JPH11133731A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH11133731A JPH11133731A JP29817097A JP29817097A JPH11133731A JP H11133731 A JPH11133731 A JP H11133731A JP 29817097 A JP29817097 A JP 29817097A JP 29817097 A JP29817097 A JP 29817097A JP H11133731 A JPH11133731 A JP H11133731A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- toner carrier
- developing
- layer thickness
- developing device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【0001】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、トナー担持体上に
供給されたトナーをトナー層厚規制部材により所定厚さ
の現像剤層として、感光体上の静電潜像を可視化するた
めの現像装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing method for visualizing an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor by using a toner supplied on a toner carrier as a developer layer having a predetermined thickness by a toner layer thickness regulating member. Related to the device.
【0002】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来の装置は、一般には現像装置のハウ
ジングにトナー担持体を回転自在に支承し、このハウジ
ングに取り付けたトナー層厚規制部材の保持部材にトナ
ー層厚規制部材を取り付けトナー層厚規制部材をトナー
担持体に対向させ、そのトナー層厚規制部材によりトナ
ー担持体にトナー薄層を形成する様構成した現像装置が
知られている。2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional apparatus, generally, a toner carrier is rotatably supported on a housing of a developing device, and a toner layer thickness regulating member is attached to a holding member of a toner layer thickness regulating member attached to the housing. A developing device is known in which a thickness regulating member is opposed to a toner carrier, and a thin toner layer is formed on the toner carrier by the toner layer thickness regulating member.
【0003】尚、トナー層厚規制部材は板状のゴム保持
板の先端にゴム板等の摩擦規制材が取り付けられそのゴ
ム保持板がトナー層厚規制部材の保持部材に取り付けら
れて摩擦規制材がトナー担持体に接触するようトナー層
厚規制部材の保持部材がハウジングのネジ穴にネジ固定
され取り付けられている。The toner layer thickness regulating member is provided with a friction regulating material such as a rubber plate attached to the tip of a plate-like rubber retaining plate, and the rubber retaining plate is attached to the holding member of the toner layer thickness regulating member. The holding member of the toner layer thickness regulating member is screwed and attached to the screw hole of the housing so that the contact member comes into contact with the toner carrier.
【0004】また、特開平1−309080 号公報記載のよう
にハウジングにトナー担持体を支軸で回転自在に支承
し、この支軸を基準としトナー層厚規制部材を位置決め
する構成が開示されている。また、特開昭55−89869 号
公報記載のようにトナー担持体と現像剤層厚規制手段を
連結支持する手段を設け、それらの線膨張係数を規定し
位置決め精度を向上させる等の構成が開示されている。Further, as disclosed in JP-A-1-309080, there is disclosed a structure in which a toner carrier is rotatably supported on a housing by a support shaft, and a toner layer thickness regulating member is positioned on the basis of the support shaft. I have. Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-89869, there is disclosed a structure in which means for connecting and supporting the toner carrier and the developer layer thickness regulating means are provided, and their linear expansion coefficients are defined to improve positioning accuracy. Have been.
【0005】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記従来技術は、トナ
ー担持体とトナー層厚規制部材を正確に位置決めし薄層
を均一に形成する目的でいろいろな工夫がなされ、か
つ、現像器ケースからのトナー漏れに対してもいろいろ
と工夫がなされているが、近年高画質,高精細化のため
更なる画質の均一性が求められている。そのためには、
トナー担持体とトナー層厚規制部材の性能向上,トナー
漏れに対して更なる向上が要求される。In the above prior art, various measures have been devised for the purpose of accurately positioning the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member so as to form a thin layer uniformly, and to prevent the toner layer from being removed from the developing device case. Various measures have been taken against toner leakage, but in recent years, further uniformity of image quality has been required for higher image quality and higher definition. for that purpose,
It is required to further improve the performance of the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member and further improve against toner leakage.
【0006】従来技術は、トナー担持体とトナー層厚規
制部材が、支持板等を設けてハウジングに固定されて最
終形態を形成している。In the prior art, a toner carrier and a toner layer thickness regulating member are fixed to a housing by providing a support plate or the like to form a final form.
【0007】このような場合、トナー担持体とトナー層
厚規制部材が、支持板等を設けてハウジングに固定され
ているため開口部となっており、トナー担持体やトナー
層厚規制部材を、外部から簡単に触れることができるた
め、取扱いの不具合によっては、トナー担持体やトナー
層厚規制部材を傷つけることが、多々発生していた。本
発明の目的は、トナー担持体上に所定厚さで、均一なト
ナー薄層を長期にわたり安定して形成可能な構成を提供
するとともに、現像装置の取扱い時に、簡単な構成でメ
ンテナンス性を向上させた、現像装置を提供することに
ある。In such a case, since the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are fixed to the housing by providing a support plate or the like, they form an opening. Since it can be easily touched from the outside, the toner carrying member and the toner layer thickness regulating member are often damaged depending on the handling failure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration capable of forming a uniform thin toner layer with a predetermined thickness on a toner carrier stably over a long period of time, and to improve maintainability with a simple configuration when handling a developing device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a developing device.
