JPH1090991A - Developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control the supply and discharge of a developer with a satisfactory precision to minimize the fluctuation of the developer quantity within a developing device by rotating a developer discharging rotating member according to the detected toner consumption within a developing vessel to carry the excessive developer within the developing vessel, and discharging it to a developer recovering vessel. SOLUTION: A developing vessel 40 contains a binary developer and developer supplying member (R1, R2) for supplying the developer to a developing roll R0, and has a developer supplying port and a developer discharging port 49. A developer supplying device supplies the binary developer in a developer storing vessel to the developer supplying port according to the consumption of toner by developing operation. A toner consumption detecting means detects the toner consumption in the developing vessel 40. A developer discharging device 84 rotates a developer discharging rotating member 82 according to the detected toner consumption of the toner consumption detecting means, whereby the excessive developer within the developing vessel 40 is carried and discharged to a developer recovering vessel 81.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image bearing member (photoreceptor) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.
The present invention relates to a developing device that develops a latent image formed thereon into a toner image. The present invention is used for a developing device having a fixed single developing device or a developing device having a plurality of developing devices each having a different color developer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a developing device using a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is different from the toner consumed in a developing operation and is not consumed in the developing device. As the use time of the remaining carrier increases, the charging performance decreases due to peeling of the surface resin coat layer due to agitation, adhesion of toner to the surface, and the like. Conventionally, in order to prevent the deterioration of the copy image quality due to the deterioration of the carrier, the developer is periodically replaced to prevent the deterioration of the image quality. On the other hand, in a color-compatible image forming apparatus that has been in high demand in recent years, a method of superposing a plurality of color toners stored in a plurality of developing units on a recording medium is general.
The following method is conventionally known as the above method. (a) Rotary method: a method in which a rotating body on which a plurality of developing devices are mounted is rotated, and developing devices of a plurality of colors are sequentially opposed to or contact with a photosensitive member to perform development. (b) Retract system: A system in which a plurality of developing units are arranged around a photoconductor, and the development is performed by sequentially facing or contacting the photoconductor. (c) Tandem system: a system in which a set of one image carrier and one or a plurality of developing units arranged around the same is arranged in series and developed. However, in the conventional color image forming apparatus using these methods, the size of the developing device per one unit is limited due to the space around the image carrier or the size of the device, and the space inside each developing device is limited. A sufficient amount of developer cannot be secured. For this reason, there has been a problem that the replacement interval of the developer is shortened, the service cost for replacing the developer and the developing machine is increased, or the unit price per sheet is increased due to frequent replacement of the developing cartridge and the like.

As a technique for solving the above problem, the following technique (J01) is conventionally known. (J01) Trickle development method In the trickle development method, in order to prevent the deterioration of the charging performance of the developer and extend the interval of the replacement of the developer, the developer is gradually replenished into the developing container while becoming excessive ( This is a development method in which development is performed while discharging (deteriorated) developer. In this trickle developing method, the deteriorated developer in the developing container is gradually replaced with a new developer, and the developing characteristics such as the charging performance of the developer in the developing device can be maintained at a constant level, thereby suppressing the deterioration of copy image quality. . In the trickle developing method, it is necessary to supply and discharge the developer so that the amount of the developer in the developing device is always maintained at a specified value.

The following technique (J02) is conventionally known as the trickle developing technique. (J02) Technology described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-21591. In this publication, in order to extend the developer replacement interval,
There has been proposed a trickle developing system in which a developer is gradually supplied while an excessively deteriorated developer is overflowed and discharged.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

(Problem of the above (J02)) As described in the above (J02), in the technique of overflowing and discharging an excessively deteriorated developer, the flowability of the developer, the fluctuation of toner consumption, and the Due to the inclination, the discharged amount of the developer is easily changed, and as a result, the replacement amount of the developer is changed, and the amount of the developer in the developing container is changed. In such a case, the toner density of the developer may change, resulting in an image density defect. Particularly, when a small amount of developer is put in a small developing device, it has been difficult to always keep the amount of developer constant. When the technique (J02) is applied to a developing device that moves a developing container, the developer flows out when the developing container moves.
As a result, the amount of the developer in the developing container fluctuates, and image density defects occur. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the technique (J02) to a developing device that moves the developing container.

The following techniques (J03) and (J04) are known as conventional techniques of the trickle developing method in which the amount of developer in the developing container can be controlled more accurately than in (J02). (J03) Techniques described in JP-A-5-289506 and JP-A-6-301289. In these publications, a shutter is installed at an outlet of a deteriorated developer from a developing container, and the deteriorated developer is opened and closed. A technique for controlling the amount of runoff is described. (Problem of (J03)) In the technique of (J03), when the size of the developing device is reduced and the amount of the developer in the developing container is reduced, it becomes difficult to control the discharge amount, and the amount of the developer in the developing container becomes difficult. Cannot be kept stable. If the developer amount in the developing device is unstable, it is difficult to maintain good image quality.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and studies, and has as its object the following contents (O01) to (O03). (O01) In a developing device using a two-component developer adopting a trickle system, the supply and discharge of the developer are controlled with good accuracy to reduce fluctuations in the amount of the developer in the developing device,
To be able to maintain good charging performance (that is, good image quality). As a result, the need for replacement of the developer and maintenance of the developing device is reduced. (O02) The function of reducing the fluctuation of the amount of developer in the developing device and maintaining good charging performance is inexpensive even in a small copying machine having a small amount of developer or in a color image forming apparatus. To be able to realize.

[0008]

Next, a description will be given of the present invention devised to solve the above-mentioned problems. The elements of the present invention are intended to facilitate correspondence with the elements of the embodiments described later. ,
The reference numerals in parentheses indicate the elements of the embodiments.
The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described below is to facilitate understanding of the contents of the invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(1st invention) In order to solve the aforementioned problem,
The developing device of the first invention has the following requirements: (A01) a developing roll (R) for transporting a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier to a developing area (Q2);
0), the two-component developer, and the developing roll (R0)
And a toner supply port (48 '), a carrier supply port (4).
8 ") and a developer container (40) having a developer discharge port (49). Toner replenishing device (J21), (A
03) Toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C) for detecting the toner consumption of the developing container (40), (A04) Two components including a carrier according to the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C) A carrier replenishing device (J22) for replenishing developer or carrier to the carrier replenishing port (48 "); (A05) the toner consumption detecting means (T2 +
By rotating the developer discharging rotary member (82) in accordance with the detected toner consumption of (C), the developing container (4) is rotated.
Conveying the excess developer in 0), the developer collection container (83)
A developer discharging device (84) for discharging the developer.

(Second invention) In order to solve the above problems,
The developing device of the second invention has the following requirements: (B01) a developing roll (R) for transporting a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier to a developing area (Q2);
0), the two-component developer, and the developing roll (R0)
And a developer supply member (R1 + R2) for supplying a developer to the developer supply port (48) and a developer discharge port (4).
A developing container (40) having a developing container (9), and (B02) a developer replenishing device for replenishing the two-component developer in the developer storing container (73) to the developer replenishing port (48) in accordance with consumption of toner by a developing operation. (J1), (B03) Toner consumption detecting means (T2 +) for detecting the toner consumption of the developing container (40).
C), (B04) The toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C)
Of the developer discharging rotary member (8
The developing container (40) is rotated by driving the developing container (40).
A developer discharging device (84) for transporting excess developer in the container and discharging the developer to a developer collecting container (83);

(Third invention) In order to solve the above problems,
The developing device according to the third aspect of the present invention is characterized by satisfying the following requirements.
0), the two-component developer, and the developing roll (R0)
And a toner supply port (48 '), a carrier supply port (4).
8 ") and a developer container (40) having a developer discharge port (49). Toner supply device (J21), (C
03) a toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C) for detecting the toner consumption of the developing container (40); (C04) a developer discharging rotary member according to the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C) By rotating the (82), the developer in the developer container (40) is transported, and the developer is discharged to the developer collection container (83).
4), (C05) discharged developer amount detecting means (T3) for detecting the discharged developer amount discharged by the developer discharging device (84), (C06) detected by the discharged developer amount detecting means (T3). Containing carrier depending on the amount of discharged developer
The component developer or carrier is supplied to the carrier supply port (4).
8 ″).

(Fourth invention) In order to solve the above problems,
A developing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized by having the following requirements: (D01) a developing roll (R) for transporting a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier to a developing area (Q2).
0), the two-component developer, and the developing roll (R0)
And a developer supply member (R1 + R2) for supplying a developer to the developer supply port (48) and a developer discharge port (4).
(D02) a toner container detecting means (T2 + C) for detecting toner consumption of the developing container (40); and (D03) a toner detected by the toner container detecting means (T2 + C). The developer in the developing container (40) is conveyed by rotating the developer discharging rotary member (82) in accordance with the consumption amount, and the developer collecting container (8) is conveyed.
A developer discharging device (84) discharging to 3); (D04) a discharging developer amount detecting means (T3) for detecting a discharging developer amount discharged by the developer discharging device (84); A developer replenishing device (J1) for replenishing the two-component developer in the developer storage container (73) to the developer replenishing port (48) according to the amount of discharged developer detected by the developer amount detecting means (T3); .

[0013]

Next, the operation of the present invention having the above-described features will be described. (Operation of the First Invention) In the developing device according to the first invention of the present application having the above-mentioned features, the developing container (40) has a toner supply port (4) for receiving the supplied developer.
8 '), a carrier supply port (48 ") and a developer discharge port (49) for discharging developer, a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier, a development roll (R0), and a developer supply The developer supply member (R1 + R2) supplies a two-component developer to the development roll (R0), and the developer roll (R0) transports the developer to the development area (Q2). The toner in the two-component developer conveyed to the developing area (Q2) is consumed by the developing operation, and the toner replenishing device (J21) operates according to the consumption of the toner in the developing operation. ) Is supplied from the developer supply port (48 ') to the developing container (4).
Supply to 0). Toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C)
Detects the amount of toner consumed by the replenishment.

