】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が６．０である現像装置にお
いて、トナー補給部から第２搬送部に新たなトナーを送
り込んだ場合における現像剤中のトナー濃度の経時変化
を示した図である。FIG. 20 shows a change over time in the toner concentration in the developer when a new toner is fed from the toner replenishing section to the second conveying section in the developing device having a Q 2 / Q 1 value of 6.0. It is a figure.

【図２１】Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 の値が１３．０である現像装置に
おいて、トナー補給部から第２搬送部に新たなトナーを
送り込んだ場合における現像剤中のトナー濃度の経時変
化を示した図である。FIG. 21 shows a change over time in the toner concentration in the developer when a new toner is fed from the toner replenishing portion to the second conveying portion in the developing device having a Q 2 / Q 1 value of 13.0. It is a figure.

【図２２】図８〜図１４に示す各現像装置において、補
給されたトナーが分散されて現像剤中のトナー濃度が一
定化するまでの時間とＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値との関係を示した
図である。FIG. 22 shows the relationship between the time until the replenished toner is dispersed and the toner concentration in the developer becomes constant and the value of Q 2 / Q 1 in each of the developing devices shown in FIGS. 8 to 14. It is a figure.

【図２３】図８〜図１４に示す各現像装置にトナーを補
給して現像を行い、１０００枚のコピーを行った場合に
おけるトナーの飛散量とＱ2 ／Ｑ1 の値との関係を示し
た図である。FIG. 23 shows the relationship between the amount of toner scattering and the value of Q 2 / Q 1 when toner is supplied to each of the developing devices shown in FIGS. 8 to 14 for development, and 1000 copies are made. It is a figure.

【図２４】この発明の他の実施例の現像装置において、
仕切り壁に部分的な切り欠き部を設けた状態を示した概
略図である。FIG. 24 shows a developing device according to another embodiment of the present invention,
It is the schematic which showed the state which provided the partial notch part in the partition wall.

【図２５】この発明の他の実施例の現像装置において、
仕切り壁に現像剤を通過させる通過口を開口させた状態
を示した概略図である。FIG. 25 shows a developing device according to another embodiment of the present invention,
It is the schematic which showed the state which opened the passage opening for letting a developer pass through in a partition wall.

【図２６】ハウジング内に２つの仕切り壁を設け、現像
スリーブ側に設けられた仕切り壁の上部を供給口側から
仕切り壁の中央部分まで切り欠いたこの発明の他の実施
例に係る現像装置の内部を側面側から見た状態を示した
概略断面図である。FIG. 26 is a developing device according to another embodiment of the present invention in which two partition walls are provided in the housing, and the upper part of the partition wall provided on the developing sleeve side is cut out from the supply port side to the central portion of the partition wall. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the inside of the is viewed from the side surface side.

【図２７】ハウジング内に２つの仕切り壁を設け、現像
スリーブ側に設けられた仕切り壁の上部を供給口側から
仕切り壁の中央部分まで切り欠いたこの発明の他の実施
例に係る現像装置の内部を上面側から見た状態を示した
概略断面図である。FIG. 27 is a developing device according to another embodiment of the present invention in which two partition walls are provided in the housing, and the upper part of the partition wall provided on the developing sleeve side is cut out from the supply port side to the central portion of the partition wall. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the inside of the is viewed from the upper surface side.

【図２８】ハウジング内に２つの仕切り壁を設け、現像
スリーブから離れた位置に設けられた仕切り壁の上部を
供給口側から仕切り壁の中央部分まで切り欠いたこの発
明の他の実施例に係る現像装置の内部を側面側から見た
状態を示した概略断面図である。FIG. 28 is another embodiment of the present invention in which two partition walls are provided in the housing, and the upper part of the partition wall provided at a position away from the developing sleeve is cut out from the supply port side to the central portion of the partition wall. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inside of the developing device is viewed from the side surface side.

【図２９】ハウジング内に２つの仕切り壁を設け、現像
スリーブから離れた位置に設けられた仕切り壁の上部を
供給口側から仕切り壁の中央部分まで切り欠いたこの発
明の他の実施例に係る現像装置の内部を上面側から見た
状態を示した概略断面図である。FIG. 29 is another embodiment of the present invention in which two partition walls are provided in the housing, and the upper part of the partition wall provided at a position away from the developing sleeve is cut out from the supply port side to the central portion of the partition wall. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the inside of the developing device is viewed from the upper surface side.