【0008】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、微小着色粉体であるトナーと、トナー担持体と、ト
ナー担持体に圧接し、トナーを摩擦帯電するとともにト
ナー担持体上にトナー薄層を形成するトナー層厚規制部
材と、トナー薄層の形成されたトナー担持体を回動し、
静電潜像の形成された潜像保持手段の対向する位置へト
ナー薄層を搬送して、前記静電潜像を可視化する現像装
置において、トナー担持体と前記トナー層厚規制部材と
を、現像ケースの下部になるように現像ケースを位置さ
せた場合、トナー担持体とトナー層厚規制部材が、現像
装置に対して凹部になるように構成した。In order to achieve the above object, a toner as a fine colored powder, a toner carrier and a toner carrier are pressed against the toner carrier to frictionally charge the toner, and the toner is placed on the toner carrier. Rotating the toner layer thickness regulating member forming the thin layer and the toner carrier on which the toner thin layer is formed,
In a developing device that transports the thin toner layer to a position opposite to the latent image holding unit on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and visualizes the electrostatic latent image, a toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member include: When the developing case is positioned below the developing case, the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are configured to be recessed with respect to the developing device.
【0009】例えば、トナー担持体の片端或いは、両端
に凸部を設け、この凸部を現像ケースより突出させた構
造としたり、現像ケースに対して、一体或いは別体に構
成した構造とした。For example, a convex portion is provided on one end or both ends of the toner carrier, and the convex portion is protruded from the developing case, or the developing device is formed integrally or separately from the developing case.
【0010】このように、例えば、トナー担持体と前記
トナー層厚規制部材とを現像ケースの下部になるように
前記現像ケースを立てかけた場合など、トナー担持体と
トナー層厚規制部材が、平面に接することがない。ま
た、取扱い時は、この凸部がトナー担持体とトナー層厚
規制部材より、先に当たるため、傷を付けることがな
い。As described above, for example, when the developing case is set up so that the toner carrying member and the toner layer thickness regulating member are located below the developing case, the toner carrying member and the toner layer thickness regulating member are flat. Never touch. In addition, during handling, the projections come in contact with the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member earlier, so that they are not damaged.
【0011】[0011]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の一実施例を図面に
より説明する。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
【0012】図4は本発明による小型カラー画像形成装
置の断面図である。FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a small color image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
【0013】このカラー画像形成装置は機枠体(外枠)
1によって構成される本体内に潜像保持手段である感光
ベルト2が垂直方向に長く設置され、感光ベルト2を境
にして図中左側に中間転写体である転写ドラム6,転写
装置12,記録媒体の供給装置10,定着器14が配置
され、図中右側には4色の異なる色のトナーを充填され
た現像装置30Y,30M,30C,30Kが配置され
る。現像装置30Yの下部には感光ベルト2に潜像を形
成するための露光装置4が配置され、さらにその下には
記録媒体を溜めておく給紙カセット9が配置される。This color image forming apparatus is a machine frame (outer frame).
A photosensitive belt 2 serving as a latent image holding means is installed vertically long in a main body constituted by 1, and a transfer drum 6 serving as an intermediate transfer member, a transfer device 12, A medium supply device 10 and a fixing device 14 are arranged, and developing devices 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K filled with toners of four different colors are arranged on the right side in the drawing. An exposure device 4 for forming a latent image on the photosensitive belt 2 is disposed below the developing device 30Y, and a paper feed cassette 9 for storing a recording medium is disposed below the exposure device 4.
【0014】転写ドラム6周辺には転写装置12,記録
媒体剥離装置13,中間転写体清掃装置16が配置さ
れ、感光ベルト2周辺には帯電装置3,残像除去装置
7,感光体清掃装置8が配置される。A transfer device 12, a recording medium peeling device 13, and an intermediate transfer member cleaning device 16 are arranged around the transfer drum 6, and a charging device 3, an afterimage removing device 7, and a photosensitive member cleaning device 8 are arranged around the photosensitive belt 2. Be placed.
【0015】潜像保持手段である感光ベルト2は図示し
ない駆動装置により矢印21aの方向に駆動される。The photosensitive belt 2 serving as a latent image holding means is driven in a direction of an arrow 21a by a driving device (not shown).