The carrier replenishing device (J22) supplies a two-component developer or a carrier containing a carrier to the carrier replenishing port (48 ") in accordance with the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C). The developer discharging device (84) includes a developer discharging rotating member (82) corresponding to the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C).
Is driven to rotate. Thereby, the developer discharging device (8)
4) conveys excess developer in the developing container (40) and discharges it to the developer collecting container (83). The discharge amount of the developer can be accurately and easily controlled by changing the rotation amount of the developer discharge rotation member (82).
By the above operation, the replacement amount of the two-component developer in the developing container (40) is accurately controlled to suppress the fluctuation in the amount of the two-component developer in the developing container (40), and good charging performance (accordingly, good charging performance) Image quality) can be maintained. While the developer discharging rotary member (82) is stopped, the developer does not flow out (move) of the developing container (40).
No special closing device is required to prevent the developer from flowing out of the developer discharging rotary member (82) except at the time of discharging the developer.

(Operation of the Second Invention) In the developing device of the first invention of the present application having the above-mentioned features, the developing container (4
0) is a developer supply port (48) for receiving the supplied developer and a developer discharge port (4) for discharging the developer.
9), a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier, a development roll (R0), and a developer supply member (R1
+ R2). The developer supply member (R1 + R2)
Supplies a two-component developer to the developing roll (R0),
The developing roll (R0) transports the developer to the developing area (Q2). The toner in the two-component developer conveyed to the developing area (Q2) is consumed by the developing operation. The developer replenishing device (J1) replenishes the two-component developer in the developer storage container (73) to the developing container (40) from the developer replenishing port (48) in accordance with the consumption of toner during the developing operation. . The toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C) detects the amount of toner consumed by the replenishment.

The developer discharging device (84) rotates the developer discharging rotating member (82) in accordance with the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C). Thereby, the developer discharging device (84) conveys the excess developer in the developing container (40) and discharges it to the developer collecting container (83). The discharge amount of the developer can be accurately and easily controlled by changing the rotation amount of the developer discharge rotation member (82). By the above operation, the replacement amount of the two-component developer in the developing container (40) is accurately controlled to suppress the fluctuation in the amount of the two-component developer in the developing container (40), and good charging performance (accordingly, good charging performance) Image quality)
Can be maintained. Further, since the developer does not flow out of the developing container (40) while the developer discharging rotating member (82) is stopped, the developer discharging rotating member (82) is not used except when the developer is discharged. No special closing device is required to prevent the developer from escaping.

(Operation of the Third Invention) In the developing device of the third invention of the present application having the above-mentioned features, the developing container (4
0) has a toner supply port (48 ') for receiving the supplied developer, a carrier supply port (48 "), and a developer discharge port (49) for discharging the developer. Two-component developer comprising a developing roll (R
0) and a developer supply member (R1 + R2).
The developer supply member (R1 + R2) supplies a two-component developer to the developing roll (R0), and supplies the two-component developer to the developing roll (R0).
Transports the developer to the development area (Q2). The toner in the two-component developer conveyed to the developing area (Q2) is consumed by the developing operation. The toner replenishing device (J21) is provided with a toner storage container (7
3 ') The toner is supplied to the developing container (40) from the developer supply port (48'). The toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C) detects the amount of toner consumed by the replenishment.

The developer discharging device (84) rotates the developer discharging rotating member (82) in accordance with the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C). Accordingly, the developer discharging device (84) conveys the developer in the developing container (40) and discharges the developer to the developer collecting container (83). The discharge amount of the developer can be accurately and easily controlled by changing the rotation amount of the developer discharge rotation member (82). The discharged developer amount detecting means (T3) detects the discharged developer amount discharged by the developer discharging device (84). The developer discharge amount can be easily detected from the rotation amount of the developer discharge rotation member (82). The carrier replenishing device (J22) supplies a two-component developer containing a carrier or a carrier from the carrier replenishing port (48 ") in accordance with the discharged developer amount detected by the discharged developer amount detecting means (T3). The developer container (40) is replenished in accordance with the detected amount of discharged developer, whereby the developer container (40) is replenished.
By replacing the two-component developer therein, the amount of replacement of the developer is accurately controlled to suppress the fluctuation of the amount of the two-component developer in the developing container (40), and the good charging performance (therefore, good image quality) ) Can be maintained. While the developer discharging rotary member (82) is stopped, the developing container (40)
Since the developer does not flow out of the developing device, a special closing device for preventing the developer from flowing out from the developer discharging rotary member when the developer is not discharged is unnecessary.

(Operation of the Fourth Invention) In the developing device of the fourth invention of the present application having the above-mentioned features, the developing container (4
0) is a developer supply port (48) for receiving the supplied developer and a developer discharge port (4) for discharging the developer.
9), a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier, a development roll (R0), and a developer supply member (R1
+ R2). The developer supply member (R1 + R2)
Supplies a two-component developer to the developing roll (R0),
The developing roll (R0) transports the developer to the developing area (Q2). The toner in the two-component developer conveyed to the developing area (Q2) is consumed by the developing operation. The toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C) detects the amount of toner consumed by the replenishment. The developer discharging device (84)
The developer discharging rotary member (8) corresponds to the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C).
The developer discharging device (8) is rotated by driving the developer discharging device (8).
4) transports the developer in the developer container (40) and discharges the developer to the developer collection container (81). The amount of discharged developer is
By changing the amount of rotation of the developer discharging rotary member (82), accurate and easy control can be achieved.

The discharged developer amount detecting means (T3) detects the discharged developer amount discharged by the developer discharging device (84). The developer discharge amount can be easily detected from the rotation amount of the developer discharge rotation member (82). The developer replenishing device (J1) is provided with the discharged developer amount detecting means (T3).
The two-component developer in the developer storage container (73) is supplied to the developer supply port (4) in accordance with the amount of the discharged developer detected by
8) Replenish the developing container (40). By the above operation, the replacement amount of the two-component developer in the developing container (40) is more accurately controlled by giving a replenishing amount corresponding to the directly detected discharge amount, so that the replacement amount in the developing container (40) can be controlled. 2
Variations in the component developer amount can be suppressed, and good charging performance (and thus good image quality) can be maintained. When the developer discharging rotary member (82) is stopped, the developer does not flow out of the developing container (40). No special closure device is required to prevent the agent from flowing out.

[0021]

Next, an embodiment of the developing device of the present invention will be described. (Embodiment 1 of the present invention) Embodiment 1 of the present invention is characterized in that the developing device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions has the following requirements, and (A001) corresponds to a driving time. The developer discharging device (8) having a developer discharging rotary member (82) for transferring a predetermined amount of developer from the developer discharging port (49) and discharging the developer to the developer collecting container (83).
4).

(Operation of the First Embodiment of the Present Invention) In the developing device of the first embodiment of the present invention having the above-mentioned features, the developer discharging device (84) includes a developer discharging rotary member (82). ). The developer discharging device (84) rotationally drives the developer discharging rotating member (82). The developer discharge device (84) conveys a certain amount of developer from the developer discharge port (49) according to the drive time and discharges the developer to the developer collection container (83). Therefore, by adjusting the driving time, the discharge amount of the developer can be accurately controlled.

(Embodiment 2 of the Present Invention) Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides the developing device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions or the first embodiment of the first to fourth inventions, which satisfies the following requirements. (A002) The developing container (40).
The lowest point of the upper surface height of the developer contained in the developing container (40) (the position where the upper surface height of the developer in the developing container is lowest, and the upper surface of the developer The height is always kept at or above the permissible lowest point.) The developer outlet (49) provided below.

(Operation of the Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) In the developing device of the second embodiment of the present invention having the above-described features, the developer outlet (49) of the developing container (40) is provided.
Is disposed below the lowest point of the upper surface height of the developer contained in the developing container (40) in the developing container (40). Thereby, at the position where the developing device (D) discharges the developer, the developer discharging device (8)
Since the state filled with the developer is always maintained in 4), the developer is immediately and reliably discharged.

(Examples) Next, specific examples (that is, examples) of the embodiments of the developing device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. is not. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus U provided with a developing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG.
The image forming apparatus U includes a digital copying machine U1 as an image forming apparatus main body having a platen glass (transparent document table) U1a on an upper surface, and an automatic document feeder U2 detachably mounted on the platen glass U1a. Have. The automatic document feeder U2 sequentially takes out the documents stored in the document feed tray TR1, conveys them to a copy position on the platen glass U1a, and outputs the copied documents to a document discharge tray TR2.
It is configured to be discharged to.

Next, the copying machine U1 will be described.
The copying machine U1 includes an image input terminal IIT (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "IIT") as an image reading unit and an image output terminal IOT as an image recording operation unit sequentially arranged below the platen glass U1a. (Hereinafter, also simply referred to as “IOT”). The IIT (image input terminal) as the image reading unit has an exposure scanning optical system 1 below the platen glass U1a. Exposure scanning optical system 1
Has an exposure lamp 2 for document illumination mounted on a full-rate carriage and a first mirror 3. The exposure scanning optical system 1 has a second mirror 4 and a third mirror 5 mounted on a half-rate carriage that moves at half the speed of the full-rate carriage. Further, the exposure scanning optical system 1 has an imaging lens 6 supported by an IIT frame.

The imaging lens 6 has a function of converging the original reflected light reflected from the original on the platen glass U1a and reflected by the first, second, and third mirrors to a CCD (solid-state imaging device). ing. The CCD has a function of converting the original reflected light converged on the imaging surface into an electric signal of three components of red, green, and blue. In addition, IIT is the above C
An image data output unit 7 for reading out electric signals of three color components obtained from a CD and outputting the read signals as digital image data; and a user interface UI for allowing a user of the image forming apparatus U to input an operation command signal such as copy start. have. The user interface UI includes an input unit having a copy start button UIa, a copy setting number input key UIb, and the like, which will be described later, and a display unit for displaying information on a current setting state of the image forming apparatus U. I have.

An IOT (image output terminal) serving as the image recording operation section converts three-color image data output from the image data output section 7 into Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). , K (black), and a signal processing section 8 for converting the image data into laser drive signals, and a laser drive signal output from the signal processing section 8 to emit a laser beam L for image writing. And an image writing device (laser writing device) 9.
The laser beam L emitted from the laser writing device 9 is:
The light is incident on the surface of the image carrier 11 at a latent image writing position Q1 set on the moving path of the surface of the rotating image carrier 11 via the reflection mirror. . Along the surface of the rotating image carrier 11 and upstream of the latent image writing position Q1 in the moving direction of the image carrier 11, the image carrier 11
A charger 12 for uniformly charging the surface is provided.
After the surface of the image carrier 11 is uniformly charged by the charger 12, an electrostatic latent image is written by the laser beam L at the latent image writing position Q1.

