JPH11119546A - Developing device, process cartridge and image forming device - Google Patents

Developing device, process cartridge and image forming device

Info

Publication number
JPH11119546A
JPH11119546A JP29330697A JP29330697A JPH11119546A JP H11119546 A JPH11119546 A JP H11119546A JP 29330697 A JP29330697 A JP 29330697A JP 29330697 A JP29330697 A JP 29330697A JP H11119546 A JPH11119546 A JP H11119546A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
developer
contact
developer carrier
elastic
toner
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP29330697A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP3782561B2 (en
Inventor
Yasuyuki Ishii
保之 石井
Shinichi Sasaki
新一 佐々木
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to JP29330697A priority Critical patent/JP3782561B2/en
Priority to US09/167,723 priority patent/US6229979B1/en
Priority to EP98119026A priority patent/EP0908793B1/en
Priority to AU88383/98A priority patent/AU720397B2/en
Priority to DE69821430T priority patent/DE69821430T2/en
Priority to CN98124534A priority patent/CN1114132C/en
Publication of JPH11119546A publication Critical patent/JPH11119546A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3782561B2 publication Critical patent/JP3782561B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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  • Developing For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Developing Agents For Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely prevent toner from being transferred, in the form of fog, to a photoreceptive drum in the direction of the length of a developing sleeve during development, and image density from becoming irregular due to an uneven amount of electrified charge of toner, and to perform the steady, satisfactory formation of a thin toner-layer on the developing sleeve. SOLUTION: In an opening opposite the photoreceptor drum 1 the developing sleeve 5 is provided sidewise, and its both ends are provided with end seal members 19. Toner electrification roller 20 are disposed at both ends of the developing sleeve 5 on the upstream side of a developing part. On the upstream side of it and in counter direction an elastic blade 7 is disposed, and on the further upstream side of it an elastic roller 6 is disposed. By using the toner electrification rollers 20, a bias whose voltage is higher than that used at the start of discharging and whose polarity is the same as that of the toner is applied to the nonmagnetic toner on the developing sleeve from a power source 18 shared with the developing sleeve 5.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、例えば電子写真複
写機、電子写真プリンター等の画像形成装置、該画像形
成装置に具備される現像装置および前記画像形成装置に
着脱自在な少なくとも前記現像装置を含むプロセスカー
トリッジに関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and an electrophotographic printer, a developing device provided in the image forming apparatus, and at least the developing device detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus. And a process cartridge containing the same.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】電子写真方式の画像形成装置において
は、像担持体上に形成した静電潜像を、現像装置により
トナー像として可視化することを行っている。2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier is visualized as a toner image by a developing device.

【０００３】このような現像装置の一つとして、乾式一
成分現像装置が種々提案されまた実用化されている。し
かし、いずれの現像装置でも現像剤担持体上に一成分現
像剤であるトナーの薄層を形成するのは困難である。As one of such developing devices, various dry one-component developing devices have been proposed and put into practical use. However, it is difficult for any developing device to form a thin layer of toner, which is a one-component developer, on a developer carrier.

【０００４】しかるに、画像の解像力、鮮明度等の向上
が求められている現在、トナーの薄層形成方法およびそ
の装置に関する開発は必須となっておりまたこれに対し
ていくつかの方策が提案されている。However, at present, there is a demand for improvements in image resolution, sharpness, and the like, and development of a method and an apparatus for forming a thin layer of toner is indispensable, and several measures have been proposed. ing.

【０００５】例えば、特開昭５４−４３０３８号公報に
て開示されているように、現像剤担持体である現像スリ
ーブに金属、ゴム等の材料からなる規制部材としての弾
性ブレードを当接させ、この弾性ブレードと現像スリー
ブとの当接部の間にトナーを通過させて規制することに
より、現像スリーブ上にトナーの薄層を形成し、かつ当
接部での摩擦でトナーに十分なトリボを付与させるもの
である。For example, as disclosed in JP-A-54-43038, an elastic blade as a regulating member made of a material such as metal or rubber is brought into contact with a developing sleeve as a developer carrying member, By restricting the toner by passing it between the contact portions of the elastic blade and the developing sleeve, a thin layer of the toner is formed on the developing sleeve, and sufficient tribo is applied to the toner by friction at the contact portions. It is to be provided.

【０００６】この場合、上記弾性ブレードにより非磁性
トナーを規制するときには、現像スリーブ上にトナーを
供給するトナー供給部材が別途必要になる。これは、磁
性トナーの場合には現像スリーブ内の磁石の磁力により
現像スリーブ上にトナーを供給できるが、非磁性トナー
の場合にはトナーの供給が行えないためである。In this case, when the non-magnetic toner is regulated by the elastic blade, a toner supply member for supplying the toner onto the developing sleeve is separately required. This is because in the case of magnetic toner, toner can be supplied onto the developing sleeve by the magnetic force of the magnet in the developing sleeve, but in the case of non-magnetic toner, toner cannot be supplied.

【０００７】そこで、図１０に示すような現像装置５０
が提案された。この従来の現像装置５０では、一成分現
像剤として非磁性トナー５３を収容した現像容器５４内
に弾性ブレード５１よりも現像スリーブ５２の回転方向
上流側の位置で現像スリーブ５２に当接するポリウレタ
ンフォーム、スポンジ等からなる発泡体、あるいはファ
ーブラシを用いた弾性ローラ５５を設け、矢印Ｄ方向に
回転させることにより現像スリーブ５２上にトナー５３
を供給している。Therefore, a developing device 50 as shown in FIG.
Was proposed. In this conventional developing device 50, a polyurethane foam that comes into contact with the developing sleeve 52 at a position upstream of the elastic blade 51 in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 52 in a developing container 54 containing a non-magnetic toner 53 as a one-component developer, An elastic roller 55 using a foam made of a sponge or the like or a fur brush is provided.
Has been supplied.

【０００８】この現像スリーブ５２上に供給されたトナ
ー５３は、現像スリーブ５２の回転に伴い弾性ブレード
５１と現像スリーブ５２の当接部に送られて薄層化さ
れ、像担持体である感光体１上の静電潜像の現像に供さ
れる。そして、現像スリーブ５２上の現像に消費されず
に残存したトナー５３は弾性ローラ５５により剥ぎ取ら
れ、かつ上述したように弾性ローラ５５により新たなト
ナー５３が現像スリーブ５２に供給され上述作用を繰り
返す。またこの際、現像スリーブ５２として金属材料の
ものを用いた場合には、弾性ブレード５１として金属薄
板製のものは現像スリーブの磨耗の点で好ましくなく、
良好なトナー薄層を得るためにはウレタン、シリコン等
のゴム材料を用いる必要がある。The toner 53 supplied onto the developing sleeve 52 is sent to the contact portion between the elastic blade 51 and the developing sleeve 52 with the rotation of the developing sleeve 52 to be thinned, and the photosensitive member as an image carrier is formed. 1 for developing the electrostatic latent image. Then, the toner 53 remaining without being consumed in the development on the developing sleeve 52 is peeled off by the elastic roller 55, and new toner 53 is supplied to the developing sleeve 52 by the elastic roller 55 as described above, and the above-described operation is repeated. . At this time, when a metal material is used as the developing sleeve 52, a thin metal plate as the elastic blade 51 is not preferable in terms of abrasion of the developing sleeve.
In order to obtain a good toner thin layer, it is necessary to use a rubber material such as urethane or silicon.

【０００９】このような構成をとることによって、非磁
性トナーの現像スリーブ上への薄層形成を良好に行える
ようになった。By adopting such a constitution, a thin layer of non-magnetic toner can be formed on the developing sleeve.

【００１０】しかしながら、非磁性トナーを用いている
がゆえに、磁性トナーを用い磁界の作用により現像スリ
ーブ表面にトナーを保持しやすい磁性現像装置と比べ、
磁気的な吸着力を用いることができないために、トナー
５３の現像装置５０外への漏れ出しを防止するのが困難
になる。つまり弾性ブレード５１の現像スリーブ５２と
の圧接部を抜け出し十分摩擦帯電されたトナー以外は、
現像スリーブ５１が保持しうる力がないため、現像スリ
ーブ５２の下部や端部近傍からのトナーの外部への漏れ
出し、いわゆるトナー漏れが生じやすく、画像形成装置
内をトナーで汚す不都合を招きやすかった。However, since a non-magnetic toner is used, compared with a magnetic developing device which uses a magnetic toner and easily holds the toner on the surface of a developing sleeve by the action of a magnetic field.
Since magnetic attraction cannot be used, it is difficult to prevent the toner 53 from leaking out of the developing device 50. In other words, except for the toner that has escaped from the pressure contact portion of the elastic blade 51 with the developing sleeve 52 and is sufficiently frictionally charged,
Since there is no force that the developing sleeve 51 can hold, the toner leaks from the lower part and the vicinity of the end of the developing sleeve 52 to the outside, that is, so-called toner leakage is likely to occur, and the inconvenience of contaminating the inside of the image forming apparatus with the toner is likely to occur. Was.

【００１１】このためこの現像容器５４下部のトナー回
収部分には現像スリーブ５２に対し軽圧当接した可撓性
のシール部材５６を設け、未現像トナーの通過を許容す
るとともに現像容器５４内のトナー５３が現像容器５４
の下部から漏出するのを防止しており、さらに現像スリ
ーブ５２端部近傍に別途端部シール部材５７を設けてい
る。For this reason, a flexible seal member 56 is provided at the lower part of the developing container 54 at a small pressure contact with the developing sleeve 52 so as to allow undeveloped toner to pass therethrough. When the toner 53 is in the developing container 54
And an end seal member 57 is separately provided near the end of the developing sleeve 52.

【００１２】図１１は図１０の現像装置５０を感光体１
の方向から見た図であり、説明の都合上現像スリーブ５
２を不図示とし、弾性ブレード５１の現像スリーブ５２
に対する当接ニップを斜線で示してある。FIG. 11 shows the developing device 50 of FIG.
, The developing sleeve 5 for convenience of explanation.
2, the developing sleeve 52 of the elastic blade 51
The contact nip for is indicated by diagonal lines.

【００１３】図１１に示したように、現像スリーブ５２
の両端部と現像容器５４開口部の間隙に羊毛フェルト、
テフロンパイル等繊維材料やポリウレタンフォーム、ス
ポンジゴム等の材料からなる端部シール部材５７を設
け、現像容器５４と現像スリーブ５２の長手方向両端部
間からのトナーの漏れ出しを防止し、さらに図１０に示
したように弾性ブレード５１両端部を現像スリーブ５２
と端部シール部材５７間に挾持させることによって（す
なわち端部シール部材５７によって弾性ブレード５１の
現像スリーブ５２当接部の裏面側から方向に押さえ付け
ることによって）現像ブレード５１の両端部からのトナ
ーの漏れを防止している。[0013] As shown in FIG.
Wool felt in the gap between both ends of the
An end sealing member 57 made of a fiber material such as Teflon pile or a material such as polyurethane foam or sponge rubber is provided to prevent leakage of the toner from between the longitudinal ends of the developing container 54 and the developing sleeve 52. As shown in FIG.
And between the end seal member 57 (i.e., by pressing the elastic blade 51 in the direction from the back side of the contact portion of the elastic blade 51 with the developing sleeve 52) by the end seal member 57. To prevent leaks.

【００１４】[0014]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、この従
来の構成では、シール性を確保するために所定値以上の
圧力で端部シール部材５７を現像スリーブ５２に圧接す
る必要があり、現像スリーブ５２と端部シール部材５７
間に挾持された弾性ブレード５１がその両端部の現像ス
リーブ５２とのニップ部から先端部にわたって現像スリ
ーブ５２周面に沿うがごとく変形してしまう。However, in this conventional structure, it is necessary to press the end seal member 57 against the developing sleeve 52 with a pressure not lower than a predetermined value in order to ensure the sealing performance. End sealing member 57
The elastic blade 51 sandwiched therebetween is deformed along the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 52 from the nip portion with the developing sleeve 52 at both ends to the front end.