【0016】そして、まず最初に、駆動される感光ベル
ト2表面の感光層が帯電装置3によって一様に帯電され
る。First, the photosensitive layer on the surface of the driven photosensitive belt 2 is uniformly charged by the charging device 3.
【0017】次に、露光装置4によりパソコン,イメー
ジスキャナ等による画像,文字情報をドット単位で露光
が行われ、感光ベルト2上に静電潜像が形成される。そ
の後、感光ベルト2上の静電潜像は現像装置30Y,3
0M,30C,30Kの何れかにより現像されることに
よってトナー像として可視像化され、第一転写位置22
aに送り込まれる。Next, the exposure device 4 exposes the image and character information by a personal computer, an image scanner or the like in dot units, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive belt 2. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive belt 2 are transferred to the developing devices 30Y and 30Y.
0M, 30C, and 30K, the toner image is visualized as a toner image, and the first transfer position 22
sent to a.
【0018】感光ベルト2は図示しない電源により電位
を与えられており、転写ドラム6はアースに接続されて
いる。この為、第一転写位置22aではこれらの電位差
により感光ベルト2から転写ドラム6へのトナー像の転
写が行われる。The photosensitive belt 2 is supplied with a potential by a power supply (not shown), and the transfer drum 6 is connected to the ground. Therefore, at the first transfer position 22a, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive belt 2 to the transfer drum 6 by the potential difference.
【0019】第一転写位置22aを通過した後、感光ベ
ルト2は、残像消去装置7による光照射によって静電潜
像を消去され、感光ベルト2の表面電位が一定レベル以
下に落とされる。After passing through the first transfer position 22a, the photosensitive belt 2 is erased from the electrostatic latent image by light irradiation by the afterimage eraser 7, and the surface potential of the photosensitive belt 2 is reduced to a certain level or less.
【0020】その後、感光体清掃装置8により第一転写
で転写されずに残った感光ベルト2上の残トナーが清掃
され、次のトナー像形成が可能な状態となる。After that, the remaining toner on the photosensitive belt 2 which is not transferred by the first transfer is removed by the photosensitive member cleaning device 8, and the next toner image can be formed.
【0021】前述した1サイクルの動作を、転写ドラム
6の1周のタイミングに合わせて現像装置30Y,30
M,30C,30Kに対して順次行うことにより、転写
ドラム6上に単色トナー像を重ね合わせた複数色トナー
画像が形成される。The operation of one cycle described above is performed in synchronization with the timing of one rotation of the transfer drum 6 by the developing devices 30Y and 30Y.
By sequentially performing the processes on M, 30C, and 30K, a multicolor toner image in which a single color toner image is superimposed on the transfer drum 6 is formed.
【0022】一方、用紙,OHPシート等の記録媒体が
供給装置10よりタイミングを取って第二転写位置22
bに供給され、転写ドラム6上に形成された単色あるい
は複数色のトナー画像が転写装置12の働きにより記録
媒体に転写される。On the other hand, a recording medium such as a sheet, an OHP sheet, etc.
b, and a single or multiple color toner image formed on the transfer drum 6 is transferred to a recording medium by the operation of the transfer device 12.
【0023】記録媒体へのトナー像転写後、記録媒体
は、記録媒体剥離装置13により転写ドラム6より剥離
され、定着器14によりトナーを溶融定着され、排紙装
置15により本体上面に排紙される。After the transfer of the toner image to the recording medium, the recording medium is peeled off from the transfer drum 6 by the recording medium peeling device 13, the toner is fused and fixed by the fixing device 14, and the paper is discharged onto the upper surface of the main body by the paper discharging device 15. You.
【0024】一方、記録媒体への転写終了後、転写され
ずに転写ドラム6上に残った残トナーは中間転写体清掃
装置16により清掃され、次のトナー像重ね合わせが可
能な状態となる。On the other hand, after the transfer to the recording medium is completed, the residual toner remaining on the transfer drum 6 without being transferred is cleaned by the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 16 so that the next toner image can be superimposed.
【0025】記録媒体の給紙から排紙までの搬送経路を
出来るだけ簡略化し、搬送経路の曲率半径を大きくする
ことによって、搬送途中での紙詰まりが防止でき、信頼
性を向上させることが出来る。By simplifying the transport path from the supply of the recording medium to the discharge of the recording medium as much as possible and by increasing the radius of curvature of the transport path, paper jams during transport can be prevented and reliability can be improved. .
【0026】また、紙詰まり時の処理も簡単に行うこと
が出来る。さらに、厚紙等の多種記録媒体にも対応でき
る。Further, the processing at the time of paper jam can be easily performed. Further, it can correspond to various types of recording media such as cardboard.