Along the moving direction of the surface of the image carrier 11, a developing area Q2 on the downstream side of the latent image writing position Q1 is provided.
A developing device D for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image is disposed, and an intermediate transfer drum 13 and a transfer device 14 are disposed at a transfer position Q3 set downstream of the developing device D. Also, along the surface of the rotating image carrier 11, the transfer position Q3
A toner image density sensor T1, a static eliminator 15, and a cleaner unit 16 are arranged on the downstream side. The toner image density sensor T1 is a test electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier 11 by a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed close to the surface of the image carrier 11 (see FIG. 2). Is a device for measuring the light reflectance of a toner image developed by developing the toner image and detecting the toner image density. A static eliminator 1 is provided downstream of the transfer device 14 along the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer drum 13.
7, a cleaner 18, and an adsorption corotron 19 are sequentially arranged. The adsorption corotron 19 is located at the adsorption position Q4.
Are located in Below the intermediate transfer drum 13, paper feed trays 21 to 25 are arranged in multiple stages. The paper tray 23 is used for one-sided copying or multiple copying.
This is an intermediate tray used when circulating the sheet S on which the second copy has been performed and re-sending the sheet S to the transfer position Q3.
A registration roll 27 and a suction roll 28 are sequentially arranged in the first sheet transport path 26 along which the sheets S of the paper feed trays 21 to 25 are transported. The sheet S conveyed in the first sheet conveyance path is once stopped by the registration roll 27, and then conveyed at a predetermined timing to the suction position Q4 where the suction roll 28 is disposed.

The sheet S attracted to the transfer drum 13 at the suction position Q4 is conveyed to the transfer position Q3 as the transfer drum 13 rotates. The transfer unit 14 transfers the toner image on the surface of the image carrier 11 to a sheet passing through the transfer position Q3. After the developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier 11 that has passed the transfer position Q3 is recovered by the cleaner unit 16, the surface of the image carrier 11 is uniformly charged again by the charger 12. The sheet S adsorbed on the intermediate transfer drum 13 at the adsorbing position Q4 rotates four times in the case of full color, and Y
(Yellow), magenta (M), C (cyan), and K (black) toner images are transferred. The sheet S on which the four full-color images are formed is separated from the intermediate transfer drum 13 by the separation corotron 29, and is conveyed to the fixing position Q5 through the second sheet conveying path 30. A fixing device 31 is arranged at the fixing position Q5, and the fixing device 31 heats and fixes an unfixed toner image on the sheet S passing through the fixing position Q5. A sheet discharge path 32 is provided downstream of the fixing position Q5 in the sheet conveying direction, and a discharge roller 33 is provided in the sheet discharge path 32. Then, the sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged from the discharge roller 33 to the sheet discharge tray 34.

Next, referring to FIGS.
Will be described. FIG. 2 shows Embodiment 1 of the developing device of the present invention.
FIG. FIG. 3 shows the developing container of Example 1;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view (plan view) of a state where the developing device is mounted on a rotating developing device support member. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view (plan sectional view) of a main part at a developing position of a developer supply member and a developer discharge device of a developing device used in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the developer replenishing device of the developing device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. FIG. 6 is a sectional view (side view) taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the developer storage container.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view (plan view) taken along line VII. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the developer storage container, and FIG. 8A is a view showing the VIIIA-VIIIA of FIG.
8B is a sectional view taken along a line (side view), and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view (side view) taken along line IIB. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view (side sectional view) of a main part of the developing device of the first embodiment at a developer discharging position, FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of its components, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a drive gear.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing device supporting member H is
A rotating shaft 36 rotatably supported by a pair of front and rear fixed frames F1, F2 (see FIG. 3), a front rotating plate 37, a rear rotating plate 38 fixed to both front and rear ends of the rotating shaft 36, and the rotation An outer cylinder member 39 made of plastic is provided to cover the outer periphery of the shaft 36 in the middle in the front-rear direction. The outer cylindrical member 39 has a substantially square cross section (see FIG. 2) and has four side surfaces extending in the axial direction. Each side has a pair of front and rear pin insertion holes 39a,
39a are formed. The pin insertion holes 39a, 39a
Is a hole into which a protruding pin of a developing device described later is inserted, and is a hole used for positioning and fixing the developing device. The rotating shaft 36 is connected to a drive motor (not shown) via a gear Ga at a rear end (the end in the −X axis direction). As a result, a later-described developing device fixed to the outer cylinder member 39 is rotated.

In FIG. 2, a developing device D disposed opposite to the image carrier 11 in the developing area Q2 includes toners of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), Developing units Dy, Dm, Dc,
Dk. Each of the developing units Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk is rotated by the drive motor and sequentially moves to a first stop position (development position, developer discharge position) P1, a second stop position (developer supply position) P2, It is configured to stop at the third stop position P3 and the fourth stop position P4. Example 1
In this case, the first stop position P1 is not only a developing position but also a developer discharging position.
The developing operation of y, Dm, Dc, and Dk is performed, and the developer is discharged. At the second stop position P2, the supply of the developer is performed.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing units Dy and D
Each of m, Dc, and Dk has a developing container 40, and each developing container 40 has a pair of front and rear projecting pins 41, 41 on its outer surface. The pair of projecting pins 41,
41 is a pin insertion hole 39a, 3 of the developing device support member H.
9a, which is used to position and fix the developing container 40. Since the developing units Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk have the same configuration, the developing unit Dy will be described below. In FIG. 2, the developing device Dy has a developing container 40 containing a two-component developer composed of a negatively charged toner and a positively charged magnetic carrier. The developing container 40 includes a developing roll accommodating chamber 42 accommodating a developing roll R0, and the developing roll accommodating chamber 42.
A first developer reservoir 43 adjacent to the first developer reservoir 43 and a second developer reservoir 44 adjacent to the first developer reservoir 43. In the developing roll accommodating chamber 42, a layer thickness regulating member 47 for regulating the layer thickness of the developer on the developing roll R0 is arranged.

As shown in FIG. 4, a partition wall 45 is provided between the first developer reservoir 43 and the second developer reservoir 44 at portions other than both ends thereof.
The developer reservoir 43 and the second developer reservoir 44 are connected to each other at connection portions F at both ends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 2, a developer supply port 48 is formed on the upper surface of the second developer reservoir 44, and a developer discharge port 4 is provided on the right side of the developer container 40.
9 are provided. The developer supply port 48 is located in an area where the partition wall 45 is located (an area excluding the front and rear end connection portions F).
(See FIG. 4). This is the partition 4
This is because the position of the upper surface of the developer is more stable in the region where the flow of the developer is limited in 5. Here, the developer outlet 4
Numeral 9 is formed at a position equal to or lower than the height of the upper surface of the developer contained in the developing container 40. Further, a developer discharge path 50 is formed outside the developer discharge port. As described above, from the elements 41 to 45 and 47 to 50,
The developing container 40 (41-45 + 47-
50) are configured.

In FIG. 4, the first developer reservoir 4
3 is provided with a first developer transport member R1,
A second developer transport member R2 is disposed in the developer reservoir 44. The first and second developer transport members R
For 1 and R2, a conventionally known conveying member having a conveying screw mounted around the rotation axis is used, and the rear end (-X side end) of each shaft has a driven Gears G1 and G2 are fixed. Therefore, when the gears G1, G2 rotate in opposite directions, the first and second developer conveying members R1, R2 also rotate in opposite directions, and the developing in the first and second developer reservoirs 43, 44 is performed. The agent circulates. The first and second
The developer supply members (R1
+ R2). The developing roll R0 shown in FIG. 2 is a conventionally known one in which a sleeve is provided outside a magnet roll. The developer in the first developer reservoir 43 is supplied to the developing roll R by the magnetic force of the magnet roll.
It is adsorbed on the surface of 0 and transported.
The axis of the developing roll R0 is rotatably supported by the front rotation plate 37 and the rear rotation plate 38, and has a rear end (an end in the -X axis direction).
Is equipped with a gear G0 described later (see FIG. 3).

The power transmission to the developer supply member (R1 + R2) and the developing roll R0 is as shown in FIGS. 3, 9B, 10 and the like. That is, when the developing device Dy is rotationally moved to the developing position P1 in FIG. 2, the gear G6 at the end of the fixed frame F2 which is rotationally driven by a developing roll motor M0 via a power transmission device (not shown) is provided. The rotation shaft intermediate gear G5 supported by the rear rotation plate 38 is configured to mesh with the rotation shaft intermediate gear G5. In order to supply the developer at the second stop position (developer supply position) P2, the rotating shaft intermediate gear G5 meshes when the developing device Dy is rotationally moved to the second stop position P2 in FIG. Thus, the gear G6 '(see FIG. 10) is provided on the fixed frame F2. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the gear G5 (see FIGS. 3 and 9B) of each of the rotating developing units Dy to Dk moves to the first stop position P1, the gear G6 meshes with the gear G6 to transmit the rotational force. ,
When the gear is moved to the second stop position, the gear is engaged with the gear G6 'to transmit torque.

The gear G1 of the first developer conveying member R1 is fixed to the other end of the shaft to which the intermediate gear G5 is fixed. Therefore, the rotational force transmitted from the developing roll motor M0 to the intermediate gear G5 via the gears G6 and G6 'is applied to the gear G of the developer supply member (R1 + R2).
1, G2 is rotated. The gear G1
Is engaged with a gear G0 mounted on the rear end of the shaft of the developing roll R0. The gear G0 is a developing roll clutch CL0 using an electromagnetic clutch or the like (see FIGS. 3 and 10).
(Hereinafter, a gear mounted on the shaft via a clutch is referred to as a "mounted gear"). The developing roll clutch CL0 is always in a disconnected state, but when energized (when it is ON).
Is configured to be connected. And the first
At the time of the development at the stop position P1, the developing gear clutch CL0 is energized to be in a connected state, whereby the mounting gear G0 is fixed to the shaft of the developing roller R0, and the developing roller together with the developer supply member (R1 + R2). R0
Also rotate.