【００１５】その結果、弾性ブレード５１両端部の長手
方向内側が浮き上がり気味になり、この部分の現像スリ
ーブ５２上に形成される現像剤層が他の部分に比べて過
大になり、それ故トナー５３の帯電が低下し結果的に現
像スリーブ５２長手方向で帯電が不均一になり、現像動
作時に現像スリーブ５２に現像バイアスとして電圧を印
加した際に現像スリーブ５２両端部から感光体１へトナ
ー５３がカブリとして転移したり、この部分でトナー５
３が飛散または漏れたり、さらに現像スリーブ５２上の
トナーの帯電電荷量の不均一による画像濃度ムラが発生
する問題が生じた。As a result, the inside of the elastic blade 51 at both ends in the longitudinal direction tends to rise, and the developer layer formed on the developing sleeve 52 in this portion becomes excessively large as compared with other portions, and therefore the toner 53 is formed. As a result, the charging becomes uneven in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 52, and when a voltage is applied as a developing bias to the developing sleeve 52 during the developing operation, the toner 53 is applied to the photosensitive member 1 from both ends of the developing sleeve 52. Transferred as fog, and toner 5
3 is scattered or leaked, and further, there is a problem that image density unevenness occurs due to uneven charge amount of toner on the developing sleeve 52.

【００１６】この問題を解決するために、弾性ブレード
の両端部に斜めカットを設けたものが提案されている。To solve this problem, there has been proposed an elastic blade having oblique cuts at both ends.

【００１７】つまり、図１２に示すように弾性ブレード
５８の現像スリーブ５２との当接ニップ部の現像スリー
ブ回転方向最下流点から弾性ブレード５８の先端までの
距離を、弾性ブレード５８長手方向両端近傍部で側端部
に向かって連続的に短くし、かつ少なくても弾性ブレー
ド５８側端部における先端部は当接ニップ内にあるよう
に形成した。That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the distance from the most downstream point of the elastic blade 58 to the developing sleeve 52 in the rotational direction of the developing sleeve in the contact nip portion with the developing sleeve 52 is set to be equal to the length of the elastic blade 58 near both ends in the longitudinal direction. The portion is continuously shortened toward the side end, and at least the tip at the elastic blade 58 side end is formed so as to be within the contact nip.

【００１８】これによって、弾性ブレード５８両端部の
長手方向内側が浮き上がり気味になり、またこの部分の
現像スリーブ５２上に形成される現像剤層が他の部分に
比べて過大になったとしても、当接ニップが小さく、か
つエッジ当接ぎみになるため、現像スリーブ５２および
弾性ブレード５８両端部におけるトナー漏れを防止しつ
つ、現像スリーブ５２上に非磁性トナーの薄層を良好に
形成することができ、像担持体としての感光体１上の静
電潜像を良好に現像することが可能となった。As a result, the inside of the elastic blade 58 at both ends in the longitudinal direction tends to rise, and even if the developer layer formed on the developing sleeve 52 in this portion becomes excessively large compared to other portions, Since the abutment nip is small and the edge abuts, it is possible to form a thin layer of non-magnetic toner on the development sleeve 52 satisfactorily while preventing toner leakage at both ends of the development sleeve 52 and the elastic blade 58. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1 as an image carrier can be favorably developed.

【００１９】しかしながら、この現像装置を用いて現像
動作を多数回繰り返すと、弾性ブレード５８両端部は当
接ニップが小さくなるため中央部の当接ニップ圧に比べ
面積当たりの圧が大きくなり、トナー５３が弾性ブレー
ド５８の端部近傍のニップ部に狭くなりやすくなる。ニ
ップ部両端はトナー５３が挟まったことにより、弾性ブ
レード５８が持ち上げられ、トナー層がスジ状に徐々に
厚く形成され、現像スリーブ５２への電気的付着力（鏡
映力）が低下し、感光体１へトナー５３がカブリとして
転移したり、トナー５３が現像スリーブ５２表面から外
部にこぼれ落ち、画像形成装置内を著しく汚してしまう
いわゆるトナー漏れが発生してしまう問題を招いた。However, when the developing operation is repeated a number of times using this developing device, the contact nip at both ends of the elastic blade 58 becomes smaller, so that the pressure per area becomes larger than the contact nip pressure at the center, and the toner 53 tends to become narrow at the nip near the end of the elastic blade 58. The elastic blade 58 is lifted by the toner 53 being sandwiched between both ends of the nip portion, and the toner layer is gradually thickened in a streak shape, so that the electric adhesion (mirror) to the developing sleeve 52 is reduced, and the photosensitive layer is exposed to light. The toner 53 is transferred to the body 1 as fogging, and the toner 53 spills out of the surface of the developing sleeve 52 to the outside, so that the so-called toner leakage that significantly contaminates the inside of the image forming apparatus is caused.

【００２０】また、弾性ブレード５８両端部の斜めカッ
ト部分には、現像スリーブ５２の回転に伴い送られてき
たトナー５３が堆積しており、このトナー５３は現像動
作を多数回繰り返していくと先端側の面を端部方向に伝
わっていく。そして、この先端側の面を伝わったトナー
５３は端部シール部材５７と現像スリーブ５２と弾性ブ
レード５８両端部のわずかな隙間から入り込む。この結
果端部シール部材５７の現像スリーブ５２に当接する表
面が徐々にトナー５３により覆われ、シール部材５７と
現像スリーブ５２の摺擦で現像スリーブ５２が削れる。
現像スリーブ５２の削れはトナー５３の電荷付与を低下
させ、現像スリーブ５２への電気的付着力（鏡映力）が
低下し、感光体１へトナー５３がカブリとして転移した
り、トナー５３が現像スリーブ５２表面から外部にこぼ
れ落ち、画像形成装置内を著しく汚してしまう。The toner 53 sent along with the rotation of the developing sleeve 52 is deposited on the oblique cut portions at both ends of the elastic blade 58, and the toner 53 becomes the leading end when the developing operation is repeated many times. On the side surface toward the end. Then, the toner 53 transmitted along the front end surface enters through a slight gap between the end seal member 57, the developing sleeve 52, and both ends of the elastic blade 58. As a result, the surface of the end seal member 57 that comes into contact with the developing sleeve 52 is gradually covered with the toner 53, and the developing sleeve 52 is scraped by the sliding friction between the seal member 57 and the developing sleeve 52.
The scraping of the developing sleeve 52 reduces the charge application of the toner 53, the electric adhesion (mirror power) to the developing sleeve 52 is reduced, and the toner 53 is transferred to the photosensitive member 1 as fog, or the toner 53 is developed. It spills out from the surface of the sleeve 52 to the outside, and significantly contaminates the inside of the image forming apparatus.

【００２１】このトナーの入り込みは、像担持体から転
写材に不図示の転写手段によって転写する際の転写性に
すぐれ、転写されずに像担持体上に残存した転写残トナ
ーをブレード、ファーブラシ等のクリーニング手段によ
ってクリーニングする際に潤滑性が高いことから像担持
体の摩耗の少ないなどの利点を有するトナー、すなわち
トナーとして球形でありかつ表面が平滑であるもの（形
状係数ＳＦ−１が１００〜１８０であり、形状係数ＳＦ
−２が１００から１４０であるトナー））を用いると特
に流動性が高いがために顕著に見られた。The toner is excellent in transferability when the toner is transferred from the image carrier to the transfer material by a transfer means (not shown), and the untransferred toner remaining on the image carrier without being transferred is transferred to a blade or a fur brush. A toner having an advantage that the image carrier is less worn due to its high lubricity when being cleaned by a cleaning means, such as a toner having a spherical shape and a smooth surface (having a shape factor SF-1 of 100) And the shape factor SF
The use of a toner whose −2 is from 100 to 140) was particularly noticeable because of its high fluidity.

【００２２】従って、本発明の主な目的は、現像剤担持
体の長手方向において、現像時に像担持体へ現像剤がカ
ブリとして転移したり、現像剤の帯電電荷量の不均一に
よる画像濃度ムラの発生を確実に防止するとともに、現
像剤担持体上の現像剤薄層形成を安定して良好に行うこ
とのできる現像装置、該現像装置を備えた画像形成装
置、および少なくとも前記現像装置を有し前記画像形成
装置に着脱自在なプロセスカートリッジを提供すること
である。Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a method in which, in the longitudinal direction of a developer carrying member, the developer transfers to the image carrying member as fog at the time of development, and the image density unevenness due to uneven charge amount of the developer. A developing device capable of reliably preventing generation of toner and forming a thin developer layer on a developer carrier stably, an image forming apparatus including the developing device, and at least the developing device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge which is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

【００２３】本発明の他の目的は、現像剤担持体の長手
方向両端部において、現像時に像担持体へ現像剤がカブ
リとして転移したり、現像剤の飛散や現像剤漏れの原因
であるある未帯電現像剤の発生を確実に防止するととも
に、現像剤担持体上の現像剤薄層形成を安定して良好に
行うことのできる現像装置、該現像装置を備えた画像形
成装置、および少なくとも前記現像装置を有し前記画像
形成装置に着脱自在なプロセスカートリッジを提供する
ことである。Another object of the present invention is to cause the developer to transfer to the image carrier as fog at the time of development at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, to cause the scattering of the developer and the leakage of the developer. A developing device capable of reliably preventing generation of an uncharged developer and stably and favorably forming a thin developer layer on a developer carrier, an image forming apparatus including the developing device, and at least An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge which has a developing device and is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

【００２４】[0024]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的は本発明に係る
現像装置、プロセスカートリッジおよび画像形成装置に
て達成される。要約すれば、本発明は、非磁性一成分現
像剤を収容する現像容器と、前記現像容器の開口部に延
在し回動する現像剤担持体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し
現像剤を介して当接した弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制
部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担
持体の回転方向上流側に当接して設けられた回転可能な
弾性ローラとを有する現像装置において、前記弾性規制
部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担
持体の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流側の前記現像剤担
持体上に圧接弾性部材を設けることを特徴とする現像装
置である。The above object is achieved by a developing device, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, the present invention provides a developing container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier that extends to the opening of the developing container and rotates, and a developer for the developer carrier. An elastic regulating member abutted through a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with a portion of the elastic regulating member that abuts the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the developer carrier; In the developing device having a pressure contact elastic member on the developer carrier on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the developer carrier and upstream of the developing unit with respect to the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier. A developing device is provided.

【００２５】本発明による他の態様によれば、非磁性一
成分現像剤を収容する現像容器と、前記現像容器の開口
部に延在し回動する現像剤担持体と、前記現像剤担持体
に対し現像剤を介して当接した弾性規制部材と、前記弾
性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現
像剤担持体の回転方向上流側に当接して設けられた回転
可能な弾性ローラとを有する現像装置において、前記現
像剤担持体上の長手方向端部に圧接弾性部材を有するこ
とを特徴とする現像装置が提供される。According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier extending at an opening of the developer container and rotating, and the developer carrier. An elastic regulating member contacting the developer carrying member with respect to the rotating member, and a rotation provided in contact with a contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrying member on an upstream side in a rotational direction of the developer carrying member. A developing device having a possible elastic roller, wherein a pressing elastic member is provided at a longitudinal end on the developer carrier.

