JPH07333983A - Developer-uniformizing member for electrophotographic developing device and control electrode member - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To stably obtain an image having high sharpness and clarity, provided with a high picture density and a low background density over a long period by making a developer-uniformizing member from a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or organic fiber. CONSTITUTION:In the developing area surrounded by the image forming body 1 and the developer transporting body 2 opposed thereto, or on the upstream side in the developer transporting direction from the developer transporting body 2, the developer-uniformizing member 3 is disposed in press contact with the developer on the developer transporting body 2, and the member is composed of a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or organic fiber. As the material for the in organic fiber, a whisker (needle-like crystals), a policrystalline or an amorphous short fiber, a continuous fiber, or forms applied with various processing thereto can be adopted. Moreover, as the organic fiber, fibers composed of organic polymer materials of a wide range can be used. Thus, the uniformity and the density of the developer transported on the developer transporting body 2 can be stably increased over a long period.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic developing apparatus, and particularly, it is advantageously used in an apparatus for transferring a developer or toner from a developer carrier to a latent image on an image forming body and developing the latent image. The present invention relates to a developer leveling member and a control electrode member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, powder developing methods are classified into a contact developing method in which a developer layer is in contact with an image forming body and a non-contact developing method in which both are not in contact with each other. In any of the developing methods, it is necessary to uniformly attach the powdery developer to a developer transporting body such as a developing roller for transporting the powdery developer with a predetermined layer thickness and transport the powdery developer near the image forming body. The method of increasing the density of the developer layer on the developer transport body by pressing the developer leveling member on the developer transport body and then transporting it to the vicinity of the image forming body gives an image with high sharpness. It is attracting attention as a thing. The following publicly known examples have been proposed as technologies belonging to this category.

That is, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 63-16736 describes an elastic plate made of metal, rubber, or a conductive material that is pressed against a developer carrying member on the antinode surface applied to non-contact type development. It is possible to form a uniform and thin developer layer and thereby improve the image quality.

In Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-36383, in the non-contact two-component developing method, the magnetic pole of the magnet body is installed in the developing roller in a position other than the developing region, and the magnetic pole is located at the upstream magnetic pole in the developer conveying direction. Install a pressing member that has a leveling effect. There is a description of a technique for achieving a high image quality by obtaining a thin uniform developer layer.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-289522 describes an invention relating to a leveling means applied to a contact type or non-contact type developing method. By pressing a leveling member made of SUS316, PET, urethane, etc. at a predetermined position against the magnetic pole inside the developer carrier, the density of the developer on the surface of the developer carrier is improved and faithful development is realized. In addition, the developer is sufficiently charged to prevent the developer from scattering and the image density from decreasing.

On the other hand, there are many known techniques relating to a non-contact developing method of electrically flying a powder developer from a developer carrier to develop a latent image on an image forming body. In particular, a method in which a developer is vibrated by an AC electric field is widely used as an improved technique of the classical powder cloud developing method. The following publicly known examples belong to this category and have been proposed as a feature of inserting a control electrode into the developing space between the image forming body and the developer transport body.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 56-27158, a plurality of parallel electrode wires are stretched between an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image forming member and a developer conveying member so that the polarities of adjacent wires are reversed. To
There is a description of a developing method in which an alternating voltage is applied to each wire to fly the developer.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-198470, a wire grid is provided between the latent image holding surface and the toner holding surface, and a direct current and / or an alternating current or an odd voltage is applied between the grid and the toner holding surface. A developing method of applying is disclosed.

Further, in JP-A-3-131878, there is disclosed a developing method in which an electrode plate is arranged in a developing area and an alternating electric field is applied to the electrode plate to disperse and fly the toner.
A multicolor developing method using a plurality of developing devices of the above-mentioned applied technology is described.

However, with the above technique, it is difficult to accurately arrange the wires in the narrow developing space, or the plate-like electrodes are used instead of the wires to improve the arrangement accuracy, but the image forming member is improved. Since the electrode is installed over the upstream and downstream sides in the developer transport direction with respect to the closest position of the developer transport body and the developer transport body, the upstream electrode has a function of pushing the developer further upstream. Therefore, for example, in the case where the plate-shaped electrode is cantilevered on the upstream side and the upstream side of the developer transport body is closed with respect to the image forming body by this electrode,
In the case where the developer conveyed to the downstream side of the electrode where the substantial development takes place is reduced, effective development is hindered, and the downstream side is supported by a cantilever to block the developer conveying body downstream side. However, there is a drawback that the particles are scattered over the space between the developer transport body and the image forming body or between the developer transport body and the electrode.

In order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known technique and to perform effective development, in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-303377, we have developed a developer transporting member upstream of the developing region in the developer transporting direction. We have proposed a control electrode member that is composed of an insulating member that is placed in contact with or closest to the developer on the carrier and an electrode member that is provided on the downstream side of the closest position.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, among the above-mentioned prior arts, a plate-shaped elastic body is installed as a leveling member by pressing it against the developer on the developer transport body so as to be installed on the developer transport body. The present invention relates to a technique for forming a developer layer having a uniform density. This technique can be generally used in the contact developing method, but is particularly advantageously used in the non-contact developing method.

Further, according to the present invention, among the above-mentioned prior arts, in the non-contact type developing method, the plate-shaped control electrode member is placed in contact with the developer on the developer carrying member to fly the powder developer. Regarding the method.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of causing a powdery developer to fly by placing a plate-shaped control electrode member in contact with an image forming body in a non-contact type developing method.

As described above, the technique of pressing the plate-shaped elastic body against the developer on the developer transport body is an effective method for forming a uniform, particularly uniform, thin and high-density developer layer.

If such a plate-like elastic body is installed in the developing area formed by the image forming body and the developer conveying body facing the image forming body or upstream of the developer conveying direction, it is conveyed to the developing area. The resulting developer layer is uniform, thin and has a high density.

The installation of such a plate-like elastic member is performed around the developing device,
In particular, since the development area is extremely narrow, it is difficult to carry out a thick plate using a holding member having a large size and a complicated structure. Is practical. For example, a practical method is to carry out the plate-like elastic body by cantilevering the upstream end with respect to the developer conveying direction. Especially the thickness of the development area, which is usually less than 1 mm,
That is, the plate thickness is preferably set to 20 to 500 μm in order to insert the plate-like elastic member at the closest distance between the image forming member and the developer conveying member with a margin.

As described above, the adoption of the plate-shaped electrode realizes highly accurate installation of the electrode.

In particular, the method of placing the developer on the developer carrier by pressing it into contact with the developer facilitates the installation of highly accurate electrodes. That is, the control electrode member is composed of an insulating member that presses and contacts the developer on the developer transport body, and an electrode portion provided on a position other than the contact surface of the insulating member with the developer on the developer transport body. If the electrode is installed in the developing area formed by the image forming body and the developer conveying body facing the image forming body so as to press and contact the developer on the developer conveying body via the insulating member, It can be installed inside with high accuracy.

Further, the method of placing such a control electrode member in pressure contact with the image forming body also enables highly accurate placement of the electrode. That is, such a control electrode member is composed of an insulating member that is in pressure contact with the image forming body and an electrode portion provided on a place other than the contact surface of the insulating member with the image forming body. If the electrode is inserted and installed so as to press and contact the image forming body through the insulating member in the developing area formed by the developer transporting body facing the electrode, the electrode can be accurately arranged in the developing space.

Since the plate electrode is installed in the vicinity of the developing device, especially in the developing area, it is difficult to use a thick plate electrode with a holding member having a large size and a complicated structure. It is practical to carry out the plate-shaped body while supporting a part thereof. For example, a method of cantilevering an electrode, which is a plate-like elastic body, with its upstream end in the developer transport direction or with the upstream end or the downstream end in the rotation direction of the image forming body Target. In particular, in order to insert the control electrode member with a margin in the thickness of the developing space, which is usually 1 mm or less, that is, the closest distance between the image forming body and the developer transport body, and between the control electrode and the developer transport body. The thickness of the control electrode member is 20 or more in order to sufficiently increase the electric field formed on the surface of the developer carrier to effectively cause the peeling and flying of the developer from the developer carrier.
It is preferably set to 500 μm.