Next, the configuration of the developer supply device J1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a developer supply cylinder 52 connected to the developer supply port 48 is fixed to the outside of the upper surface of the developer container 40.
As shown in FIG. 3, a developer transport screw rotating shaft 53 and a developer transport screw 54 fixed around the developer transport screw shaft 52 are rotatably disposed in the developer supply cylinder 52. Further, the tip of the developer supply cylinder 52 (the end in the X-axis direction)
A developer carrying port 55 is formed in the vicinity. Therefore, by the rotation of the developer conveying screw 54, the developer in the developer replenishing cylinder 52 is conveyed rearward (in the −X axis direction) and from the developer replenishing port 48 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The second developer pool 44 (see FIG. 4) is supplied.

3 and 9B, the rear end (−) of the developer conveying screw rotating shaft 53 in the developer replenishing cylinder 52.
A gear G3 is fixed to the X-axis direction end). The gear G3 is engaged with the gear G2 of the developer supply member (R1 + R2). The gear G2 includes the gear G
The torque of 5 is transmitted via the gear G1. Therefore,
When the developer is supplied at the second stop position P2, the gear G3 and the developer transport screw rotating shaft 53 rotate integrally, and together with the developer supply member (R1 + R2), the developer transport screw rotating shaft 53 and the The developer conveying screw 54 also rotates.

3 and 5, the rotating plate 3 is provided on the front side (X-axis end side) of the front rotating plate 37.
A rotating cylindrical member 71 that rotates integrally with the fixing member 7 is fixed. A fixed cylindrical member 72 is fixed to the rear surface (-X axis side) of the front fixed frame F1. The outer peripheral surface of the rotary cylindrical member 71 is rotatable in a state fitted with the inner peripheral surface of the fixed cylindrical member 72 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, a rotary cylindrical member 71 is provided with four fitting holes 71a extending in four axial directions (the X-axis direction in FIG. 3, the same applies hereinafter) into which the front part of the developer supply cylinder 52 fits. I have. Each of the four axial fitting holes 71a has a corresponding one of the developing units Dy and Dy.
The m, Dc, and Dk developer supply cylinders 52 are fitted, and the positions of the developer carrying holes 55 formed in the respective developer supply cylinders 52 are shifted in the axial direction. Four radial carrying holes 71b are formed in the rotary cylindrical member 71 at positions shifted in the axial direction corresponding to the four developer carrying holes 55, respectively. At the upper end position of the fixed cylindrical member 72, four vertical holes 72a (see FIG. 6) which are similarly shifted in the axial direction are formed, and the four radial carry-in holes 71 are formed.
When b rotates to the upper end, they are arranged so as to communicate with each other.

In FIG. 5, the upper end of the fixed cylindrical member 72 is cut and formed flat. A developer storage container 73 having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape is mounted on the flat upper end surface. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the developer storage container 73 has four developer drop holes 73 arranged in the axial direction.
a is formed. The four developer drop holes 73a are:
The four vertical holes 72a are in communication with each other. The developer storage container 73 is provided with developer storage portions 73y, 73m, 73c, and 73k for storing Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) developers. And each of the four developer drop holes 73
communicates with a. Each of the developer storage portions 73y, 73m,
A developer replenishing member 74 is provided below each of 73c and 73k (hereinafter, represented by 73y). The developer supply member 74 includes a developer supply member shaft 74a and a developer supply screw 74b fixed around the shaft. A gear 75 is mounted on the right end of the developer supply member shaft 74a. . Each of the gears 75 is configured so that the rotational force from the developer supply motor M1 is switched and transmitted via a power transmission device (see FIGS. 7 and 10).

When the developing units Dy to Dk move to the second stop position P2 in FIG. 2 and stop (the state of replenishing the developer), the four gears 75 The gear 75 to which the rotational force is transmitted and the developer supply member 74 to which the gear 75 is fixed rotate, and the corresponding developer accommodating portion 73y
To 73k are conveyed and dropped from the developer drop hole 73a. A cover 76 is provided at the upper end of the developer storage container 73 to prevent the developer from scattering. 52 to 55, 71
~ 76, D0, D1, M0, M1, G6, G6 ', G5, G1,
From the elements indicated by G2, G3, etc., the developer supply device J1 (52 to 55 + 71 to 76 + D0 + D1 + M0 +
M1 + G6 + G6 '+ G5 + G1 + G2 + G3). Further, the developing devices Dy, Dm, Dc, Dk (4) of the first embodiment are obtained from the elements indicated by the reference numerals 40, J1, and R0 to R2.
0 + CL0 + G0 + J1 + R0 to R2).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view (side sectional view) of a main part of the developing device of the first embodiment at a developer discharging position (first stop position) P1, and FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of its components. FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a drive gear. 9A and 4, the developer discharge path 50 provided on the right side of the developer container 40 has a developer recovery port 81 on a lower surface thereof, and an auger (developer discharging member) 82 is disposed inside. Have been. Below the developer recovery port 81, a detachable developer recovery container 83 is mounted below the developer discharge path 50 while sliding in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The developer collecting container 83
When the developer is attached, the developer collecting port 8 of the developer discharging path 50 is
1 so as to prevent leakage of the developer. As shown in FIG. 4, the auger 82 includes an auger rotating shaft 82a rotatably supported by bearings on front and rear end walls of the developer discharge passage 50 and an auger screw 82b fixed thereto.

In FIG. 4, the auger rotating shaft 82a projects outside the rear end of the developer discharge passage 50, and the shaft end of the auger rotating shaft 82a is connected to a gear G via an auger clutch CL4 (see FIG. 10).
4 is installed. The mounting gear G4 is rotatable with the gear G2 of the developer supply member (R1 + R2) (see FIG. 9B). The auger clutch C
L4 is configured by an electromagnetic clutch or the like, and is configured to be in a non-connected state at all times and to be in a connected state when energized. When the developing device Dy is rotated to the developer discharging position P1 in FIG. 2 and stopped, and when the developing device is in the developer discharging state, the auger clutch CL4 is energized to be in the connected state, whereby the mounting gear G4 is the auger rotation shaft 8
2a, the auger rotating shaft 82a and the auger screw 82b rotate together with the developer supply member (R1 + R2).

The developer outlet 4 of the developing container 40
9 is behind the second developer pool 44 (−X direction)
The developer collection port 81 is provided in the front (X direction). As a result, the developer stirred by the developer supply member (R1 + R2) enters the developer discharge path 50 from the rear, is conveyed by the auger screw 82b of the auger 82, and is forwarded by the developer recovery port 8
1 is collected in the developer collecting container 83. As shown in FIG. 9A, the upper and left inner surfaces of the developer discharge passage 50 are formed so as to be in smooth and close contact with the outer periphery of the auger screw 82b of the auger 82. The developer is prevented from flowing into the developer collecting container 83. 50, 81 to 83, CL4, G6, G5, G1, G2,
From the elements indicated by G4 and G4, the developer discharging device 84 (50 + 81 to 83 + CL4 + G6 + G5 + G1) of the first embodiment is used.
+ G2 + G4).

Next, the configuration of the developer supply and discharge control unit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a developer supply and discharge control unit of the copying machine main body according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the solid line shows the electrical connection relationship, and the dotted line shows the mechanical connection relationship. In FIG. 10, the copying machine U1
Of the user interface UI
Are connected to a copy start button UIa and a set copy number input key UIb. Further, the toner image density sensor T1 and the laser writing image data output device T2 are also connected. The laser writing image data output device T2 is a device that inputs digital image data output from the image data output unit 7 to the controller C. The controller C has a function of calculating and integrating the number of laser writing dots from the input image data and detecting the toner consumption from the integrated value. That is, the laser writing image data output device T2 and the controller C constitute the toner consumption detecting means (T2 + C + C) of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 10, symbols UIa, UIb, T1
The detection signal from each of the buttons or devices indicated by T2 and T2 is input to the controller C of the copying machine U1. The controller C outputs a drive control signal to each of the drive circuits D0 to D7 shown in FIG. 10 according to a built-in program and memory, and each of the input signals. Next, the driving circuits D0 to D7 will be described. D0: developing roll motor driving circuit: developing roll motor M0
Is a circuit for driving the rotation. The developing roll motor M0 is
A motor for rotating the gears G6 and G6 '. The gears G6 and G6' are gears to which the gears G5 of the developing devices Dy, Dm, Dc and Dk moved to the developing position P1 and the second stop position P2, respectively. It is. D1: developer supply motor drive circuit: developer supply motor M1
This is a circuit for driving. Normally off, but developer D
Turns on when y to Dk move to the second stop position (developer supply position) P2. D2: developing roll clutch drive circuit: each developing device Dy to Dk
This is a circuit for driving the developing roll clutch CL0.
Although normally off, the developing units Dy to Dk are in the first stop position P
It moves to 1 and turns on when the developing operation is performed to rotate the developing roll. D4: developer discharging auger clutch drive circuit: developing device Dy ~
This is a circuit for driving the Dk developer discharge auger clutch CL4. Although normally off, it turns on when each of the developing devices Dy to Dk moves to the first stop position and discharges the developer.

(Operation of the First Embodiment) Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the developing device D of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described. 2 and 3, a plurality of developing devices Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk (hereinafter, typically represented by Dy) fixed to the developing device support member H rotatably supported by fixed frames F1 and F2 include: Along with the rotation and stop of the developing device support member H by a drive motor (not shown), the developing device supporting member H is moved to a first stop position (development position or developer discharge position) P1 for developing a latent image on the surface of the image carrier 11 into a toner image. Move and stop.
The developing device Dy moves to the second stop position P2 (developer pre-supply position), the third stop position P3, and the fourth stop position P4 and stops after the first stop position P1. Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9B, when the developing device Dy moves to the developing position (first stop position) P1 and stops, the controller C controls the developing roll motor drive circuit D1.
Then, the developing roll motor M0 is driven to rotate. The rotational force transmitted from the developing roll motor M0 to the gear G6 at the end of the fixed frame F2 is transmitted to the gear G2 via the gear G1 coaxial with the intermediate gear G5 when the gear G6 meshes with the intermediate gear G5. To rotate. Thus, the developer supply member (R1 +) coaxial with the gears G1, G2.
R2) is rotated.