【００２６】また本発明による他の態様によれば、非磁
性一成分現像剤を収容する現像容器と、前記現像容器の
開口部に延在し回動する現像剤担持体と、前記現像剤担
持体に対し現像剤を介して当接した弾性規制部材と、前
記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前
記現像剤担持体の回転方向上流側に当接して設けられた
回転可能な弾性ローラとを有する少なくとも現像装置と
を一体として画像形成装置本体に着脱自在に装着される
プロセスカートリッジにおいて、前記現像装置は、前記
弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記
現像剤担持体の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流側の前記
現像剤担持体上に設けられた圧接弾性部材を有すること
を特徴とするプロセスカートリッジが提供される。According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the developer container, and a developer carrier. An elastic regulating member that is in contact with the body via a developer, and an elastic regulating member that is provided in contact with a contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier. In a process cartridge detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body integrally with at least a developing device having a rotatable elastic roller, the developing device comprises a contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier. In contrast, there is provided a process cartridge having a press-contact elastic member provided on the developer carrying member on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrying member and on the upstream side of the developing section.

【００２７】さらに本発明による他の態様によれば、非
磁性一成分現像剤を収容する現像容器と、前記現像容器
の開口部に延在し回動する現像剤担持体と、前記現像剤
担持体に対し現像剤を介して当接した弾性規制部材と、
前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し
前記現像剤担持体の回転方向上流側に当接して設けられ
た回転可能な弾性ローラとを有する少なくとも現像装置
とを一体として画像形成装置本体に着脱自在に装着され
るプロセスカートリッジにおいて、前記現像装置は、前
記現像剤担持体上の長手方向端部に圧接弾性部材を有す
ることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジが提供され
る。According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the developing container, and a developer carrying device. An elastic regulating member abutting on the body via the developer,
An image is formed by integrating at least a developing device having a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier. In a process cartridge detachably mounted to the forming apparatus main body, the developing device has a process cartridge provided with a press-contact elastic member at a longitudinal end portion on the developer carrier.

【００２８】また、本発明による他の態様によれば、潜
像が形成される像担持体と、前記潜像を現像する現像装
置とを有し、前記現像装置は、非磁性一成分現像剤を収
容する現像容器と、前記現像容器の開口部に延在し回動
する現像剤担持体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し現像剤を
介して当接した弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制部材の前
記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回
転方向上流側に当接して設けられた回転可能な弾性ロー
ラとを有するする画像形成装置において、前記現像装置
は、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に
対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流
側の前記現像剤担持体上に設けられた圧接弾性部材を有
することを特徴とする画像形成装置が提供される。According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image carrier on which a latent image is formed, and a developing device for developing the latent image, wherein the developing device is a non-magnetic one-component developer. , A developer carrier extending at the opening of the developer container and rotating, an elastic regulating member abutting on the developer carrier via a developer, and the elastic regulating member An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with a portion of the developer carrier that is in contact with the developer carrier in a rotation direction upstream side of the developer carrier. A pressure contact elastic member provided on the developer carrying member on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrying member and on the upstream side of the developing portion with respect to a contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrying member. Is provided.

【００２９】さらに本発明による他の態様によれば、潜
像が形成される像担持体と、前記潜像を現像する現像装
置とを有し、前記現像装置は、非磁性一成分現像剤を収
容する現像容器と、前記現像容器の開口部に延在し回動
する現像剤担持体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し現像剤を
介して当接した弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制部材の前
記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回
転方向上流側に当接して設けられた回転可能な弾性ロー
ラとを有するする画像形成装置において、前記現像装置
は、前記現像剤担持体上の長手方向端部に圧接弾性部材
を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置が提供される。According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image carrier on which a latent image is formed, and a developing device for developing the latent image, wherein the developing device comprises a non-magnetic one-component developer. A developer container to be housed, a developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the developer container, an elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier via a developer, and an elastic regulating member. An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with an abutting portion of the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier. There is provided an image forming apparatus having a press-contact elastic member at a longitudinal end on a developer carrier.

【００３０】上記各本発明において、前記圧接弾性部材
は、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に
対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流
側の前記現像剤担持体上に設けることが好ましい。前記
圧接弾性部材によって前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤に対
し放電開始電圧以上でかつ前記現像剤と同極性のバイア
スを印加することが好ましい。前記圧接弾性部材はロー
ラ形状であることが好ましい。前記圧接弾性部材は前記
現像剤担持体に対し従動または同周速であることが好ま
しい。前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体上の現像剤
担持部と現像剤非担持部の双方に配置されていることが
好ましい。前記圧接弾性部材は前記弾性規制部材の前記
現像剤担持体との当接部両端部における前記現像剤担持
体円周方向に位置することが好ましい。In each of the above-mentioned inventions, the pressure contact elastic member is arranged such that the elastic regulating member is located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier and the upstream side of the developing section with respect to the contact portion of the elastic carrier with the developer carrier. It is preferably provided on the agent carrier. It is preferable that a bias having a voltage equal to or higher than a discharge starting voltage and having the same polarity as the developer is applied to the developer on the developer carrier by the press-contact elastic member. It is preferable that the pressing elastic member has a roller shape. It is preferable that the press-contact elastic member is driven or has the same peripheral speed as the developer carrier. It is preferable that the pressure-contact elastic member is disposed on both the developer carrying portion and the developer non-bearing portion on the developer carrying member. It is preferable that the pressing elastic member is located in the circumferential direction of the developer carrier at both ends of the elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier.

【００３１】[0031]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明に係る現像装置、プ
ロセスカートリッジおよび画像形成装置を図面に則して
更に詳しく説明する。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a developing device, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

【００３２】実施例１ 以下に本発明の実施例１を図１から図８に基づいて説明
する。Embodiment 1 Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

【００３３】図１に示す本実施例の画像形成装置におい
て、像担持体としての感光ドラム１は、矢印Ａ方向に回
転し、感光ドラム１を帯電処理するための帯電装置２に
よって一様に帯電され、感光ドラム１に静電潜像を書き
込む露光手段であるレーザ光３により、その表面に静電
潜像が形成される。In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier rotates in the direction of arrow A, and is uniformly charged by a charging device 2 for charging the photosensitive drum 1. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the laser beam 3 serving as an exposure unit for writing the electrostatic latent image.

【００３４】この静電潜像を感光ドラム１に対して近接
配置され、プロセスカートリッジとして、画像形成装置
本体に対し着脱可能である現像装置４によって現像し、
トナー像として可視化する。なお、本実施例では露光部
にトナー像を形成するいわゆる反転現像を行っている。This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 4 which is disposed close to the photosensitive drum 1 and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body as a process cartridge.
Visualize as a toner image. In this embodiment, so-called reversal development for forming a toner image on an exposed portion is performed.

【００３５】可視化された感光ドラム１上のトナー像
は、転写ローラ９によって記録媒体である紙１３に転写
され、転写されずに感光ドラム１上に残存した転写残ト
ナーはクリーニングブレード１０により掻き取られ廃ト
ナー容器１１に収納され、クリーニングされた感光ドラ
ム１は上述作用を繰り返し画像形成を行う。The visualized toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred by a transfer roller 9 to a recording medium paper 13, and the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 without being transferred is scraped off by a cleaning blade 10. The photosensitive drum 1 stored and cleaned in the waste toner container 11 repeats the above operation to form an image.

【００３６】一方トナー像を転写された紙１３は定着装
置１２により定着処理され、装置外に排紙されプリント
動作を終了する。On the other hand, the paper 13 to which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to a fixing process by the fixing device 12, discharged outside the device, and the printing operation is completed.

【００３７】本実施例の現像装置４について図２に基づ
いてさらに説明する。The developing device 4 of this embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG.

【００３８】図２において、現像装置４は、一成分現像
剤として非磁性トナー８を収容した現像容器１４と、現
像容器１４内の長手方向に延在する開口部に位置し感光
ドラム１と対向設置された現像剤担持体としての現像ス
リーブ５とを備え、感光ドラム１上の静電潜像を現像し
て可視化するようになっている。In FIG. 2, a developing device 4 is located at a longitudinally extending opening in the developing container 14 containing a non-magnetic toner 8 as a one-component developer and faces the photosensitive drum 1. A developing sleeve 5 is provided as a developer carrier, and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed and visualized.

【００３９】現像スリーブ５は、上記開口部にて図に示
す右略半周面を現像容器１４内に突入し、左略半周面を
現像容器１４外に露出して横設されている。この現像容
器１４外へ露出した面は、現像装置４の図中左方に位置
する感光ドラム１にわずかな微小間隔を有して対向して
いる。The developing sleeve 5 is provided laterally with the substantially right half circumferential surface shown in the drawing protruding into the developing container 14 at the opening, and the substantially left half circumferential surface exposed outside the developing container 14. The surface exposed to the outside of the developing container 14 faces the photosensitive drum 1 located on the left side of the developing device 4 in FIG.

【００４０】現像スリーブ５は矢印Ｂ方向に回転駆動さ
れ、またその表面は、トナー８との摺擦確率を高くし、
かつ、トナー８の搬送を良好に行うための適度な凹凸を
有している。本実施例の現像スリーブ５は、直径１６ｍ
ｍのアルミニウム製スリーブ表面にガラスビーズ（＃６
００）による定形ブラスト処理を施し、表面粗さＲｚが
約３μｍとしたものを用い、感光ドラム１との間隙が３
００μｍになるように対向し、感光ドラム１の周速５０
ｍｍ／ｓに対して若干早めた周速８０ｍｍ／ｓで回転さ
せている。The developing sleeve 5 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow B, and the surface thereof has a high probability of rubbing with the toner 8.
In addition, the toner 8 has appropriate irregularities for excellent conveyance of the toner 8. The developing sleeve 5 of this embodiment has a diameter of 16 m.
glass beads (# 6)
00), the surface roughness Rz of which is about 3 μm, and the gap with the photosensitive drum 1 is 3 mm.
And the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 1 is 50 μm.
It is rotated at a peripheral speed of 80 mm / s, which is slightly faster than mm / s.

【００４１】この現像スリーブ５両端部からのトナー漏
れを防止するために、端部シール部材１９が現像容器開
口部に設けられ、現像スリーブ５の両端部をシールして
いる。In order to prevent the toner from leaking from both ends of the developing sleeve 5, end sealing members 19 are provided at the opening of the developing container to seal both ends of the developing sleeve 5.

【００４２】現像スリーブ５の上方位置には、ウレタ
ン、シリコン等のゴム材料か、バネ弾性を有するＳＵＳ
またはリン青銅の金属薄板を基体とし、現像スリーブ５
への当接面側にゴム材料を接着したもの等からなる弾性
ブレード７が、ブレード支持板金１５に支持され、自由
端側の先端近傍を現像スリーブ５の外周面に面接触にて
当接するように設けられており、その当接方向として
は、当接部に対して先端側が現像スリーブ５の回転方向
上流側に位置するいわゆるカウンター方向になってい
る。A rubber material such as urethane or silicon or a SUS having spring elasticity is provided above the developing sleeve 5.
Alternatively, using a phosphor bronze metal sheet as a base,
An elastic blade 7 made of a material such as a rubber material adhered to the contact surface side of the developing sleeve 5 is supported by the blade supporting metal plate 15 so that the vicinity of the free end is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 5. The contact direction is a so-called counter direction in which the leading end side with respect to the contact portion is located on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 5.

【００４３】本実施例の弾性ブレード７は、厚さ１．０
ｍｍの板状のウレタンゴムをブレード支持板金１５に接
着した構成になっており、現像スリーブ５に対する当接
圧は、２３〜３５ｇ／ｃｍ（線圧の測定は、摩擦係数が
既知の金属薄板を３枚当接部に挿入し、中央の１枚をば
ねばかりで引き抜いた値から換算した。）に設定した。The elastic blade 7 of this embodiment has a thickness of 1.0
mm plate-shaped urethane rubber is adhered to the blade supporting metal plate 15. The contact pressure against the developing sleeve 5 is 23 to 35 g / cm (the linear pressure is measured by using a thin metal plate having a known friction coefficient. Three sheets were inserted into the abutting portion, and one in the center was converted from the value obtained by pulling out with a spring only.)

