JPH0789252B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents
Image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0789252B2 JPH0789252B2 JP1095749A JP9574989A JPH0789252B2 JP H0789252 B2 JPH0789252 B2 JP H0789252B2 JP 1095749 A JP1095749 A JP 1095749A JP 9574989 A JP9574989 A JP 9574989A JP H0789252 B2 JPH0789252 B2 JP H0789252B2
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- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- unit
- carrier
- latent image
- developing unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- Electrophotography Using Other Than Carlson'S Method (AREA)
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Combination Of More Than One Step In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】 産業上の利用分野 本発明は複写機、プリンタなどの画像形成装置に関する
ものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.
従来の技術 従来の複写機、プリンタなどの画像形成装置としては、
例えば特開昭58−214175号公報に示されている電子写真
方式を用いた装置が一般的である。2. Description of the Related Art As conventional image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers,
For example, an apparatus using an electrophotographic system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 214175/1983 is generally used.
第6図はこの従来の電子写真方式の画像形成装置の構成
を示す略示断面図であり、101は潜像担持体である感光
体ドラム、102は感光体ドラム101上に一様に静電荷を帯
電させるコロナ帯電器、103は帯電された感光体ドラム1
01上に画信号に応じた露光により潜像を形成するレーザ
ー、LEDアレイなどの光学系、104は現像剤担持体104aに
より、感光体ドラム101上に形成された潜像を現像剤に
より可視像化する現像器、105は感光体ドラム101上の可
視像を記録媒体106に転写する転写帯電器、107は記録媒
体106に転写後、感光体ドラム101上に残留する現像剤を
クリーニングし、廃トナーを処理するクリーナ、108は
転写された現像剤による可視像を記録媒体106上に固定
する定着器である。FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of this conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 101 is a photosensitive drum which is a latent image carrier, 102 is a uniform electrostatic charge on the photosensitive drum 101. A corona charger for charging, 103 is a charged photosensitive drum 1
Laser forming a latent image by exposure according to the image signal on 01, an optical system such as an LED array, 104 by the developer carrying member 104 a, soluble with a developer a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 A developing device that visualizes the image, 105 is a transfer charger that transfers the visible image on the photosensitive drum 101 to the recording medium 106, and 107 is a developer that remains on the photosensitive drum 101 after being transferred to the recording medium 106. A waste toner processing cleaner 108 is a fixing device for fixing the visible image formed by the transferred developer onto the recording medium 106.
以上のように構成された従来の画像形成装置において
は、感光体ドラム101上に帯電器102と光学系103とで潜
像を形成し、現像器104の現像剤担持体104aにより感光
体ドラム101上の潜像を可視像化し、転写器105で記録媒
体106に転写する。しかし感光体ドラム101上の現像剤
は、100%記録媒体106に転写されないため、次の記録時
に光学系で潜像を形成する前に、残留する現像剤をクリ
ーナ107によってクリーニングする。一方記録媒体106に
転写された像は定着器108で一般的には熱定着される。
また感光体ドラム101は次の記録に向けて帯電、光学系
による像露光へとプロセスが進む。Or more in the conventional image forming apparatus configured as described above, a latent image is formed by a charger 102 and an optical system 103 on the photosensitive drum 101, the photosensitive drum by the developer carrying member 104 a of the developing device 104 The latent image on 101 is visualized and is transferred to the recording medium 106 by the transfer device 105. However, since the developer on the photosensitive drum 101 is not 100% transferred to the recording medium 106, the remaining developer is cleaned by the cleaner 107 before the latent image is formed by the optical system at the next recording. On the other hand, the image transferred to the recording medium 106 is generally heat-fixed by the fixing device 108.
Further, the photosensitive drum 101 is charged toward the next recording, and the process proceeds to image exposure by the optical system.
発明が解決しようとする課題 しかしながら前記のような構成では、一般に現像器の現
像剤担持体104aは、少なくとも感光体ドラム面に対向す
る部分は現像器104より露出しているため、待機時ある
いは非使用時の振動や衝撃、あるいは現像器104の交換
時等に現像剤担持体上の現像剤がこぼれたり、飛散する
ため装置内や設置場所が汚れたり、取扱に注意を払う必
要があるなど課題を有していた。The invention is as you try to challenge, however the resolution configuration, generally to the developer carrying member 104 a of the developing device, since the exposed than the portion developing device 104 which is opposed to at least the photosensitive drum surface, standby or Vibration or shock when not in use, or when the developer on the developer carrier is spilled or scattered when the developer 104 is replaced, etc., the inside of the device or the installation location becomes dirty, and it is necessary to pay attention to handling. Had challenges.
本発明はかかる点に鑑み、待機時あるいは非使用時、あ
るいは現像器の交換時にも現像剤がこぼれたり、飛散し
たりせずメンテナンス性、取扱性のよい画像形成装置を
提供することを目的とする。In view of the above points, the present invention has an object to provide an image forming apparatus which has good maintainability and handleability without spilling or scattering of the developer during standby or non-use, or during replacement of the developing device. To do.