The gear G1 of the developer supply member (R1 + R2) rotates (idle) a mounting gear G0 on the shaft of the developing roll R0 meshing with the gear G1. The gear G2 is
A gear G3 on the developer conveying screw rotating shaft 53 that meshes with the gear G3 and the developer discharging rotary member (auger)
The mounting gear G4 on the auger rotating shaft 82a of 82 is rotated. The controller C energizes and connects the developing roll clutch CL0 to the developing device at the first stop position P1 via the developing device developing roll clutch drive circuit D2 at the developing position P1. By the connection, the mounting gear G0 is coupled to the shaft of the developing roll R0, and the developing roll R0 rotates.

The developer supply member (R1 + R2) is used to rotate the developer in the first and second developer reservoirs 43 and 44 of the developing container 40 by the first and second screws by rotating in opposite directions. The mixture is stirred and circulated between the developer pools 43 and 44 and supplied to the developing roll R0. The friction at that time causes the toner and carrier to be evenly mixed. In the first embodiment, the toner is charged to a negative polarity, and the carrier is charged to a positive polarity. The carrier to which the toner adheres to the surface by electrostatic force adheres to the surface of the developing roll R0 by the magnetic force of the magnet roll in the developing roll R0. The attached developer is formed into a uniform layer by the layer thickness regulating member 47.

The developing roller R0 conveys the developer to the developing area Q2 facing the surface of the image carrier 11. The toner in the transported developer is transferred to the image carrier 11.
And a developing bias voltage applied between the developing roller R0 and the developing roller R0, the toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier 11,
This is developed as a toner image.

Next, the operation in the case of discharging the developer will be described with reference to FIGS. First stop position (developer discharge position)
The controller C shown in FIG. 10 sends the auger clutch CL4 through the auger clutch drive circuit D4 for the developer at the developing position P1 to the developing device that has stopped after moving to P1.
And connect it. As a result, the mounting gear G
4 is connected to the auger rotating shaft 82a, the auger rotating shaft 82a and the auger screw 82b rotate integrally, and carry out the developer from the developer discharge port 49 of the developing container 40 to remove the developer from the developer collecting port. From 81, the developer is discharged to the developer collecting container 83 and collected. The collected developer is taken out together with the collection container 83 and carried out at the time of maintenance. The height of the developer outlet 49 is below the upper surface of the developer in the developing container 40, and the developer is always filled in the auger 82. As a result, the developer is immediately discharged. In addition, in the first stop position, the rotation of the gear G3 causes the developer transport screw rotating shaft 53 and the developer transport screw 54 shown in FIG. 3 to integrally rotate. As a result, the developer in the developer supply cylinder 52 is supplied from the developer supply port 48 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) into the second developer reservoir 44 (see FIG. 4).

Second stop position (developer upstream supply position) P2
Developing devices Dy to Dk (that is, developing devices Dy, Dm, Dc,
When any one of Dk) is stopped, the gear G5 of the stopped developing units Dy to Dk meshes with the gear G6 '(see FIG. 10). Then, the rotation of the gear G6 'is changed from the gear G5 to the gear G.
1, G2, G3, G4, G0. On the other hand, the controller C shown in FIG.
The developer supply motor M1 is driven via 1. Second
The developing device stopped at the stop position P2 is, for example, Y (yellow).
The developer supply motor M1
Of the developer accommodating portion 73y shown in FIGS.
The gear 75 (Y) fixed to the developer supply member shaft 74a inside
(Corresponding to (yellow)). As a result, the developer replenishing screw 74b rotates integrally with the developer replenishing member shaft 74a, and conveys the developer and puts it into the developer drop hole 73a.
b) and is dropped into and carried into the developer supply cylinder 52 through the developer carrying hole 55.

In the second stop position P2, the gear G3
The rotation of the developer conveyance screw rotating shaft 53 and the developer conveyance screw 54 shown in FIG. As a result, the developer dropped into the developer supply cylinder 52 is moved backward (-X in FIG. 3) in the developer supply cylinder 52.
(In the axial direction) to fill the developer supply cylinder 52. At this time, since the developer supply port 48 is horizontal,
No toner is supplied from the developer supply port 48 into the developing container 40. The developer charged in the developer supply cylinder 52 at the second stop position is supplied from the developer supply port 48 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) to the second developer reservoir 44 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) at the first stop position P1. (See FIG. 4). As described above, the developer can be supplied at the second stop position P2, and the developing operation and the discharge of the developer can be performed at P1 at the first stop position. Therefore, a developer (deteriorated developer) containing a large amount of carriers having deteriorated charging performance can be discharged and replaced with a new developer.

Next, a method of controlling the supply and discharge of the developer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows the first embodiment.
6 is a flowchart of developer replenishment and discharge control in FIG. The control flow of replenishment and discharge of the developer shown in FIG. 11 is performed by the program stored in the controller C of FIG. The control flow is started when the power of the image forming apparatus U is turned on. In step ST1, it is determined whether or not the copy start switch has been turned ON. If N (No), step ST1 is repeated. If Y (yes), step ST2
Move on to In step ST2, a test toner image is formed on the image carrier 11. Next step ST3
In step (1), the amount of reflected light of the toner image resulting from the development of the electrostatic image is detected by the toner image density sensor T1, and the controller C receives the light quantity and determines whether the toner image density is high or low. The determination is made by comparing the detected toner image density with a reference toner image density preset in the memory of the program. As a result of the determination, if the detected toner image density is lower than the reference toner image density, that is, if N (No), the process proceeds to step ST4, and if Y (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST6. In step ST4, a developer supply amount (driving time of the developer supply device J1) corresponding to the difference between the detected toner image density and the reference toner image density is calculated.

Next, in step ST5, the calculated amount of the developer is supplied into the developing container 40. To supply the developer, the developer units Dy to Dk are moved from the first stop position P1 to the second stop position P2, and the developer supply motor M1 is driven to rotate for a predetermined time so that the developer is supplied to the developer supply cylinder 52. And then moves to the first stop position P1 to transfer the developer in the developer supply cylinder 52 from the developer supply port 48 to the developer container 4.
This is done by replenishing within 0. After the replenishment of the developer, the developing units Dy to Dk are rotated from the second stop position P2 to the first stop position P1. Next, the process returns to step ST2. Next, in step ST6, based on the difference between the set copy number input from the copy set number input key UIb (see FIG. 10) and the copy number counted in the controller C, the remaining copy number becomes 10 It is determined whether the number is less than the number of sheets. In the case of N (No), the process proceeds to step ST7 to make another 10 copies, and returns to step ST2. In the case of Y (yes), the process proceeds to step ST8, and the copying operation is completed by copying the remaining number of copies, and the process proceeds to step S8.
Move to T9. In step ST9, the toner consumption (actual value) is calculated from the integrated value of the laser writing dot number T2a output from the laser writing image data output device T2. Next, in step ST10, the replenishment amount (actual value) of the developer corresponding to the calculated toner consumption amount is converted and calculated.

In step ST11, an amount of the developer corresponding to the calculated amount of the supplied developer is supplied to the auger 82.
Is driven to discharge. The auger 82 is driven by an auger clutch drive circuit D controlled by the controller C.
This is performed by energizing and connecting the auger clutch CL4 with 4. Since the discharge amount of the developer is determined by the drive amount of the auger 82 (the product of the rotation speed and the drive time), it can be controlled by the connection time of the auger clutch CL4. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step ST12, in which the auger clutch CL4 is disengaged, and the driving of the auger 82 is stopped. Finally, in step ST13, the replenishment amount (actual value) of the developer calculated and calculated in step ST10 is reset, the process returns to step ST1, and the control is ended.

By the above operation, the toner amount consumed in one copy operation and the carrier amount corresponding thereto are replaced. As a result, the new and old developers can be replaced at a fixed ratio, and the development performance can be maintained.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply device according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view (side view) taken along the line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13 and corresponds to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of the developer storage container, which is a cross-sectional view (plan view) taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 13 and corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a developer supply and discharge control portion of the copying machine main body according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 10 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the two-component developer is replenished in two systems: a toner replenishing device and a two-component developer containing a carrier or a carrier (hereinafter abbreviated as a carrier). The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the point and the timing of discharging the developer, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment.

That is, the developer supply device J1 of the first embodiment
, A toner replenishing device J21 and a carrier replenishing device J22 are provided. And the toner replenishing device J
21 and the carrier replenishing device J22 have substantially the same components as those of the developer replenishing device J1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the reference numerals of the elements in the first embodiment are denoted by “′” and “″”, respectively, to represent the corresponding components of the toner replenishing device J21 and the carrier replenishing device J22. In FIG. 12, a toner supply port 48 'and a carrier supply port 48 "having the same shape and configuration as the developer supply port 48 in the first embodiment are provided in the developing reservoir 44 of the developing container 40.
Are arranged in parallel on the upper surface of the. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.
Is the same as Therefore, reference numerals 41 to 45, 47, 48 '
From the elements indicated by 48 ″ and 49, 50, the developing container 40 (41 to 45 + 47 + 48 ′ + 4
8 "+ 49 + 50).

In FIG. 16, the gear G5 of each of the developing units Dy to Dk is the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG.
At a stop position (development position and developer discharge position) P1, the gear G6 is engaged, and at a second stop position (toner and carrier supply position) P2, the gear G6 'is engaged. The rotation of the gear G5 is transmitted from the gear G1 to the gear G0 or G2. The rotation of the gear G2 is determined by the gears G3 ', G
3 "and G4. The rotation of the gear G3 'rotates the toner conveying screw rotating shaft 53'.
The rotation of 3 "rotates the rotation shaft 53" of the toner conveying screw. The rotation of the gear G4 is transmitted to a discharge auger rotating shaft 82a via a discharge auger clutch CL4.

In FIG. 13, a rotary cylindrical member 71 which rotates integrally with the rotary plate 37 has four axially distributed fitting holes (X-axis direction in FIG. 13, hereinafter the same). Four fitting holes 71a "similar to 71a 'are opened, and four toner supply cylinders 52' and 4
The toner replenishing cylinder 52 ′ and the carrier replenishing cylinder 52 ″ are arranged adjacent to the outer and inner sides of the rotary cylindrical member 71 in the radial direction. The toner transport screw rotating shaft 53 'is disposed in each of the toner supply cylinders 52', and the carrier transport screw rotating shaft 5 is located in each of the carrier supply cylinders 52 ".
3 "is arranged.