【００４４】弾性ローラ６は、弾性ブレード７の現像ス
リーブ５表面との当接部に対し現像スリーブ５の回転方
向上流側に当接され、かつ回転可能に支持されている。
この構造としては、発泡骨格状スポンジ構造や芯金上に
レーヨン、ナイロン等の繊維を植毛したファーブラシ構
造のものが、現像スリーブ５へのトナー８の供給および
未現像トナーの剥ぎ取りの点から好ましく、本実施例に
おいては、芯金６ａ上にポリウレタンフォームを設けた
直径１２ｍｍの弾性ローラ６を用いた。この弾性ローラ
６の現像スリーブ５に対する当接幅としては、１〜８ｍ
ｍが有効で、また現像スリーブ５に対してその当接部に
おいて相対速度を持たせることが好ましく、本実施例に
おいては、当接幅を３ｍｍに設定し、弾性ローラ６の周
速として現像動作時に５０ｍｍ／ｓ（現像スリーブ５と
の相対速度は１３０ｍｍ／ｓ）となるように不図示の駆
動手段により所定タイミングで回転駆動させた。The elastic roller 6 is in contact with the contact portion of the elastic blade 7 with the surface of the developing sleeve 5 on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 5 and is rotatably supported.
As this structure, a foamed skeleton sponge structure or a fur brush structure in which fibers such as rayon and nylon are planted on a cored bar are used in terms of supplying the toner 8 to the developing sleeve 5 and removing undeveloped toner. Preferably, in the present embodiment, an elastic roller 6 having a diameter of 12 mm in which a polyurethane foam is provided on a cored bar 6a is used. The contact width of the elastic roller 6 with the developing sleeve 5 is 1 to 8 m.
m is effective, and it is preferable to provide a relative speed to the developing sleeve 5 at the contact portion thereof. In this embodiment, the contact width is set to 3 mm, and the developing operation is performed as the peripheral speed of the elastic roller 6. Occasionally, it was driven to rotate at a predetermined timing by driving means (not shown) so as to be 50 mm / s (the relative speed with respect to the developing sleeve 5 was 130 mm / s).

【００４５】図３は図２の現像装置４を感光体１方向か
ら見た図であり、説明の都合上現像スリーブ５を不図示
としている。FIG. 3 is a view of the developing device 4 of FIG. 2 viewed from the direction of the photosensitive member 1, and the developing sleeve 5 is not shown for convenience of explanation.

【００４６】弾性ブレード７において、図３に示したよ
うに、図中斜線部で示した部分は現像スリーブ５との当
接ニップである。弾性ブレード７の端部はシール性を確
保するためには所定値以上の圧力で端部シール部材１９
を現像スリーブ５に圧接する必要があり、現像スリーブ
５と端部シール部材１９間に挟持された弾性ブレード７
は、両端部の現像スリーブ５とのニップ部から先端部に
わたって現像スリーブ５周面に沿うがごとく変形してし
まう。その結果弾性ブレード７両端部の長手方向内側が
浮き上がり気味になり、この部分の現像スリーブ５上に
形成される現像剤層が他の部分に比べて過大になりそれ
故トナー８の帯電が不十分になることがある。In the elastic blade 7, as shown in FIG. 3, a hatched portion in the figure is a contact nip with the developing sleeve 5. In order to ensure the sealing performance, the end of the elastic blade 7 is sealed with an end sealing member 19 at a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value.
Needs to be pressed against the developing sleeve 5, and the elastic blade 7 sandwiched between the developing sleeve 5 and the end seal member 19.
Is deformed along the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 5 from the nip portion with the developing sleeve 5 at both ends to the front end. As a result, the inside of the elastic blade 7 at both ends in the longitudinal direction tends to rise, and the developer layer formed on the developing sleeve 5 in this portion becomes excessively large as compared with other portions, so that the toner 8 is not sufficiently charged. It may be.

【００４７】トナー８は、非磁性一成分現像剤であり、
前述したように転写性にすぐれ、かつ転写されずに感光
ドラム１上に残存した転写残トナーをブレード、ファー
ブラシ等のクリーニング手段にクリーニングする際に潤
滑性が高いことから感光ドラム１の磨耗の少ないなどの
利点を有するトナー、すなわちトナーとして球形であり
かつ表面が平滑であるものを用いている。具体的にはト
ナー体積抵抗値としては１０14Ωであり、測定条件は測
定電極板面積直径６ｍｍ、０．２３８ｃｍ2 、圧力：１
５００ｇの錘を用い、９８０／ｃｍ2 の圧力（９６．１
ｋＰａ）、測定時粉体層厚：０．５〜１．０ｍｍ、４０
０Ｖの直流電圧を印加（なお、抵抗が高いので低電圧印
加ではない）、微小電流計（ＹＨＰ４１４０ｐＡ ＭＥ
ＴＥＲ／ＤＣ ＶＯＬＴＡＧＥ ＳＯＵＣＥ）で電流量
を測定し、抵抗値より体積抵抗値（比抵抗）を算出す
る。The toner 8 is a non-magnetic one-component developer,
As described above, when the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 without being transferred is excellent in lubricity when cleaning the same with a cleaning means such as a blade or a fur brush, the wear of the photosensitive drum 1 is reduced. A toner having advantages such as a small amount, that is, a toner having a spherical shape and a smooth surface is used. Specifically, the toner volume resistance value is 10 14 Ω, and the measurement conditions are: measurement electrode plate area diameter 6 mm, 0.238 cm 2 , pressure: 1
Using a 500 g weight, a pressure of 980 / cm 2 (96.1
kPa), powder layer thickness during measurement: 0.5 to 1.0 mm, 40
A DC voltage of 0 V is applied (note that a low voltage is not applied because the resistance is high), and a minute ammeter (YHP4140pA ME
The amount of current is measured by TER / DC VOLTAGE SOURCE, and the volume resistance value (specific resistance) is calculated from the resistance value.

【００４８】形状係数として、ＳＦ−１が１００〜１８
０であり、ＳＦ−２が１００〜１４０であるものを用い
ている。このＳＦ−１、ＳＦ−２は、日立製作所ＦＥ−
ＳＥＭ（Ｓ−８００）を用いトナー像を無作為に１００
個サンプリングし、その画像上方をインターフェースを
介してニコレ社製画像解析装置（Ｌｕｚｅｘ３）に導入
し解析を行い下式より算出し得られた値を定義してい
る。As a shape factor, SF-1 is 100 to 18
0 and SF-2 of 100 to 140 is used. These SF-1 and SF-2 are Hitachi FE-
Using a SEM (S-800), a toner image was randomly
The sample is sampled, the upper part of the image is introduced into an image analyzer (Luzex3) manufactured by Nicole via an interface, analyzed, and the value obtained by the following equation is defined.

【００４９】 ＳＦ−１＝（ＭＸＬＮＧ）2 ／ＡＲＥＡ×π／４×１０
０ ＳＦ−２＝（ＰＥＲＩ）2 ／ＡＲＥＡ×π／４×１００ （ＡＲＥＡ：トナー投影面積、ＭＸＬＮＧ：絶対最大
長、ＰＥＲＩ：周長） このトナーの形状係数ＳＦ−１は球形度合を示し、１０
０から大きくなるにつれて球形から除々に不定形とな
る。ＳＦ−２は凹凸度合を示し、１００から大きくなる
につれてトナー表面の凹凸が顕著になる。SF-1 = (MXLNG) 2 / AREA × π / 4 × 10
0 SF-2 = (PERI) 2 / AREA × π / 4 × 100 (AREA: toner projected area, MXLNG: absolute maximum length, PERI: peripheral length) The shape factor SF-1 of the toner indicates a spherical degree, and
As the value increases from 0, the shape gradually changes from a spherical shape to an irregular shape. SF-2 indicates the degree of unevenness. As the value increases from 100, the unevenness of the toner surface becomes more remarkable.

【００５０】トナーの製造方法としては、上記形状係数
の範囲内になればいわゆる粉砕方法による製造方法の他
に、特開昭３６−１０２２３１号公報、特開昭５９−５
３８５６号公報に述べられている懸濁重合方法を用いて
直接トナーを生成する方法や、単量体には可溶で得られ
る重合体が不溶な水系有機溶剤を用い直接トナーを生成
する分散重合方法または水溶性極性重合開始剤存在下で
直接重合しトナーを生成するソープフリー重合方法に代
表される乳化重合方法等を用いて製造することが可能で
ある。As for the method of producing the toner, if it falls within the range of the above-mentioned shape factor, in addition to the production method by the so-called pulverization method, JP-A-36-102231 and JP-A-59-5
No. 3856, a method of directly producing a toner using a suspension polymerization method, and a method of dispersion polymerization in which a toner is directly produced by using an aqueous organic solvent in which a polymer obtained is soluble and insoluble in a monomer. It can be produced by a method or an emulsion polymerization method typified by a soap-free polymerization method of directly polymerizing in the presence of a water-soluble polar polymerization initiator to form a toner.

【００５１】本実施例においては、トナーの形状係数Ｓ
Ｆ−１を１００〜１８０に、ＳＦ−２を１００〜１４０
に容易にコントロールでき、比較的容易に流度分布がシ
ャープで４〜８μｍ粒径の微粒子トナーが得られる常圧
下での、または加圧下での懸濁重合方法を用い、モノマ
ーとしてスチレンとｎ−ブチルアクリレート、荷電制御
剤としてサリチル酸金属化合物、極性レジンとして飽和
ポリエステル、さらに着色剤を加え、重量平均粒径７μ
ｍの着色懸濁粒子を製造した。In this embodiment, the shape factor S of the toner
F-1 is 100 to 180, SF-2 is 100 to 140
The suspension polymerization method under normal pressure or under pressure can be easily controlled, and a fine particle toner having a sharp flow distribution and a particle size of 4 to 8 μm can be obtained relatively easily. Styrene and n- Butyl acrylate, a salicylic acid metal compound as a charge control agent, a saturated polyester as a polar resin, and a colorant were added, and the weight average particle size was 7 μm.
m of colored suspended particles were produced.

【００５２】そして、これに疎水性シリカを１．５ｗｔ
％外添することによって、前述したような転写性に優
れ、感光ドラム１のクリーニング時における磨耗の少な
い負極性のトナー８を製造した。Then, 1.5 wt.
%, The toner 8 having excellent transferability as described above and having a small amount of abrasion during cleaning of the photosensitive drum 1 was produced.

【００５３】以上のような現像装置４において、現像動
作時に、再度図２に示すように、現像容器１４内のトナ
ー８は、攪拌部材１６の矢印Ｃ方向の回転に伴い弾性ロ
ーラ６方向に送られる。In the developing device 4 as described above, during the developing operation, as shown in FIG. 2 again, the toner 8 in the developing container 14 is sent in the direction of the elastic roller 6 with the rotation of the stirring member 16 in the direction of arrow C. Can be

【００５４】つぎにこのトナー８は弾性ローラ６が矢印
Ｄ方向に回転することにより、現像スリーブ５近傍に運
ばれる。弾性ローラ６上に担持されているトナー８は、
現像スリーブ５と弾性ローラ６との当接部において、現
像スリーブ５と摺擦されることによって、摩擦帯電を受
け、現像スリーブ５上に付着する。Next, the toner 8 is carried to the vicinity of the developing sleeve 5 by the rotation of the elastic roller 6 in the direction of arrow D. The toner 8 carried on the elastic roller 6 is
At a contact portion between the developing sleeve 5 and the elastic roller 6, the toner is rubbed with the developing sleeve 5, thereby receiving a triboelectric charge and attaching to the developing sleeve 5.