【0027】本実施例では記録媒体搬送経路を略円弧状
に配置し、転写ドラム6,感光ベルト2,現像装置30
Y,30M,30C,30K,露光装置4等を記録媒体
搬送経路の内側に配置することによって空間を有効利用
して本体を小型化し、搬送経路を簡略化し、記録媒体排
出時、印字面を下向きに排出する構成とした。In this embodiment, the recording medium conveyance path is arranged in a substantially arc shape, and the transfer drum 6, the photosensitive belt 2, the developing device 30
By arranging the Y, 30M, 30C, 30K, the exposure device 4 and the like inside the recording medium transport path, the space is effectively used, the body is reduced in size, the transport path is simplified, and the printing surface faces downward when the recording medium is discharged. To discharge to
【0028】前記配置にすることによって搬送経路を簡
略化でき、かつ、ほとんどのユニットを搬送経路よりも
本体内側に配置されるため、搬送経路が機枠体(外枠)
に近く、搬送経路を開放しやすい為、紙詰まり時の処理
も簡単に行うことが出来る。また、排出時印字面を下向
きに排出することは印字面側から印刷順に並んで排出さ
れる利点がある。By adopting the above arrangement, the transport path can be simplified, and most of the units are disposed inside the main body relative to the transport path.
, And the transport route is easily opened, so that a paper jam can be easily handled. In addition, discharging the printing surface downward at the time of discharging has an advantage that the printing surface is discharged in a printing order from the printing surface side.
【0029】感光体をベルト状の構成にすることによっ
て複数色の現像装置30をほぼ同一の形状で感光ベルト
の同一平面に配置することができ、現像装置を現像する
色に合わせて交替させるための機構や、各色毎に現像装
置形状を変更する等の必要が無く、小型化,低価格化す
ることが出来る。By forming the photoreceptor in a belt-like configuration, the developing devices 30 of a plurality of colors can be arranged in substantially the same shape on the same plane of the photosensitive belt, and the developing devices can be replaced according to the color to be developed. There is no need to change the structure of the developing device for each color or the like, and the size and the price can be reduced.
【0030】また、感光ベルト2を垂直方向に長く配置
することによって同一周長での感光ベルトの占有する空
間を小さくすることが出来るため、本体を小型化するこ
とが出来る。Further, by arranging the photosensitive belt 2 vertically long, the space occupied by the photosensitive belt having the same circumference can be reduced, so that the size of the main body can be reduced.
【0031】記録媒体を本体下部から上部に向けて搬送
する時、転写ドラム6は矢印21cの方向に回転し、感
光ベルト2は矢印21aの方向に回転することによって
各接点でそれぞれ順方向に動作することになり、現像効
率が良く、振動等の問題の少ない構成が得られる。When the recording medium is conveyed from the lower part to the upper part of the main body, the transfer drum 6 rotates in the direction of arrow 21c, and the photosensitive belt 2 rotates in the direction of arrow 21a to operate in the forward direction at each contact point. As a result, it is possible to obtain a configuration with good development efficiency and less problems such as vibration.
【0032】また、転写ドラム6を感光ベルト2に対し
て従動とすることができ色ズレの少ない構成とすること
ができる。この時、トナー担持体であるトナー担持体3
1を矢印21bの方向に回転する逆転現像方式(感光ベ
ルト側で下方から上方に回転する方式)とすることによ
り感光ベルト2とトナー担持体31を順方向に動作させ
ることが出来、現像効率の良く、振動等の問題の少ない
構成が得られる。Further, the transfer drum 6 can be made to follow the photosensitive belt 2 so that the color shift can be reduced. At this time, the toner carrier 3 which is a toner carrier
1 is a reversal developing method in which the photosensitive belt 2 and the toner carrier 31 are rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow 21b (a method in which the photosensitive belt 2 is rotated upward from the lower side) so that the developing efficiency can be reduced. It is possible to obtain a configuration that is good and has few problems such as vibration.
【0033】さて、図1,図2,図3,図5,図6は本
発明に係る現像装置30の一実施例である。FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 show an embodiment of the developing device 30 according to the present invention.
【0034】感光ベルト2は矢印21b方向に下方から
上方へ駆動される。現像装置30のトナー担持体31
は、感光ベルト2に接触あるいは0.1〜0.3程度のギ
ャップを保持し、矢印31bの様に駆動される。The photosensitive belt 2 is driven upward from below in the direction of arrow 21b. Toner carrier 31 of developing device 30
Is driven in the direction indicated by an arrow 31b while in contact with the photosensitive belt 2 or maintaining a gap of about 0.1 to 0.3.