14 and 15, the developer storage container 73 mounted on the upper end surface of the fixed cylindrical member 72 is
The toner storage container 73 'is divided into a toner storage container 73' and a carrier storage container 73 ", and is covered with a common cover 76. The toner storage container 73 'includes Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). , K (black), and toner storage portions 73 y ′, 73 m ′, 73 c ′, and 73 k ′. The carrier storage container 73 ″ contains Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C ( It is divided into carrier accommodating portions 73y ", 73m", 73c ", and 73k" for accommodating carriers to be mixed with four color toners of cyan (C) and black (K).

The toner storage sections 73y ', 73m', 7
A toner supply member 74 'is provided below each of 3c' and 73k '. The toner replenishing member 74 'is composed of a toner replenishing member shaft 74a' and a toner replenishing screw 74b 'fixed around the shaft.
5 'is attached. Each of the gears 75 'is configured so that the rotational force from the toner supply motor M1' is switched and transmitted via a power transmission device (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

Each of the carrier accommodating portions 73y ″, 73m ″,
A carrier replenishing member 74 "is provided below each of 73c" and 73k ". The carrier replenishing member 74" includes a carrier replenishing member shaft 74a "and a carrier replenishing screw 74b" fixed around the shaft. A gear 75 "is mounted on the right end of the carrier supply member shaft 74a".

Then, from the toner storage container 73 ′ and the carrier storage container 73 ″, each of the toner supply cylinders 5
The toner replenishing element and the carrier replenishing element for replenishing the toner and the carrier to the 2 'and the carrier replenishing cylinder 52 "are constituted by the same elements as the two-component developer replenishing element of the first embodiment. Has been
Elements for toner replenishment are denoted by “′” to the reference symbols of the developer replenishment elements of the first embodiment, and elements for carrier replenishment are denoted by “″”, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Reference numerals 52 'to 55', 71 to 73, 7
4 ', 75', 76, D0, D1, M0, M1 ', G6, G
From the elements denoted by 6 ', G5, G1, G2, G3', the toner replenishing device J21 of the second embodiment.
~ 55 '+ 71-73 + 74' + 75 '+ 76 + D0 +
D1 + M0 + M1 '+ G6 + G6' + G5 + G1 + G2 + G
3 '). Further, the reference numerals 52 ″ to 5 ″
5 ", 71-73, 74", 75 ", 76, D0, D1,
From the elements indicated by M0, M1 ", G6, G6 ', G5, G1, G2, G3", the carrier replenishing device J22 (52 "to 55") is used.
+71 to 73 + 74 "+75" + 76 + D0 + D1 + M0
+ M1 "+ G6 + G6 '+ G5 + G1 + G2 + G3"). And the reference numerals 40, J21, J22, R0-
From the element indicated by R2, the developing units Dy and D
m, Dc, Dk (40 + CL0 + G0 + J21 + J22 + R0-R
2) is configured.

In FIG. 16, a discharged developer amount detecting means T3 is added as an input to the controller C. The discharged developer amount detecting means T3 includes an auger rotating shaft 8
The amount of discharged developer is detected by the detected value of the rotation amount (rotation speed and rotation time) of 2a. The controller C drives the toner supply motor M1 'via a toner supply motor drive circuit D1', and the rotational force of the driven toner supply motor M1 'is transmitted to the toner supply member shaft via the gear 75'. 74a '.
Similarly, the controller C drives the carrier supply motor M1 "through a carrier supply motor drive circuit D1", and the rotational force of the driven carrier supply motor M1 "is supplied through the gear 75". Member shaft 74
a ". The torque of the gear G2 is transmitted to the toner conveying screw rotating shaft 53 'via the gear G3'.
The rotation force from the gear G2 is transmitted to the toner conveying screw rotation shaft 53 ". Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Operation of Second Embodiment) Next, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a second embodiment of the developing apparatus of the present invention having the above-described structure will be described.
The operation of will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the developer supply and discharge control in the second embodiment. The developing operations performed by the developing units Dy to Dk at the first stop position (developing position, developer discharging position) P1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the developing devices Dy to Dk move to the first stop position,
When stopped, the gear G6 meshes with the gear G5 of the developing devices Dy to Dk, and the torque is transmitted to the gear G5. When the rotation of the gear G5 is transmitted to the gears G1 and G2, the developer conveying members R1 and R2 rotate to stir the developer in the developing container. Further, the controller C operates the developing roll clutch CL0 to rotate the developing roll R0.
The developer adhered to the surface of the developing roll R0 becomes a uniform layer by the layer thickness regulating member 47. The subsequent developing operation is the same as in the first embodiment. In the case of the developer discharge, the same as in the first embodiment, the controller C operates the auger 82 at the first stop position (developer discharge position) P1.
Is rotated to discharge the developer from the developer discharge port 49 of the developer container 40, and discharge and collect the developer from the developer recovery port 81 to the developer recovery container 83. Also, the gears G3 ', G
By the rotation of 3 ", the toner conveying screw rotating shaft 53 '
Then, the carrier transport screw rotating shaft 53 ′ rotates, and the toner in the toner replenishing cylinder 52 ′ and the carrier in the carrier replenishing cylinder 52 ″ enter the developing container 40 from the toner replenishing port 48 ′ and the carrier replenishing port 48 ″. Replenished.

When the developing units Dy to Dk move to the second stop position (developer supply position) P2 (see FIG. 12) and stop, the gears G5 of the developing units Dy to Dk mesh with the gear G6 '. . At this time, the rotation of the developing roll motor M0 driven by the developing roll motor driving circuit D0 is transmitted from the gear G6 'to the gears G5 of the developing devices Dy to Dk at the second stop position. As a result, the developer supply member (R1 + R2) coaxial with the gears G1, G2 rotates. Further, a mounting gear G on the shaft of the developing roll R0 meshing with the gear G1.
0, all of the gears G3 ', G3 ", G4 meshing with the gear G2 rotate. The rotation of the toner transport screw rotating shaft 53' connected to the gear G3 and the rotation of the carrier transport screw connected to the gear G3". The shaft 53 "rotates. The auger rotating shaft 82a connected to the gear G4 via the discharge auger clutch CL4 rotates only when the discharge auger clutch CL4 is ON.

Second stop position (developer upstream supply position) P2
The controller C (see FIG. 16) drives the toner supply motor M1 'in order to supply the toner to the developing units Dy to Dk stopped at this time. The rotational force generated by the driving is applied to the toner supply member rotating shaft 74a 'in the toner storage container 73'.
Is transmitted to the gear 75 'fixed to the gear 75'. This allows
The toner supply screw 74b '(see FIG. 15) rotates integrally with the toner supply member rotation shaft 74a', and conveys the toner in the toner storage portion 73y 'and drops it into the toner drop hole 73a'. Then, the dropped toner is carried into the toner replenishing cylinder 52 'by natural fall through the vertical hole 72a', the radial carrying hole 71b ', and the toner carrying hole 55'. Further, the controller C drives the carrier replenishing motor M1 "to transmit a rotational force to the gear 75" of the carrier storage container 73 "so that the carrier replenishing member rotating shaft 74a" and the carrier replenishing screw 7 are rotated.
4b ". The carrier in the carrier accommodating portion 73y" is conveyed, and the carrier drop hole 7 is rotated.
3a ", the vertical hole 72a", the radial carrying hole 71
b "and drop into the carrier replenishing cylinder 52" through the carrier carrying hole 55 "and carry in.

The developing device Dy stopped at the second stop position P2
The gear G5 of .about.Dk rotates by meshing with the gear G6 '. The rotation of the gear G5 is transmitted to the gears G3 ', G3 "via the gears G1, G2. The gears G3', G3"
The rotation of the toner transport screw rotating shaft 53 'and the carrier transport screw rotating shaft 53' is rotated by the rotation of the toner and the carrier replenishing barrel 52 "in the toner replenishing barrel 52 '.
Is transported to the side of the toner supply port 48 'and the carrier supply port 48 ". However, in the second stop position, the positions of the toner supply port 48' and the carrier supply port 48" are turned sideways ( (See FIG. 12)
Replenishment into the developing container 40 is not performed, and replenishing into the developing container 40 is performed at the first stop position P1.

At the second stop position, the toner supply cylinder 5
When the developing device Dy rotates and stops at the first stop position P1, the toner replenishing cylinder 5 "
The toner is conveyed by a toner conveying screw 54 'in 2' or a carrier conveying screw 54 "in a carrier replenishing cylinder 52", and replenished into the developing container 40 from the toner replenishing port 48 'or the carrier developer replenishing port 48 ". According to the above-described operations, accurate development, developer replenishment or discharge can be performed.

Next, a method for controlling the supply and discharge of the developer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 shows the second embodiment.
6 is a flowchart of developer replenishment and discharge control in FIG. The control flow of replenishment and discharge of the developer shown in FIG. 17 is performed by the program stored in the controller C of FIG. The flow of the developer replenishment and discharge control in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment from step ST1 to step ST9. However, the difference is that what is to be replenished in step ST4 and step ST5 is not the high toner density developer in the first embodiment but a toner. Hereinafter, differences will be mainly described.

The control flow is started when the power of the image forming apparatus U is turned on. Step ST
In step 1, it is determined whether or not the copy start switch is ON. If N (NO), step ST1 is repeated.
If Y (yes), the process moves to step ST2. In step ST2, a test toner image is formed on the image carrier 11. In step ST3, it is determined whether the density of the test toner image is equal to or higher than a specified value. This determination is made based on whether or not the detected toner image density detected by the toner image density sensor T1 is larger than a specified value stored in the controller C. If no (N), step ST4
The process moves to step ST6 if yes (Y).
In step ST4, a toner supply amount (that is, a rotation time of the toner supply member rotating shaft 74a ') is calculated in accordance with the difference between the detected toner image density and the reference toner image density.

Next, in step ST5, the developing units Dy to Dk at the first stop position P1 are moved to the second stop position P2, and then the toner supply motor M1 'is rotated for the time calculated in step ST4. When the replenishment of the toner is completed, the developing units Dy to Dk at the second stop position are moved to the first stop position, and the process returns to step ST2. In step ST6, the set copy number and the copy number are compared to determine whether the remaining copy number is less than 10. In the case of No (N), the process proceeds to step ST7 to copy another 10 sheets, and then returns to step ST2. If yes (Y), step ST8
To step ST, and copy
Move to 9.