【００５５】その後、トナー８は、現像スリーブ５の矢
印Ｂ方向の回転に伴い、弾性ブレード７の圧接下に送ら
れ、ここで適正なトリボ（摩擦帯電量）を受けるととも
に現像スリーブ５上に薄層形成される。本実施例におい
て良好な帯電電荷量として−６０〜−２０μＣ／ｇ、良
好なトナーコート量として０．４〜１．０ｍｇ／ｃｍ
2 、トナー層厚で１０〜２０μｍが得られるように設定
している。Thereafter, as the developing sleeve 5 rotates in the direction of arrow B, the toner 8 is sent under pressure contact with the elastic blade 7, where it receives an appropriate tribo (amount of triboelectric charge) and is thinly deposited on the developing sleeve 5. A layer is formed. In the present embodiment, a good charge amount of −60 to −20 μC / g and a good toner coat amount of 0.4 to 1.0 mg / cm
2. The thickness of the toner layer is set to be 10 to 20 μm.

【００５６】圧接弾性部材としてのトナー帯電ローラ２
０は上述した弾性ブレード７両端部の長手方向内側が浮
き上がり気味になり、この部分の現像スリーブ５上に形
成される現像剤層が他の部分に比べて過大になりそれ故
トナー８の帯電が不十分になる部分を放電により帯電す
る。トナー帯電ローラ２０はＮＢＲ製のゴムローラであ
り、押圧部材２１に取り付けられている。そしてこの押
圧部材２１によるトナー帯電ローラ２０の現像スリーブ
５への当接荷重は１００〜２００ｇＦに設定した。トナ
ー帯電ローラ２０の当接により、現像スリーブ５上の現
像剤層は細密充填され均一コートされる。弾性ブレード
７とトナー帯電ローラ２０の長手位置関係は、図３に示
すようにトナー帯電ローラ２０が弾性ブレード７変形部
を確実に覆うことができるように配置されるのが好まし
い。Toner charging roller 2 as pressure contact elastic member
0 indicates that the inside of the elastic blade 7 at both ends in the longitudinal direction tends to rise, and the developer layer formed on the developing sleeve 5 in this portion becomes excessively large as compared with other portions, so that the toner 8 is charged. Insufficient portions are charged by discharge. The toner charging roller 20 is a rubber roller made of NBR, and is attached to the pressing member 21. The contact load of the toner charging roller 20 against the developing sleeve 5 by the pressing member 21 was set to 100 to 200 gF. By the contact of the toner charging roller 20, the developer layer on the developing sleeve 5 is finely filled and uniformly coated. The longitudinal positional relationship between the elastic blade 7 and the toner charging roller 20 is preferably arranged such that the toner charging roller 20 can reliably cover the deformed portion of the elastic blade 7 as shown in FIG.

【００５７】また、トナー帯電ローラ２０の現像スリー
ブ５上の長手位置関係は、図４に示すように現像スリー
ブ５上で非トナーコート部、トナーコート部双方に当接
されている。これは、トナー帯電ローラ２０は、トナー
コート部のみの当接ではトナーの流動性が高いため、ス
リップし、安定した従動回転が得られず、そのため非ト
ナーコート部への当接が必須なためである。The longitudinal position of the toner charging roller 20 on the developing sleeve 5 is in contact with both the non-toner coated portion and the toner coated portion on the developing sleeve 5 as shown in FIG. This is because the toner charging roller 20 slips due to the high fluidity of the toner when the toner coating roller 20 is in contact only with the toner coat portion, and cannot be stably driven. Therefore, it is necessary to contact the non-toner coat portion. It is.

【００５８】またトナー帯電ローラ２０の駆動について
は、現像スリーブ５との間は従動または同周速が必須で
あり、トナー帯電ローラ２０、現像スリーブ５間に周速
差が生じるとトナーコートが不均一になり、現像時に感
光体１へトナーがカブリとして転移したり、トナーの飛
散や漏れの原因になる。Regarding the driving of the toner charging roller 20, a driven or the same peripheral speed is indispensable between the toner charging roller 20 and the developing sleeve 5, and if a peripheral speed difference occurs between the toner charging roller 20 and the developing sleeve 5, the toner coating is not performed. This causes the toner to transfer to the photosensitive member 1 as fog during development, and causes scattering or leakage of the toner.

【００５９】トナー帯電ローラ２０のバイアスは、電源
１８（図２参照）によって現像スリーブ５と感光ドラム
１の両者間に印加された直流を重畳した交流電圧（現像
ＡＣ電圧）を分岐し、図５に示すような等価回路により
印加している。The bias of the toner charging roller 20 branches an AC voltage (developing AC voltage) obtained by superimposing a DC applied between the developing sleeve 5 and the photosensitive drum 1 by the power supply 18 (see FIG. 2). Are applied by an equivalent circuit as shown in FIG.

【００６０】また現像スリーブ５とトナー帯電ローラ２
０のバイアスの波形は図６に示す通りであり、トナー引
き戻しバイアス印加時に現像スリーブ５とトナー帯電ロ
ーラ２０の電位差が生じるように図５中のコンデンサＣ
１、Ｃ２の容量を調整している。以上により、現像スリ
ーブ５上のトナー８はトナー帯電ローラ２０より電荷付
与を受ける。電荷付与の方法としては、放電を用いてい
る。The developing sleeve 5 and the toner charging roller 2
The waveform of the bias of 0 is as shown in FIG. 6, and the capacitor C in FIG. 5 is designed so that a potential difference between the developing sleeve 5 and the toner charging roller 20 occurs when the toner pullback bias is applied.
1. The capacity of C2 is adjusted. As described above, the toner 8 on the developing sleeve 5 receives the charge from the toner charging roller 20. Discharge is used as a method for applying charges.

【００６１】本実施例において、現像スリーブ５に印加
されるバイアスは直流電圧：Ｖｄｃ＝−３００ＶにＡ
Ｃ：矩形波Ｖｐｐ＝２２００Ｖ、ｆ＝２２００Ｈｚを重
畳したものである。トナー帯電ローラ２０に印加される
バイアスはＶｄｃ＝−９００ＶにＡＣ：矩形波Ｖｐｐ＝
１０００Ｖ、ｆ＝２２００Ｈｚを重畳したものである。
なお、現像スリーブ５に印加されるバイアスとトナー帯
電ローラ２０に印加されるバイアスの位相差はない。In this embodiment, the bias applied to the developing sleeve 5 is a direct current voltage: Vdc = -300 V
C: A rectangular wave with Vpp = 2200 V and f = 2200 Hz superimposed. The bias applied to the toner charging roller 20 is Vdc = −900 V AC: square wave Vpp =
1000 V, f = 2200 Hz are superimposed.
There is no phase difference between the bias applied to the developing sleeve 5 and the bias applied to the toner charging roller 20.

【００６２】図７に示すとおり、トナー帯電ローラ２０
の抵抗が１０6 Ωである場合、トナーとの放電開始電圧
は−６００Ｖから傾き１で立ち上がって、感光体に対す
るＤＣ放電帯電と同様な挙動を示す。以上の現象より、
本実施例における電荷付与の方法は放電を用いていると
考えられる。As shown in FIG. 7, the toner charging roller 20
Is 10 6 Ω, the discharge start voltage with the toner rises at an inclination of 1 from −600 V, and exhibits the same behavior as the DC discharge charging on the photosensitive member. From the above phenomenon,
It is considered that the method of applying charges in this embodiment uses discharge.

【００６３】なお上記実験結果は、トナー帯電ローラ２
０の長手全域がトナーコート部に当接した場合であり、
実際はトナーコート部、非トナーコート部の両方に当接
するため、トナー帯電ローラ２０の抵抗が１０6 Ωであ
る場合、非トナーコート部からの電流が流れ込み、トナ
ー帯電ローラ２０とトナーコート部間の電圧は放電開始
電圧を満たさない。そこでトナー放電可能な抵抗範囲を
調べた。Note that the above experimental results show that the toner charging roller 2
0 is the case where the entire area of the length 0 is in contact with the toner coat portion,
Actually, since both the toner-coated portion and the non-toner-coated portion are in contact with each other, if the resistance of the toner charging roller 20 is 10 6 Ω, a current flows from the non-toner-coated portion and the toner The voltage does not satisfy the firing voltage. Then, the resistance range in which the toner can be discharged was examined.

【００６４】その結果、下記の表１に示すように、１０
7 Ω以下の場合、トナー放電可能なトナー帯電ローラ２
０とトナーコート部間の電圧が得られず、１０12Ω以上
の場合は現像バイアスからトナー帯電ローラ２０のバイ
アスを得る本実施例のような構成では放電開始電圧が大
きすぎ適当ではない。したがって、トナー帯電ローラ２
０の抵抗の範囲は１０8 〜１０11Ωである。As a result, as shown in Table 1 below, 10
In the case of 7 Ω or less, the toner charging roller 2 capable of discharging toner
When the voltage between 0 and the toner coat portion cannot be obtained, and when the voltage is 10 12 Ω or more, the discharge starting voltage is too large and inappropriate in the configuration of the present embodiment for obtaining the bias of the toner charging roller 20 from the developing bias. Therefore, the toner charging roller 2
The range of the resistance of 0 is 10 8 to 10 11 Ω.

【００６５】[0065]

【表１】 [Table 1]

【００６６】上記抵抗の測定法はつぎの通りである。す
なわち、図８に示すように、直径１６ｍｍのアルミロー
ラ２２とトナー帯電ローラ２０を当接荷重１７０ｇＦで
当接させ、直径１６ｍｍのアルミローラ２２を２ｒｐｓ
で回転させる。つぎにトナー帯電ローラ２０にＶ１＝４
００Ｖの直流電圧を印加する。アース側に１０ＭΩの抵
抗を配置し、その両端の電圧Ｖ２を測定し、電流を算出
し、トナー帯電ローラ２０の抵抗を算出する。The method for measuring the resistance is as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the aluminum roller 22 having a diameter of 16 mm and the toner charging roller 20 are brought into contact with a contact load of 170 gF, and the aluminum roller 22 having a diameter of 16 mm is pressed at 2 rps.
Rotate with. Next, V1 = 4 is applied to the toner charging roller 20.
A DC voltage of 00V is applied. A resistance of 10 MΩ is arranged on the ground side, the voltage V2 across the two ends is measured, the current is calculated, and the resistance of the toner charging roller 20 is calculated.

【００６７】トナー帯電ローラ２０と現像スリーブ５上
のトナー８中の帯電電荷量の低下したトナーとの放電開
始電圧は１２００Ｖ以上である。したがって、トナー引
き戻しバイアス印加時の現像スリーブ５とトナー帯電ロ
ーラ２０の電位差は１２００Ｖ以上、かつ放電後のトナ
ー８の帯電電荷量がトナー帯電ローラ２０の非当接部と
同じになるように図５中のコンデンサＣ１、Ｃ２の容量
を調整している。The discharge starting voltage between the toner charging roller 20 and the toner having the reduced charge amount in the toner 8 on the developing sleeve 5 is 1200 V or more. Therefore, the potential difference between the developing sleeve 5 and the toner charging roller 20 when the toner pull-back bias is applied is 1200 V or more, and the charge amount of the toner 8 after the discharge is the same as that of the non-contact portion of the toner charging roller 20 in FIG. The capacitance of the middle capacitors C1 and C2 is adjusted.

【００６８】トナー帯電ローラ２０による帯電付与を受
けた後、現像スリーブ５上に薄層形成されたトナー層
は、一様に感光ドラム１との対向部である現像部へ搬送
される。After being charged by the toner charging roller 20, the thin toner layer formed on the developing sleeve 5 is uniformly conveyed to the developing section, which is the portion facing the photosensitive drum 1.