【図３０】ハウジング内に２つの仕切り壁を設け、各仕
切り壁の上部を供給口側から仕切り壁の中央部分まで切
り欠いたこの発明の他の実施例に係る現像装置の内部を
側面側から見た状態を示した概略断面図である。FIG. 30 is a side view showing the inside of a developing device according to another embodiment of the present invention in which two partition walls are provided in the housing, and the upper part of each partition wall is cut out from the supply port side to the central portion of the partition wall. It is a schematic sectional drawing which showed the state looked at.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 像担持体 ２ 現像剤 １１ 現像スリーブ １３ 第１搬送部 １５ 第２搬送部 １６ 仕切り壁 １６ａ 供給口 １６ｂ 戻し口 １７ トナー補給部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image carrier 2 Developer 11 Development sleeve 13 1st conveyance part 15 2nd conveyance part 16 Partition wall 16a Supply port 16b Return port 17 Toner supply part

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 像担持体に現像剤を送る現像スリーブの
軸方向に沿って現像剤を撹拌しながら搬送させる第１搬
送部と、現像剤を撹拌させながら上記の第１搬送部と逆
方向に搬送させる第２搬送部とが仕切り壁によって分離
され、この仕切り壁の一方の端部に第２搬送部から第１
搬送部に現像剤を送り込む供給口が開口される一方、こ
の仕切り壁の他方の端部に第１搬送部から第２搬送部に
現像剤を戻す戻し口が開口されて、現像剤が第２搬送部
と第１搬送部との間で循環するように形成されると共
に、トナーを第２搬送部側に補給するトナー補給部が設
けられてなる現像装置において、現像剤が循環する第１
搬送部や第２搬送部の長さをＬとした場合に、供給口が
設けられた端部からＬ／６の部分において第２搬送部か
ら第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当りの流
量Ｑ1 と、このＬ／６の部分以外の部分において第２搬
送部から第１搬送部に送り込まれる現像剤の単位時間当
りの流量Ｑ2 との関係が、１≦Ｑ2 ／Ｑ1 ＜１３になる
ように構成されたことを特徴とする現像装置。1. A first transport unit for transporting the developer while stirring the developer along an axial direction of a developing sleeve that transports the developer to the image carrier, and a direction opposite to the first transport unit while stirring the developer. And a second transport section for transporting the first partition to the second partition, and the partition wall separates the first transport section from the first transport section to the first end of the partition wall.
While a supply port for feeding the developer to the transport unit is opened, a return port for returning the developer from the first transport unit to the second transport unit is opened at the other end of the partition wall, so that the developer is fed to the second transport unit. In a developing device, which is formed so as to circulate between a transport unit and a first transport unit, and which is provided with a toner replenishing unit that replenishes toner to the second transport unit,
When the length of the transport unit or the second transport unit is L, per unit time of the developer fed from the second transport unit to the first transport unit at a portion L / 6 from the end where the supply port is provided. between the flow rate Q 1, the relationship between the flow rate Q 2 per unit time of the developer from the second conveying unit is conveyed to the first conveying section at a portion other than the portion of the L / 6, 1 ≦ Q 2 / Q 1 A developing device configured so as to be <13.
JP5284358A 1993-06-10 1993-10-18 Developing device Pending JPH07114257A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP5284358A JPH07114257A (en) 1993-10-18 1993-10-18 Developing device
US08/257,184 US5682583A (en) 1993-06-10 1994-06-08 Developing device for mixing and supplying developer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP5284358A JPH07114257A (en) 1993-10-18 1993-10-18 Developing device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH07114257A true JPH07114257A (en) 1995-05-02

Family

ID=17677562

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP5284358A Pending JPH07114257A (en) 1993-06-10 1993-10-18 Developing device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH07114257A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2007316495A (en) * 2006-05-29 2007-12-06 Ricoh Co Ltd Developing device and image forming apparatus

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2007316495A (en) * 2006-05-29 2007-12-06 Ricoh Co Ltd Developing device and image forming apparatus

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