課題を解決するための手段 第1の本発明は、少なくとも現像剤担持体と現像剤と現
像剤担持体上に一様に現像剤の薄層を形成する層形成手
段とを一体化してなる現像ユニットと、現像剤担持体上
の現像剤に直接潜像を形成する記録手段と、現像剤担持
体上の潜像化された現像剤を記録媒体に転写する転写手
段と、前記現像剤担持体と前記層形成手段間に前記現像
剤担持体上の現像剤を現像ユニット内に戻す電圧印加手
段を有する画像形成装置である。Means for Solving the Problems The first aspect of the present invention is a development in which at least a developer carrying member, a developer and a layer forming means for uniformly forming a thin layer of the developer on the developer carrying member are integrated. A unit, a recording unit that directly forms a latent image on the developer on the developer carrier, a transfer unit that transfers the latent image-formed developer on the developer carrier to a recording medium, and the developer carrier And an image forming apparatus having voltage applying means for returning the developer on the developer carrier into the developing unit between the layer forming means and the layer forming means.
第2の本発明は、複数色の現像剤に対応する、各々少な
くとも現像剤担持体と現像剤と現像剤担持体上に一様に
現像剤の薄層を形成する層形成手段とを一体化してなる
現像ユニットと、現像剤担持体上の現像剤に直接潜像を
形成する記録手段と、現像剤担持体上の潜像化された現
像剤を記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、前記現像剤担持
体と前記層形成手段間に前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤を
前記現像ユニット内に戻す電圧印加手段を有するカラー
画像形成装置である。A second aspect of the present invention integrates at least a developer carrier corresponding to a plurality of color developers and a layer forming means for uniformly forming a thin layer of the developer on the developer carrier. A developing unit, recording means for forming a latent image directly on the developer on the developer carrier, transfer means for transferring the latent image-formed developer on the developer carrier to a recording medium, and the developing unit. A color image forming apparatus having a voltage applying unit for returning the developer on the developer carrier into the developing unit between the agent carrier and the layer forming unit.
また第3の本発明は、潜像担持体の周りに潜像形成手段
と、潜像を現像する少なくとも現像剤担持体および前記
現像剤担持体上に一様に帯電された現像剤の薄層を形成
する層形成手段とを一体化してなる現像ユニットと、現
像剤を記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、前記潜像担持体
上の現像剤のクリーニング手段と、前記現像剤担持体と
前記層形成手段間に前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤を前記
現像ユニット内に戻す電圧印加手段を有する画像形成装
置である。A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a latent image forming means around the latent image carrier, at least a developer carrier for developing the latent image, and a thin layer of the developer uniformly charged on the developer carrier. A developing unit that is integrated with a layer forming unit that forms a layer, a transfer unit that transfers the developer to a recording medium, a cleaning unit that cleans the developer on the latent image carrier, the developer carrier, and the layer. The image forming apparatus includes a voltage applying unit that returns the developer on the developer carrier into the developing unit between the forming units.
作用 本発明は前記した構成により、記録後に現像剤担持体と
層形成手段との間に電圧印加手段により電界を印加し、
現像剤担持体上の現像剤を層形成手段側すなわち現像ユ
ニット内に戻し、少なくとも現像剤担持体の現像ユニッ
トから露出した部分を現像剤が除去された状態にするこ
とにより、待機時あるいは非使用時の振動や衝撃、ある
いは現像器の交換時等に現像剤のこぼれや飛散を防ぐこ
とができ、メンテナンス性、取扱性をよくするものであ
る。Action The present invention has the above-described structure, and after recording, an electric field is applied between the developer carrying member and the layer forming unit by the voltage applying unit,
By returning the developer on the developer carrying member to the layer forming means side, that is, in the developing unit, and leaving at least the portion of the developer carrying member exposed from the developing unit, the developer is on standby or not in use. It is possible to prevent the developer from spilling or scattering during vibration or shock at the time, or when the developing device is replaced, and improve the maintainability and handleability.
実施例 以下に、本発明の実施例について図面を参照しながら説
明する。Embodiments Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
第1図は本発明の第1の実施例における画像形成装置の
構成図を示すものである。第2図及び第3図はその部分
拡大図である。FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are partially enlarged views thereof.
図において、1は現像剤担持体、2は現像剤、3は層形
成手段で供給部材3a,3bと層形成部材3cとからなる。4
は少なくとも現像剤担持体1、現像剤2、層形成手段3
を一体化構成した現像ユニットである。11は現像剤担持
体1と供給部材3a間に電界を印加する電圧印加手段であ
る。5は潜像形成手段で、ここではイオン発生部5aとイ
オン制御部5bからなる。6は転写手段、7は記録媒体、
8は給紙手段、9は定着手段である。In the figure, 1 is a developer carrier, 2 is a developer, and 3 is a layer forming means, which comprises supply members 3 a and 3 b and a layer forming member 3 c . Four
Is at least the developer carrier 1, the developer 2, and the layer forming means 3
Is an integrated developing unit. 11 is a voltage applying means for applying an electric field between the developer carrying member 1 supplying member 3 a. A latent image forming means 5 is composed of an ion generating section 5a and an ion control section 5b . 6 is a transfer means, 7 is a recording medium,
Reference numeral 8 is a paper feeding means, and 9 is a fixing means.
以上のように構成されたこの実施例の画像形成装置にお
いて、以下その動作を説明する。The operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment configured as described above will be described below.