【0035】トナー担持体31の材質はアルミ,ステン
レス等の導電体もしくは導電性ゴム材により構成する。
トナー担持体31の周囲にはトナー供給ローラ32,ト
ナー層厚規制部材34が配置される。The material of the toner carrier 31 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum or stainless steel or a conductive rubber material.
A toner supply roller 32 and a toner layer thickness regulating member 34 are arranged around the toner carrier 31.
【0036】トナー層厚規制部材34は、加圧手段35
によりトナー担持体31に適当な加圧力により加圧され
る。加圧手段35の構成は、ステンレス,リン青銅等の
薄板による板バネにより構成される。The toner layer thickness regulating member 34 includes a pressing means 35
Thus, the toner carrier 31 is pressed by an appropriate pressing force. The structure of the pressing means 35 is constituted by a leaf spring made of a thin plate such as stainless steel or phosphor bronze.
【0037】トナー層厚規制部材34の摩擦規制材34
aは、加圧手段35の板バネ材にトナー層厚規制材34
aであるゴム板(ウレタンゴム,シリコンゴム等)を貼
り付けた物であったり、加圧手段35の板バネ材を伸ば
して直接トナー担持体31に当接してもよい。The friction regulating member 34 of the toner layer thickness regulating member 34
a is a sheet spring material of the pressurizing means 35,
Alternatively, a rubber plate (urethane rubber, silicon rubber, or the like) as a may be attached, or the plate spring material of the pressing means 35 may be stretched to directly contact the toner carrier 31.
【0038】トナー層厚規制部材34は保持部材36の
トナー層厚規制部材の保持部36aに押さえ板37に挟
みこまれ固定される。The toner layer thickness regulating member 34 is fixed to the holding portion 36a of the holding member 36 by being sandwiched by a pressing plate 37.
【0039】また、保持部材36の両サイドにトナー担
持体31の支持部36bを設ける。支持部36bの開口
部36cには、トナー担持体支軸31aを軸受け31b
を介して係合される。このトナー担持体31とトナー層
厚規制部材34を保持部材36により一体化しトナー担
持体ユニット38を構成する。Further, support portions 36b of the toner carrier 31 are provided on both sides of the holding member 36. An opening 36c of the supporting portion 36b has a bearing 31b
Is engaged through. The toner carrier 31 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 are integrated by a holding member 36 to form a toner carrier unit 38.
【0040】ここで保持部材36とトナー担持体31の
支持部36bは1つの部品で構成するのが好ましく別ピ
ースで取り付けてもよいが1つの部品とする事により組
立時の誤差の低減が計れる。また材質はトナー層厚規制
部材34の加圧手段35材質との線膨張係数差の影響に
よる変形防止のため極力差の少ない金属板により構成す
るのが望ましい。Here, the holding member 36 and the supporting portion 36b of the toner carrier 31 are preferably formed as one part, and may be mounted as separate pieces. However, by using one part, errors during assembly can be reduced. . Further, the material is desirably made of a metal plate having a minimum difference in order to prevent deformation due to a difference in linear expansion coefficient from the material of the pressing means 35 of the toner layer thickness regulating member 34.
【0041】また、現像装置30のハウジング39には
前記のトナー担持体ユニット38の軸受け31bの支持
部39aと着脱可能なための開口部39bを設ける。The housing 39 of the developing device 30 is provided with an opening 39b which is detachable from the support portion 39a of the bearing 31b of the toner carrier unit 38.
【0042】よって、一体化されたトナー担持体ユニッ
ト38が、ハウジング39から着脱自在に構成する。Thus, the integrated toner carrier unit 38 is configured to be detachable from the housing 39.
【0043】また、トナー担持体ユニット38が、ハウ
ジング39のフタ等を分解する事なしに着脱自在に構成
する。Further, the toner carrier unit 38 is configured to be detachable without disassembling the lid or the like of the housing 39.
【0044】図3に示す矢印R方向にトナー担持体ユニ
ット38を挿入し、矢印S方向に回転することにより、
図2のように、トナー担持体ユニット38をハウジング
39に装着することができる。By inserting the toner carrier unit 38 in the direction of arrow R shown in FIG. 3 and rotating in the direction of arrow S,
As shown in FIG. 2, the toner carrier unit 38 can be mounted on the housing 39.
【0045】図1にこのトナー担持体ユニット38の組
立及び構成を斜視図にて詳細に示した。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the details of the assembly and configuration of the toner carrier unit 38. As shown in FIG.
【0046】前記したように、トナー層厚規制部材34
は保持部材36のトナー層厚規制部材34の保持部36
aに押さえ板37に挟み込まれネジにより固定され、ま
たトナー担持体31はトナー担持体支軸31aを軸受3
1bを介して、保持部材36の両サイドの支持部36b
に係合されることにより、トナー担持体ユニット38が
構成される。As described above, the toner layer thickness regulating member 34
Is a holding portion 36 of the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 of the holding member 36.