A thin member as such a leveling member or a control electrode member is inevitably low in elasticity, and it is difficult to realize stable installation by supporting only one end,
Alternatively, it is difficult to form a uniform, thin, and high density developer layer against the conveying force of the carrier, and a further big problem is to place it in pressure contact with the developer carrier or image forming body. In this case, if the pressing contact is continued for a long time, the member will be worn out and the pressing force will decrease due to the permanent deformation. The abrasion of the pressing contact portion and the reduction of the pressing force lead to a change in the leveling effect of the developer and a change in the relative position of the electrode member in the developing region, which makes the operation of the developing device unstable.

According to the present invention, stable installation and stable operation of the developer leveling member, which is installed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer carrying member, that is, uniform, thin and high density developer for a long period of time Stable installation and stable operation of the control electrode member, which is intended to realize the formation of a layer, and which is also installed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer carrier or the image forming body, that is, uniform over a long period of time. High image density and low background density
Another object is to realize (occurs as a color mixing phenomenon in the case of non-contact multicolor superposition development). Specifically, the leveling member and the control electrode member made of a resin member reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber having a tensile strength greater than a certain value and a bending elastic modulus greater than the certain value are excellent in conformity with these purposes. Also provided are a developer leveling member, a control electrode member, and a developing method using them.

According to such a leveling member and the developing method using the leveling member, it is possible to stably increase the uniformity and density of the developer conveyed on the developer conveying body for a long period of time. As a result, an image with high sharpness can be stably obtained over a long period of time.

Further, according to such a control electrode member and the developing method using the same, it becomes possible to supply a sufficient amount of the developer to the developing region, and further, the supplied developer can be highly efficiently supplied to the surface of the image forming body. It is possible to fly and adhere to the upper latent image, and a clear image can be stably obtained for a long period of time with no developer adhered to the background part where the developer is not desired to adhere. Like

[0026]

The first invention of the present application is as follows:
The development area surrounded by the image forming body and the developer conveying body facing the image forming body, or the developer conveying direction of the developer conveying body is pressed and brought into contact with the developer on the developer conveying body at an upstream side thereof. The member to be installed is a developer leveling member for a developing device, which is made of a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers, and thereby achieves the above object.

A second invention of the present application is that a developer transporting area is surrounded by a developer transporting body facing the image forming body or a developer transporting body upstream of the developer transporting direction of the developer transporting body. A control electrode member for a developing device, which is composed of an insulating member placed in pressure contact with the developer on the body and an electrode member provided on the insulating member, the insulating member being a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers. By this, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

A third invention of the present application is that an image is formed in a developing region surrounded by an image forming body and a developer transporting body facing the image forming body or in an upstream side or a downstream side with respect to a rotation direction of the image forming body. A control electrode member for a developing device, comprising an insulating member placed in pressure contact with a formed body and an electrode member provided thereon, the insulating member being a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber. The above-mentioned object is achieved by.

A fourth invention of the present application is to provide a leveling member made of a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber to a developing space (that is, a developing area) in which development is mainly performed in the developer transport direction of the developer transport body. ) With one end fixedly held on the upstream side,
A developing method, in which the other end is located in the developing region or upstream from it so that it is placed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer carrying body toward the downstream side, whereby the above object is achieved. is there.

A fifth invention of the present application is that a control electrode member comprising an insulating member made of a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber and an electrode member provided on the insulating member is provided in a developer carrying direction of a developer carrying body. Development space where development mainly occurs
A developing method in which one end is fixedly held on the upstream side of the developing area (i.e., the developing area), and the other end is located in the developing area and is pressed into contact with the developer on the developer conveying body toward the downstream side. ,
This achieves the above object.

In the sixth invention of the present application, a control electrode member consisting of an insulating member made of resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers and an electrode member provided on the insulating member is mainly developed in the rotational direction of the image forming body. Where one end is fixed and held upstream or downstream of the developing space (that is, the developing region), and the other end is placed in pressure contact with the image forming body so that the other end is located in the developing region. A developing method for achieving the above object.

Here, the developer leveling member of the present invention is formed of a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers.

The insulating member constituting the control electrode member of the present invention is also made of a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers.

As the inorganic fibers used in the present invention, whiskers (needle-shaped crystals), polycrystals, amorphous short fibers, continuous fibers or those obtained by subjecting these to various processes can be used.

Whiskers have very few transitions and the strength is close to the ideal value of the inorganic crystal. Further, the resin reinforced with whiskers can be molded by a very general molding method such as injection molding, which is advantageous in this respect. Examples of such whiskers include hexagonal α-SiC whiskers, cubic β-SiC whiskers, α-Si ₃ N ₄ whiskers, K ₂ O · 6TiO ₂ (potassium hexatitanate) whiskers, graphite whiskers, β-Si ₆ -zAlzOzN ₈ -z (sialon) whiskers and ZrO ₂ whiskers can be used.

The inorganic short fibers are fibers having a finite length that is not a single crystal, and usually have a length of 1 mm or more and 10 cm or less. As such inorganic short fibers, for example, various glass fibers, carbon fibers, alumina short fibers, alumina / silica short fibers, ZrO ₂ short fibers, boron nitride short fibers and the like can be used.

The inorganic continuous fibers are fibers having a length equal to or larger than the size of the member and are roughly classified into two according to the difference in diameter. One is used as a monofilament with a diameter of 100 to 200 μm, and there is also one with boron or SiC grown on the surface by CVD. The other is a bundle with a diameter of 20 μm or less, which is used as a multifilament. The latter is superior when it is used after being processed into a woven fabric or when a member having a complicated shape is formed. If continuous fibers are used, it is generally possible to form a member having a high content of fibers with a controlled fiber arrangement, and it is possible to greatly improve the strength and rigidity of the member. However, it is necessary to use special means for forming, and secondary plastic working is impossible. Such inorganic continuous fibers include various glass fibers, fused silica, tungsten core wire continuous boron fiber (monofilament), tungsten core wire SiC continuous fiber (monofilament), tungsten core wire B ₄ C continuous fiber (monofilament), tungsten core wire silicon carbide- Boron continuous fiber (monofilament), carbon fiber core wire SiC continuous fiber (monofilament), fused silica core wire boron continuous fiber (monofilament), BN continuous fiber, SiC continuous fiber, Si-Ti-CO (B) continuous fiber (tyranno fiber) Alumina-based continuous fibers, PAN-based carbon continuous fibers, pitch-based carbon continuous fibers, ZrO ₂ continuous fibers, various metal continuous fibers, such as tungsten continuous fibers, molybdenum continuous fibers, steel continuous fibers, containing SiO ₂ , B ₂ O ₃ as appropriate. , Beryllium continuous fiber, super heat resistant nickel alloy (Rene41) continuous fiber, stainless steel continuous fiber. Which can be used.

Of the inorganic fibers, glass fibers that can be used at a particularly low cost are E-glass fibers and C-glass fibers.
There are glass fibers, A-glass fibers, S-glass fibers, M-glass fibers, fused silica and the like.

The glass fiber is often surface-treated with an organic chromium complex compound, an organic silane compound or the like by a conventional method.

As the organic fiber used in the present invention, a wide range of organic polymer materials can be used. Usually, a heat-stretched polymer or a polymer having a rigid polymer chain is often used to increase the number of fully extended polymer chains in the unit cross-sectional area. The aramid fiber is advantageously used for improving the elastic modulus of the member reinforced by this. Further, aramid pulp processed into fine fibers can be used as well.
Liquid crystal polymer fibers have high impact absorption and are advantageously used for improving impact resistance, durability and abrasion resistance. In particular, if a high elastic modulus grade that has recently been obtained is used, it can be advantageously used for improving the elastic modulus. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers are weak against heat and require careful molding temperature, but they are advantageously used for improving the elastic modulus and impact resistance. The hybrid fabric of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and carbon fiber is advantageously used by complementing the adhesiveness of polyethylene fiber and the impact resistance of carbon fiber. It is also possible to use polyvinyl alcohol fibers, particularly high-performance grade polyvinyl alcohol fibers (vinylon fibers), heterocyclic aromatic polymer fibers such as polyparaphenylene benzobisthiazole, acrylic fibers, and polyester fibers.

