JPH10228175A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH10228175A JPH10228175A JP9044726A JP4472697A JPH10228175A JP H10228175 A JPH10228175 A JP H10228175A JP 9044726 A JP9044726 A JP 9044726A JP 4472697 A JP4472697 A JP 4472697A JP H10228175 A JPH10228175 A JP H10228175A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- developing
- carrier
- path
- circulation path
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【0001】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、電子写真方式等の
複写装置あるいはプリンタなどの画像形成装置において
用いられる現像装置に係り、特に、現像剤担持体上に二
成分現像剤を担持させ、現像剤担持体の背面側に上下二
段構成の現像剤循環経路を形成し、この現像剤循環経路
中で攪拌搬送されながら循環する現像剤を現像剤担持体
に供給するタイプの現像装置の改良に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine of an electrophotographic system or a printer, and more particularly to a developing device in which a two-component developer is carried on a developer carrier. The present invention relates to an improvement of a developing device of a type in which a developer circulation path having a two-stage configuration is formed on the back side of a developer carrying member, and a developer circulating while being stirred and conveyed in the developer circulation path is supplied to the developer carrying body. .
【0002】[0002]
【従来の技術】近年では、フルカラー画像を形成するた
めの画像形成装置として、例えば図6に示すように、各
色成分(例えばブラック、イエロ、マゼンタ、シアン)
毎の複数の画像形成ユニット100(具体的には100
K,100Y,100M,100C)を並列的に配設
し、各画像形成ユニット10には、感光体などの潜像担
持体11及びこの潜像担持体11の周囲に配設される例
えば電子写真用デバイス(例えば潜像担持体11を帯電
する帯電装置12、潜像担持体11上に静電潜像を書込
む露光装置13、潜像担持体11上の静電潜像を所定の
色トナーで現像する現像装置14、潜像担持体11上の
トナー像を用紙などの転写媒体17に転写する転写装置
15及び潜像担持体11上の残留トナーなどを除去する
クリーニング装置16)を夫々具備させ、各画像形成ユ
ニット100で形成された各色成分トナー像を転写媒体
17に順次重ね転写し、定着装置18にて転写媒体17
に各色トナー像を定着させるようにしたものが既に知ら
れている。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as an image forming apparatus for forming a full-color image, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, each color component (for example, black, yellow, magenta, cyan) is used.
A plurality of image forming units 100 (specifically, 100
K, 100Y, 100M, and 100C) are arranged in parallel, and each image forming unit 10 is provided with a latent image carrier 11 such as a photoconductor and an electrophotographic device provided around the latent image carrier 11 for example. Devices (for example, a charging device 12 for charging the latent image carrier 11, an exposure device 13 for writing an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 11, a toner of a predetermined color for the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 11) , A transfer device 15 for transferring the toner image on the latent image carrier 11 onto a transfer medium 17 such as paper, and a cleaning device 16) for removing residual toner on the latent image carrier 11). Then, the respective color component toner images formed by the respective image forming units 100 are sequentially transferred onto the transfer medium 17 in a superimposed manner.
There are already known ones in which a toner image of each color is fixed.
【0003】このようなカラー画像形成装置において、
例えば現像装置に着目すると、トナーとキャリアとから
なる二成分現像剤が多く用いられており、この種の現像
装置としては、感光体などの潜像担持体に対向する部分
が現像用開口として開口する現像ハウジングを有し、こ
の現像用開口に面した部位に現像剤が担持される現像剤
担持体(現像ロール)を配設すると共に、この現像剤担
持体の背面側には、新規に補充された現像剤又はトナー
と現像ハウジング内の現像剤とが攪拌されながら現像剤
担持体へ搬送される攪拌搬送部材を配設したものが一般
的である。In such a color image forming apparatus,
For example, when focusing on a developing device, a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is often used. In this type of developing device, a portion facing a latent image carrier such as a photoconductor is an opening for development. A developer carrying member (developing roll) for carrying a developer is disposed at a portion facing the developing opening, and a new replenishing member is provided on the back side of the developer carrying member. In general, a stirring and conveying member that conveys the developer or toner and the developer in the developing housing to the developer carrier while being stirred is provided.
【0004】ところで、現像装置の大型化を回避すると
いう観点から、例えば図6に示すように、現像剤担持体
20の背面側に、現像剤担持体20の軸方向に沿う仕切
り部材22で上下に仕切られ且つ当該仕切り部材22の
現像剤担持体20の軸方向両側部に連通口(図示せず)
が形成される上下二段構造の現像剤循環経路21を形成
し、この現像剤循環経路21の上下経路内には現像剤の
搬送方向が互いに逆方向となる現像剤搬送部材23,2
4を現像剤担持体20の軸方向に沿って配設した現像装
置が既に提案されている。From the viewpoint of avoiding an increase in the size of the developing device, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a partition member 22 extending in the axial direction of the developer carrier 20 is provided on the rear side of the developer carrier 20. Communication ports (not shown) at both axial sides of the developer carrier 20 of the partition member 22
Are formed, and a developer circulating path 21 having a two-stage structure is formed in the upper and lower parts.
A developing device in which the developing device 4 is disposed along the axial direction of the developer carrier 20 has already been proposed.
【0005】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記のような現像装置
では、現像剤の体積の増加に伴って、現像剤循環経路2
1の下段から上段へ現像剤を送るときの下段側の現像剤
搬送部材23の回転トルクが大きくなる。特に、現像剤
搬送部材23,24としては、通常螺旋状の搬送部材が
使用されており、連通口の下部付近で搬送方向が逆向き
になるように螺旋の巻方向を決めて現像剤が溜まるよう
にし、更に下段現像剤搬送部材23の回転に伴って現像
剤を連通口下段から上段へ現像剤を送る場合には、現像
剤を連通口へ押し上げる際に下段現像剤搬送部材23の
向きの異なる螺旋の間で現像剤が強く圧縮されるため
に、その回転トルクが大きくなる。In the above-described developing device, the developer circulation path 2 is increased as the volume of the developer increases.
When the developer is sent from the lower stage to the upper stage, the rotation torque of the developer conveying member 23 on the lower stage side increases. In particular, a spiral conveying member is usually used as the developer conveying members 23 and 24. The spiral winding direction is determined so that the conveying direction is reversed near the lower part of the communication port, and the developer is accumulated. As described above, when the developer is sent from the lower communication port to the upper communication port along with the rotation of the lower developer conveyance member 23, the direction of the lower developer conveyance member 23 when pushing the developer to the communication port is increased. Due to the strong compression of the developer between the different spirals, its rotational torque increases.