【００６９】この現像部において、現像スリーブ５上に
薄層形成されたトナー層は、図２に示すように、電源１
８によって現像スリーブ５と感光ドラム１の両者間に印
加された直流を重畳した交流電圧（現像ＡＣバイアス）
によって、感光ドラム１上の静電潜像にトナー像として
現像される。In this developing section, the thin toner layer formed on the developing sleeve 5 is, as shown in FIG.
8, an AC voltage (developing AC bias) in which a direct current applied between both the developing sleeve 5 and the photosensitive drum 1 is superimposed.
Thus, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed as a toner image.

【００７０】現像部において消費されなかった未現像ト
ナーは、現像スリーブ５の回転とともに現像スリーブ５
の下部より回収される。この回収部分には可撓性のシー
トからなるシール部材１７が設けられ、未現像トナーの
現像容器１４内への通過を許容するともに、現像容器１
４内のトナー８が現像スリーブ５の下部から漏出するの
を防止する。The undeveloped toner that has not been consumed in the developing section is transferred to the developing sleeve 5 as the developing sleeve 5 rotates.
Collected from the bottom of A seal member 17 made of a flexible sheet is provided at the collection portion to allow the undeveloped toner to pass into the developing container 14 and to allow the developing container 1
4 prevents the toner 8 inside the developing sleeve 4 from leaking from the lower part of the developing sleeve 5.

【００７１】この回収された現像スリーブ５上の未現像
トナーは、弾性ローラ６と現像スリーブ５との当接部に
おいて、現像スリーブ５表面から剥ぎとられる。この剥
ぎとられたトナーの大部分は、弾性ローラ６の回転に伴
い搬送されて現像容器１４内のトナー８と混じりあい、
トナー８の帯電電荷が分散される。同時に弾性ローラ６
の回転により現像スリーブ５上に新たなトナーが供給さ
れ前述の作用を繰り返す。The collected undeveloped toner on the developing sleeve 5 is peeled off from the surface of the developing sleeve 5 at the contact portion between the elastic roller 6 and the developing sleeve 5. Most of the peeled toner is conveyed with the rotation of the elastic roller 6 and mixed with the toner 8 in the developing container 14.
The charge of the toner 8 is dispersed. At the same time elastic roller 6
With the rotation of, new toner is supplied onto the developing sleeve 5, and the above operation is repeated.

【００７２】上述したようにトナー帯電ローラ２０を設
ける構成にすることにより、トナー８が弾性ブレード７
通過後、現像スリーブ５長手方向においてトナー帯電電
荷量低下による不均一が発生しても、トナー帯電ローラ
２０によるトナー帯電電荷量低下部分への放電によるト
ナー帯電ローラ２０による電荷付与が行われ均一化でき
る。よって、現像スリーブ長手方向において、現像時に
感光体へトナーがカブリとして転移したり、トナーの帯
電電荷量の不均一による画像濃度ムラの発生を確実に防
止できるとともに、現像スリーブ上のトナー薄層形成を
安定して良好に形成することが可能となる。By providing the toner charging roller 20 as described above, the toner 8
After the passage, even if unevenness due to a decrease in the toner charge amount occurs in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 5, the charge is applied by the toner charge roller 20 by discharging to the portion where the toner charge amount decreases by the toner charge roller 20, thereby making the toner uniform it can. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve, it is possible to reliably prevent the toner from transferring to the photoconductor as a fog at the time of development and to prevent the occurrence of image density unevenness due to uneven charge amount of the toner, and to form a thin toner layer on the developing sleeve. Can be formed stably and favorably.

【００７３】なお、本実施例においては本発明を画像形
成装置本体に着脱可能な現像装置からなるプロセスカー
トリッジに適用した場合について説明したが、画像形成
装置本体内に固定され、トナーのみを補給するような構
成の現像装置に適用してもよく、また上記現像装置と感
光ドラム、クリーニングブレード、廃トナー収容容器、
および帯電装置を一体で形成し画像形成装置本体に対し
着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジに適用してもよい。In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the present invention is applied to a process cartridge including a developing device that is detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus main body. However, the present invention is fixed in the image forming apparatus main body and supplies only toner. It may be applied to a developing device having such a configuration, and the developing device and the photosensitive drum, a cleaning blade, a waste toner container,
Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a process cartridge which is formed integrally with a charging device and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

【００７４】実施例２ つぎに本発明の第２の実施例について図９及び前出の図
４に基づいて説明する。Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG.

【００７５】本実施例よれば、弾性ブレード７の両端部
に斜めカットを設けた現像装置において、現像スリーブ
５の長手方向両端部に圧接弾性部材としてのトナー帯電
ローラである端部ローラ２０を設けた。According to the present embodiment, in the developing device in which oblique cuts are provided at both ends of the elastic blade 7, end rollers 20 which are toner charging rollers as pressing elastic members are provided at both longitudinal ends of the developing sleeve 5. Was.

【００７６】詳しく説明すると、図９に示すように、弾
性ブレード７は、図中斜線部で示した現像スリーブ５と
の当接ニップから弾性ブレード７先端までの距離が通常
の現像領域から弾性ブレード７両端部に向かうにしたが
って連続的に短くなるように構成され、さらにその両端
部でのブレード先端位置は上記当接ニップ内にあるよう
に構成されている。つまり、現像スリーブ５上に形成さ
れるトナー層厚は、当接ニップの現像スリーブ５回転方
向上流側の点から先端までの距離に影響され、この距離
が長いほど現像スリーブ５上に形成されるトナー層が厚
く、短くなるとトナー層が薄くなることは従来から知ら
れており、本実施例においては通常の現像領域における
この距離に比べ弾性ローラ６の未当接部分に対応する現
像スリーブ周面に当接する領域でこの距離を短くするこ
とで前記領域のトナーへの規制力を高めている。More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the elastic blade 7 and the tip of the elastic blade 7 from the contact nip with the developing sleeve 5 indicated by the hatched portion in the figure is the distance between the normal developing area and the elastic blade. 7, the blades are configured to be continuously shortened toward both ends, and the blade tip positions at both ends are configured to be within the contact nip. That is, the thickness of the toner layer formed on the developing sleeve 5 is affected by the distance from the point of the contact nip on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 5 to the tip, and the longer this distance is, the more the toner layer is formed on the developing sleeve 5. It is conventionally known that the toner layer becomes thinner as the toner layer becomes thicker and shorter, and in this embodiment, the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve corresponding to the uncontacted portion of the elastic roller 6 is compared with this distance in the normal developing area. By shortening this distance in the area where the toner comes into contact with the toner, the regulating force on the toner in the area is increased.

【００７７】また、本実施例においても実施例１と同様
に、端部ローラ（トナー帯電ローラ）２０が現像スリー
ブ５の両端部において薄層形成されたトナー８を放電に
より帯電する。端部ローラ２０はＮＢＲ製のゴムローラ
であり、押圧部材２１により現像スリーブ５に押圧さ
れ、その当接荷重は１００〜２００ｇＦである。この端
部ローラ２０の当接により、トナー８が細密充填され均
一コートされる。Also, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the end roller (toner charging roller) 20 charges the thin toner 8 formed at both ends of the developing sleeve 5 by discharging. The end roller 20 is a rubber roller made of NBR, and is pressed against the developing sleeve 5 by a pressing member 21, and its contact load is 100 to 200 gF. By the contact of the end roller 20, the toner 8 is finely filled and uniformly coated.

【００７８】端部ローラ２０と弾性ブレード７両端斜め
カット部との長手位置関係は、図９に示すように、弾性
ブレード７両端斜めカット部を確実に覆うことができる
ように配置されるのが好ましい。The longitudinal position relationship between the end roller 20 and the oblique cut portions at both ends of the elastic blade 7 is, as shown in FIG. 9, arranged so that the oblique cut portions at both ends of the elastic blade 7 can be surely covered. preferable.

【００７９】また、端部ローラ２０の現像スリーブ上に
おける長手方向の位置は、図４に示すように、非トナー
コート部、トナーコート部双方に当接されている。これ
は、トナーコート部のみの当接ではトナーの流動性が高
いため端部ローラ２０がスリップし、安定した従動回転
が得られず、非トナーコート部への当接は必須のためで
ある。The longitudinal position of the end roller 20 on the developing sleeve is in contact with both the non-toner coat portion and the toner coat portion as shown in FIG. This is because the end roller 20 slips due to the high fluidity of the toner when only the toner coat portion is in contact, and a stable driven rotation cannot be obtained, and the contact with the non-toner coat portion is essential.

【００８０】さらに駆動については、端部ローラ２０、
現像スリーブ５間に周速差が生じるとトナーコートが不
均一になり、現像時に感光体へトナーがカブリとして転
移したり、トナーの飛散や漏れの原因となるので、端部
ローラ２０、現像スリーブ５間は従動または同周速であ
ることが必須である。Further, regarding the driving, the end rollers 20,
If a peripheral speed difference occurs between the developing sleeves 5, the toner coat becomes non-uniform, causing the toner to transfer to the photoconductor as a fog at the time of development, or causing the toner to scatter or leak. It is indispensable that the interval between 5 is driven or the same peripheral speed.

【００８１】なお、本実施例の他の構成、例えばトナ
ー、端部ローラ２０のバイアス等については実施例１と
同様である。The other components of this embodiment, such as the toner and the bias of the end roller 20, are the same as those of the first embodiment.

【００８２】上述したように、弾性ブレード７がその両
端部に斜めカットを有する構成において、トナー８が弾
性ブレード７の端部近傍のニップ部に挟まりやすくな
り、ニップ部両端はトナー８が挟まったことにより、弾
性ブレード７が持ち上げられ、トナー層がスジ状に徐々
に厚く形成され、現像スリーブ５への電気的付着力（鏡
映力）が低下しても、端部ローラ２０によるトナーへの
放電による電荷付与により現像スリーブ５への電気的付
着力が回復し、感光体１へトナー８がカブリとして転移
したり、トナー８が現像スリーブ５表面から外部にこぼ
れ落ち、画像形成装置内を著しく汚してしまういわゆる
トナー漏れを防ぐことができる。As described above, in the configuration in which the elastic blade 7 has oblique cuts at both ends, the toner 8 tends to be caught in the nip near the end of the elastic blade 7, and the toner 8 is caught at both ends of the nip. As a result, the elastic blade 7 is lifted, the toner layer is gradually formed in a streak shape, and even if the electric adhesion (mirror) to the developing sleeve 5 is reduced, the toner is applied to the toner by the end roller 20. The electric adhesion to the developing sleeve 5 is restored by the charge given by the discharge, and the toner 8 is transferred to the photoreceptor 1 as fog, or the toner 8 spills out of the surface of the developing sleeve 5 to the outside, thereby remarkably contaminating the inside of the image forming apparatus. This can prevent so-called toner leakage.