These inorganic fibers and organic fibers are used in various forms. For example, glass fibers are strands,
Used in the form of roving, yarn, continuous strand mat, scrim cloth, chopped strand mat, surface mat, roving cloth, glass cloth (woven yarn), chopped strand, chipped strand, glass powder, milled fiber, etc. To be

Carbon fibers are also similar to glass fibers such as strands, tows (corresponding to roving of glass fibers), yarns, cloths (woven with tows, woven with yarns), chopped strands and unidirectional materials. Used in the form. The same applies to other fibers.

The reinforcing fibers used in the present invention should be used in such a ratio that the tensile strength and flexural modulus of the molded product are the highest, but the member of the present invention requires a smooth surface. Therefore, these fibers should not be exposed on the surface and should be used within limits that give a smooth molding surface. Such an optimum use ratio generally becomes higher when the reinforcing fibers are woven, and becomes higher when the affinity between the resin matrix and the fibers is high. From such a fact, the fibers used in the present invention are 2 to 80% by weight with respect to the entire molded product,
Most preferably, it is 5 to 60% by weight.

The resins used in the present invention are various thermoplastic resins or thermosetting resins.

When a thermoplastic resin is used, it can be manufactured by an inexpensive production means excellent in mass productivity such as injection molding or extrusion molding as described later. The good storage stability of the raw materials also contributes to the high productivity. Further, the toughness of the obtained member is superior to the case where a thermosetting resin is used, and the variety of thermoplastic resins is abundant, so the degree of freedom in material design is high. Another feature is that it can be remelted and shaped again, so that it can be used for recycling.

As the thermoplastic resin used in the present invention, various crystalline or amorphous polymer substances belonging to the category of so-called general-purpose resins, engineering plastics and super engineering plastics can be used.

Thermoplastic resins classified as general-purpose plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene (above crystalline), polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS resin, A
A homopolymer or copolymer of S resin, methacrylic resin (above or more amorphous) can be used.

Of course, thermoplastic resins classified as general-purpose plastics can be applied to the present invention, but thermoplastic resins classified as engineering plastics or super engineering plastics are more advantageously used. Thermoplastic resins classified as so-called engineering plastics or super engineering plastics include ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, poly-4-methylpentene-1, nylon (nylon-6, nylon-66,
Nylon-11, nylon-12, etc.), polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, paraoxybenzoyl group-containing wholly aromatic polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, polyamideimide (above crystalline), polyphenylene ether, polycarbonate, poly Arilate (2-
Polyester of polyhydric phenol and aromatic dicarboxylic acid), polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyetherimide (above amorphous) and the like can be used.

There is also a thermoplastic resin having a chemical structure which should be classified as a general-purpose plastic but which exhibits physical properties comparable to those of engineering plastics. Examples thereof include syndiotactic polystyrene called metallocene polymerized polymer, metallocene polymerized polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, and syndiotactic polypropylene. These are excellent in mechanical properties (rigidity, impact resistance), heat resistance, etc. as compared with ordinary resins having the same chemical structure, and are advantageously used in the present invention.

Fluorine resins are also classified as thermoplastic engineering plastics and are advantageously used in the present invention. The fluororesin is polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene
-Hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer, chlorotrifluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride and the like.

When a thermosetting resin is applied to the present invention, it is usually necessary to use a member manufacturing means different from the case where a thermoplastic resin is used. However, it is possible to use relatively long inorganic fibers, organic fibers or processed products thereof in these special manufacturing means other than injection molding and extrusion molding, and the tensile strength and flexural modulus which are the objects of the present invention are used. It is advantageous to realize an excellent leveling member and control electrode member.

As the thermosetting resin, unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin, vinyl ester resin, phenol resin, thermosetting polyimide resin, thermosetting polyamide-imide or the like can be used.

As the unsaturated polyester resin, an orthophthalic acid type resin, an isophthalic acid type resin, a terephthalic acid type resin, a bisphenol type resin, a propylene glycol-maleic acid type resin, a dicyclopentadiene or a derivative thereof is introduced into the unsaturated polyester composition. And low molecular weight or low styrene volatile resin with film forming wax compound added, low thermoplasticity with added thermoplastic resin (polyvinyl acetate resin, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polystyrene, saturated polyester, etc.) resin,
Reactive type such as bromination of unsaturated polyester directly with Br ₂ or copolymerization with het acid, dibromoneopentyl glycol, halides such as chlorinated paraffin and tetrabromobisphenol, and antimony trioxide, phosphorus compounds Addition-type flame-retardant resin that uses combination or aluminum hydroxide as an additive, toughness resin (high strength, high elastic modulus, high elongation) hybridized with polyurethane or silicone, or IPN is there.

Bisphenol A as an epoxy resin
Type, novolac phenol type, bisphenol F type, brominated bisphenol A type glycidyl ether type epoxy resin, glycidyl amine type, glycidyl ester type, cycloaliphatic type, and heterocyclic epoxy type special epoxy resin.

The vinyl ester resin is a product obtained by dissolving an oligomer obtained by a ring-opening addition reaction of an epoxy resin and an unsaturated monobasic acid such as methacrylic acid in a monomer such as styrene. In addition, there is also a special type that has a vinyl group at the terminal or side chain of the molecule and contains a vinyl monomer. Vinyl ester resins of glycidyl ether type epoxy resins include bisphenol type, novolac type, brominated bisphenol type, etc., and special vinyl ester resins include vinyl ester urethane type, vinyl isocyanurate type, and side chain vinyl ester type.

The phenol resin is obtained by polycondensing phenols and formaldehydes as raw materials. There are resol type and novolak type.

Examples of the thermosetting polyimide resin include maleic acid type polyimides such as polymaleimidoamine, polyaminobismaleimide, bismaleimide.o, o'-diallylbisphenol-A resin, bismaleimide.triazine resin, and nadic acid-modified polyimide. , And acetylene-terminated polyimide.

The method of manufacturing the insulating member constituting the member used for the developer leveling member or the control electrode member of the present invention is the kind and form of the reinforcing fibers constituting them, and the kind of resin. It depends on whether it is a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin.

Molding generally used for molding a thermoplastic resin when the thermoplastic resin has a short length and is reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers which are not given a secondary form by weaving or the like. A method is used. In such a case, the raw material can be in the form called FRTP pellets. That is, unmelted or already melted thermoplastic resin and short fiber reinforcement and optionally additives such as fillers are melt-kneaded in a kneading extruder and extruded in a strand form, cooled, or cut in a molten state. It is also possible to use a pelletized product by adhering and impregnating a molten resin or the like while passing a roving-like bundle of long fibers through the die and cutting this to a predetermined length. The reinforcement is used in an amount of 2 to 80% by weight, preferably 5 to 60% by weight
Therefore, FRTP manufactured by using a bundle of long fibers can widely control this range. When FRTP is molded into the insulating member of the present invention by an injection molding machine, the reinforcing fiber is cut and shortened. In the case of glass fiber, this length is often 0.2 to 0.8 mm on a weight average. In addition to injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, injection blow molding, compression molding, rotary molding, cast molding, transfer molding (transfer molding), or molding in the case of using such a thermoplastic resin Powder processing, solvent coating, machining, etc. can be used. The most easily used are injection molding, extrusion molding, cast molding and compression molding. Also RIM
It is also possible to use a special molding method called, for example, in the case of nylon, a molded product can be obtained by injecting a reinforcing fiber, a lactam containing a catalyst and an activator into a mold and performing anionic polymerization.

Since polytetrafluoroethylene has a high melt viscosity, general melt processing cannot be applied. Compression molding,
Molding is performed by ram extrusion molding, paste extrusion molding, dispersion method, or the like.

A member used as a leveling member made of a thermosetting resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber, or an insulating member constituting a control electrode member is the same injection molding, transfer molding (transfer molding) as a thermoplastic resin. Sometimes molded).

As a means for manufacturing the leveling member made of a thermosetting resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber, or the insulating member constituting the control electrode member most simply, a so-called SMC or BMC, Furthermore, there is a method using an intermediate product called a prepreg.