【0006】また、現像剤循環経路21の上段経路のう
ち現像剤担持体20と上段現像剤搬送部材24とが対向
した領域の最下流部では、現像剤量規制部材25から上
段経路に戻される現像剤と上段現像剤搬送部材24によ
って搬送された現像剤とが送り出されてくる。従って、
現像剤循環経路21の上段経路から下段経路へ現像剤を
送る連通口付近では、現像剤担持体20と上段現像剤搬
送部材24とが対向した位置と比べて上記現像剤の体積
増加に伴う現像剤の上面の高さの増加が大きい。このた
め、現像剤循環経路21の上段経路から下段経路へ現像
剤を送る連通口において現像剤が通過しにくくなる場合
がある。更に、新たな現像剤が補給されるなどして現像
剤の体積が極端に増加すると、現像剤循環経路21の上
段経路から下段経路へ現像剤を送る連通口付近で現像剤
が充満し、上段現像剤搬送部材24の回転トルクが大き
くなる。In the uppermost path of the developer circulation path 21, at the most downstream portion of the area where the developer carrier 20 and the upper developer transport member 24 face each other, the developer amount regulating member 25 returns to the upper path. The developer and the developer transported by the upper developer transport member 24 are sent out. Therefore,
In the vicinity of the communication port for sending the developer from the upper path to the lower path of the developer circulation path 21, the development due to the increase in the volume of the developer compared to the position where the developer carrier 20 and the upper developer transport member 24 face each other. The increase in the height of the upper surface of the agent is large. For this reason, in some cases, it is difficult for the developer to pass through the communication port that sends the developer from the upper path to the lower path of the developer circulation path 21. Further, when the volume of the developer is extremely increased due to the replenishment of the new developer, the developer is filled near the communication port for sending the developer from the upper path to the lower path of the developer circulation path 21, The rotation torque of the developer conveying member 24 increases.
【0007】このような技術的課題は、現像装置内から
現像剤を排出することによって解決可能であると考えら
れる。これまで、特公平2−21591号公報のよう
に、現像ハウジング側壁の所定高さに現像剤溢出部を設
けて現像剤の排出を行う装置や、特開昭53−2274
7号公報のように、一定枚数毎に現像剤の補給、劣化現
像剤の搬送・排出を行うよう排出開口を制御する装置、
あるいは、特開平4−66984号公報のように、一定
量の劣化現像剤の搬送・排出を行うと共に、現像剤の体
積変化を検出して、この検出信号によりキャリアとトナ
ーとを供給する装置などが既に提案されている。更にこ
れらの装置は、現像剤の交換作業を行うことなく、現像
剤の劣化に伴うトナー帯電能力の低下に起因した、画質
劣化や背景部カブリなどの画像欠陥を回避するというも
のである。It is considered that such a technical problem can be solved by discharging the developer from the developing device. Heretofore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-15991, an apparatus for discharging a developer by providing a developer overflow portion at a predetermined height of a side wall of a developing housing, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 53-2274.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7, the device for controlling the discharge opening so as to replenish the developer and to carry and discharge the deteriorated developer every fixed number of sheets,
Alternatively, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-66984, a device that conveys and discharges a fixed amount of deteriorated developer, detects a change in the volume of the developer, and supplies carrier and toner based on the detection signal. Has already been proposed. Further, these apparatuses are intended to avoid image defects such as image quality deterioration and background fog due to a decrease in toner charging ability due to the deterioration of the developer, without performing a developer replacement operation.
【0008】しかしながら、特公平2−21591号公
報のように、単に現像ハウジングの任意の箇所のある高
さに現像剤排出口を設けただけでは、例えば急速にトナ
ー濃度を増加させるような場合に、現像剤の体積が急激
に増加してしまうと、現像剤搬送部材23,24の回転
トルクの増加に対応しきれない場合が生ずる虞れがあ
り、この種の回転トルクの増加に確実に対応するには、
現像剤搬送部材23,24を駆動するモータ容量を大き
くせざるを得ず、装置自体の大型化、コストアップにつ
ながるという技術的課題がある。また、特開昭53−2
2747号公報や特開平4−66984号公報のような
場合には、確かに現像剤搬送部材の回転トルクの増加を
抑制すると共に現像剤の劣化を回避できると考えられる
が、現像剤排出口の開閉制御を行うための手段や、現像
剤の体積変化を検出する手段が必要不可欠になり、その
分、装置自体の複雑化、コストアップにつながるという
コストが不必要に嵩むという技術的課題がある。However, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 2-21591, merely providing a developer discharge port at an arbitrary height of an arbitrary portion of a developing housing may cause a rapid increase in toner concentration, for example. If the volume of the developer increases abruptly, there is a possibility that the increase in the rotational torque of the developer conveying members 23 and 24 may not be able to cope with the increase. to do so,
There is a technical problem in that the motor capacity for driving the developer conveying members 23 and 24 must be increased, leading to an increase in the size of the apparatus itself and an increase in cost. Also, JP-A-53-2
In the case of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2747 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-66984, it is considered that the increase in the rotational torque of the developer conveying member can be suppressed and the deterioration of the developer can be avoided. Means for performing opening / closing control and means for detecting a change in the volume of the developer are indispensable, and accordingly, there is a technical problem that the cost of the apparatus itself becomes complicated and the cost increases unnecessarily. .
【0009】本発明は、以上の技術的課題を解決するた
めになされたものであって、装置の小型化という要請を
満たしながら、簡単な構成で、現像剤搬送部材の回転ト
ルクの増加を効率的に抑制でき、しかも、劣化現像剤の
排出動作を確実に行なうことができる現像装置を提供す
るものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and it is possible to efficiently increase the rotational torque of a developer conveying member with a simple configuration while satisfying a demand for downsizing of an apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device capable of suppressing the deterioration of the developing agent and reliably performing the operation of discharging the deteriorated developer.
【0010】[0010]
【課題を解決するための手段】すなわち、本発明は、図
1(a)(b)に示すように、静電潜像が形成される潜
像担持体1に対向する部位が現像用開口として開口する
現像ハウジング2を有し、この現像ハウジング2の現像
用開口に面した部位にはトナーとキャリアとからなる二
成分現像剤が担持されて潜像担持体1上の静電潜像が現
像される現像剤担持体3を配設し、前記現像ハウジング
2の現像剤担持体3の背面側には、現像剤担持体3の軸
方向に沿う仕切り部材4で上下に仕切られ且つ当該仕切
り部材4の現像剤担持体3の軸方向両側部に連通口5が
形成される上下二段構造の現像剤循環経路6を形成し、
この現像剤循環経路6の上下段経路内には現像剤の搬送
方向が互いに逆方向となる現像剤搬送部材7,8を現像
剤担持体3の軸方向に沿って配設した現像装置であっ
て、現像剤循環経路6に面した現像ハウジング2の任意
の箇所には新しい現像剤が補給される新現像剤補給口9
を形成すると共に、現像剤循環経路6に面した現像ハウ
ジング2のうち仕切り部材4の連通口5の近傍には現像
剤が排出される現像剤排出口10を形成したことを特徴
とするものである。That is, according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a portion facing a latent image carrier 1 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed is used as a developing opening. A developing housing 2 having an opening is provided. A two-component developer including a toner and a carrier is carried on a portion of the developing housing 2 facing the developing opening so that an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 1 is developed. A developer carrier 3 is disposed on the rear side of the developer carrier 3 of the developing housing 2 and is vertically partitioned by a partition member 4 along the axial direction of the developer carrier 3 and the partition member Forming a developer circulation path 6 having a two-stage structure in which communication ports 5 are formed on both sides in the axial direction of the developer carrier 3;
A developing device in which developer conveying members 7 and 8 whose conveying directions of the developer are opposite to each other is disposed along the axial direction of the developer carrier 3 in the upper and lower stages of the developer circulation path 6. A new developer supply port 9 for supplying a new developer is provided at an arbitrary position of the development housing 2 facing the developer circulation path 6.