【００８３】また、弾性ブレード７両端部の斜めカット
部分には、現像スリーブ５の回転に伴いトナー８が送ら
れ、現像動作を多数回繰り返していくと先端側の面を端
部方向へ伝わっていく。そして、この先端側の面を伝わ
ったトナー８は端部シール部材１７と現像スリーブ５と
弾性ブレード７両端部のわずかな隙間から入り込む。こ
の結果端部シール部材１７の現像スリーブ５に当接する
表面が徐々にトナー８によろ覆われ、シール部材１７と
現像スリーブ５の摺擦で現像スリーブ５が削れる。現像
スリーブ５の削れはトナー８の電荷付与を低下させ、現
像スリーブ５への電気的付着力（鏡映力）が低下する。
しかし端部ローラ２０によるトナー８への放電による電
荷付与により現像スリーブ５への電気的付着力が回復
し、感光体１へトナー８がカブリとして転移したり、ト
ナー８が現像スリーブ５表面から外部にこぼれ落ち、画
像形成装置内を著しく汚してしまうことを確実に防止で
きる。The toner 8 is sent to the obliquely cut portions at both ends of the elastic blade 7 with the rotation of the developing sleeve 5, and when the developing operation is repeated many times, the toner 8 is transmitted on the front end surface toward the end. Go. Then, the toner 8 transmitted on the front end surface enters through a small gap between the end seal member 17, the developing sleeve 5, and both ends of the elastic blade 7. As a result, the surface of the end seal member 17 that comes into contact with the developing sleeve 5 is gradually covered with the toner 8, and the developing sleeve 5 is scraped off by the sliding friction between the seal member 17 and the developing sleeve 5. The scraping of the developing sleeve 5 reduces the charge application of the toner 8, and the electric adhesion (mirror power) to the developing sleeve 5 decreases.
However, due to the charge applied to the toner 8 by the discharge of the toner by the end roller 20, the electrical adhesion to the developing sleeve 5 is restored, and the toner 8 is transferred to the photoconductor 1 as fog, or the toner 8 is transferred from the surface of the developing sleeve 5 to the outside. It is possible to reliably prevent the spilling and falling of the inside of the image forming apparatus.

【００８４】なお、本実施例においては、実施例１と同
様に、本発明を画像形成装置本体に着脱可能な現像装置
からなるプロセスカートリッジに適用した場合について
説明したが、画像形成装置本体内に固定され、トナーの
みを補給するような構成の現像装置に適用することもで
き、また、少なくとも上記現像装置を備え、必要に応
じ、感光ドラム、クリーニングブレード、廃トナー収容
容器、帯電装置の全てを、あるいはいくつかを一体で形
成し画像形成装置本体に対し着脱可能なプロセスカート
リッジに適用してもよい。In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a process cartridge including a developing device detachable from the image forming apparatus main body has been described. It can be applied to a developing device that is fixed and configured to replenish only toner.Also, at least the developing device is provided, and if necessary, all of the photosensitive drum, cleaning blade, waste toner container, and charging device are used. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a process cartridge which is formed integrally and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

【００８５】[0085]

【発明の効果】以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明
によれば、弾性規制部材の現像剤担持体との当接部に対
し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流側
の前記現像剤担持体上に圧接弾性部材を設けることによ
り、あるいは前記現像剤担持体上の長手方向端部に圧接
弾性部材を有することにより、前記現像剤担持体の長手
方向、特にその両端部において、現像時に像担持体へ現
像剤がカブリとして転移し、また現像剤の飛散や現像剤
漏れの原因であるある未帯電現像剤の発生を確実に防止
し、さらに現像剤の帯電電荷量の不均一による画像濃度
ムラの発生を確実に防止するとともに、現像剤担持体上
の現像剤薄層形成を安定して良好に行うことのできる現
像装置、該現像装置を備え、良好な画像を得ることので
きる画像形成装置、および少なくとも前記現像装置を有
し前記画像形成装置に着脱自在とし、取り扱いに優れた
プロセスカートリッジを提供することができる。As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the elastic regulating member is located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrying member and on the upstream side of the developing member with respect to the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrying member. By providing a pressing elastic member on the developer carrying member, or by providing a pressing elastic member at a longitudinal end portion on the developer carrying member, a longitudinal direction of the developer carrying member, particularly both ends thereof In the development, the developer is transferred to the image carrier as fog during development, and the occurrence of uncharged developer, which is a cause of the scattering and leakage of the developer, is reliably prevented, and the charge amount of the developer is further reduced. A developing device capable of reliably preventing the occurrence of image density unevenness due to non-uniformity and stably and satisfactorily forming a thin developer layer on a developer carrier, and including the developing device to obtain a good image. Image forming apparatus And at least said a developing apparatus and detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to provide an excellent process cartridge handling.

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

【図１】実施例１の現像装置を用いた画像形成装置の概
略構成図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus using a developing device according to a first embodiment.

【図２】実施例１の現像装置の概略構成図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a developing device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

【図３】実施例１の現像装置を感光体方向から見た、現
像スリーブを不図示とした図である。FIG. 3 is a view of the developing device of the first embodiment viewed from a photoconductor direction, with a developing sleeve not shown.

【図４】実施例１の現像装置を感光体方向から見た、現
像スリーブを図示した図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a developing sleeve when the developing device of the first embodiment is viewed from a photoconductor direction.

【図５】実施例１の現像装置内の等価回路である。FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit in the developing device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

【図６】実施例１のバイアス波形図である。FIG. 6 is a bias waveform diagram according to the first embodiment.

【図７】１０6 Ωローラにおけるトナー放電特性を示す
グラフである。FIG. 7 is a graph showing toner discharge characteristics of a 10 6 Ω roller.

【図８】ローラ抵抗測定法を説明するための概略図であ
る。FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a roller resistance measuring method.

【図９】実施例２の現像装置を感光体方向から見た、現
像スリーブを不図示とした図である。FIG. 9 is a view of the developing device of the second embodiment viewed from the photoconductor direction, with a developing sleeve not shown.

【図１０】従来の非磁性一成分現像装置を示す概略構成
図である。FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional non-magnetic one-component developing device.

【図１１】図１０の現像装置を感光体方向から見た図で
ある。11 is a diagram of the developing device of FIG. 10 as viewed from a photoconductor direction.

【図１２】従来の現像装置の他の例を示す感光体方向か
ら見た図である。FIG. 12 is a view showing another example of the conventional developing device as viewed from a photoconductor direction.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 感光ドラム（像担持体） ２ 帯電装置 ４ 現像装置（プロセスカートリッジ） ５ 現像スリーブ（現像剤担持体） ６ 弾性ローラ ７ 弾性ブレード（弾性規制部材） ８ トナー（現像剤） １４ 現像容器 ２０ トナー帯電ローラ（圧接弾性部材） DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive drum (image carrier) 2 Charging device 4 Developing device (process cartridge) 5 Developing sleeve (developer carrier) 6 Elastic roller 7 Elastic blade (elastic regulating member) 8 Toner (developer) 14 Developing container 20 Toner charging Roller (pressing elastic member)