Next, in step ST9, the toner consumption is calculated from the integrated value of the number of laser writing dots T2a output from the laser writing image data output device T2. Next,
In step ST10, a developer discharge amount determined according to the calculated toner consumption amount is calculated. The calculation of the developer discharge amount is based on the toner consumption amount stored in the controller C−
This is performed by a developer discharge amount storage table or a calculation formula stored in the controller C. Next, in step ST11, the auger 82 is driven to discharge the calculated amount of the developer. The drive of the auger 82 is performed by energizing and connecting the auger clutch CL4 to the auger clutch CL4 in response to a command from the controller C for a time corresponding to the discharge amount. Next, in step ST21, the carrier discharge amount is calculated. In the second embodiment, this calculation is performed using the detected value of the rotation speed of the auger 82. This calculation can also be performed from the developer discharge amount.

Next, the process proceeds to step ST22, where it is determined whether or not the carrier supply amount is smaller than the discharge amount. Here, the initial value of the carrier supply amount is set to 0. If yes (Y), the process moves to step ST23 to replenish the carrier. That is, the developing devices Dy to Dk at the first stop position P1 are moved to the second stop position P2, the carrier supply motor driving circuit D1 "is operated to drive the carrier supply motor M1", and the carrier supply member shaft 74a is driven. Next, in step ST24, the carrier replenishment amount is integrated. The integration is performed by detecting the amount of rotation (the number of rotations and the drive time) of the carrier transport screw rotating shaft 53 "with an encoder or the like, and This is performed by multiplying by C. Next, the process returns to step ST22. If NO (N) in step ST22, the drive of the carry replenishing member shaft 74a "is stopped in step ST12. Next, in step ST13, the carrier replenishment amount integrated value = 0,
Assuming that the calculated value of the carrier discharge amount is 0, the process proceeds to step ST1.
Return to

By the above operation, the toner amount consumed in one copy operation and the carrier amount corresponding thereto are replaced. In this case, by independently replenishing and replacing the toner and the carrier, each can be accurately replaced at a fixed ratio, and the developing performance can be maintained.

Embodiment 3 Next, Embodiment 3 of the developing device D of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is an overall explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus U including a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, elements corresponding to the elements of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant detailed description will be omitted. The third embodiment is an example in which the developing units Dy to Dk of the first embodiment are applied to a tandem type image forming apparatus U in which the developing units Dy to Dk are arranged in tandem. In FIG. 18, in the third embodiment, since four image carriers 11y to 11k for forming toner images of each color are arranged in tandem, laser writing is performed according to the image carriers 11y to 11k of each color. Apparatus 9y ~
9k, image carriers 11y to 11k, chargers 12y to 12k, developing units Dy to Dk, toner image density sensors T1y to T1k, transfer units 14y to 14k, static eliminators 15y to 15k, and cleaner units 16y to 16k are provided. Have been. Paper tray 1
In the sheet S taken out from the sheet S and conveyed by being attracted to the belt 102, the toner images of the respective colors of the image carriers 11y to 11k are sequentially transferred and fixed by the fixing device 31. 34 is configured to be discharged.

Each of the developing units Dy to Dk is provided with a developer supply cylinder 52 for supplying a developer from the developer storage container 73 to the developer supply port 48 of the developer container 40 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. It has a rotating shaft 53, a developer conveying screw 54 fixed around the rotating shaft 53, and the like, and a developer discharging device 84 similar to that of the first embodiment. Since the developing devices Dy to Dk of the third embodiment do not rotate, the developing operation, the developer replenishing operation, and the developer discharging operation are performed at the positions (developing positions) shown in FIG. The developing units Dy to Dk applied to the image forming apparatus U of the third embodiment can also accurately supply and discharge the developer. In the third embodiment, since the developing devices Dy to Dk are fixedly arranged, the size of the developer discharging device can be increased.
The number of times the discharged developer is carried out to the outside can be reduced.

Embodiment 4 Next, Embodiment 4 of the developing device D of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
9 is an overall explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus U including a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a developing device and a developer discharging device at a developer discharging position according to the fourth embodiment of the developing device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view (side sectional view) of a main part of FIG. Example 4
Has image carriers 11, 11 '. Image carrier 11
An electrostatic latent image is written in the image writing beam Y (yellow) and C (cyan) image writing beams L emitted from an image writing device (laser writing device) (not shown) at the latent image writing position Q1. Further, the latent image writing position Q1 'is placed on the image carrier 11'.
In (2), an electrostatic latent image is written by M (magenta) and K (black) image writing beams L 'emitted from an image writing device (laser writing device) not shown. Around the image carrier 11, a charger 1 is provided along the rotation direction of the image carrier 11.
2. A developing unit Dy for Y (yellow), a developing unit Dc for C (cyan), a static eliminator 15, and a cleaner 16 are arranged.
The developing devices Dy and Dc are retractable developing devices that can rotate around fulcrums Pry and Prc. The developing device Dy develops the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 11 in the developing region Q2y with a Y (yellow) toner image, and the developing device Dc converts the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 11 into the developing region Q2c. Develop with a (cyan) toner image.

Around the image carrier 11 ', the image carrier 11'
A charging device 12 ', a developing device Dm for M (magenta), a developing device Dk for K (black), a static eliminator 15', and a cleaner 16 'are arranged along the rotation direction. The developing units Dm and Dk are:
This is a retractor-type developing device that can rotate around fulcrums Prm and Prk. The developing device Dm is provided for the image carrier 1 in the developing area Q2m.
1 is developed with a Y (yellow) toner image,
The developing device Dk develops the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 11 with a C (cyan) toner image in the developing area Q2k. The image carriers 11 and 11 ′ are rotated at intermediate transfer positions Q 3 ′ and Q 3 ″ around primary transfer rolls 131 and 132 and a backup roll 133.
Is in contact with In the intermediate transfer belt 134, Y (yellow) and M at the intermediate transfer positions Q3 and Q3 '
The (magenta) toner image is transferred, and the C (cyan) and K (black) toner images are transferred in an overlapping manner in the second rotation.

The secondary transfer position Q at which the four color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 134 are transferred to the sheet S
At 3 ", a secondary transfer roll 135 is disposed.
The next transfer roll 135 is held at a position distant from the intermediate transfer belt 134 except at the time of transfer, and is configured to contact the intermediate transfer belt 134 only at the time of transfer. Such a configuration is conventionally known.

In FIG. 20, the configurations of the developing device Dy and the developer supply device J1 (only a part of the developer supply cylinder 52 is shown) are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the developer discharging device 84 of the fourth embodiment, the auger rotating shaft 82a is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the developer supply member (R1 + R2). Thus, the developer is conveyed and discharged from the developer discharge port 49 of the developing container 40 to the right (−Y direction) in the drawing. Therefore, the auger rotating shaft 82
The rotational drive of a is configured to be performed by an auger drive motor M2 separately driven by a drive circuit (not shown) and a power transmission device according to a command from the controller C.
Other components of the developer discharging device 84 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Operation of Embodiment 4) Next, the operation of Embodiment 4 of the developing device of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described. In FIG. 20, the developing device Dy and the developer replenishing device J1
The respective operations of (y) and the development of Y (yellow), the developer replenishment, and the developer discharge in the developer discharge device 84 (y) are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, the developing device Dy
Does not rotate as in the first embodiment, but performs only a small angular displacement around the rotation axis Pry during development, and performs development, developer replenishment and developer discharge at predetermined positions in FIG. Do. When the developer is discharged, the controller C
The developer is driven by the auger motor drive circuit D5y for Y (yellow) to rotate the auger drive motor M2y at a predetermined rotation speed and for a predetermined time in accordance with a command from
0 to the right (−Y axis direction) from the developer discharge port 49 and the developer collection container 83 through the developer collection port 81.
Discharged and collected. The respective operations of development, developer replenishment, and developer discharge in the developing device Dy, the developer replenishing device J1 (y), and the developer discharging device 84 (y) are the same in the three devices of other colors. . With the above action,
Appropriate development and replenishment or discharge of the developer can be performed. In the fourth embodiment, each of the developer discharging devices 84y (,
84m, 84c, and 84k) are fixedly arranged, so that their dimensions can be made large, so that the number of times of discharging the discharged developer to the outside can be reduced. Further, by adjusting the rotation speed of the auger drive motor M2, it is possible to freely use either rapid or low-speed discharge, so that synchronization with other development or developer replenishment operations becomes easy, and the productivity of the entire development device D is reduced. Can be improved.

(Embodiment 5) Next, Embodiment 5 of the developing apparatus D of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 1 is an overall schematic explanatory view of an image forming apparatus U including a developing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is an explanatory view (side sectional view) of a main part of a developing device and a developer discharging device at a developer discharging position according to a fifth embodiment of the developing device of the present invention. The fifth embodiment is an example in which one single-color developing device D is fixedly arranged. In the developer discharging device 84, the auger rotating shaft 82a is perpendicular to the axis of the developer supply member (R1 + R2) (Embodiment 4).
Same as) type. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 22, the (internal) configuration of the developing device D is the same as that of the first embodiment. The developing device D
A developer replenishing device J1 composed of a developer replenishing cylinder 52 (not shown) is arranged above. The developing device D
A developer discharging device 84 is provided on the right side of the image forming apparatus. The configuration of the developer supply device J1 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. The developer discharging device 84 is of a type in which the auger rotating shaft 82a of the developer discharging device 84 is perpendicular to the axis of the developer supply member (R1 + R2), as in the fourth embodiment. The length of the developer discharging device 84 is short, but the developer collecting port 81 is small.
Is larger in the axial (Y-axis) direction.
However, the length of the auger screw 82b is such that the outer edge thereof is at least equal to or less than the circumference, and is in contact with the inner surface of the developer discharge passage 50. The agent is the auger screw 82b
It is configured so that it does not flow out of the part.

The other components of the developer discharging device 84 are the same as those of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the auger rotating shaft 82a is driven to rotate by an auger driving motor M2 which is separately driven via a driving circuit (not shown) and a power transmission device according to a command from the controller C. I have.