SMC (sheet molding compound) is a thermosetting resin in the form corresponding to roving or chopped strand mat of glass fiber of inorganic fiber or organic fiber and, if necessary, thickener, filler, release agent. It is a sheet-shaped molding material in which a resin compound mixed with a pigment or the like is impregnated, both surfaces are covered with a non-adhesive sheet such as polyethylene, and then the resin compound is thickened with a thickener to make it non-adhesive. At the time of molding, a necessary amount is cut off, a sheet of polyethylene or the like is peeled off, the sheet is loaded into a mold and heated and pressed to cure. Since the resin used in preform molding and other molding methods is liquid but solid, it is easy to handle and advantageous in automating the molding. Since the reinforcing fiber and the resin compound flow together in the mold, a better molding surface than the preform molded product can be obtained.
In addition, compared to injection molding of BMC, there is no breakage of the reinforcing fibers to the final molded product, and a molded product with excellent strength can be obtained.

On the other hand, among premixes, which are putty-like molding materials produced by kneading thermosetting resins, short reinforcing fibers, and if necessary, fillers, pigments, curing agents, etc. A BMC is a lump or preformed product that has a smooth surface and has excellent physical properties that prevent warping. Often, a thermoplastic resin is added to reduce shrinkage. It is possible to integrally mold objects with complicated shapes, the molding speed is high, and inserts, attachments,
It has the feature that holes, screws, ribs, bosses, etc. can be molded.

Further, heat is applied to a product in which reinforcing fibers that are longer than those of SMC are aligned, a product in which the anisotropy of fiber orientation is eliminated by stacking it in multiple layers, or a cloth in which reinforcing fibers are woven. A product obtained by impregnating a curable resin and, if necessary, a filler, a pigment and the like with a solvent, impregnating and drying the product, and a semi-cured product is called a prepreg, and a molded product can be obtained by press molding.

More general molding methods for thermosetting resins reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers include hand lay-up method, spray-up method, mat or preform matched die method, premix method, filament winding method, addition method. The pressure reduction rubber bag method, the continuous pull-through method, etc. The insulating member forming the member or the control electrode member used for the developer leveling member of the present invention has a relatively simple shape because it has a matte or preform matched die method, a premix method, a pressure reducing bag method, The continuous pull-through method is particularly advantageous. The mat or preform matched die method is a male or female product obtained by impregnating reinforcing fiber mat such as chopped strand mat or reinforcing fiber such as chopped strand shaped by preforming with thermosetting resin (thermoplastic resin) binder. A molded product is obtained by pressing and heating in a mold. In the premix method, a molded product is obtained by compression molding, transfer molding (transfer molding) or injection molding using the above premix.
In the pressure / vacuum bag method, a base material such as glass fiber such as prepreg is placed on either male or female mold and covered with a film such as PVA to apply pressure from the outside or draw a vacuum inside to mold. Is the way. In the continuous pull-through method, rovings, tows, etc. are aligned, immersed in resin or a mixture thereof, and then molded into a predetermined cross-sectional shape through a die,
Then, it is a method of curing in a heating furnace.

In such molding process, inorganic fibers,
Various additives may be used in addition to the organic fiber, the thermoplastic resin, and the thermosetting resin. Particularly when a thermosetting resin is used, a curing agent and a curing accelerator are often used. An organic peroxide, an azo compound or the like is used as the curing agent. In some cases, a sensitizer for curing ultraviolet light or visible light may be used. As the accelerator, amine-based or metal naphthenic acid salts are used for the purpose of causing curing at room temperature.

The use of the filler may have an effect of improving various physical properties such as mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, abrasion resistance and flame retardancy of the molded product depending on the particle shape and surface effect. Calcium carbonate, alumina, talc, diatomaceous earth, clay, kaolin, mica, barium sulfate, gypsum, silica gel (aerosil), glass balloon, shirasu balloon and the like are used alone or in combination.

When a colorant is used, it is general to use a paste color in which a pigment is kneaded in advance, but a powder such as carbon black or titanium white may be used in some cases.

As the releasing agent, either or both of an external releasing agent and an internal releasing agent are used. Specifically, stearic acid, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, aluminum distearate,
Soybean lecithin, various waxes, poval, silicones and the like can be mentioned.

Other additives used include thickeners and thixotropic agents.

In order to provide an electrode member on the control electrode member in order to manufacture the control electrode member from the insulating member thus formed, an electrode material such as electrolytic copper foil or the like is formed on the insulating member, for example, press forming. At the same time, it is most efficient to provide by laminating and molding an adhesive as needed, but both the method of bonding the electrode material to the insulating member after molding and the method of heat fusion It can be used.
Further, in order to install the electrode member only on the very limited part of the control electrode member, it is possible to install the electrode only on that part, but after the electrode is installed on the wide part, it is unnecessary by the so-called etching method. A method of removing the electrode member is advantageous. Furthermore, it is also possible to install the electrode member by printing or applying a conductive ink or a conductive paint on the insulating member.

[0073]

A specific mode of mounting the developer leveling member for the developing device or the control electrode member for the developing device manufactured as described above in the electrophotographic developing device will be described below.

The developer leveling member has already been disclosed in the above-mentioned prior arts, Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-16736, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-36383, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-289522. That is, Japanese Examined Japanese Patent Sho 63-1
As disclosed in No. 6736, the antinode surface presses against the developer transport body to regulate the layer thickness of the developer supplied to the movable developer transport body, and the upstream side with respect to the moving direction of the developer. It is used as a reverse pressure contact elastic restriction plate having a free end (Fig. 1). This is used as a conductive elastic regulation plate whose abdominal surface is pressed against the developer carrier to regulate the layer thickness of the developer supplied to the developer carrier (FIG. 2).

Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-36383, in the non-contact two-component developing device for applying an oscillating electric field to the developing region sandwiched by two magnetic poles having different polarities inside the developer transport body, It may be installed as a holding member to hold the two-component developer in position (FIG. 3). Further, as disclosed in JP-A-5-289522, a non-magnetic developer leveling means installed so as to come into contact with the developer upstream of a magnetic pole installed so as to face the development area in the developer transport body. Can be used as (Fig. 4).

Further, it is provided at a predetermined distance from the surface of the developer transport body, and the thickness of the developer layer on the surface of the developer transport body is regulated to the thickness to be brought into contact with the surface of the latent image carrier provided so as to face the developer layer. In a developing device having a developer regulating means,
It can be used as a non-magnetic developer leveling means installed so as to come into contact with the developer upstream of the magnetic pole installed so as to face the development area in the developer transport body (FIG. 5). Also, the developer regulation is installed at a predetermined distance from the surface of the developer transport body, and regulates the thickness of the developer layer on the surface of the developer transport body to be in contact with the surface of the latent image carrier provided so as to face the developer layer. In the developing device having the means, a non-magnetic device installed so as to come into contact with the developer upstream of the magnetic pole installed so as to face the developing area in the developer transporting body also as the developer regulating means. It can be used as a developer leveling means (Fig. 6). Further, in a developing device having a developer regulating means installed at a predetermined distance from the surface of the developer carrier, the developer comes into contact with the developer upstream of a magnetic pole installed so as to face the developing area in the developer carrier, The developer layer on the developer carrier can be used as a non-magnetic developer leveling means installed so as to have a predetermined thickness so as not to contact the surface of the latent image carrier (FIG. 7). Further, as a developer leveling means installed upstream of a magnetic pole installed to face the developing area in the developer transport body and in contact with the developer between another magnetic pole having the same polarity as this. It can be used (Fig. 8). Furthermore, it is installed with a predetermined gap from the surface of the developer carrying body so as to face another magnetic pole having the same polarity as the upstream magnetic pole installed so as to face the developing area in the developer carrying body. It can be used as a developer leveling means used in combination with a developer controlling means for controlling the passing amount (FIG. 8).

In order for the developer leveling member to exert its function, the developing area surrounded by the image forming body and the developer conveying body facing the image forming body or the upstream side of the developer conveying direction of the developer conveying body. On the side, it is necessary to be placed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body.

More specifically, in this case, one end of the leveling member is fixedly held at the upstream side of the developing space (that is, the developing area) in which the developing mainly occurs in the developer carrying direction of the developer carrying body. The method in which the end is located in the developing area or on the upstream side thereof so as to be pressed and brought into contact with the developer on the developer transporting member toward the downstream side has the effect of the leveling member immediately before the developing area or the developing area. It can be exhibited and can be installed with high accuracy, and is particularly convenient for transporting a uniform and high-density developer layer to the developing area.