現像ユニット4において、現像剤2は層形成手段3によ
り現像剤担持体1上に供給、薄層形成される。供給部材
3bは現像ユニット4内の現像剤2を撹拌・供給し、3aは
現像剤2を帯電しながら現像剤担持体1に定量供給す
る。供給された現像剤2は、図中矢印方向へ回転する現
像剤担持体1上に層形成部材3cにより順次、均一に薄層
形成され、また層形成手段3との摩擦により一様に帯電
される。In the developing unit 4, the developer 2 is supplied by the layer forming means 3 onto the developer carrying member 1 to form a thin layer. Supply member
3 b agitates and supplies the developer 2 in the developing unit 4, and 3 a supplies the developer 2 to the developer carrier 1 in a fixed amount while charging the developer 2. The supplied developer 2 is successively and uniformly formed into a thin layer by the layer forming member 3 c on the developer carrying member 1 rotating in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and is evenly charged by friction with the layer forming means 3. To be done.
一様帯電、均一薄層化された現像剤2は潜像形成手段5
により、画信号に応じて、層形成手段3で帯電された極
性と逆極性に帯電される。例えばイオン発生部5aで層形
成手段3での帯電極性と逆極性のイオンを発生し、イオ
ン制御部5bで電界により画信号に応じてイオンの照射を
行なうことで、現像剤2そのものに直接帯電潜像を順次
形成する。潜像形成手段5としては、静電ヘッド、放電
ヘッドを含め気中放電などによりイオン化による像形成
手段が望ましく、更には現像剤担持体1と非接触である
ことが望ましい。The developer 2 uniformly charged and uniformly thinned is the latent image forming means 5.
As a result, in accordance with the image signal, the layer forming means 3 is charged with a polarity opposite to the polarity charged. For example, the ion generator 5 a generates ions having a polarity opposite to the charge polarity in the layer forming means 3, and the ion controller 5 b irradiates the ions according to an image signal by the electric field, so that the developer 2 itself is irradiated. Directly charged latent images are sequentially formed. As the latent image forming unit 5, an image forming unit including an electrostatic head and a discharge head by ionization by air discharge or the like is preferable, and it is further preferable that the latent image forming unit 5 is not in contact with the developer carrying member 1.
潜像が形成された現像剤2は、給紙ローラとカセットで
構成される給紙手段8から図中矢印方向に搬送される記
録媒体7上に、転写位置で、潜像の帯電極性と逆極性、
即ち層形成手段3による帯電と同極性のコロナ転写器な
どの転写手段6により潜像化された現像剤2のみが転写
される。The developer 2 on which the latent image is formed is reversely charged at the transfer position onto the recording medium 7 conveyed in the direction of the arrow from the paper feeding means 8 composed of a paper feeding roller and a cassette at the transfer position. polarity,
That is, only the developer 2 latently imaged by the transfer means 6 such as a corona transfer device having the same polarity as the charging by the layer forming means 3 is transferred.
記録媒体7は転写された現像剤2の可視像を固定するた
め定着手段9を経て、記録像を完成する。一方転写後の
現像剤担持体1は、現像ユニット4に入り、転写で取ら
れた部分を含めて現像剤2が供給手段3により、再び現
像剤担持体1上に均一に帯電、薄層化され、次の記録へ
と進む。The recording medium 7 completes a recorded image through fixing means 9 for fixing the transferred visible image of the developer 2. On the other hand, the developer carrying member 1 after the transfer enters the developing unit 4, and the developer 2 including the portion taken by the transfer is uniformly charged and thinned again on the developer carrying member 1 by the supplying means 3. And proceed to the next record.
そして1枚の記録終了あるいは画信号の終了後も現像剤
担持体1を回転させ、現像剤担持体1と供給部材3a間に
電圧印加手段11により電位差を与えて現像剤担持体1上
の現像剤2を供給部材3a側、すなわち現像ユニット4内
に戻すことにより、現像剤担持体1上の現像剤2が除去
あるいは付着量が低減される。また現像剤が除去あるい
は付着量の低減される部分は、少なくとも現像ユニット
4より露出した部分であればよい。And after the end of one recording ends or the image signal also rotate the developer carrying member 1, a developer carrying member 1 and by a potential difference developer on carrier 1 by the voltage application means 11 between the supply member 3 a By returning the developer 2 to the supply member 3 a side, that is, inside the developing unit 4, the developer 2 on the developer carrier 1 is removed or the amount of adhesion is reduced. Further, the portion where the developer is removed or the adhesion amount is reduced may be at least the portion exposed from the developing unit 4.
この様に記録後は現像剤担持体1から現像剤2をなくし
た状態にしてあるので、待機状態や非使用状態での振動
や衝撃、あるいは現像ユニット4の交換時などに現像剤
担持体1から現像剤2が装置内や設置場所にこぼれた
り、飛散したりすることが防止される。As described above, since the developer 2 is removed from the developer carrier 1 after recording, the developer carrier 1 is vibrated or shocked in the standby state or the unused state, or when the developing unit 4 is replaced. Therefore, the developer 2 is prevented from spilling or scattering in the apparatus or the installation place.