And a developer discharge port 10 for discharging the developer is formed in the vicinity of the communication port 5 of the partition member 4 in the development housing 2 facing the developer circulation path 6. is there.
【0011】このような技術的手段において、現像剤担
持体3としては、二成分現像剤を担持し得るものであれ
ばよく、例えば非磁性スリーブ3aの内部に磁界発生手
段3bを設置する態様が通常用いられる。また、現像剤
循環経路6としては、通常上段経路に面して現像剤担持
体3を配設し、下段経路から上段経路に向けて現像剤を
循環搬送させるようにするが、これに限られるものでは
なく、例えば下段経路に面して現像剤担持体3を配設
し、上段経路から下段経路に面して現像剤を循環搬送す
るようにしてもよい。In such technical means, the developer carrier 3 may be any as long as it can carry a two-component developer, and for example, a mode in which a magnetic field generating means 3b is provided inside a non-magnetic sleeve 3a. Usually used. In addition, as the developer circulation path 6, the developer carrier 3 is usually disposed facing the upper path, and the developer is circulated and transported from the lower path to the upper path, but is not limited thereto. Instead, for example, the developer carrier 3 may be provided facing the lower path, and the developer may be circulated and conveyed from the upper path to the lower path.
【0012】更に、新現像剤補給口9については、基本
的には現像剤循環経路6に面した現像ハウジング2の任
意の箇所に設けるようにすればよいが、現像ハウジング
2内の既存現像剤との撹拌性を考慮すれば、現像剤循環
経路6のうち現像剤担持体3の軸方向一端側に設けるよ
うにすることが好ましい。そして、新現像剤補給口9に
ついては、トナー及びキャリアからなる新現像剤を一箇
所から補給する態様であってもよいし、あるいは、トナ
ー、キャリアを別々に補給する態様であってもよい。Further, the new developer supply port 9 may be basically provided at an arbitrary position of the developing housing 2 facing the developer circulation path 6. In consideration of the agitation property, it is preferable to provide the developer circulation path 6 at one end in the axial direction of the developer carrier 3 in the developer circulation path 6. The new developer supply port 9 may be configured to supply the new developer including the toner and the carrier from one place, or may be configured to supply the toner and the carrier separately.
【0013】更にまた、現像剤排出口10の態様につい
ては、現像剤の搬送量を考慮して、現像剤循環経路6の
下段経路あるいは上段経路の所定高さ位置に単に開口さ
せる態様でよいが、これに限られるものではなく、現像
剤循環経路6内の現像剤を所定量以下に保てれば別の態
様でもよく、例えば下段経路あるいは上段経路の任意高
さ位置に開口を形成すると共に、この開口にバネ材から
なる蓋部材を設け、前記蓋部材を押す現像剤の圧力が所
定値を超えた時に、前記蓋部材が開き現像剤の排出を行
なうようにしてもよい。Further, the form of the developer discharge port 10 may be such that it is simply opened at a predetermined height position of the lower path or the upper path of the developer circulation path 6 in consideration of the transport amount of the developer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be adopted as long as the amount of the developer in the developer circulation path 6 can be kept to a predetermined amount or less. For example, an opening is formed at an arbitrary height position of the lower path or the upper path, and A lid member made of a spring material may be provided in the opening, and when the pressure of the developer pressing the lid member exceeds a predetermined value, the lid member may be opened to discharge the developer.
【0014】また、現像剤排出口10の形成位置につい
ては、基本的に連通口5の近傍であれば適宜選定して差
し支えないが、現像剤上面高さや体積の変化によるトル
クアップには、下段現像剤搬送部材7から上段現像剤搬
送部材8へ現像剤を送る連通口5付近の方が感度が高
く、レスポンスよく排出を行うことができる点で好まし
い。更に、現像剤の圧縮などを考えると、下段現像剤搬
送部材7から上段現像剤搬送部材8へ現像剤を送る連通
口5付近で且つ連通口5の下部近傍の方が好ましい。更
にまた、例えば新現像剤補給口9が現像剤循環経路6の
うち現像剤担持体3の軸方向一端側に設けられている態
様の場合、補給直後の新現像剤の排出を有効に回避する
という観点からすれば、現像剤循環経路6のうち現像剤
担持体3の軸方向他端側に現像剤排出口10を形成する
ことが好ましい。また、現像剤排出口10の形成数につ
いては、少なくとも一箇所にあればよいが、複数箇所に
設けるようにしてもよい。The formation position of the developer discharge port 10 can be appropriately selected as long as it is basically in the vicinity of the communication port 5, but in order to increase the torque due to a change in the height or volume of the developer upper surface, the lower step is required. The vicinity of the communication port 5 for sending the developer from the developer transport member 7 to the upper developer transport member 8 is preferable because the sensitivity is higher and the discharge can be performed with good response. Further, in consideration of the compression of the developer and the like, it is more preferable to be near the communication port 5 for sending the developer from the lower developer conveying member 7 to the upper developer conveying member 8 and near the lower part of the communication port 5. Furthermore, for example, in a case where the new developer supply port 9 is provided at one axial end side of the developer carrier 3 in the developer circulation path 6, the discharge of the new developer immediately after the supply is effectively avoided. From the viewpoint, it is preferable to form the developer discharge port 10 at the other axial end of the developer carrier 3 in the developer circulation path 6. Further, the number of developer outlets 10 to be formed may be at least one, but may be provided at a plurality of places.