(Operation of Embodiment 5) Next, the operation of Embodiment 5 of the developing device of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described. The operations of development, developer replenishment and developer discharge in the developing device D, the developer replenishing device J1 and the developer discharging device 84 will be described with reference to the developing devices Dy, Dm, D in the first embodiment.
Same as c or Dk. At this time, in the developing device D according to the fifth embodiment, the development is performed at a completely fixed position.
Since the developer supply and the developer discharge are performed, the symbols D,
There is no rotational movement, stop and control of the device indicated by J1, 84. At the time of discharging the developer, the auger drive motor M2 is rotated by a predetermined number of revolutions and time via an auger motor drive circuit D5 controlled by the controller C, so that the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port 49 of the developing container 40.
From the developer collecting port 81 to the developer collecting container 83 for collection.

By the above-described operations, accurate development and replenishment or discharge of the developer can be performed. In the fifth embodiment, since the developer discharging device 84 is fixedly arranged, the size thereof can be increased. Alternatively, a large amount of the collected developer can be stored while the length of the developer discharge device 84 is relatively shortened. Therefore, the frequency of discharging the discharged developer to the outside can be reduced. Further, by adjusting the rotation speed of the auger drive motor M2, it is possible to freely use either rapid or low-speed discharge, so that synchronization with other developing or developer replenishment operations becomes easy, and the productivity of the developing device D as a whole is improved. Can be improved.

(Modifications) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but falls within the scope of the present invention described in the appended claims. Thus, various changes can be made. Modified embodiments of the present invention will be exemplified below. (H01) As a toner consumption measuring device, a developer conveying member of a toner replenishing device may be used in addition to the method of measuring and integrating the image density of a document based on the number of laser writing dots and estimating the toner consumption as described in the embodiment. Various types of devices such as a system for detecting the amount of replenishment from the amount of rotation (rotation speed and driving time) of the rotating shaft, a system for measuring the remaining amount of the developer in the developer container, and a method for integrating the number of replacements of the toner cartridge Can be adopted. (H02) As a means for detecting the consumption of toner due to development, a developer density sensor disposed in a developing container may be used instead of the toner image density sensor shown in the embodiment, or both sensors may be used in combination. It is possible. As the developer concentration sensor in the developing container, a magnetic permeability sensor or the like that measures the magnetic permeability of the developer and detects the toner concentration,
It is arranged and used in a developer pool near the developing roll. When both sensors are used together, the toner image density sensor monitors the toner image density level, and then directly monitors the toner density so that the developer density in the developing container in that state is also maintained. , A double concentration maintaining means can be realized. (H03) The present invention can be applied to a case where three or more developing devices are sequentially arranged around one image carrier. (H04) As a developer discharging device used in the present invention,
There is no particular limitation as long as it is a rotating member that can reliably discharge an amount corresponding to the drive signal. For example, in addition to the auger shown in the embodiment, a screw or a spiral tube can be used. (H05) In the flow of developer replenishment and discharge control in the first and second embodiments (FIGS. 11 and 17), generation and density check of a test toner image (ST1 to ST)
Step 7) can be performed every arbitrarily set number of copies instead of every 10 copies. Also ST
The replenishment or discharge of the developer after 8 is performed each time one copy operation is completed, but it is also possible to perform the replenishment or discharge when the set cumulative number of copies is reached.
Also, by storing the cumulative number of copies in that case in the memory of the copier controller, the number of copies can be set across several copying operations. (H06) In the first and second embodiments, the supply and discharge of the developer to and from the developing device can be performed at another stop position.

[0094]

The above-described developing device of the present invention has the following effects. (E01) In a developing device adopting the trickle system, even if the fluidity of the developer, the fluctuation of the toner consumption, or the inclination of the movement of the developing device occur, the supply and discharge of the developer are controlled with good accuracy. Variations in the amount of developer in the developing device can be reduced, and good charging performance (that is, good image quality) can be maintained for a long time. (E02) Since the replacement of the two-component developer is performed according to the toner consumption state and the corresponding deterioration state of the developer, the developer is quickly replaced even when the toner consumption or the developer deterioration is rapid. This can prevent the deterioration of the developing performance. Conversely, when the deterioration is slow, there is no unnecessary replacement, so that waste of the developer can be prevented. (E03) The associated material costs and operations are reduced because the need for developer replacement or maintenance of the developing device is reduced. (E04) It is possible to control the replacement of the developer more precisely, but it can be realized in a mechanically compact manner, so that it can be applied not only to a small copying machine or the like, but also to a monochromatic as well as a color image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus U including a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a developing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view (plan view) of a state in which the developing device of the first embodiment is mounted on a rotating developing device support member.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view (plan sectional view) of a main part of a developer supply member and a developer discharge device of a developing device used in the first embodiment at a second stop position P2.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a developer replenishing device of a developing device.
FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view (side view) taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a developer storage container.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view (plan view) taken along line VII-VII of FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a developer storage container.
7 is a sectional view taken along the line VIIIA-VIIIA in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view taken along the line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view (side sectional view) of a main part of a developing device according to the first embodiment at a first stop position (developing position, developer discharging position), and FIG. 9A is a description of its components; FIG. 9
B is an explanatory diagram of the drive gear.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a developer supply and discharge control unit of the copying machine main body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of developer replenishment and discharge control in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view (side view) taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a developer storage container, and is a cross-sectional view (plan view) taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a developer supply and discharge control unit of the copying machine main body according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of developer replenishment and discharge control in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an overall explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus U including a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an overall explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus U including a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view (side sectional view) of a main part of a developing device and a developer discharging device at a developer discharging position.

FIG. 21 is an overall schematic explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus U including a developing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a developing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view (side sectional view) of a main part of a developing device and a developer discharging device at a developer discharging position.

[Explanation of symbols]

D: developing device, J1: developer replenishing device (52 to 55 + 7)
1 to 76 + D0 + D1 + M0 + M1 + G6 + G6 '+ G5 + G1
+ G2 + G3), J21 ... toner replenishing device (52 'to 55')
+71 to 73 + 74 '+ 75' + 76 + D0 + D1 + M0
+ M1 '+ G6 + G6' + G5 + G1 + G2 + G3 ') J22 ...
Carrier replenishing device (52 "-55" + 71-73 + 7
4 "+75" + 76 + D0 + D1 + M0 + M1 "+ G6 + G
6 '+ G5 + G1 + G2 + G3 ") Q2: developing area, R0: developing roll, (T2 + C): toner consumption detecting means, T3 ...
Means for detecting the amount of discharged developer, 40: developer container, 48: developer supply port, 48 ': toner supply port, 48 ": carrier supply port, 49: developer discharge port, 73: developer storage container, 7
3 ': toner storage container, 81: developer collection container, 82:
Rotating member (auger) for discharging developer, 83: developer collecting container, 84: developer discharging device (81 to 83 + CL4 + G
4), (R1 + R2): developer supply member

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshiharu Suga 2274 Hongo, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A developing device having the following requirements: (A01) a developing roll for conveying a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier to a developing area; the two-component developer; and the developing roll. (A02) a developing container having a toner supply member for supplying the developer therein and having a toner supply port, a carrier supply port, and a developer discharge port; A toner replenishing device for replenishing the toner replenishing port, (A0
3) Toner consumption detecting means for detecting the toner consumption of the developing container; (A04) a two-component developer containing a carrier or a carrier is supplied to the carrier supply port in accordance with the detected toner consumption by the toner consumption detecting means. (A05) The excess developer in the developer container is conveyed by rotating and driving a developer discharging rotary member in accordance with the toner consumption detected by the toner consumption detector.
A developer discharge device that discharges to a developer collection container. 2. A developing device characterized by the following requirements: (B01) a developing roll for transporting a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier to a developing area; the two-component developer; and the developing roll. (B02) a two-component developer in a developer storage container that accommodates a developer supply member that supplies a developer to the developer container and has a developer supply port and a developer discharge port; (B03) a toner consumption detecting means for detecting a toner consumption amount of the developing container,
(B04) The developing device that conveys excess developer in the developing container and discharges it to the developer collecting container by rotating the developer discharging rotary member according to the toner consumption amount detected by the toner consumption detecting means. Discharge device. 3. A developing device having the following requirements: (C01) a developing roll for transporting a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier to a developing area; the two-component developer; and the developing roll. (C02) a developer container that accommodates a developer supply member that supplies a developer to the toner storage container and has a toner supply port, a carrier supply port, and a developer discharge port. A toner replenishing device for replenishing the toner replenishing port, (C0
3) Toner consumption detecting means for detecting the toner consumption of the developing container, and (C04) the developer discharging rotary member is driven to rotate in accordance with the detected toner consumption by the toner consumption detecting means, whereby the developing A developer discharging device that transports the developer in the container and discharges the developer into the developer collecting container; (C05) a discharged developer amount detecting unit that detects a discharged developer amount discharged by the developer discharging device; (C06) A carrier replenishing device for replenishing the carrier replenishing port with a two-component developer containing a carrier or a carrier in accordance with the discharged developer amount detected by the discharged developer amount detecting means. 4. A developing device having the following requirements: (D01) a developing roll for transporting a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier to a developing area; the two-component developer; and the developing roll. A developer container accommodating a developer supply member for supplying the developer to the developer container and having a developer supply port and a developer discharge port; (D02) a toner consumption detecting means for detecting a toner consumption amount of the developer container; A) a developer discharging device that conveys the developer in the developing container and discharges the developer to the developer collecting container by rotating and driving a developer discharging rotary member in accordance with the detected toner consumption of the toner consumption detecting means; (D04) a discharged developer amount detecting means for detecting a discharged developer amount discharged by the developer discharging device;
(D05) A developer replenishing device for replenishing the two-component developer in the developer storage container to the developer replenishing port in accordance with the discharged developer amount detected by the discharged developer amount detecting means. 5. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device has the following requirements: (E01) a constant amount of developer is conveyed and discharged from the developer discharge port corresponding to a driving time. The developer discharging device having a rotating member for discharging a developer. 6. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the following conditions are satisfied: (F01): The height of the upper surface of the developer contained in the developing container is allowed in the developing container. The developer outlet disposed below the lowest point.