The toner carrier 31 is sandwiched between the holding plate 37 and fixed by screws.
1b, supporting portions 36b on both sides of the holding member 36
, The toner carrier unit 38 is formed.
【0047】このトナー担持体ユニット38を図3にお
いて示したようにハウジング39の開口部39bに軸受
31bの平面部を合わせて矢印R方向に挿入し、矢印S
方向に回転することによりハウジング39の支持部39
aと軸受31bの円筒部が係合し、最後にネジによりト
ナー担持体ユニット31を締結することにより固定さ
れ、現像装置30の最終形態となる。As shown in FIG. 3, the toner carrier unit 38 is inserted in the direction indicated by the arrow R with the flat portion of the bearing 31b aligned with the opening 39b of the housing 39.
The support 39 of the housing 39
a and the cylindrical portion of the bearing 31b are engaged with each other, and are finally fixed by fastening the toner carrier unit 31 with screws, so that the developing device 30 is in the final form.
【0048】また、現像装置30のハウジング39には
トナー担持体ユニット38を取り付けた時にトナー層厚
規制部材34の裏面位置に相当する位置にトナーシール
部材40を設ける。トナーシール部材40材質は、発泡
スポンジ,ゴム板等の弾性部材、またはシート状の薄板
により構成される。A toner seal member 40 is provided on the housing 39 of the developing device 30 at a position corresponding to the back surface of the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 when the toner carrier unit 38 is attached. The material of the toner seal member 40 is an elastic member such as a foamed sponge or a rubber plate, or a thin sheet.
【0049】さらに、トナー掻きだし部材41を設けト
ナー層厚規制部材34周辺のトナー停滞防止を計る。Further, a toner scraping member 41 is provided to prevent toner stagnation around the toner layer thickness regulating member 34.
【0050】以上の構成による現像装置30の動作は、
トナー担持体31に対して、トナー担持体31側方に回
転可能で接触するトナー供給ローラ32を配接して有
り、トナー供給ローラ32に付着したトナーTが、トナ
ー担持体31に付着しトナー供給される。その下流側に
トナー担持体31に対し接触圧力を付加する加圧手段3
5により一定の圧力になるよう加圧されたトナー層厚規
制部材34の摩擦規制材34aによりトナー薄層を形成
する。The operation of the developing device 30 having the above configuration is as follows.
A toner supply roller 32 that is rotatably contacted to the side of the toner carrier 31 is connected to the toner carrier 31, and the toner T attached to the toner supply roller 32 adheres to the toner carrier 31 to supply toner. Is done. A pressure unit 3 for applying a contact pressure to the toner carrier 31 on the downstream side thereof
5, a toner thin layer is formed by the friction regulating member 34a of the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 pressed to a constant pressure.
【0051】ここで、トナー層厚規制部材34により層
厚を規制されて残った余剰トナーT(供給余剰分)は層
厚規制材34aの下方に落下する。Here, the surplus toner T (supply surplus) remaining after the layer thickness is regulated by the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 falls below the layer thickness regulating member 34a.
【0052】その後供給過剰のトナーTは、回転可能な
トナー掻きだし部材41により掻き出され、トナー層厚
規制部材34周辺に余剰なトナーTの溜りが生じないた
め、常に安定したトナー薄層形成、及びトナーへの適正
帯電が可能となる。Thereafter, the excessively supplied toner T is scraped out by the rotatable toner scraping member 41 and no excess toner T is accumulated around the toner layer thickness regulating member 34, so that a stable toner thin layer is always formed. , And proper charging of the toner.
【0053】本現像装置30による10000枚の印字
試験において、トナー層厚を0.42±0.03mg/cm2,ト
ナー帯電量で20〜30μC/gの長期的安定性を達成
する事が出来た。In a printing test of 10,000 sheets using the developing device 30, a long-term stability of a toner layer thickness of 0.42 ± 0.03 mg / cm 2 and a toner charge amount of 20 to 30 μC / g could be achieved.
【0054】また、トナー担持体31とトナー層厚規制
部材34が、保持部材36により一体化されたことによ
り、保持部材36の部品精度を高精度化管理すればトナ
ー担持体とトナー層厚規制部材の正確な位置決めが可能
となり、安定して均一なトナー薄層形成が可能となり、
画像の均一性を向上し、高画質,高精細化を実現でき
る。Further, since the toner carrier 31 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 are integrated by the holding member 36, if the precision of the components of the holding member 36 is controlled to be higher, the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are regulated. Accurate positioning of members becomes possible, and stable and uniform thin toner layer formation becomes possible.