The developer leveling member of the present invention may be used in a developing device configuration that also serves as a developer charging member. In this case, the developer with which the leveling member is in pressure contact is charged by frictional charging with the leveling member.

The developer used here may be a two-component developer comprising toner and magnetic particles, or may be a magnetic or non-magnetic one-component developer.

The developer leveling member of the present invention is 0.1 to 100 g / in the direction orthogonal to the developer transport direction of the developer transport body.
cm The pressure is preferably 0.5 to 50 g / cm.

The developer leveling member of the present invention is in direct contact with the developer and is subject to wear due to its friction. Further, in such a pressed state, the pressing force may be gradually reduced due to permanent deformation.

The inventors of the present invention have used such a developer leveling member usually having a thickness of 20 to 500 μm, more preferably 20 to 20 μm.
Thickness of 0 μm, free length of 2 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 5
In the case of a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers having a tensile strength of 8 × 10 ² kg / cm ² or more and a flexural modulus of 5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² or more in a free length of 20 mm, It has been found that the contact surface with the developer is little scraped off, sufficient pressing force is exerted with a small displacement, and stable operation is performed for a long period of time.

The control electrode member for the developing device has already been disclosed in the above-mentioned prior arts, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-131878 and Japanese Patent Application No. 5-303377. That is, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-131878, it is used as a control electrode member which is arranged so as to come into contact with the developer on the developer carrying body and have its tip end located in the developing area (FIG. 9). ). In this case, a fluctuating electric field is applied between the control electrode member and the developer transport body.
In addition, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-303377, the insulating member is brought into contact with the developer transport body in the upstream of the developing area, and the electrode member is moved from the abutting position of the insulating member to the developer. It is used as a control electrode member installed only on the downstream side in the transport direction (Fig. 10). In this case, the length of the electrode portion in the developer transport direction is preferably 0.01 to 2 mm. Also in this case, a fluctuating electric field is applied between the control electrode member and the developer transport body.

The control electrode member of the present invention may be installed in contact with the image forming body as shown in FIG. 11, contrary to the above-mentioned known example. In the control electrode member including the insulating member and the electrode member, it is desirable that the insulating member is in contact with the image forming body.

Closing the developing region surrounded by the image forming body and the developer conveying body opposed thereto or the downstream side of the developer conveying direction of the developer conveying body with the control electrode member remarkably improves the developing efficiency. Diminish or developer is developer carrier-
The undesirable result of scattering over the space between the image forming bodies or the space between the developer transport body and the electrodes is caused. Therefore, when the control electrode member is installed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body, the developer on the developer transport body is located upstream of the developing area or in the developer transport direction. It must be installed in pressure contact. Further, even when it is installed in pressure contact with the image forming body, it is also not preferable to close the developing region or the downstream side of the developer conveying body with respect to the developer conveying direction.

When the control electrode member is placed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body, more specifically, the control electrode member is mainly developed in the developer transport direction of the developer transport body. Where one end is fixed and held upstream from the developing space (that is, the developing region) where the other occurs, and the other end is placed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body so that the other end is located in the developing region. However, it is particularly advantageous in that it can be installed with high accuracy without lowering the development efficiency and causing toner scattering.

When the control electrode member is placed in pressure contact with the image forming body, more specifically, a developing space (that is, a developing region) in which the control electrode member mainly develops in the rotation direction of the image forming body. If one end is fixed and held on the upstream side or the downstream side, and the other end is placed in pressure contact with the image forming body toward the downstream side or the upstream side so that the other end is located in the developing region, the installation can be performed with high accuracy. . Also in this case, one end fixedly held is preferably on the upstream side of the developing area with respect to the developer transport direction of the developer transport body.

When the control electrode member is brought into pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body or when it is brought into pressure contact with the image forming body, the free end of the control electrode member needs to be within the developing area. Needless to say, the installation method in which most of the developing area is closed by the control electrode member is not preferable.

The fluctuating electric field applied between the control electrode member and the developer transport body conveys the AC power to the developer so that the developer can effectively develop the latent image on the image forming body beyond the control electrode. It is preferable to apply the voltage so that it is connected to the body side. Of course, a DC bias electric field may be appropriately applied between the developer transport body, the control electrode member, and the image forming body.

The electrode member may be installed on the side opposite to the pressing surface of the insulating member against the developer or image forming member on the developer carrier (FIG. 12), or on the tip end surface of the insulating member. Also good (Figure 13). Furthermore, if an insulating coating layer is further provided on the electrode member provided on the insulating member, the pressing surface against the developer carrying body or the image forming body does not matter.

The control electrode member of the present invention may be used in a developing device configuration which also serves as a developer transport amount regulating member or a developer charging member as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-131878.

Further, the control electrode member of the present invention may be used in a developing device structure which also serves as the above-mentioned developer leveling member.

The developer used here may be a two-component developer comprising toner and magnetic particles, or may be a magnetic or non-magnetic one-component developer.

The control electrode member of the present invention is pressed with a force of 0.1 to 100 g / cm, preferably 0.5 to 50 g / cm in the direction orthogonal to the developer conveying direction of the developer conveying body or the rotating direction of the image forming body. .

The control electrode member of the present invention includes a direct developer or an image forming member, including a case where it is used also as a developer conveying amount regulating member or a developer charging member, and as a structure which also serves as a developer leveling member. It comes into contact with the body and is exposed to wear due to its friction. Further, in such a pressed state, the pressing force may gradually decrease due to permanent deformation, and the pressed state may change. These may change the relative positional relationship among the developer transport body, the control electrode member, and the image forming body, or may change the developer transport amount, the developer charge amount, and the developer leveling effect. .

The inventors set the insulating member constituting such a control electrode member to a commonly used thickness of 20 to 500 μm, more preferably 20 to 200 μm, and a free length of 2 mm to 50 mm, further preferably 5 mm. 8 x 10 ² k at free length of ~ ²⁰ mm
When a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers having a tensile strength of g / cm ² or more and a flexural modulus of 5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² or more, sufficient displacement is exerted with a small displacement to develop. It has been found that the relative positional relationship among the agent carrier, the control electrode member, and the image forming body does not change, and stable operation is performed for a long period of time.

[0098]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Example 1. Thickness 150μ obtained by compression molding nylon 6 containing 30% by weight of GF (glass fiber)
m, tensile strength 1750 kg / cm ² , flexural modulus 7.6 × 10 ⁴ kg /
The Konica 9028 (made by Konica Corporation) is used as the leveling member of cm ² and the gap between the developer transporting member and the developer transport roller is 125 μm.
Change to the doctor blade, r = 10 mm in Fig. 14, l ₁ = ₁
0 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 15 °,
It was installed with θ ₃ = 15 °.

[0100] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

In the performance test, the image quality did not deteriorate even after 50,000 continuous copies.

Comparative Example 1. Thickness of 150 μm obtained by compression molding nylon-6, tensile strength 710 kg / cm ² , flexural modulus 2.
The Konica 9028 was used as the leveling member of 45 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² and the doctor layer having a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller was used as the developer layer regulating member, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l _{2 in FIG.}
= 4 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 15 °, θ ₃ = 15 °
And

[0103] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

After continuous 15,000 copies, a so-called color mixture in which black toner adheres to the image portion where the black toner should not originally adhere due to defective leveling of the developer layer, which is 50 toners / mm ^2, occurs.

Example 2. 150 μm thickness obtained by compression molding of polyacetal containing 25% by weight of GF, tensile strength
1250 kg / cm ^2, bending a developer layer regulating member Shi become elastic modulus 7.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² member Konica9028 change in doctor blade gap 175μm between the developer conveying roller, r = 10 mm in FIG. 14 , L ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1 mm, θ ₁ = 0
The angle was set as θ, θ ₂ = 0 °, and θ ₃ = 60 °.

[0106] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was. As a result, the image quality did not deteriorate even after 50,000 continuous copies.

Comparative Example 2. Thickness 150μm obtained by compression molding of polyacetal, tensile strength 590kg / cm ² , flexural modulus
The 2.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² leveling member was changed to Konica 9028, and the developer layer regulating member was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 175 μm with the developer transport roller. R = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm in FIG.
l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, θ ₃ = 60
Installed as °.