【0015】次に、上述した技術的手段の作用について
説明する。図1(a)(b)において、新現像剤が新現
像剤補給口9から補給されると、この新現像剤は、図中
黒矢印で示すように、現像剤循環経路6内の既存の現像
剤と共に現像剤循環経路6の下段経路から上段経路へと
撹拌混合されながら搬送され、例えば上段経路に面した
現像剤担持体3に供給される。このとき、例えば下段現
像剤搬送部材7によって搬送される現像剤は現像剤循環
経路6の下段経路の左側突き当たり部(連通口5近傍に
相当)に押しつけられ、当該部分の現像剤の体積(又は
圧力)が一時的に増加することになる。このような状況
下において、現像剤の体積(又は圧力)増加量が所定値
を超える場合には、余剰現像剤が現像剤排出口10を通
じて外部に排出される。それゆえ、現像剤循環経路6内
で現像剤の体積(又は圧力)増加量が極端に増加するこ
とはなくなり、その分、現像剤搬送部材7,8の回転ト
ルクが極端に増加する事態は生じない。Next, the operation of the above technical means will be described. 1A and 1B, when a new developer is supplied from the new developer supply port 9, the new developer is supplied to the existing developer path 6 in the developer circulation path 6 as indicated by a black arrow in the figure. The developer circulating path 6 is conveyed while being stirred and mixed from the lower path to the upper path together with the developer, and supplied to the developer carrier 3 facing the upper path, for example. At this time, for example, the developer conveyed by the lower developer conveying member 7 is pressed against the left abutting portion (corresponding to the vicinity of the communication port 5) of the lower flow path of the developer circulation path 6, and the volume of the developer in that portion (or Pressure) will temporarily increase. In such a situation, when the amount of increase in the volume (or pressure) of the developer exceeds a predetermined value, surplus developer is discharged to the outside through the developer discharge port 10. Therefore, the amount of increase in the volume (or pressure) of the developer in the developer circulation path 6 does not increase extremely, and the rotational torque of the developer conveying members 7 and 8 increases accordingly. Absent.
【0016】[0016]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、添付図面に示す実施の形態
に基づいてこの発明を詳細に説明する。図2は本発明が
適用された現像装置の実施の一形態を示す斜視説明図、
図3は図2中III−III線断面図、図4は図2(図
3)中IV方向から見た矢視図である。これらの図にお
いて、本実施の形態に係る現像装置40は、静電潜像が
形成される感光体ドラム等の潜像担持体30に対向する
部位が現像用開口42として開口する現像ハウジング4
1を有し、この現像ハウジング41の現像用開口42に
面した部位には現像ロール43を配設したものである。
ここで、現像ロール43は、回転自在な非磁性の現像ス
リーブ44内に所定数の磁極が配列された磁石ロール4
5を固定設置したものであり、トナーとキャリアとから
なる二成分現像剤を担持し、現像用開口42に対応した
現像領域にて潜像担持体30上の静電潜像を現像するよ
うになっている。そして、現像ロール43の周囲のうち
現像領域に至る手前には現像ロール43周面の現像剤量
を規制する現像剤量規制部材46が配設されている。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail based on an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view showing one embodiment of a developing device to which the present invention is applied,
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a view as seen from the direction IV in FIG. 2 (FIG. 3). In these drawings, a developing device 40 according to the present embodiment includes a developing housing 4 in which a portion facing a latent image carrier 30 such as a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed is opened as a developing opening 42.
The developing roller 43 is disposed at a portion of the developing housing 41 facing the developing opening 42.
Here, the developing roll 43 is a magnet roll 4 having a predetermined number of magnetic poles arranged in a rotatable non-magnetic developing sleeve 44.
5 is fixedly installed, carries a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier, and develops an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 30 in a development area corresponding to the development opening 42. Has become. A developer amount regulating member 46 that regulates the amount of the developer on the peripheral surface of the developing roll 43 is provided in the periphery of the developing roll 43 before reaching the developing area.
【0017】また、現像ハウジング41の現像ロール4
3の背面側には、現像ロール43の軸方向に沿う仕切り
部材47で上下に仕切られ且つ当該仕切り部材47の現
像ロール43の軸方向両側部に連通口48,49が形成
される上下二段構造の現像剤循環経路50が形成されて
いる。この現像剤循環経路50の上下段経路内には現像
剤の搬送方向が互いに逆方向となるオーガーなどの現像
剤搬送部材51,52が現像ロール43の軸方向に沿っ
て配設されている。The developing roll 4 of the developing housing 41
On the rear side of the developing roller 3, upper and lower two-stages are formed which are vertically partitioned by partition members 47 along the axial direction of the developing roll 43 and that communication ports 48 and 49 are formed on both axial sides of the developing roller 43 of the partition member 47. A developer circulation path 50 having a structure is formed. In the upper and lower stages of the developer circulation path 50, developer transport members 51 and 52 such as augers in which developer transport directions are opposite to each other are provided along the axial direction of the developing roll 43.
【0018】更に、本実施の形態にあっては、現像剤循
環経路50に面した現像ハウジング41のうち上段経路
の一端寄り上壁部には新しい現像剤を補給する新現像剤
補給口61が形成されている。一方、現像剤循環経路5
0に面した現像ハウジング41のうち新現像剤補給口6
1から離れた側の下段経路の連通口49の近傍には現像
剤を排出する現像剤排出口62が形成されている。本実
施の形態では、現像剤排出口62は、現像剤の搬送量を
考慮し、下段経路内の現像剤の上面高さが許容レベルを
超えたときに排出可能な位置に開口形成されている。Further, in the present embodiment, a new developer supply port 61 for replenishing a new developer is provided on an upper wall portion of the developing housing 41 facing the developer circulation path 50 near one end of the upper path. Is formed. On the other hand, the developer circulation path 5
0 of the developer housing 41 facing the developer supply port 6
A developer discharge port 62 for discharging the developer is formed in the vicinity of the communication port 49 of the lower path away from 1. In the present embodiment, the developer discharge port 62 is formed at a position where the developer can be discharged when the height of the upper surface of the developer in the lower path exceeds an allowable level, in consideration of the transport amount of the developer. .
【0019】更にまた、本実施の形態においては、下段
現像剤搬送部材51及び上段現像剤搬送部材52は、基
本的に現像剤の循環搬送方向に沿った螺旋羽根51a,
52aを有しているが、下段現像剤搬送部材51の連通
口49寄り端部及び上段現像剤搬送部材52の連通口4
8(又は新現像剤補給口61)寄り端部には現像剤の循
環搬送方向と逆方向に沿った螺旋羽根51b,52bを
有している。Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower developer transport member 51 and the upper developer transport member 52 basically include spiral blades 51a,
52 a, the end of the lower developer transport member 51 near the communication port 49 and the communication port 4 of the upper developer transport member 52.
8 (or a new developer supply port 61) has spiral blades 51b, 52b along the direction opposite to the direction in which the developer is circulated and conveyed.
【0020】尚、図2中、符号71は現像ロール43を
駆動するための駆動ギア、72は現像剤搬送部材51,
52を駆動するための駆動ギア列を示す。In FIG. 2, reference numeral 71 denotes a driving gear for driving the developing roll 43, and 72 denotes a developer conveying member 51,
5 shows a drive gear train for driving the drive gear 52.