本実施例では、現像剤2として非磁性1成分トナーを用
いた。層形成手段3は、導電性の細い繊維を植えた導電
性ブラシローラによる供給部材3aと軟弾性体ブレードに
よる層形成部材3cとで構成した。この時、現像剤担持体
1へのトナー供給は供給部材のブラシローラ3aを現像剤
担持体1とオーバーラップ(0.5mm程度)させて行い、
また現像剤担持体1へのトナーの薄層形成は、層形成部
材の軟弾性ブレード3cを現像剤担持体1に押圧して行な
う。同時に、この過程でトナーには摩擦による帯電電荷
が付与される。この帯電電荷の極性は、現像剤、ブレー
ドなどの材料によって決まる。第2図は潜像形成部の状
態図で、現像剤2の帯電状態を示している。例えば、ス
テンレスの導電性の現像剤担持体1とスチレンアクリル
系樹脂のバインダ、顔料、シリカなどの電荷制御剤など
からなる電荷量1〜5μC/g、平均粒径10μmの非磁性
1成分トナーとレーヨンにカーボンを含有した比抵抗10
5〜108Ω・cmの導電性ブラシローラと線圧力40g/cm程度
で現像剤担持体1を押圧するウレタンゴムのブレードを
用いた場合、現像剤担持体1上の現像剤2は2〜3層に
均一に薄層化され、また一様に+帯電(2a)され、表面
電位としては+20V程度であった。そしてこの現像剤2
に、例えば−5KVを印加したコロナ放電器5aにより発生
する−のイオン流を制御電極5bで画信号に応じて照射す
るとイオン流が照射された部分のみ現像剤2が−に帯電
され潜像(2b)が形成される。この時の表面電位は−70
V程であった。そして転写位置では−帯電された潜像(2
b)に対して記録媒体7を介して、例えばコロナ転写器
6に潜像の帯電極性と逆極性の+5KVの電圧を印加する
と現像剤2の潜像部(2b)のみが記録媒体7に転写され
る。転写された像は熱ローラの定着器9により記録媒体
7に固着され記録像となる。また現像剤担持体1上の現
像剤2は、現像剤ユニット4内で転写された現像剤2の
補給を含め、層形成手段3により再び現像剤担持体1上
に一様帯電、均一薄層化され、次の記録へと進む。現像
剤担持体1上の現像剤2の除去は、1枚あるいは連続枚
数の記録終了後も現像剤担持体1を回転させ、電圧印加
手段11により現像剤担持体1と供給部材3a間に−の電圧
(好ましくは−50〜−100V)を印加すると現像剤担持体
1上の現像剤2は供給部材3aにより現像ユニット4内に
戻され、現像剤担持体1の現像剤2はほとんど除去され
た。In this embodiment, a non-magnetic one-component toner is used as the developer 2. Layer forming means 3 was composed by the supply member 3 a and soft elastic body blade by the conductive brush roller planted conductive thin fibers and the layer forming member 3 c. At this time, the toner is supplied to the developer carrying member 1 by making the brush roller 3 a of the supply member overlap with the developer carrying member 1 (about 0.5 mm),
The thin layer formed of the toner to the developer carrying member 1 is performed by pressing a soft elastic blade 3 c of the layer forming member to the developer carrying member 1. At the same time, in this process, the toner is charged with a charge due to friction. The polarity of this charge depends on the material such as the developer and the blade. FIG. 2 is a state diagram of the latent image forming portion, showing the charged state of the developer 2. For example, a non-magnetic one-component toner having a charge amount of 1 to 5 μC / g and an average particle diameter of 10 μm, which is made of a conductive developer carrier 1 made of stainless steel and a charge control agent such as a binder of styrene-acrylic resin, a pigment, and silica. Resistivity 10 containing carbon in rayon
When a conductive brush roller of 5 to 10 8 Ω · cm and a urethane rubber blade that presses the developer carrier 1 at a linear pressure of about 40 g / cm are used, the developer 2 on the developer carrier 1 is 2 to 2. The layer was uniformly thinned into three layers, and was uniformly + charged (2 a ), and the surface potential was about + 20V. And this developer 2
To, for example, -5KV generated by the corona discharger 5 a was applied to - ion stream is irradiated in accordance with the image signal of ion flow control electrodes 5 b has portions only developer 2 is irradiation - are charged to the latent The image (2 b ) is formed. The surface potential at this time is -70
It was about V. And at the transfer position-a charged latent image (2
b ) is applied to the corona transfer device 6 through the recording medium 7, for example, by applying a voltage of +5 KV having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the latent image, only the latent image portion (2 b ) of the developer 2 is recorded on the recording medium 7. Transcribed. The transferred image is fixed to the recording medium 7 by the fixing device 9 of the heat roller to form a recorded image. Further, the developer 2 on the developer carrying member 1 is uniformly charged and has a uniform thin layer on the developer carrying member 1 again by the layer forming means 3 including the replenishment of the developer 2 transferred in the developer unit 4. It is converted to the next record. To remove the developer 2 on the developer carrier 1, the developer carrier 1 is rotated even after the recording of one sheet or a continuous number of sheets, and the voltage applying means 11 is provided between the developer carrier 1 and the supply member 3 a . - voltage (preferably -50 to-100 V) developer 2 on the developer carrying member 1 and applying a is returned to the developing unit 4 by the supply member 3 a, a developer 2 of the developer carrying member 1 is almost Was removed.
また、次の記録に際しては、記録開始に先だって現像剤
担持体1を回転することで、通常記録状態と同じように
現像剤担持体1上に現像剤2が供給される。Further, in the next recording, the developer carrier 1 is rotated prior to the start of recording, so that the developer 2 is supplied onto the developer carrier 1 as in the normal recording state.
以上のようにこの実施例によれば、記録後は現像ユニッ
ト4より露出した部分の現像剤担持体1上には現像剤2
がないので、待機状態や非使用状態で振動や衝撃などに
よる現像剤担持体1から装置内への現像剤のこぼれや飛
散がなくなる。また現像剤の補給やカラーへの切り替え
等現像ユニットの交換時のこぼれもなくなり、メンテナ
ンス性、取扱性が向上する。As described above, according to this embodiment, after the recording, the developer 2 is formed on the portion of the developer carrier 1 exposed from the developing unit 4.