[0108] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

In the continuous copy test, color mixing occurred from the beginning. As a result of observation with a high-speed video, it was confirmed that the developer layer of the black developing device was in contact with the photoconductor due to lack of rigidity of the leveling member.

Example 3. An epoxy equivalent containing a proper amount of dicyandiamide as a curing agent so that one layer of a plain weave glass cloth made of E-glass is treated with γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane so that the weight of the molded product becomes 50%.
Thickness obtained by impregnating 480 bisphenol A type epoxy resin varnish (using methyl ethyl ketone solvent) and drying, and press molding the prepreg at 160 ° C and 70 kg / cm ^2.
100 μm, tensile strength 2850 kg / cm ² , flexural modulus 27 × 10 ⁴
The kg / cm ² leveling member was changed to Konica 9028, and the developer layer restriction member was changed to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm between the developer transport roller and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 m in FIG.
m, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, and θ ₃ = 30 °.

[0111] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

In the performance test, the image quality did not deteriorate even after 50,000 continuous copies.

Comparative Example 3. The thickness obtained by transfer molding the same material as in Example 3 except that the glass cloth was not included.
100 μm, tensile strength 910 kg / cm ² , flexural modulus 1.6 × 10 ⁴
The kg / cm ² leveling member was changed to Konica 9028 and the developer layer regulating member was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 in FIG.
mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, θ ₃ = 30 °.

[0114] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

After continuous 4,000 copies, a so-called color mixture in which black toner adheres to the image portion where the black toner should not originally adhere due to defective leveling of the developer layer, which is 50 toner particles / mm ^2, occurs.

Example 4. Polyamino bismaleimide (Ke
rimid601-Rhone Poulenc) was dissolved in N-methylpyrrolidone, and N-β-aminoethyl-γ was added to a varnish with a concentration of 50% by weight.
-E pretreated with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane
-A layer of a plain weave glass cloth made of glass is dipped so that the weight in the molded product is 50% and dried at 150 ° C for 15 minutes, and the obtained prepreg is held at 190 ° C and 50 kg / cm ² for 2 hours and pressed. Molded thickness 100μm, tensile strength 3100kg /
Konica 9 with a leveling member of cm ² and flexural modulus of 26 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ²
In 028, the developer layer regulating member was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer conveying roller, and r = 10 m in FIG.
m, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂
= 0 ° and θ ₃ = 30 ° were set.

[0117] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

In the performance test, the image quality did not deteriorate even after 50,000 continuous copies.

Comparative Example 4. Polybenzophenone tetracarboxylic imide (PI2080-Upjohn, benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid / methylenedianiline / toluylenediamine condensate) was press molded at 350 ° C and 800 kg to obtain a thickness of 10
0 μm, tensile strength 1200 kg / cm ² , flexural modulus 3.5 × 10 ⁴ k
The g / cm ² leveling member was changed to Konica 9028, and the developer layer restriction member was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer conveying roller. In FIG. 14, r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm,
It was installed with d = 1.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, and θ ₃ = 30 °.

[0120] except for changing the things the developer career what developer of Konica9028 the σ ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

After continuous 7,000 copies, a so-called color mixture in which black toner originally adhered to the image portion where the black toner should not adhere due to defective leveling of the developer layer was generated in 50 toner particles / mm ² .

Example 5. A leveling member with a thickness of 150 μm obtained by compression molding modified polyphenylene oxide (NC208-GE, containing 8% by weight of carbon fiber), a tensile strength of 950 kg / cm ² , and a bending elastic modulus of 5.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ^2. Was changed to Konica 9028 by changing the developer layer control member to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 m in FIG.
m, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, θ ₃
Installed as = 30 °.

[0123] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

No deterioration in image quality was observed even after continuous 30,000 copies.

Comparative Example 5. If polyphenylene sulfide resin compound (Ryton R-9, containing glass fiber and inorganic filler) is compression molded, the thickness is 150 μm, tensile strength is 760 kg / cm ² , and flexural modulus is 15 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² . Change the member to Konica 9028 and the developer layer restriction member to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller.
R = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ =
It was set at 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, and θ ₃ = 30 °.

[0126] except for changing the things the developer career what developer of Konica9028 the σ ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

After continuous 18,000 copies, the black toner is crushed on the image part where the leveling member is crushed and the developer layer is deficient due to the crushing of the contact part of the leveling member with the developer transport body. The so-called mixed color adhered was generated in the number of black toner of 50 / mm ² .

Example 6. Nylon 66 (Kevlar long fiber reinforced resin AC pellet-Aisin Kako Co., Ltd.) containing 20% by weight of Kevlar was compression-molded to obtain a thickness of 150 μm, a tensile strength of 1200 kg / cm ² , a flexural modulus of 5 × 10 ⁴ kg. / Cm ² leveling member was changed to Konica 9028 and the developer layer restriction member was changed to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller.
14 r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁
= 0 °, θ ₂ = 15 °, θ ₃ = 15 °.

[0129] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

In the performance test, the image quality did not deteriorate even after 30,000 continuous copies had passed.

Example 7. Nylon 6 containing 30% by weight of GF, obtained by compression molding, thickness 150μm, tensile strength 1750
kg / cm ² and flexural modulus of 7.6 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² A 10 μm thick electrolytic copper foil was attached to the surface of an insulating member with a 10 μm thick epoxy adhesive, and only 1 mm was applied to the tip by etching.
A control electrode member is obtained with the width of the electrode member left. Change this control electrode member to Konica 9028 and change the developer layer restriction member to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller,
In FIG. 15, r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 9 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1.5 mm,
It was installed with θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 30 °, and θ ₃ = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode. The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0133] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

In the performance test, the image quality did not deteriorate even after 50,000 continuous copies.

Comparative Example 6. A thickness of 150 μm obtained by compression molding nylon-6, a tensile strength of 710 kg / cm ² , a flexural modulus of 2.45 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² and a thickness of 10 μm of epoxy adhesive on the surface of an insulating member. A 10 μm electrolytic copper foil is adhered and a control electrode member having an electrode member with a width of 1 mm left only at the tip is obtained by etching. Replace this control electrode member with Koni
Change the developer layer control member to ca 9028 to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm between the developer transport roller and r = 10 in FIG.
mm, l ₁ = 9 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ
_It was installed with ₂ = 30 ° and θ ₃ = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850 V, control electrode DC potential is -750 V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750 V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0137] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

After 10,000 continuous copies, abrasion of the control electrode member and defective leveling of the developer layer occur, resulting in overdevelopment and black toner adhered to the image portion where the black toner should not originally adhere. Number of 150 / mm ²
Occurred.

Example 8. 150 μm thickness obtained by compression molding of polyacetal containing 25% by weight of GF, tensile strength
1250 kg / cm ^2, bending thickness 20μm by an epoxy adhesive with a thickness of 15μm on the surface of an insulating member of elastic modulus 7.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ²
Adhesion of electrolytic copper foil and etching only on the tip
A control electrode member having an electrode member with a width of 500 μm is obtained.

This control electrode member was changed to Konica 9028, and the developer layer restricting member was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 175 μm with the developer transport roller, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm in FIG.
l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, θ ₃ = 60
Installed as °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, applied DC bias to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode Bias frequency is 8kHz and voltage is 1.7
It was set to kVp-p.

[0142] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

As a result of the performance test, the image quality was not deteriorated even after the continuous 50,000 copies.

Comparative Example 7. Thickness 150μm obtained by compression molding of polyacetal, tensile strength 590kg / cm ² , flexural modulus
A control electrode in which an electrolytic copper foil with a thickness of 20 μm is bonded to the surface of an insulating member of 2.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² with an epoxy adhesive with a thickness of 15 μm, and an electrode member with a width of 500 μm is left only at the tip by etching. Get the members.

This control electrode member was changed to Konica 9028, and the developer layer restricting member was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 175 μm with the developer transport roller, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm in FIG.
l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, θ ₃ = 60
Installed as °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode. The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0147] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

As a result of the performance test, color mixing occurred from the beginning. As a result of observation by high-speed video, it was confirmed that the developer layer of the developing device was in contact with the photoconductor due to lack of rigidity of the control electrode member.