Claims (39)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 非磁性一成分現像剤を収容する現像容器
と、前記現像容器の開口部に延在し回動する現像剤担持
体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し現像剤を介して当接した
弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体
との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向上流側に
当接して設けられた回転可能な弾性ローラとを有する現
像装置において、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体
との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向下流側か
つ現像部上流側の前記現像剤担持体上に圧接弾性部材を
設けることを特徴とする現像装置。1. A developer container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier extending to an opening of the developer container and rotating, and a developer carrier contacting the developer carrier. A developing device comprising: an elastic regulating member in contact with the rotating member; and a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier. In the apparatus, a pressure contact elastic member may be provided on the developer carrying member on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrying member and on the upstream side of the developing unit with respect to the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrying member. Characteristic developing device. 【請求項２】 前記圧接弾性部材によって前記現像剤担
持体上の現像剤に対し放電開始電圧以上でかつ前記現像
剤と同極性のバイアスを印加することを特徴とする請求
項１の現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a bias having a voltage equal to or higher than a discharge starting voltage and having the same polarity as that of the developer is applied to the developer on the developer carrier by the pressing elastic member. 【請求項３】 前記圧接弾性部材はローラ形状であるこ
とを特徴とする請求項１または２の現像装置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein said pressure contact elastic member has a roller shape. 【請求項４】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体に
対し従動または同周速であることを特徴とする請求項３
の現像装置。4. The pressure contact elastic member is driven or has the same peripheral speed with respect to the developer carrying member.
Developing device. 【請求項５】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体上
の現像剤担持部と現像剤非担持部の双方に配置されてい
ることを特徴とする請求項１から４のいずれかの項に記
載の現像装置。5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the press-contact elastic member is disposed on both a developer carrying portion and a developer non-bearing portion on the developer carrying member. The developing device as described in the above. 【請求項６】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記弾性規制部材の
前記現像剤担持体との当接部両端部における前記現像剤
担持体円周方向に位置することを特徴とする請求項１か
ら５のいずれかの項に記載の現像装置。6. The developer holding member according to claim 1, wherein the pressure contact elastic member is located in a circumferential direction of the developer carrier at both ends of the elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier. The developing device according to any one of the above items. 【請求項７】 非磁性一成分現像剤を収容する現像容器
と、前記現像容器の開口部に延在し回動する現像剤担持
体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し現像剤を介して当接した
弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体
との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向上流側に
当接して設けられた回転可能な弾性ローラとを有する現
像装置において、前記現像剤担持体上の長手方向端部に
圧接弾性部材を有することを特徴とする現像装置。7. A developer container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the developer container, and a developer carrier contacting the developer carrier. A developing device comprising: an elastic regulating member in contact with the rotating member; and a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing elastic member at a longitudinal end of said developer carrier. 【請求項８】 前記圧接弾性部材は、前記弾性規制部材
の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体
の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流側の前記現像剤担持体
上に設けることを特徴とする請求項７の現像装置。8. The developer elastic member is provided on the developer carrier at a position downstream of the developer carrier in the rotational direction and upstream of the developing unit with respect to a contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the developing device is provided. 【請求項９】 前記圧接弾性部材によって前記現像剤担
持体上の現像剤に対し放電開始電圧以上でかつ前記現像
剤と同極性のバイアスを印加することを特徴とする請求
項７または８の現像装置。9. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein a bias having a voltage equal to or higher than a discharge starting voltage and having the same polarity as the developer is applied to the developer on the developer carrier by the pressure contact elastic member. apparatus. 【請求項１０】 前記圧接弾性部材はローラ形状である
ことを特徴とする請求項７、８または９の現像装置。10. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the pressure contact elastic member has a roller shape. 【請求項１１】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
に対し従動または同周速であることを特徴とする請求項
１０の現像装置。11. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein said pressure contact elastic member is driven or has the same peripheral speed as said developer carrier. 【請求項１２】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
上の現像剤担持部と現像剤非担持部の双方に配置されて
いることを特徴とする請求項７から１１のいずれかの項
に記載の現像装置。12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the press-contact elastic member is disposed on both a developer carrying portion and a developer non-bearing portion on the developer carrying member. The developing device as described in the above. 【請求項１３】 前記圧接弾性部材は、前記弾性規制部
材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部両端部における前記現
像剤担持体円周方向に位置することを特徴とする請求項
７から１２の項に記載の現像装置。13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pressing elastic member is located in a circumferential direction of the developer carrier at both ends of the elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier. The developing device according to the item. 【請求項１４】 非磁性一成分現像剤を収容する現像容
器と、前記現像容器の開口部に延在し回動する現像剤担
持体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し現像剤を介して当接し
た弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持
体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向上流側
に当接して設けられた回転可能な弾性ローラとを有する
少なくとも現像装置を一体として画像形成装置本体に着
脱自在に装着されるプロセスカートリッジにおいて、 前記現像装置は、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体
との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向下流側か
つ現像部上流側の前記現像剤担持体上に設けられた圧接
弾性部材を有することを特徴とするプロセスカートリッ
ジ。14. A developer container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the developer container, and a developer carrier contacting the developer carrier. At least having an elastic regulating member in contact with the elastic regulating member and a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with an abutting portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier; In a process cartridge which is detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus main body integrally with a developing device, the developing device is configured to rotate the developer carrier with respect to a contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier. A process cartridge comprising a press-contact elastic member provided on the developer carrying member on the downstream side and on the upstream side of the developing unit. 【請求項１５】 前記圧接弾性部材によって前記現像剤
担持体上の現像剤に対し放電開始電圧以上でかつ前記現
像剤と同極性のバイアスを印加することを特徴とする請
求項１４のプロセスカートリッジ。15. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein a bias having a voltage equal to or higher than a discharge starting voltage and having the same polarity as that of the developer is applied to the developer on the developer carrier by the pressure contact elastic member. 【請求項１６】 前記圧接弾性部材はローラ形状である
ことを特徴とする請求項１４または１５のプロセスカー
トリッジ。16. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the pressing elastic member has a roller shape. 【請求項１７】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
に対し従動または同周速であることを特徴とする請求項
１６のプロセスカートリッジ。17. The process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein said press-contact elastic member is driven or has the same peripheral speed as said developer carrier. 【請求項１８】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
上の現像剤担持部と現像剤非担持部の双方に配置されて
いることを特徴とする請求項１４から１７のいずれかの
項に記載のプロセスカートリッジ。18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the pressure-contact elastic member is disposed on both a developer carrying portion and a developer non-bearing portion on the developer carrying member. The process cartridge as described. 【請求項１９】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記弾性規制部材
の前記現像剤担持体との当接部両端部における前記現像
剤担持体円周方向に位置することを特徴とする請求項１
４から１８のいずれかの項に記載の現像装置。19. The developer holding member according to claim 1, wherein the pressure contact elastic member is located in a circumferential direction of the developer carrier at both ends of the elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier.
Item 19. The developing device according to any one of Items 4 to 18. 【請求項２０】 非磁性一成分現像剤を収容する現像容
器と、前記現像容器の開口部に延在し回動する現像剤担
持体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し現像剤を介して当接し
た弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持
体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向上流側
に当接して設けられた回転可能な弾性ローラとを有する
少なくとも現像装置を一体として画像形成装置本体に着
脱自在に装着されるプロセスカートリッジにおいて、前
記現像装置は、前記現像剤担持体上の長手方向端部に圧
接弾性部材を有することを特徴とするプロセスカートリ
ッジ。20. A developer container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, a developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the developer container, and a developer carrier contacting the developer carrier. At least having an elastic regulating member in contact with the elastic regulating member and a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with an abutting portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier; A process cartridge which is detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus main body integrally with a developing device, wherein the developing device has a pressing elastic member at a longitudinal end portion on the developer carrier. 【請求項２１】 前記圧接弾性部材は、前記弾性規制部
材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持
体の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流側の前記現像剤担持
体上に設けることを特徴とする請求項２０のプロセスカ
ートリッジ。21. The pressure-contact elastic member is provided on the developer carrier on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier and on the upstream side of the developing unit with respect to the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier. 21. The process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein 【請求項２２】 前記圧接弾性部材によって前記現像剤
担持体上の現像剤に対し放電開始電圧以上でかつ前記現
像剤と同極性のバイアスを印加することを特徴とする請
求項２０または２１のプロセスカートリッジ。22. The process according to claim 20, wherein a bias having a voltage equal to or higher than a discharge starting voltage and having the same polarity as the developer is applied to the developer on the developer carrier by the press-contact elastic member. cartridge. 【請求項２３】 前記圧接弾性部材はローラ形状である
ことを特徴とする請求項２０、２１または２２のプロセ
スカートリッジ。23. The process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein the pressing elastic member has a roller shape. 【請求項２４】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
に対し従動または同周速であることを特徴とする請求項
２３のプロセスカートリッジ。24. The process cartridge according to claim 23, wherein said pressure contact elastic member is driven or has the same peripheral speed as said developer carrier. 【請求項２５】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
上の現像剤担持部と現像剤非担持部の双方に配置されて
いることを特徴とする請求項２０から２４の項に記載の
プロセスカートリッジ。25. The process according to claim 20, wherein the press-contact elastic member is arranged on both the developer carrying portion and the developer non-bearing portion on the developer carrying member. cartridge. 【請求項２６】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記弾性規制部材
の前記現像剤担持体との当接部両端部における前記現像
剤担持体円周方向に位置することを特徴とする請求項２
０から２５のプロセスカートリッジ。26. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the pressing elastic member is located in a circumferential direction of the developer carrier at both ends of the elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier.
0 to 25 process cartridges. 【請求項２７】 潜像が形成される像担持体と、前記潜
像を現像する現像装置とを有し、前記現像装置は、非磁
性一成分現像剤を収容する現像容器と、前記現像容器の
開口部に延在し回動する現像剤担持体と、前記現像剤担
持体に対し現像剤を介して当接した弾性規制部材と、前
記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前
記現像剤担持体の回転方向上流側に当接して設けられた
回転可能な弾性ローラとを有するする画像形成装置にお
いて、 前記現像装置は、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤担持体
との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向下流側か
つ現像部上流側の前記現像剤担持体上に設けられた圧接
弾性部材を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。27. An image carrier on which a latent image is formed, and a developing device for developing the latent image, wherein the developing device includes a developing container containing a non-magnetic one-component developer, and the developing container. A developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the elastic carrier, an elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier via a developer, and contact of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus having a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with a portion of the developer carrier on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier, wherein the developing device includes the developer carrier of the elastic regulating member; An image forming apparatus comprising: a pressing elastic member provided on the developer carrying member on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the developer carrying member and on the upstream side of the developing portion with respect to the contact portion. 【請求項２８】 前記圧接弾性部材によって前記現像剤
担持体上の現像剤に対し放電開始電圧以上でかつ前記現
像剤と同極性のバイアスを印加することを特徴とする請
求項２７の画像形成装置。28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 27, wherein a bias having a voltage equal to or higher than a discharge starting voltage and having the same polarity as the developer is applied to the developer on the developer carrier by the press-contact elastic member. . 【請求項２９】 前記圧接弾性部材はローラ形状である
ことを特徴とする請求項２７、または２８の画像形成装
置。29. An image forming apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said pressure contact elastic member has a roller shape. 【請求項３０】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
に対し従動または同周速であることを特徴とする請求項
２９の画像形成装置。30. The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the pressing elastic member is driven or has the same peripheral speed as the developer carrier. 【請求項３１】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
上の現像剤担持部と現像剤非担持部の双方に配置されて
いることを特徴とする請求項２７から３０のいずれかの
項に記載の画像形成装置。31. The image forming apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the pressure contact elastic member is disposed on both the developer carrying portion and the developer non-bearing portion on the developer carrying member. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 【請求項３２】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記弾性規制部材
の前記現像剤担持体との当接部両端部における前記現像
剤担持体円周方向に位置することを特徴とする請求項２
７から３１のいずれかの項に記載の画像形成装置。32. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the pressing elastic member is located in a circumferential direction of the developer carrier at both ends of the elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier.
32. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 7 to 31. 【請求項３３】 潜像が形成される像担持体と、前記潜
像を現像する現像装置と、前記像担持体を帯電する帯電
手段と、前記像担持体のクリーニング手段と、前記像担
持体上の廃トナーを収容する廃トナー収容容器とを有
し、前記現像装置は、非磁性一成分現像剤を収容する現
像容器と、前記現像容器の開口部に延在し回動する現像
剤担持体と、前記現像剤担持体に対し現像剤を介して当
接した弾性規制部材と、前記弾性規制部材の前記現像剤
担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持体の回転方向上
流側に当接して設けられた回転可能な弾性ローラとを有
するする画像形成装置において、 前記現像装置は、前記現像剤担持体上の長手方向端部に
圧接弾性部材を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。33. An image carrier on which a latent image is formed, a developing device for developing the latent image, a charging unit for charging the image carrier, a cleaning unit for cleaning the image carrier, and the image carrier. A developing container for storing a non-magnetic one-component developer, and a developer carrier extending and rotating at an opening of the developing container. Body, an elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrying member via a developer, and a rotationally upstream side of the developer carrying member with respect to a contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrying member. An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotatable elastic roller provided in contact with a developing device; wherein the developing device has a pressing elastic member at a longitudinal end on the developer carrier. apparatus. 【請求項３４】 前記圧接弾性部材は、前記弾性規制部
材の前記現像剤担持体との当接部に対し前記現像剤担持
体の回転方向下流側かつ現像部上流側の前記現像剤担持
体上に設けることを特徴とする請求項３３の画像形成装
置。34. The pressure-contact elastic member is provided on the developer carrier on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developer carrier and on the upstream side of the developing unit with respect to the contact portion of the elastic regulating member with the developer carrier. 34. The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein 【請求項３５】 前記圧接弾性部材によって前記現像剤
担持体上の現像剤に対し放電開始電圧以上でかつ前記現
像剤と同極性のバイアスを印加することを特徴とする請
求項３３または３４の画像形成装置。35. The image according to claim 33, wherein a bias having a voltage equal to or higher than a discharge start voltage and having the same polarity as the developer is applied to the developer on the developer carrier by the pressure contact elastic member. Forming equipment. 【請求項３６】 前記圧接弾性部材はローラ形状である
ことを特徴とする請求項３３、３４または３５の画像形
成装置。36. The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said pressure contact elastic member has a roller shape. 【請求項３７】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
に対し従動または同周速であることを特徴とする請求項
３６の画像形成装置。37. An image forming apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said pressing elastic member is driven or has the same peripheral speed as said developer carrier. 【請求項３８】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記現像剤担持体
上の現像剤担持部と現像剤非担持部の双方に配置されて
いることを特徴とする請求項３３から３７のいずれかの
項に記載の画像形成装置。38. The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the press-contact elastic member is disposed on both the developer carrying portion and the developer non-bearing portion on the developer carrying member. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 【請求項３９】 前記圧接弾性部材は前記弾性規制部材
の前記現像剤担持体との当接部両端部における前記現像
剤担持体円周方向に位置することを特徴とする請求項３
３から３８のいずれかの項に記載の画像形成装置。39. The pressure-contact elastic member is located in the circumferential direction of the developer carrier at both ends of the elastic regulating member in contact with the developer carrier.
39. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 3 to 38.
JP29330697A 1997-10-09 1997-10-09 Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Expired - Fee Related JP3782561B2 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP29330697A JP3782561B2 (en) 1997-10-09 1997-10-09 Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
US09/167,723 US6229979B1 (en) 1997-10-09 1998-10-07 Developing charging member supplied with a voltage of a same polarity as that of a developer and not less than a charge starting voltage and a developing charging roller with internal bearing
EP98119026A EP0908793B1 (en) 1997-10-09 1998-10-08 A developing device
AU88383/98A AU720397B2 (en) 1997-10-09 1998-10-08 A developing device
DE69821430T DE69821430T2 (en) 1997-10-09 1998-10-08 developing device
CN98124534A CN1114132C (en) 1997-10-09 1998-10-09 Developing apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP29330697A JP3782561B2 (en) 1997-10-09 1997-10-09 Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

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Publication Number Publication Date
JPH11119546A true JPH11119546A (en) 1999-04-30
JP3782561B2 JP3782561B2 (en) 2006-06-07

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002278147A (en) * 2001-03-21 2002-09-27 Canon Inc Magnetic toner, image forming method, and process cartridge
US6522842B1 (en) 1999-09-22 2003-02-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus

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JPH0764392A (en) * 1993-08-23 1995-03-10 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd One-component developing device
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JPH09244397A (en) * 1996-03-08 1997-09-19 Oki Data:Kk Electrophotograph developing device
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JPS5417030A (en) * 1977-07-07 1979-02-08 Ricoh Co Ltd Developing apparatus for electrostatic latent image
JPS55134874A (en) * 1979-04-06 1980-10-21 Ricoh Co Ltd Developing method of electrostatic latent image
JPS576856A (en) * 1980-06-16 1982-01-13 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing method
JPH0764392A (en) * 1993-08-23 1995-03-10 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd One-component developing device
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6522842B1 (en) 1999-09-22 2003-02-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus
JP2002278147A (en) * 2001-03-21 2002-09-27 Canon Inc Magnetic toner, image forming method, and process cartridge

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