Therefore, there is no spillage or scattering of the developer from the developer carrier 1 into the apparatus due to vibration or shock in the standby state or the non-use state. Further, spillage at the time of exchanging the developing unit such as replenishment of developer and switching to color is eliminated, and maintainability and handleability are improved.
さらに現像ユニット4において、現像剤担持体1上に層
形成手段3により現像剤2を供給、一様帯電、均一薄層
化し、現像剤2そのものに画信号に応じた帯電潜像を形
成することにより、現像剤担持体1上で潜像形成、現
像、転写が可能となり、従来の潜像担持体である感光体
ドラムが不要になる。また現像剤2に直接潜像を形成
し、転写するためクリーナや廃トナー処理が不要にな
る。転写によりなくなった部分は層形成手段3により現
像ユニット4内で補給され、再び現像剤担持体1上に薄
層形成される。Further, in the developing unit 4, the developer 2 is supplied onto the developer carrying member 1 by the layer forming means 3 to be uniformly charged and uniformly thinned to form a charged latent image on the developer 2 itself according to an image signal. Thus, latent image formation, development, and transfer can be performed on the developer carrier 1, and the photosensitive drum, which is a conventional latent image carrier, becomes unnecessary. Further, since a latent image is directly formed on the developer 2 and transferred, a cleaner and waste toner treatment are unnecessary. The portion lost by the transfer is replenished in the developing unit 4 by the layer forming means 3 and a thin layer is formed again on the developer carrying member 1.
従って、感光体ドラムやクリーナが不要な、現像ユニッ
ト4のみの構成となる。また現像ユニット4と潜像形成
手段5と転写手段6の極めて簡易なプロセスになると共
に小型・薄型化が可能となる。また現像剤2の補給を含
めユーザが操作するところは、現像ユニット4のみの交
換だけとなり極めてメンテナンス性・取扱性が容易とな
る。Therefore, the developing unit 4 alone does not require a photosensitive drum or a cleaner. Further, the developing unit 4, the latent image forming means 5, and the transfer means 6 become an extremely simple process and can be made small and thin. Further, where the user operates including the replenishment of the developer 2, only the developing unit 4 is replaced, and the maintainability and handleability are extremely easy.
また装置として、可動部が現像剤担持体1だけとなり信
頼性の向上がはかれる。さらに現像ユニット4と転写手
段6、現像ユニット4と潜像形成手段5、現像ユニット
4と潜像形成手段5と転写手段6などの一体化構成も可
能であり、さらに信頼性、操作性に優れた画像形成装置
を提供することができる。Further, as the device, the movable part is only the developer carrying member 1, and the reliability is improved. Further, the developing unit 4 and the transfer unit 6, the developing unit 4 and the latent image forming unit 5, the developing unit 4, the latent image forming unit 5 and the transfer unit 6 and the like can be integrated, and the reliability and operability are excellent. It is possible to provide the image forming apparatus.
第4図は本発明の第2の実施例のカラー画像形成装置の
一構成図であり、各色に対応した構成、動作は第1の実
施例と同様であるので説明を省略する。10Y、10M,10Cは
各々イエロー、マゼンタ、シアンの現像剤担持体、40
Y、40M,40Cはイエロー、マゼンタ、シアンの現像ユニッ
ト、50Y、50M,50Cはイエロー、マゼンタ、シアンの潜像
形成手段、60Y、60M,60Cはイエロー、マゼンタ、シアン
の転写手段である。8は給紙ローラとカセットからなる
記録媒体7の給紙手段、9は定着手段である。イエロー
プロセスの前、あるいはシアンプロセスの後に黒のプロ
セスを設けてもよい。FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the structure and operation corresponding to each color are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. 10Y, 10M and 10C are yellow, magenta and cyan developer carrying members, 40
Y, 40M and 40C are yellow, magenta and cyan developing units, 50Y, 50M and 50C are yellow, magenta and cyan latent image forming means, and 60Y, 60M and 60C are yellow, magenta and cyan transfer means. Reference numeral 8 is a sheet feeding unit for the recording medium 7 including a sheet feeding roller and a cassette, and 9 is a fixing unit. A black process may be provided before the yellow process or after the cyan process.
給紙手段8から搬送された記録媒体7上に各色の潜像化
された現像剤2が各転写手段60の位置で順次重ね記録さ
れ、定着手段9を通過してカラーの記録画像が得られ
る。この場合は、各色の記録が終了した後、各々の現像
剤担持体と層形成手段との間の図示しない電圧印加手段
により現像剤担持体上の現像剤を除去し、また各色の記
録開始前の初期状態は現像剤担持体上から現像剤が除去
された状態で、各色の記録に先だって現像剤担持体上に
現像剤を供給することで、単色時と同様に待機状態や非
使用状態で振動や衝撃などによる現像剤担持体1から装
置内への現像剤のこぼれや飛散がなくなる。また現像剤
の補給等現像ユニットの交換時のこぼれもなくなり、メ
ンテナンス性、取扱性が向上する。The latent image-forming developer 2 of each color is successively superposed and recorded at the position of each transfer means 60 on the recording medium 7 conveyed from the paper feeding means 8, and passes through the fixing means 9 to obtain a color recorded image. . In this case, after the recording of each color is completed, the developer on the developer carrying body is removed by a voltage applying unit (not shown) between each developer carrying body and the layer forming unit, and before the start of recording of each color. In the initial state, the developer is removed from the developer carrier, and by supplying the developer on the developer carrier before recording each color, the standby state and the non-use state are the same as in the single color mode. Spilling or scattering of the developer from the developer carrier 1 into the apparatus due to vibration or shock is eliminated. Further, spillage at the time of replacement of the developing unit such as replenishment of the developer is eliminated, and maintainability and handleability are improved.