Example 9. An epoxy equivalent containing a proper amount of dicyandiamide as a curing agent so that one layer of a plain weave glass cloth made of E-glass is treated with γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane so that the weight of the molded product becomes 50%.
The prepreg obtained by impregnating 480 bisphenol A type epoxy resin varnish (using methyl ethyl ketone solvent) and drying was overlaid with electrolytic copper foil with a thickness of 20 μm at 160 ° C, 70 kg /
A member having a thickness of 120 μm is obtained by press molding with cm ² . The 100 μm thick member obtained without laminating electrolytic copper foil under the same conditions has a tensile strength of 2850 kg / cm ² and a bending elastic modulus of 27 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ²
Met. By etching, a control electrode member having an electrode member with a width of 500 μm only left at the tip was obtained, and Konica 9028 changed the developer layer regulating member to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller, and r = 10 mm in FIG. l ₁ = 10m
m, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, θ ₃
Installed as = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode. The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0151] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was. 5 consecutive performance tests
There was no deterioration in image quality even after passing over 10,000 copies.

Comparative Example 8. A thickness obtained by transfer molding the same material as in Example 8 except that the glass cloth was not included.
μm, Tensile strength 910 kg / cm ² , Flexural modulus 1.6 × 10 ⁴ kg
/ Cm ² member was prepared, and an electrolytic copper foil with a thickness of 20 μm was adhered to this via an epoxy adhesive layer 15 μm, and a control electrode member was obtained by etching, leaving an electrode member with a width of 500 μm only at the tip. This was changed to Konica 9028 by changing the developer layer control member to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 m in FIG.
m, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, and θ ₃ = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850 V, control electrode DC potential is -750 V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750 V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

As the developer, Konica 9028 was used as it was, except that the developer carrier was changed from 18 emu / g to 25 emu / g to σ ₁₀₀₀ .

After continuous 3,000 copies, a so-called color mixture, in which black toner originally adhered to the image portion where the black toner should not adhere due to defective leveling of the developer layer, was generated in 50 toner particles / mm ² .

Example 10. A plain weave made of E-glass pretreated with N-β-aminoethyl-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane in a varnish with a concentration of 50% by weight in which polyaminobismaleimide (Kerimid601-Rhone Poulenc) was dissolved in N-methylpyrrolidone. A layer of glass cloth was impregnated with 50% of the weight of the molded product and dried at 150 ° C for 15 minutes.
Hold at 90 ℃, 50kg / cm ² for 2 hours, press-mold, thickness 1
A member of 12 μm is obtained. The tensile strength of a 100 μm thick member obtained without laminating electrolytic copper foil under the same conditions was 3100 kg / cm ² ,
The flexural modulus was 26 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² . By etching, a control electrode member having an electrode member with a width of 500 μm only left at the tip was obtained, and this was changed to Konica 9028 by changing the developer layer regulating member to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer conveying roller. 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d =
It was set at 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, and θ ₃ = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, applied DC bias to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode. The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0158] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was. When a performance test was conducted, there was no deterioration in image quality even after 50,000 continuous copies.

Comparative Example 9. Polybenzophenone tetracarboxylic acid imide (PI2080-Upjohn, benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid / methylenedianiline / toluylenediamine condensate) is laminated at 350 ° C. and 800 kg with a 12 μm thick electric field copper foil and press-formed to form a 112 μm thick layer. Get the members. The 100 μm-thick member obtained without laminating the electrolytic copper foil under the same conditions had a tensile strength of 1200 kg / cm ² and a flexural modulus of 3.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² . A control electrode member was obtained by etching, leaving an electrode member with a width of 500 μm only at the tip, and the developer layer regulating member was placed on the Konica 9028 with a gap of 125 μm from the developer transport roller.
Change to the doctor blade, r = 10 mm in Fig. 15, l ₁ = ₁
0 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °,
It was installed with θ ₃ = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode. The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0161] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was.

After continuous 8,000 copies, overdevelopment due to the crushing of the contact portion of the control electrode member with the developer and the inferiority of the developing device, and the black toner adheres to the image portion where the original black toner should not adhere. So-called color mixing occurred in terms of the number of black toners of 50 / mm ² .

Example 11. Insulating member with a thickness of 150 μm obtained by compression molding modified polyphenylene oxide (NC208-GE, containing 8% by weight of carbon fiber), tensile strength of 950 kg / cm ² , and bending elastic modulus of 5.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ^2. A 20 μm-thick electrolytic copper foil is adhered to the surface of with a 15 μm-thick epoxy adhesive, and a control electrode member having a 500 μm-wide electrode member left only at the tip is obtained by etching.

This control electrode member was changed to Konica 9028, and the developer layer restricting member was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm in FIG.
l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 0 °, θ ₃ = 30
Installed as °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850 V, control electrode DC potential is -750 V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750 V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0166] developer except for changing the developer carrier ones Konica9028 the sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g to 25emu / g was used as it was.

In the performance test, the image quality was not deteriorated even after the continuous 30,000 copies.

Comparative Example 10. Insulation of polyphenylene sulfide resin compound (Ryton R-9, containing glass fiber and inorganic filler) with a thickness of 150 μm, tensile strength 760 kg / cm ² , flexural modulus 15 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² . A 12μm thick electrolytic copper foil is adhered to the surface of the conductive member through a 10μm epoxy adhesive layer, and only 500 is applied to the tip by etching.
We obtained a control electrode member that left the electrode member of μm width,
In ica9028, the developer layer control member was changed to a doctor blade with a gap of 125 μm with the developer transport roller.
10 mm, l ₁ = 10 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm, d = 1 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °,
It was installed with θ ₂ = 0 ° and θ ₃ = 30 °.

[0169] developer except for changing the developer carrier ones Konica9028 the sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g to 25emu / g was used as it was.

After continuous 12,000 copies, overdevelopment due to crushing of the contact portion of the control electrode member with the developer and poor leveling of the developer layer and black toner adhered to the image area where originally black toner should not adhere. The so-called mixed color was generated in the number of black toner of 50 / mm ² .

Example 12. A plain weave made of E-glass pretreated with N-β-aminoethyl-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane in a varnish with a concentration of 50% by weight in which polyaminobismaleimide (Kerimid601-Rhone Poulenc) was dissolved in N-methylpyrrolidone. weight of glass cloth in more shaped product thereof in the impregnated such that 50%, dried 190 overlapping an electrolytic copper foil of 12μm thick prepreg was obtained ° C. 15 min at 0.99 ° C., 50 kg / cm ² at 2 Hold for time and press-mold thickness
A 112 μm member is obtained. The tensile strength of a 100 μm thick member obtained without laminating electrolytic copper foil under the same conditions was 3100 kg / cm ² ,
The flexural modulus was 26 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² . A control electrode member having an electrode member with a width of 1 mm left only at the tip portion was obtained by etching, and this was used as a Konica 9028, and the developer layer regulating member at the tip portion was changed to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer conveying roller. r = 90 mm, l ₁ ′ = 15 mm, l ₂ ′ = 1
_{1.8mm, d = 0.5mm, θ 1} = 0 °, θ 2 = 0 °, θ 3 = 30 °
Installed as.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode. The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

As the developer, Konica 9028 was used as it was, except that the developer carrier was changed from 18 emu / g of normal to 25 emu / g. 5 consecutive performance tests
There was no deterioration in image quality even after passing over 10,000 copies.

Comparative Example 11. Polybenzophenone tetracarboxylic acid imide (PI2080-Upjohn, benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid / methylenedianiline / toluylenediamine condensate) is laminated at 350 ° C. and 800 kg with 12 μm thick electrolytic copper foil and press-molded to form a 112 μm thick layer. Get the members. The 100 μm thick member obtained without laminating electrolytic copper foil under the same conditions had a tensile strength of 1200 kg / cm ² and a flexural modulus of 3.5 × 10 ⁴ kg / cm ² . A control electrode member having an electrode member with a width of 1 mm left only at the tip portion is obtained by etching. This is used as a Konica 9028 with a developer layer regulating member and a gap 125 with the developer conveying roller.
Change to a doctor blade of μm, r '= 90mm in Fig. 16,
l ₁ ′ = 15 mm, l ₂ ′ = 11.8 mm, d = 0.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °,
It was installed with θ ₂ = 0 ° and θ ₃ = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850 V, control electrode DC potential is -750 V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750 V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

[0176] Except for changing the ones developer carrier what developer of Konica9028 a sigma ₁₀₀₀ from normal 18emu / g of 25emu / g was used as it was. After continuous 16,000 copies, the tip of the control electrode member occasionally contacted the developer transport body, and uneven density appeared in the image.