The uniformity of the image can be improved, and high image quality and high definition can be realized.
【0055】また、トナー担持体31とトナー層厚規制
部材34を保持部材36により一体化したことにより、
トナー担持体31とトナー層厚規制部材34の位置決め
は保持部材36により決まり、位置決めのためにハウジ
ング39に高精度を要求せず、また組立の際の取り付け
誤差によるねじれ等の発生も少ない。Further, by integrating the toner carrier 31 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 with the holding member 36,
The positioning of the toner carrier 31 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 is determined by the holding member 36, so that high precision is not required for the housing 39 for positioning, and the occurrence of torsion and the like due to mounting errors during assembly is small.
【0056】前記従来技術ではハウジングによってトナ
ー担持体とトナー層厚規制部材の位置決めをしており、
ハウジングには高精度が要求されるため、高精度成形が
可能な高価な樹脂を用いなければならず、また組立の際
も治具等を用いて正確な位置決めを行っていた。In the prior art, the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are positioned by the housing.
Since high precision is required for the housing, an expensive resin that can be molded with high precision must be used, and accurate positioning has been performed using a jig or the like during assembly.
【0057】しかし、本実施例においては一般の樹脂材
料で必要十分な精度を得ることができ、また組立の際も
保持部材36を部品単品で高精度管理するだけで良いた
め、組立時間の短縮化がはかれ、低価格を実現できた。However, in the present embodiment, the necessary and sufficient accuracy can be obtained by using a general resin material, and the assembling time can be shortened because the holding member 36 need only be controlled with high precision as a single component. It was able to achieve a low price.
【0058】図において、トナー担持体31のトナー担
持体支軸31aに取付けられた、軸受31bに凸部A5
1,凸部B52を設けた。また、別の例として、図6に
示すように、ハウジング39の両脇に、凸部C53,凸
部D54を設けた。In the figure, a protrusion A5 is attached to a bearing 31b attached to a toner carrier shaft 31a of the toner carrier 31.
1, a projection B52 was provided. As another example, as shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion C53 and a protrusion D54 are provided on both sides of the housing 39.
【0059】これにより、トナー担持体31,トナー層
厚規制部材34を現像装置30に対して、下部になるよ
うに、現像装置30を立てかけた場合は、凸部A51,
凸部B52、或いは、凸部C53,凸部D54が、面に
対して、先に接するため、トナー担持体31やトナー層
厚規制部材34を傷付けることがない。Accordingly, when the developing device 30 is set up so that the toner carrier 31 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 are located below the developing device 30, the protrusions A51,
Since the convex portion B52, or the convex portions C53 and D54 contact the surface first, the toner carrier 31 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 34 are not damaged.
【0060】[0060]
【発明の効果】本発明によれば、トナー担持体上に所定
厚さで、均一なトナー薄層を長期にわたり安定して形成
可能な構成を提供するとともに、現像装置における、ト
ナー担持体やトナー層厚規制部材を傷付けることがな
く、装置の清掃作業を容易にし、イージーメンテナンス
化が可能な現像装置を、簡単な構成で、小型・軽量・低
価格を実現できる。According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a structure capable of stably forming a uniform thin toner layer having a predetermined thickness on a toner carrier for a long period of time. A developing device that does not damage the layer thickness regulating member, facilitates the cleaning work of the device, and enables easy maintenance can be realized with a simple configuration, small size, light weight and low price.
【図1】本発明の一実施例に係る現像装置のトナー担持
体ユニットとハウジングの組立及び構成を示す斜視図。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly and configuration of a toner carrier unit and a housing of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図2】本発明の一実施例に係る現像装置の要部断面
図。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
【図3】本発明の一実施例に係る現像装置のトナー担持
体ユニットとハウジングの縦断面図。FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a toner carrier unit and a housing of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
【図4】本発明の一実施例に係るカラー画像形成装置の
縦断面図。FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a color image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
【図5】本発明の一実施例に係る現像装置の要部平面
図。FIG. 5 is a plan view of a main part of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
【図6】本発明の一実施例に係り、別の実施例を説明す
る現像装置の要部平面図。FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main part of a developing device illustrating another embodiment according to the embodiment of the present invention.