さらに各色のプロセスが感光体ドラムやクリーナのない
極めて簡易なプロセスで、小型・薄型化が可能であり、
また可動部も少なく信頼性に富む。さらに現像ユニット
4と転写手段6などとの一体化構成により各色毎に独立
して配置することができ、メンテナンス性・取扱性、操
作性に優れたカラー画像形成装置となる。Furthermore, the process for each color is an extremely simple process that does not have a photoconductor drum or cleaner, and can be made small and thin.
Also, it has few moving parts and is highly reliable. Further, the developing unit 4 and the transfer unit 6 and the like can be integrally arranged for each color, so that the color image forming apparatus is excellent in maintainability, handleability, and operability.
次に本発明の第3の実施例の画像形成装置について第5
図に基づき説明する。第3の実施例の基本的な構成、動
作は第6図に示す従来例と同様であるので省略して説明
する。また現像器は、第1の実施例の現像ユニット4と
同じ構成であるので省略して説明する。Se系の感光体か
らなる潜像担持体101上を帯電器102により一様に+800V
に帯電し、波長660nmのLEDアレイとセルフォックレンズ
アレイ(日本板硝子(株)製)からなる光学系103によ
り画信号に応じて潜像を形成する。この時潜像部の表面
電位は約+50〜+100Vになる。現像は、非磁性1成分ト
ナーの現像剤2を現像ユニット4で現像剤担持体1上に
表面電位として+20V程度に一様帯電、2〜3層に均一
薄層化し、現像バイアス印加手段12により、現像剤担持
体1に潜像担持体101の潜像部以外の表面電位とほぼ同
電位の直流電圧を前記潜像担持体101との間に印加する
ことにより現像剤2を現像剤担持体1から潜像担持体10
1の潜像に向かって飛翔することで行なわれる。記録後
は現像剤担持体1と層形成手段3の供給部材3a間に電圧
印加手段11により現像剤担持体1上の現像剤2を層形成
手段3側、すなわち現像ユニット4内に戻すことで現像
剤担持体上から現像剤2を除去あるいは付着量を低減す
ることができる。例えば現像バイアスを+800Vとした
時、電圧印加手段11により電位差として−50〜−100V、
すなわち700〜750Vの直流電圧を印加した場合が最も効
果的で現像剤担持体1上の現像剤2をほとんど除去する
ことができた。次の記録に対しては、記録開始に先だっ
て現像剤担持体1を回転させることにより通常の現像剤
の供給状態となる。Next, the fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.
A description will be given based on the figure. The basic structure and operation of the third embodiment are similar to those of the conventional example shown in FIG. The developing device has the same structure as the developing unit 4 of the first embodiment, and therefore will be omitted. Uniformly on the latent image carrier 101 made of Se type photoconductor by the charger 102 + 800V
A latent image is formed in accordance with an image signal by an optical system 103 which is charged with a voltage of 660 nm and comprises an LED array having a wavelength of 660 nm and a SELFOC lens array (manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.). At this time, the surface potential of the latent image portion becomes about +50 to + 100V. For the development, the developer 2 of the non-magnetic one-component toner is uniformly charged on the developer carrier 1 by the developing unit 4 to a surface potential of about +20 V, and the developer is uniformly thinned into 2 to 3 layers. The developer 2 is applied to the developer carrying member 1 by applying a DC voltage, which is substantially the same as the surface potential of the latent image carrying member 101 other than the latent image portion, to the developer carrying member 1. 1 to latent image carrier 10
It is performed by flying toward the latent image of 1. After recording, the developer 2 on the developer carrying member 1 is returned to the layer forming unit 3 side, that is, in the developing unit 4 by the voltage applying unit 11 between the developer carrying member 1 and the supply member 3 a of the layer forming unit 3. Thus, the developer 2 can be removed from the developer carrier or the amount of adhesion can be reduced. For example, when the developing bias is set to + 800V, the voltage applying means 11 produces a potential difference of −50 to −100V,
That is, the application of a DC voltage of 700 to 750 V is most effective, and the developer 2 on the developer carrying member 1 can be almost removed. For the next recording, the developer carrying member 1 is rotated prior to the start of recording, so that a normal developer supply state is obtained.
従って以上のように構成された画像形成装置において
も、現像剤の補給としての現像ユニットの交換時、ある
いは待機時や非使用時の振動や衝撃等による現像剤2の
現像剤担持体1からのこぼれや飛散が防止でき、メンテ
ナンス性、取扱性のよい画像形成装置が得られるもので
ある。Therefore, even in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the developing unit is replaced for replenishment of the developer, or when the developer 2 from the developer carrying body 1 of the developer 2 due to vibration or shock during standby or non-use. It is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus which can prevent spillage and scattering and has good maintainability and handleability.