【0021】次に、本実施の形態に係る現像装置の作用
について説明する。図4に示す構成では、新現像剤補給
口61からトナー及びキャリアからなる新現像剤を補給
すると、上段現像剤搬送部材52の螺旋羽根52bによ
って連通口48へ搬送される。ここで現像剤循環経路5
0内の既存の現像剤と共に下段現像剤搬送部材51へと
送られ、混合されつつ搬送される。下段現像剤搬送部材
51が現像ロール43と対向する領域では搬送される現
像剤と現像ロール43によって画像形成領域を通過した
現像剤とが混合されながら搬送される。Next, the operation of the developing device according to the present embodiment will be described. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, when the new developer including the toner and the carrier is supplied from the new developer supply port 61, the new developer is transported to the communication port 48 by the spiral blade 52 b of the upper developer transport member 52. Here, the developer circulation path 5
The developer is sent to the lower developer transport member 51 together with the existing developer in the area 0, and is transported while being mixed. In a region where the lower developer transport member 51 faces the developing roll 43, the transported developer and the developer passed through the image forming area by the developing roll 43 are transported while being mixed.
【0022】次に、連通口49において下段経路から上
段経路へと送られ、上段現像剤搬送部材52によって現
像ロール43と対向する領域へ搬送される。ここでは、
一部の現像剤が現像ロール43に供給される。そして、
現像剤量規制部材46によって規制され画像形成領域へ
搬送されなかった現像剤は上段現像剤搬送部材52へと
戻される。戻された現像剤と現像ロール43に供給され
なかった現像剤とは、混合・攪拌されて連通口48へと
搬送される。Next, the toner is sent from the lower path to the upper path at the communication port 49, and is conveyed by the upper developer conveying member 52 to a region facing the developing roll 43. here,
A part of the developer is supplied to the developing roll 43. And
The developer regulated by the developer amount regulating member 46 and not conveyed to the image forming area is returned to the upper developer conveying member 52. The returned developer and the developer not supplied to the developing roll 43 are mixed and agitated and transported to the communication port 48.
【0023】ここで、現像剤の劣化などによる帯電能力
の変化や装置を使用する環境の変動により、現像剤のト
ナー濃度は変化する。例えば現像剤の帯電能力が向上し
ていくような場合、現像性は低下していくためトナー濃
度が上昇する。同重量の現像剤であってもトナー濃度が
高くなれば占める体積は大きくなる(かさ密度は小さく
なる)のでトナー濃度が上昇すると現像剤の体積増加が
起こる。前述のように、この現像剤の体積増加によっ
て、特に連通口49(又は48)付近での体積増加が原
因となって現像剤搬送部材51(又は52)の回転トル
ク上昇などの問題が発生する。従って、連通口49(又
は48)付近での現像剤の体積又は現像剤の上面の高さ
がある量よりも常に小さければ、極端な体積増加による
回転トルク上昇は防止される。また、現像装置内の現像
剤を排出することになるので、新現像剤補給口61から
現像剤を補給する場合には劣化現像剤を排出することに
なるため、現像剤の劣化が抑制される。Here, the toner density of the developer changes due to a change in charging ability due to deterioration of the developer or a change in an environment in which the apparatus is used. For example, when the charging ability of the developer is improved, the developing property is reduced and the toner density is increased. Even if the developer has the same weight, the volume occupied increases as the toner concentration increases (the bulk density decreases). Therefore, when the toner concentration increases, the volume of the developer increases. As described above, the increase in the volume of the developer causes a problem such as an increase in the rotational torque of the developer transport member 51 (or 52) due to the increase in the volume particularly near the communication port 49 (or 48). . Therefore, if the volume of the developer near the communication port 49 (or 48) or the height of the upper surface of the developer is always smaller than a certain amount, an increase in the rotational torque due to an extremely large volume is prevented. In addition, since the developer in the developing device is discharged, when the developer is supplied from the new developer supply port 61, the deteriorated developer is discharged, so that the deterioration of the developer is suppressed. .
【0024】このような作用は、連通口49(又は4
8)の近傍に現像剤排出口62を設けることで実現され
る。すなわち、現像剤の体積が増加(かさ密度が減少)
したとき、連通口49(又は48)の下部(又は上部)
近傍における現像剤の上面の高さが所定量を上回り現像
剤は排出される。所定の現像剤の上面高さは主に現像剤
排出口62の下端部の位置によって決められる。例えば
図4に実線で示すように、連通口49の下部近傍に現像
剤排出口62を設けた態様の場合、連通口49を通過せ
ず、下段現像剤搬送部材51の異なる向きの螺旋羽根5
1a,51bの間に溜まる現像剤の量を制限することが
できる。このため、螺旋羽根51a,51bの間や連通
口通過時の現像剤の圧縮を効果的に回避することができ
る。Such an operation is achieved by the communication port 49 (or 4).
This is realized by providing a developer discharge port 62 near 8). That is, the volume of the developer increases (the bulk density decreases)
When done, the lower (or upper) of the communication port 49 (or 48)
The height of the upper surface of the developer in the vicinity exceeds a predetermined amount, and the developer is discharged. The height of the upper surface of the predetermined developer is mainly determined by the position of the lower end of the developer outlet 62. For example, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 4, in the case where the developer discharge port 62 is provided in the vicinity of the lower part of the communication port 49, the spiral blades 5 in different directions of the lower developer transport member 51 do not pass through the communication port 49.
The amount of the developer accumulated between 1a and 51b can be limited. For this reason, the compression of the developer between the spiral blades 51a and 51b and when passing through the communication port can be effectively avoided.
【0025】また、図4に仮想線で示すように、連通口
49の上部近傍に現像剤排出口62を設けた態様の場
合、連通口49を通過した現像剤の量を制限することが
でき、連通口49付近に存在する必要量を越えた現像剤
を排出するため、現像剤の連通口通過時の上段現像剤搬
送部材52のトルク抑制や現像剤の通過不良を回避する
ことができる。更に、図4に仮想線で示すように、上段
現像剤搬送部材52から下段現像剤搬送部材51に現像
剤を送る連通口48の上部近傍に現像剤排出口62を設
けた態様の場合には、現像剤補給時などの急激な現像剤
の体積増加時の上段現像剤搬送部材52のトルクアップ
や現像剤の通過不良を回避することができる。尚、上段
現像剤搬送部材52から下段現像剤搬送部材51に現像
剤を送る連通口48の下部近傍に現像剤排出口62を設
ける態様でも基本的には可能であるが、新現像剤補給口
61から補給された直後の新現像剤が排出される懸念を
回避するという観点からすれば、除外した方が好まし
い。Further, as shown by a virtual line in FIG. 4, in the case where the developer outlet 62 is provided near the upper portion of the communication port 49, the amount of the developer passing through the communication port 49 can be limited. In addition, since the excess amount of the developer existing in the vicinity of the communication port 49 is discharged, it is possible to suppress the torque of the upper developer transport member 52 when the developer passes through the communication port and to prevent the poor passage of the developer. Further, as shown by a virtual line in FIG. 4, in the case of a mode in which a developer discharge port 62 is provided near the upper part of the communication port 48 that sends the developer from the upper developer transport member 52 to the lower developer transport member 51, In addition, it is possible to avoid an increase in the torque of the upper developer transport member 52 and a poor passage of the developer when the volume of the developer is rapidly increased such as when the developer is supplied. Note that, basically, a mode in which the developer discharge port 62 is provided near the lower portion of the communication port 48 that sends the developer from the upper developer transport member 52 to the lower developer transport member 51 is also possible. From the viewpoint of avoiding the concern that the new developer immediately after replenishment from 61 is discharged, it is preferable to exclude the developer.