Example 13 Material Nylon 66, Kevlar 20
Nylon 66 (Kevlar long fiber reinforced resin containing 50% by weight)
AC pellet-Aisin Kako Co., Ltd.) thickness obtained by compression molding 15
0 μm, tensile strength 1200 kg / cm ² , flexural modulus 5 × 10 ⁴ kg
An electrolytic copper foil having a thickness of 12 μm is adhered to the surface of the insulating member having a thickness of / cm ² with an epoxy adhesive having a thickness of 10 μm. By etching, a control electrode member having an electrode member with a width of 1 mm left only at the tip is obtained. This was changed to Konica 9028 by changing the developer layer regulating member to a doctor blade having a gap of 125 μm with the developer conveying roller, and r = 10 mm, l ₁ = 9 mm, l ₂ = 4 mm in FIG.
It was installed with d = 1.5 mm, θ ₁ = 0 °, θ ₂ = 30 °, and θ ₃ = 30 °.

White surface photoconductor surface potential is -850V, control electrode DC potential is -750V, DC bias applied to developer carrier (developing roller) is -750V, AC applied between developer carrier and control electrode. The bias frequency was 8 kHz and the voltage was 1.7 kVp-p.

As the developer, Konica 9028 was used as it was, except that the developer carrier was changed to σ1000 from the usual 18 emu / g to 25 emu / g. 3 consecutive performance tests
There was no deterioration in image quality even after passing over 10,000 copies.

[0180]

According to the present invention, stable installation and stable operation of the developer leveling member, which is installed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body, that is, uniform, thin and high density developer for a long period of time It is possible to realize the formation of a layer, and similarly, the stable installation and stable operation of the control electrode member, which is installed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body or the image forming body, that is, uniform operation over a long period of time. High image density and low background density (which appears as a color mixing phenomenon in the case of non-contact multicolor superposition development) can be realized.

That is, the leveling member and the control electrode member made of a resin member reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber having a tensile strength greater than a certain value and a bending elastic modulus greater than the certain value meet these purposes. It is possible to provide an excellent developer leveling member, a control electrode member, and a developing method using them.

According to such a leveling member and the developing method using the same, it is possible to stably increase the uniformity and density of the developer conveyed on the developer conveying body for a long period of time. As a result, an image with high sharpness can be stably obtained over a long period of time.

Further, according to such a control electrode member and the developing method using the same, it becomes possible to supply a sufficient amount of the developer to the developing area, and further, the supplied developer can be supplied with high efficiency to the surface of the image forming body. It is possible to fly and adhere to the upper latent image, and a clear image can be stably obtained for a long period of time with no developer adhered to the background part where the developer is not desired to adhere. Like

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment related to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment related to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment related to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment related to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a leveling member that abuts the developer of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a leveling member that abuts on the developer of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a leveling member that abuts the developer of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a leveling member that abuts the developer of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a developer leveling member that also serves as a control electrode member of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a developer leveling member that also serves as a control electrode member of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a control electrode member that comes into contact with the image forming body of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of installation of a control electrode member of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of installation of control electrode members of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 image forming body (latent image carrier or photoconductor) 2 developer carrier 3 leveling member (may also serve as an elastic regulating plate, etc.) or control electrode member holding insulating member 4 fixing member 5 developer regulating means 6 Control electrode member 8 Development area 9 Developer (toner) layer l ₁ , l ₁ ′ Leveling agent or free length of control electrode member (m
m) l ₂ Horizontal distance between the intersection of the fixed member extension line and the surface of the developer transport body and the closest position of the image forming body and the developer transport body d The leveling member from the closest position of the image forming body and the developer transport body or Horizontal distance to the tip of the control electrode member (mm) r Developer carrier (developing sleeve) radius (mm) l ₂ ′ Fixing member Extension line and the surface of the developer image forming body, the image forming body, and the developer Horizontal distance from the closest position of the carrier

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A member which is installed in pressure contact with a developer on a developer transport body at an upstream side of a developing area or a developer transport direction of the developer transport body, the member being an inorganic fiber or an organic material. A developer leveling member made of a fiber-reinforced resin for a developing device. 2. The developer leveling member for a developing device according to claim 1, wherein the resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers is a thermoplastic resin. 3. The developer leveling member for a developing device according to claim 1, wherein the resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers is a thermosetting resin. 4. A resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber, having a tensile strength of 8 × 10 ² kg / cm ² or more and 5 × 10 ⁴ kg.
The developer leveling member for a developing device according to claim 1, which has a flexural modulus of not less than / cm ² . 5. The developer leveling member for a developing device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness is 20 to 200 μm and the length measured in the developer conveying direction is 5 to 50 mm. 6. An insulating member installed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body on the upstream side of the developing area or the developer transport direction of the developer transport body, and an electrode member attached thereto. And a control electrode member for a developing device, the insulating member of which is made of a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers. 7. The control electrode member for a developing device according to claim 6, wherein the resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers is a thermoplastic resin. 8. The control electrode member for a developing device according to claim 6, wherein the resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers is a thermosetting resin. 9. The resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers has a tensile strength of 8 × 10 ² kg / cm ² or more and 5 × 10 ⁴ kg.
The control electrode member for a developing device according to claim 6, which has a flexural modulus of not less than / cm ² . 10. The thickness is 20 to 200 μm, and the length measured in the developer conveying direction is 5 to 50 mm.
The control electrode member for a developing device as described. 11. An insulating member, which is installed in pressure contact with the image forming body on the upstream side or the downstream side with respect to the developing area or the rotating direction of the image forming body, and an electrode member attached to the insulating member. A control electrode member for a developing device, in which the conductive member is a resin reinforced with inorganic fibers or organic fibers. 12. The resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber is a thermoplastic resin.
The control electrode member for a developing device as described. 13. The resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber is a thermosetting resin.
The control electrode member for a developing device as described. 14. A resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber, having a tensile strength of 8 × 10 ² kg / cm ² or more and 5 × 10 ⁴ k
12. The control electrode member for a developing device according to claim 11, which has a bending elastic modulus of g / cm ² or more. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the thickness is 20 to 200 μm, and the length measured in the developer conveying direction is 5 to 50 mm.
The control electrode member for a developing device as described. 16. A developer leveling member for a developing device, which is made of a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber, is fixedly held at one end upstream of a developing region with respect to a developer transport direction of a developer transport body. A developing method in which the other end is located in or upstream of the developing region and is placed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body toward the downstream side. 17. The developer transporting direction of the developer transporting body and the moving direction of the image forming body are the same.
The developing method described. 18. The developing method according to claim 16, wherein the developer on the developer carrying body is kept in a non-contact state with the image forming body. 19. A control electrode member comprising an insulating member made of a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber and an electrode member provided on the insulating member is provided on the upstream side of the developing area in the developer carrying direction of the developer carrying body. A developing method in which one end is fixedly held, and the other end is placed in pressure contact with the developer on the developer transport body so that the other end is located in the development area. 20. The developer carrying direction of the developer carrying body and the moving direction of the image forming body are the same.
The developing method described. 21. The developing method according to claim 19, wherein the developer on the developer transport body is kept in non-contact with the image forming body. 22. A control electrode member comprising an insulating member made of a resin reinforced with an inorganic fiber or an organic fiber and an electrode member attached to the insulating member is provided at an upstream side or a downstream side of a developing region with respect to a rotation direction of an image forming body. A developing method in which one end is fixedly held and the other end is placed in pressure contact with the image forming body toward the downstream side or the upstream side so as to be positioned in the developing area. 23. The developer transporting direction of the developer transporting body and the moving direction of the image forming body are the same.
The developing method described in. 24. The developing method according to claim 22, wherein the developer on the developer transport body is kept in a non-contact state with the image forming body.