なお、本実施例では現像剤2として非磁性1成分トナ
ー、現像剤担持体上からの現像剤の除去を電界で説明し
てきたが、少なくとも層形成部材3c通過後の現像剤担持
体1上での現像剤2が均一に薄層化され、一様に帯電さ
れたトナーであれば現像ユニット4内の現像剤2として
は1成分、2成分トナーでもよく、また層形成手段3は
撹拌部材や現像剤担持体1と非接触の剛体ブレード3c等
でも、現像剤担持体との間で電界あるいは磁界を印加で
きる層形成手段であればかまわない。The non-magnetic one-component toner as the developer 2 in the present embodiment, the removal of the developer from the developer carrying member has been described in the field, at least the layer forming member 3 c after passing through the developer carrying member 1 above The developer 2 in the developing unit 4 may be a one-component or two-component toner as long as the developer 2 is uniformly thinned and is uniformly charged, and the layer forming means 3 is a stirring member. Also, a rigid blade 3c or the like which is not in contact with the developer carrying member 1 may be any layer forming means capable of applying an electric field or a magnetic field with the developer carrying member.
また第1の実施例では、現像剤担持体1上の現像剤2は
帯電特性の安定性からは1層に薄層形成されていること
がより好ましい。Further, in the first embodiment, it is more preferable that the developer 2 on the developer carrying member 1 is formed as a single thin layer from the viewpoint of the stability of the charging characteristics.
また本プロセスは現像剤の特性やバイアスの極性などを
変えることで反転現像、正規現像のいずれも可能であ
り、また層形成手段3による帯電極性に制約されるもの
ではない。In this process, both reversal development and regular development are possible by changing the characteristics of the developer and the polarity of the bias, and the charging polarity by the layer forming means 3 is not restricted.
また現像ユニットと転写手段、現像ユニットと潜像形成
手段、現像ユニットと潜像形成手段と転写手段などの一
体化構成も可能であり、さらに信頼性、操作性に優れた
画像形成装置を提供することができる。Further, the developing unit and the transfer unit, the developing unit and the latent image forming unit, the developing unit, the latent image forming unit and the transfer unit, and the like can be integrated, and an image forming apparatus having excellent reliability and operability is provided. be able to.
発明の効果 以上説明したように、本発明によれば、現像剤担持体と
層形成手段との間に電界を印加し、現像剤担持体上から
現像剤を除去することにより、待機時や非使用時の振動
や衝撃、あるいは現像ユニットの交換時において現像剤
担持体から現像剤がこぼれたり、飛散することによる装
置内や設置場所の汚れが防止でき、メンテナンス性や取
扱性に優れた画像形成装置となり、実用上極めて多大な
効果を有する。As described above, according to the present invention, an electric field is applied between the developer carrying member and the layer forming means to remove the developer from the developer carrying member, thereby making it possible to perform standby or non-operation. Image formation with excellent maintainability and handling, which prevents vibrations and shocks during use, and prevents developer from spilling or scattering from the developer carrier when the development unit is replaced, which could result in stains inside the device or installation location. It becomes a device and has an extremely great effect in practical use.
さらに第1、第2の発明によれば、現像剤担持体と現像
剤と層形成手段からなる現像ユニットにより現像剤担持
体上で現像剤を一様帯電、均一薄層化し、潜像形成手段
により現像剤そのものに逆極性の帯電潜像を形成し、転
写手段により潜像のみを記録媒体に転写する。即ち現像
剤担持体上で潜像形成、現像、転写が可能となり、極め
て簡易なプロセスになる。また感光体ドラムやクリーナ
が不要な現像ユニットのみの構成となり、小型・薄型化
が可能となる。さらに現像剤の補給を含めユーザが操作
するところは、現像ユニットの交換だけとなり極めてメ
ンテナンス性・取扱性が容易となる。Further, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, the developing unit consisting of the developer carrying member, the developer and the layer forming means uniformly charges the developer on the developer carrying body to form a uniform thin layer, thereby forming the latent image forming means. To form a charged latent image of opposite polarity on the developer itself, and only the latent image is transferred to the recording medium by the transfer means. That is, latent image formation, development, and transfer are possible on the developer bearing member, and the process is extremely simple. In addition, the structure is only a developing unit that does not require a photoconductor drum or a cleaner, which enables downsizing and thinning. Further, where the user operates, including the replenishment of the developer, only the replacement of the developing unit is required, which makes maintenance and handling extremely easy.
また、装置として、可動部が現像剤担持体だけとなり信
頼性の向上がはかれる。Further, in the device, the movable part is only the developer carrying member, and the reliability is improved.
また、さらに第2の発明によればプロセスを複数色順次
並列させることで、基本構成の効果を有し、小型・薄型
化、操作性の容易なカラー画像形成装置を提供すること
ができ、その実用的効果は大きい。Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, by sequentially arranging a plurality of colors in parallel, it is possible to provide a color image forming apparatus which has the effects of the basic configuration, is small and thin, and is easy to operate. The practical effect is great.
第1図は本発明の第1の実施例における画像形成装置の
略示断面図、第2図は同実施例の潜像形成状態を示す部
分拡大図、第3図は同実施例の電圧印加手段を具備した
現像ユニットの構成を示す部分拡大図、第4図は本発明
の第2の実施例であるカラー画像形成装置の略示断面
図、第5図は本発明の3の実施例における電子写真方式
の画像形成装置の略示断面図、第6図は従来の電子写真
方式の画像形成装置の略示断面図である。 1、10Y,10M,10C……現像剤担持体、2……現像剤、3
……層形成手段、4、40Y,40M,40C……現像ユニット、
5、50Y,50M,50C……潜像形成手段、6、60Y,60M,60C…
…転写手段、7……記録媒体、8……給紙手段、9……
定着手段、11……電圧印加手段、12……現像バイアス印
加手段。FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing a latent image forming state of the same embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a voltage application of the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged sectional view of a color image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 1, 10Y, 10M, 10C ... Developer carrier, 2 ... Developer, 3
...... Layer forming means 4, 40Y, 40M, 40C …… Developing unit,
5,50Y, 50M, 50C ... Latent image forming means, 6,60Y, 60M, 60C ...