【0026】上記いずれの位置であっても、現像剤循環
経路50内の現像剤上面高さや体積が所定量を越えた場
合には、現像剤排出を行うため、わずかずつ現像剤の体
積増加が起こる場合には略同様な効果が得られる。但
し、現像剤上面高さや体積の変化によるトルクアップに
は、下段現像剤搬送部材51から上段現像剤搬送部材5
2へ現像剤を送る連通口49付近の方が感度が高く、レ
スポンスよく排出を行うことができる。さらに、現像剤
の圧縮などを考えると下段現像剤搬送部材51から上段
現像剤搬送部材52へ現像剤を送る連通口49付近で且
つ連通口49の下部近傍の方が好ましい。上述したよう
な本実施の形態における性能については以下の実施例で
裏付けられる。In any of the above positions, if the height or volume of the developer upper surface in the developer circulation path 50 exceeds a predetermined amount, the developer is discharged. When this occurs, substantially the same effect can be obtained. However, in order to increase the torque due to a change in the height or volume of the upper surface of the developer, the lower developer transport member 51 is moved from the upper developer transport member 5 to the upper developer transport member 5.
The sensitivity is higher near the communication port 49 for sending the developer to the developer outlet 2, and the discharge can be performed with good response. Further, in consideration of the compression of the developer and the like, it is preferable to be near the communication port 49 for sending the developer from the lower developer transport member 51 to the upper developer transport member 52 and near the lower part of the communication port 49. The performance in the present embodiment as described above is supported by the following examples.
【0027】[0027]
◎実施例1 実施の形態で示した現像装置40を用いて性能の確認を
行った。現像装置40の主要な構成は以下に示す通りで
ある。 現像ロール43:外径30mm :現像スリーブ44回転速度 390mm/sec オーガー(現像剤搬送部材)51,52 :外径 23.5mm(上下段とも) :回転数 400rpm(上下段とも) また、平均粒径35μmのフェライトキャリアと平均粒
径7μmのトナーよりなる現像剤を使用した。現像装置
中の現像剤は、トナー濃度6.0wt%で900gであ
った。ここで、面積率10%で感光体ドラム(潜像担持
体)30上にトナー像を形成し、用紙上に略一定量
(5.0g/m2)のトナーが転写されるように新現像
剤補給口61よりトナーを補給した。Example 1 The performance was confirmed using the developing device 40 described in the embodiment. The main configuration of the developing device 40 is as described below. Developing roll 43: outer diameter 30 mm: developing sleeve 44 rotation speed 390 mm / sec Auger (developer conveying member) 51, 52: outer diameter 23.5 mm (both upper and lower stages): rotation speed 400 rpm (both upper and lower stages) A developer comprising a ferrite carrier having a diameter of 35 μm and a toner having an average particle diameter of 7 μm was used. The amount of the developer in the developing device was 900 g at a toner concentration of 6.0 wt%. Here, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum (latent image carrier) 30 at an area ratio of 10%, and a new development is performed so that a substantially constant amount (5.0 g / m 2 ) of the toner is transferred onto the paper. The toner was supplied from the agent supply port 61.
【0028】本実施例で使用した現像条件は以下の通り
である。 感光体ドラム30と現像スリーブ44の最近接位置での
距離:0.4mm 感光体ドラム30回転速度:260mm/sec トナー像形成部電位:−300V 背景部電位:−700V 現像バイアス(DC):−550V 現像バイアス(AC,peak to peak):
1.5kV 現像バイアス(AC,Duty):0.5 現像バイアス(AC,周波数):4.0kHz 現像剤排出口62を図4に実線で示す位置、すなわち下
段のオーガー51から上段のオーガー52へ現像剤を送
る連通口49の下部近傍であって、下段のオーガー51
の端部寄りに設けた。現像剤排出口62の下端部を現像
剤投入時に現像剤が排出されない最も低い位置とした。
開口の大きさは水平方向が3mm、垂直方向が4mmで
あった。The developing conditions used in this embodiment are as follows. Distance between the photosensitive drum 30 and the developing sleeve 44 at the closest position: 0.4 mm Rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 30: 260 mm / sec Toner image forming section potential: -300 V Background section potential: -700 V Development bias (DC):- 550V developing bias (AC, peak to peak):
1.5 kV Developing bias (AC, Duty): 0.5 Developing bias (AC, frequency): 4.0 kHz The developer discharge port 62 is positioned as shown by the solid line in FIG. 4, that is, from the lower auger 51 to the upper auger 52. In the vicinity of the lower part of the communication port 49 for sending the developer, the lower auger 51
Near the end of the. The lower end of the developer outlet 62 was set at the lowest position where the developer was not discharged when the developer was charged.
The size of the opening was 3 mm in the horizontal direction and 4 mm in the vertical direction.
【0029】トナー像形成とトナーの補給を続けていく
と、図5(a)(b)に示すように、現像剤の帯電性能
は徐々にチャージアップし、トナー濃度は10.8%ま
で上昇した。以下の表1に示すように、この時の上下二
つのオーガー51,52を回転させるために必要なトル
クをトルクゲージによって測定したところ、最も大きく
なるところで約3.0kgf・cmであった。また、現
像剤循環経路50内の現像剤重量は約740gであっ
た。この後、現像剤の劣化が進み現像剤の帯電性能は減
少傾向となると共に、トナー濃度は下降した。このよう
に、最も体積が大きくなると考えられる高トナー濃度の
場合であっても、現像剤の排出によって効果的にトルク
の上昇を抑制することができた。As the toner image formation and toner replenishment are continued, the charging performance of the developer gradually increases as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and the toner density increases to 10.8%. did. As shown in Table 1 below, when the torque required to rotate the upper and lower augers 51 and 52 at this time was measured by a torque gauge, it was about 3.0 kgf · cm at the maximum. The weight of the developer in the developer circulation path 50 was about 740 g. Thereafter, the developer deteriorated and the charging performance of the developer tended to decrease, and the toner concentration decreased. As described above, even in the case of the high toner concentration, which is considered to be the largest in volume, the increase in torque can be effectively suppressed by discharging the developer.