... transfer means, 7 ... recording medium, 8 ... paper feeding means, 9 ...
Fixing means, 11 ... voltage applying means, 12 ... developing bias applying means.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 石原 秀志 大阪府門真市大字門真1006番地 松下電器 産業株式会社内 (56)参考文献 特開 昭63−29766(JP,A) 特開 昭61−209461(JP,A) 特開 昭54−121738(JP,A) 特開 昭56−47061(JP,A) ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Hideshi Ishihara 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) Reference JP-A-63-29766 (JP, A) JP-A-61-209461 (JP, A) JP-A-54-121738 (JP, A) JP-A-56-47061 (JP, A)
Claims (4)
担持体上に一様に帯電された現像剤の薄層を形成する層
形成手段とを備えた現像ユニットと、前記現像剤担持体
上の現像剤に直接潜像を形成する記録手段と、前記現像
剤担持体上の潜像化された現像剤を記録媒体に転写する
転写手段と、前記現像剤担持体と前記層形成手段との間
に電界を印加する電圧印加手段とを具備し、記録後に前
記電圧印加手段により前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤を前
記現像ユニット内に戻すことを特徴とする画像形成装
置。1. A developing unit having at least a developer carrier and a layer forming means for forming a thin layer of the developer uniformly charged on the developer carrier, and a developing unit on the developer carrier. Between the recording means for directly forming a latent image on the developer, the transfer means for transferring the latent image-formed developer on the developer carrying member to the recording medium, the developer carrying body and the layer forming means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a voltage applying unit that applies an electric field to the developing unit; and after the recording, the voltage applying unit returns the developer on the developer carrying member into the developing unit.
像剤担持体および前記現像剤担持体上に一様に帯電され
た現像剤の薄層を形成する層形成手段とを備えた現像ユ
ニットと、前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤に直接潜像を形
成する記録手段と、前記現像剤担持体上の潜像化された
現像剤を記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、前記現像剤担
持体と前記層形成手段との間に電界を印加する電圧印加
手段とを順次配列具備し、各色の記録後に各前記電圧印
加手段により各前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤を各前記現
像ユニット内に戻すことを特徴とする画像形成装置。2. Development comprising at least a developer carrier corresponding to a plurality of color developers and a layer forming means for forming a thin layer of the developer uniformly charged on the developer carrier. A unit, a recording unit that directly forms a latent image on the developer on the developer carrier, a transfer unit that transfers the latent image-formed developer on the developer carrier to a recording medium, and the developer A voltage applying means for applying an electric field is sequentially arranged between the carrier and the layer forming means, and after the recording of each color, the developer on each developer carrier is applied to each developing unit by each voltage applying means. An image forming apparatus characterized by being returned to the inside.
を現像する現像剤担持体および前記現像剤担持体上に一
様に帯電された現像剤の薄層を形成する層形成手段とを
一体化してなる現像ユニットと、現像剤を記録媒体に転
写する転写手段と、潜像担持体上の現像剤のクリーニン
グ手段と、前記現像剤担持体と前記層形成手段との間に
電界を印加する電圧印加手段とを具備し、記録後に前記
印加手段により前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤を前記現像
ユニット内に戻すことを特徴とする画像形成装置。3. A latent image forming means around the latent image carrier, a developer carrier for developing the latent image, and a layer forming a thin layer of the developer uniformly charged on the developer carrier. A developing unit that is integrated with a forming unit; a transfer unit that transfers the developer to a recording medium; a cleaning unit that cleans the developer on the latent image carrier; and a unit between the developer carrier and the layer forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a voltage applying unit that applies an electric field to the developing unit and returning the developer on the developer carrying member to the developing unit by the applying unit after recording.
特徴とする請求項1、2または3記載の画像形成装置。4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the developer is a non-magnetic one-component toner.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP1095749A JPH0789252B2 (en) | 1989-04-14 | 1989-04-14 | Image forming device |
EP19900302946 EP0389229A3 (en) | 1989-03-22 | 1990-03-19 | Image forming apparatus |
KR1019900003916A KR900014945A (en) | 1989-03-22 | 1990-03-22 | Image Forming Device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP1095749A JPH0789252B2 (en) | 1989-04-14 | 1989-04-14 | Image forming device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH02273775A JPH02273775A (en) | 1990-11-08 |
JPH0789252B2 true JPH0789252B2 (en) | 1995-09-27 |
Family
ID=14146147
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP1095749A Expired - Lifetime JPH0789252B2 (en) | 1989-03-22 | 1989-04-14 | Image forming device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JPH0789252B2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5898747A (en) * | 1981-12-08 | 1983-06-11 | Canon Inc | Image forming method |
JPS6064359A (en) * | 1983-09-19 | 1985-04-12 | Toshiba Corp | Method and device for image forming |
JPS61165776A (en) * | 1985-01-17 | 1986-07-26 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Recording device by ion flow control |
JP2617912B2 (en) * | 1985-10-03 | 1997-06-11 | 富士通株式会社 | Image recording device |
-
1989
- 1989-04-14 JP JP1095749A patent/JPH0789252B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH02273775A (en) | 1990-11-08 |
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