【0030】◎比較例 実施の形態に係る現像装置40に現像剤排出口62を設
けず、その他の構成を実施の形態と同様にしてランニン
グ試験を行ったところ、帯電性能の向上に伴いトナー濃
度が上昇した。トナー濃度が最も高くなったところで現
像剤量とオーガー51,52の回転トルクを測定したと
ころ、以下の表1のように、現像剤量は約950g、回
転トルクは約4.2kgf・cmとなり、オーガー5
1,52及び現像スリーブ44を駆動するモータ(図示
せず)の回転が停止することがあった。この例において
は、現像剤排出口62がないために回転トルクは実施例
1の約1.4倍となった。Comparative Example A running test was performed in the same manner as in the embodiment except that the developer outlet 40 was not provided in the developing device 40 according to the embodiment. Rose. When the amount of the developer and the rotational torque of the augers 51 and 52 were measured when the toner concentration became the highest, as shown in Table 1 below, the amount of the developer was approximately 950 g, and the rotational torque was approximately 4.2 kgf · cm. Auger 5
In some cases, rotation of motors (not shown) for driving the developing sleeves 1 and 52 and the developing sleeve 44 is stopped. In this example, since there is no developer discharge port 62, the rotational torque is about 1.4 times that of the first embodiment.
【0031】◎実施例2 実施例1と同様な構成で、トナー濃度約75wt%の現
像剤を補給して同様なランニング試験を行ったところ、
図5(a)(b)のように、実施例1よりもやや緩やか
に帯電性能が向上し、その後帯電性能とトナー濃度が低
下し、やがて実施例1に比べて高い帯電性能を維持する
ことができた。このため、実施例1と比べて画質の劣化
も少なかった。最もトナー濃度が高くなったところで
は、略実施例1の場合と同様で、以下の表1に示すよう
に、トナー濃度は11.0wt%、オーガー51,52
の回転トルクはトルクゲージによって測定したところ、
最も大きくなるところで約3.0kgf・cmであっ
た。このように、現像剤を補給した場合であっても、ト
ナーを補給した場合と同様にオーガー51,52の回転
トルクの上昇を抑制することができた。Example 2 A similar running test was performed with the same configuration as in Example 1 and a developer having a toner concentration of about 75 wt% was supplied.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the charging performance is slightly more gradually improved than in the first embodiment, and thereafter, the charging performance and the toner density are reduced, and the higher charging performance is maintained as compared with the first embodiment. Was completed. For this reason, the deterioration of the image quality was small compared to the first embodiment. At the point where the toner concentration is highest, it is almost the same as in the case of Embodiment 1, and as shown in Table 1 below, the toner concentration is 11.0 wt%, and the augers 51 and 52
The rotational torque of was measured by a torque gauge,
It was about 3.0 kgf · cm at the maximum. As described above, even when the developer is supplied, the rotation torque of the augers 51 and 52 can be suppressed from increasing as in the case where the toner is supplied.
【0032】尚、各実施例では、いずれも矩形の現像剤
排出口62を使用したが、必ずしも矩形である必要はな
い。また、現像剤排出口62の位置は連通口の近傍で十
分な現像剤の排出が行えればよい。In each of the embodiments, the rectangular developer outlet 62 is used, but it is not always necessary that the developer outlet 62 be rectangular. Further, the position of the developer discharge port 62 may be sufficient if the developer can be sufficiently discharged in the vicinity of the communication port.
【0033】[0033]
【表1】 [Table 1]
【0034】[0034]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明によれば、
二成分現像剤を使用した現像装置において、現像ハウジ
ングのうち現像剤担持体の背面側に、上下二段構成の現
像剤循環経路を形成し、現像剤循環経路に面した現像ハ
ウジングの任意の箇所に新現像剤補給口を形成すると共
に、現像剤循環経路の上段経路及び下段経路の連通口近
傍に現像剤排出口を形成するようにしたので、現像剤循
環経路の上段経路、下段経路のうち現像剤が増加し易い
箇所で余剰現像剤を排出することが可能になる。このた
め、装置の小型化という要請を満たしながら、簡単な構
成で、現像剤搬送部材の回転トルクの増加を効率的に抑
制でき、しかも、劣化現像剤の排出動作を確実に行なう
ことができる。As described above, according to the present invention,
In a developing device using a two-component developer, an upper and lower two-staged developer circulation path is formed on the back side of the developer carrier in the development housing, and any part of the development housing facing the developer circulation path A new developer supply port and a developer discharge port near the upper and lower communication paths of the developer circulation path. Excess developer can be discharged from a portion where the developer tends to increase. For this reason, it is possible to efficiently suppress the increase in the rotational torque of the developer conveying member and to reliably perform the operation of discharging the deteriorated developer with a simple configuration while satisfying the demand for the downsizing of the apparatus.
【図1】 (a)はこの発明に係る現像装置の構成を示
す模式図、(b)は図1(a)中B−B線に相当する断
面模式図である。FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a developing device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional diagram corresponding to line BB in FIG. 1A.
【図2】 実施の形態に係る現像装置の概要を示す斜視
説明図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating an outline of a developing device according to the embodiment.
【図3】 図2中III−III線断面図である。FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2;
【図4】 図2中IV方向から見た矢視図である。FIG. 4 is a view as viewed from an arrow IV in FIG. 2;
【図5】 (a)は実施例1,2における現像剤の帯電
性能を示すグラフ図、(b)は実施例1,2におけるト
ナー濃度の推移を示すグラフ図である。FIG. 5A is a graph showing the charging performance of a developer in Examples 1 and 2, and FIG. 5B is a graph showing a change in toner density in Examples 1 and 2.
【図6】 カラー画像形成装置の構成例を示す説明図で
ある。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color image forming apparatus.
1…潜像担持体,2…現像ハウジング,3…現像剤担持
体,4…仕切り部材,5…連通口,6…現像剤循環経
路,7,8…現像剤搬送部材,9…新現像剤補給口,1
0…現像剤排出口,30…感光体ドラム(潜像担持
体),40…現像装置,41…現像ハウジング,43…
現像ロール,44…現像スリーブ,45…磁石ロール,
47…仕切り部材,48,49…連通口,50…現像剤
循環経路,51,52…オーガー(現像剤搬送部材),
61…新現像剤補給口,62…現像剤排出口DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Latent image carrier, 2 ... Developing housing, 3 ... Developer carrier, 4 ... Partition member, 5 ... Communication port, 6 ... Developer circulation path, 7, 8 ... Developer conveying member, 9 ... New developer Supply port, 1
0: developer outlet, 30: photosensitive drum (latent image carrier), 40: developing device, 41: developing housing, 43 ...
Developing roll, 44: developing sleeve, 45: magnet roll,
47: partition member, 48, 49: communication port, 50: developer circulation path, 51, 52: auger (developer conveying member),
61: new developer supply port, 62: developer discharge port
Claims (4)
に対向する部位が現像用開口として開口する現像ハウジ
ング(2)を有し、この現像ハウジング(2)の現像用
開口に面した部位にはトナーとキャリアとからなる二成
分現像剤が担持されて潜像担持体(1)上の静電潜像が
現像される現像剤担持体(3)を配設し、前記現像ハウ
ジング(2)の現像剤担持体(3)の背面側には、現像
剤担持体(3)の軸方向に沿う仕切り部材(4)で上下
に仕切られ且つ当該仕切り部材(4)の現像剤担持体
(3)の軸方向両側部に連通口(5)が形成される上下
二段構造の現像剤循環経路(6)を形成し、この現像剤
循環経路(6)の上下経路内には現像剤の搬送方向が互
いに逆方向となる現像剤搬送部材(7,8)を現像剤担
持体(3)の軸方向に沿って配設した現像装置であっ
て、 現像剤循環経路(6)に面した現像ハウジング(2)の
任意の箇所には新しい現像剤が補給される新現像剤補給
口(9)を形成すると共に、現像剤循環経路(6)に面
した現像ハウジング(2)のうち仕切り部材(4)の連
通口(5)の近傍には現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口
(10)を形成したことを特徴とする現像装置。A latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed (1)
Has a developing housing (2) opening as a developing opening, and a part facing the developing opening of the developing housing (2) carries a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier. A developer carrier (3) on which the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier (1) is developed is provided, and the developing housing (2) is provided with a developing agent on the back side of the developer carrier (3). The partition member (4) is vertically partitioned by a partition member (4) along the axial direction of the developer carrier (3), and communication ports (5) are formed at both axial sides of the developer carrier (3) of the partition member (4). A developer circulating path (6) having a two-stage structure is formed. ) Is disposed along the axial direction of the developer carrying member (3), the developer circulating path ( A new developer supply port (9) for supplying new developer is formed at an arbitrary position of the developing housing (2) facing the developer housing (6), and the developing housing (2) facing the developer circulation path (6). And a developer discharge port (10) for discharging the developer is formed near the communication port (5) of the partition member (4).
剤排出口(10)は現像剤循環経路(6)のうち現像剤
が下段経路から上段経路へ向かう連通口(5)の近傍に
形成されていることを特徴とする現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer discharge port is formed near a communication port in the developer circulation path from the lower path to the upper path. A developing device.
剤排出口(10)は現像剤循環経路(6)のうち現像剤
が下段経路から上段経路へ向かう連通口(5)の近傍で
且つ下段経路に面して形成されていることを特徴とする
現像装置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer discharge port is located near a communication port in the developer circulation path from which the developer flows from the lower path to the upper path. A developing device formed so as to face a lower path.
像剤補給口(9)は現像剤循環経路(6)のうち現像剤
担持体(3)の軸方向一端側に形成されており、現像剤
排出口(10)は現像剤循環経路(6)のうち現像剤担
持体(3)の軸方向他端側に形成されていることを特徴
とする現像装置。4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the new developer supply port is formed at one axial end of the developer carrier in the developer circulation path. The developing device, wherein the developer discharge port (10) is formed at the other axial end of the developer carrier (3) in the developer circulation path (6).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP9044726A JPH10228175A (en) | 1997-02-13 | 1997-02-13 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP9044726A JPH10228175A (en) | 1997-02-13 | 1997-02-13 | Developing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH10228175A true JPH10228175A (en) | 1998-08-25 |
Family
ID=12699457
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP9044726A Pending JPH10228175A (en) | 1997-02-13 | 1997-02-13 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JPH10228175A (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6816695B2 (en) | 2002-03-11 | 2004-11-09 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Method and device for development for an image forming apparatus |
JP2006308689A (en) * | 2005-04-26 | 2006-11-09 | Sharp Corp | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
JP2008203816A (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-09-04 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
JP2008203814A (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-09-04 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
JP2008250290A (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2008-10-16 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device, image preserving unit and image forming apparatus |
JP2008257075A (en) * | 2007-04-09 | 2008-10-23 | Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
JP2009008986A (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming device |
JP2009009022A (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device, image forming apparatus and process cartridge |
JP2009098422A (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2009-05-07 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus having the same |
JP2009145610A (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2009-07-02 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Development unit and image forming apparatus |
US7715764B2 (en) | 2006-11-09 | 2010-05-11 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device with pulsation developer flow and image forming apparatus |
JP2011022467A (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2011-02-03 | Canon Inc | Developing device |
JP2011186222A (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-22 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device for image forming apparatus |
JP2012177948A (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2012-09-13 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
US8295737B2 (en) | 2007-01-26 | 2012-10-23 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Developing device and image forming apparatus using same |
US10203632B2 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2019-02-12 | Konica Minolta, Inc | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
-
1997
- 1997-02-13 JP JP9044726A patent/JPH10228175A/en active Pending
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6816695B2 (en) | 2002-03-11 | 2004-11-09 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Method and device for development for an image forming apparatus |
US7529510B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2009-05-05 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with developing device having discharge openings |
JP2006308689A (en) * | 2005-04-26 | 2006-11-09 | Sharp Corp | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
US7715764B2 (en) | 2006-11-09 | 2010-05-11 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device with pulsation developer flow and image forming apparatus |
JP2008203816A (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-09-04 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
JP2008203814A (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-09-04 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
US8295737B2 (en) | 2007-01-26 | 2012-10-23 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Developing device and image forming apparatus using same |
JP2012177948A (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2012-09-13 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
JP2008250290A (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2008-10-16 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device, image preserving unit and image forming apparatus |
JP2008257075A (en) * | 2007-04-09 | 2008-10-23 | Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
JP2009009022A (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device, image forming apparatus and process cartridge |
JP2009008986A (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming device |
JP2009098422A (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2009-05-07 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus having the same |
JP4492667B2 (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2010-06-30 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus having the same |
JP2009145610A (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2009-07-02 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Development unit and image forming apparatus |
KR101087648B1 (en) | 2007-12-13 | 2011-11-30 | 후지제롯쿠스 가부시끼가이샤 | Development apparatus, image forming apparatus, development method and image forming method |
JP2011022467A (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2011-02-03 | Canon Inc | Developing device |
JP2011186222A (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-22 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device for image forming apparatus |
US10203632B2 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2019-02-12 | Konica Minolta, Inc | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1357443B1 (en) | Developing device | |
JPH10228175A (en) | Developing device | |
JP6604992B2 (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus | |
JP5375452B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
JP2015011158A (en) | Development device | |
JP5414325B2 (en) | Development device | |
JP2010237329A (en) | Developing device | |
JP3825964B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
JP2005352042A (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same | |
JP3950735B2 (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus | |
JP2002006599A (en) | Developing device and image-forming device | |
JP5371566B2 (en) | Development device | |
JP2012163791A (en) | Developing device, and image forming apparatus including the same | |
JP2018200399A (en) | Developing device | |
JP4095544B2 (en) | Development device | |
JP5775860B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
JP6866117B2 (en) | Developer | |
JP2003323052A (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus | |
JP2001183899A (en) | Developer carrying member and developing device using it | |
JP2022029533A (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same | |
JP5534422B2 (en) | Developing device, process cartridge having the developing device, and image forming apparatus having the developing device or the process cartridge | |
JP3509476B2 (en) | Image forming device | |
JPH0915957A (en) | Developer supplying device | |
JP2018036539A (en) | Developing device | |
JP5323012B2 (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same |