1…機枠体、2…感光ベルト、3…帯電装置、4…露光
装置、6…転写ドラム、7…残像除去装置、8…感光体
清掃装置、9…給紙カセット、10…給紙装置、12…
転写装置、13…記録媒体剥離装置、14…定着器、1
5…排紙装置、16…中間転写体清掃装置、21a,2
1b,21c…矢印、22a…第一転写位置、30,3
0Y,30M,30C,30K…現像装置、31…トナ
ー担持体、31a…トナー担持体支軸、31b…軸受、
32…トナー供給ローラ、34…トナー層厚規制部材、
34a…摩擦規制材、36…保持部材、36a,36b
…支持部、36c…開口部、37…押さえ板、38…ト
ナー担持体ユニット、39…ハウジング、39a…支持
部、39b…開口部、40…トナーシール部材、41…
トナー掻き出し部材、51…凸部A、52…凸部B、5
3…凸部C、54…凸部D。DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Machine frame, 2 ... Photosensitive belt, 3 ... Charging device, 4 ... Exposure device, 6 ... Transfer drum, 7 ... Afterimage removing device, 8 ... Photoconductor cleaning device, 9 ... Paper cassette, 10 ... Paper feeding device , 12 ...
Transfer device, 13: recording medium peeling device, 14: fixing device, 1
5 paper discharge device, 16 intermediate transfer body cleaning device, 21a, 2
1b, 21c: arrow, 22a: first transfer position, 30, 3
0Y, 30M, 30C, 30K: developing device, 31: toner carrier, 31a: toner carrier support shaft, 31b: bearing
32: toner supply roller, 34: toner layer thickness regulating member,
34a: friction regulating material, 36: holding member, 36a, 36b
.. Supporting part, 36c opening, 37 pressing plate, 38 toner carrier unit, 39 housing, 39a supporting part, 39b opening, 40 toner seal member, 41
Toner scraping member, 51: convex portion A, 52: convex portion B, 5
3 ... convex part C, 54 ... convex part D.
フロントページの続き (72)発明者 岡野 正 茨城県日立市東多賀町一丁目1番1号 株 式会社日立製作所電化機器事業部多賀本部 内Continuing on the front page (72) Tadashi Okano 1-1-1 Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Pref.
Claims (6)
体と、前記トナー担持体上に圧接し前記トナーを摩擦帯
電するとともに前記トナー担持体上にトナー薄層を形成
するトナー層厚規制部材と、前記トナー薄層の形成され
たトナー担持体を回動し、前記トナー担持体とトナー層
厚規制部材とを現像ケースに保持し、静電潜像の形成さ
れた潜像保持手段の対向する位置へトナー薄層を搬送し
て、前記静電潜像を可視化する現像装置において、 前記トナー担持体と前記トナー層厚規制部材とを現像ケ
ースの下部になるように前記現像ケースを位置させた場
合、前記トナー担持体と前記トナー層厚規制部材は現像
装置に対して凹部になるように構成したことを特徴とす
る現像装置。1. A toner layer having a fine color powder, a toner carrier, and a toner layer thickness regulation for pressing the toner carrier and frictionally charging the toner and forming a thin toner layer on the toner carrier. The member and the toner carrier on which the toner thin layer is formed are rotated, the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are held in a developing case, and a latent image holding unit on which an electrostatic latent image is formed is provided. In a developing device for transporting a thin toner layer to an opposing position to visualize the electrostatic latent image, the developing case is positioned such that the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are located below the developing case. In this case, the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are configured so as to be recessed with respect to the developing device.
記トナー層厚規制部材とを現像ケースの下部になるよう
に前記現像ケースを立てかけた場合、前記トナー担持体
と前記トナー層厚規制部材は略平面に接しないように現
像装置に対して凹部を設けたことを特徴とする現像装
置。2. The toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member according to claim 1, wherein the developing case is set up so that the toner carrier and the toner layer thickness regulating member are located below the developing case. A developing device provided with a concave portion so as not to contact a substantially flat surface.
部を設け、この凸部を前記現像ケースより突出させたこ
とを特徴とする現像装置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion is provided on said toner carrier, and said convex portion protrudes from said developing case.
担持体の片端或いは、両端に設けたことを特徴とする現
像装置。4. The developing device according to claim 3, wherein said convex portion is provided at one end or both ends of said toner carrier.
を設け、現像ケースに対して、一体或いは別体に構成し
たことを特徴とする現像装置。5. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion is provided on the developing case, and the developing case is formed integrally or separately from the developing case.
た凸部は、現像ケースの片端或いは、両端に設けたこと
を特徴とする現像装置。6. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion provided on the developing case is provided at one end or both ends of the developing case.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP29817097A JPH11133731A (en) | 1997-10-30 | 1997-10-30 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP29817097A JPH11133731A (en) | 1997-10-30 | 1997-10-30 | Developing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH11133731A true JPH11133731A (en) | 1999-05-21 |
Family
ID=17856117
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP29817097A Pending JPH11133731A (en) | 1997-10-30 | 1997-10-30 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JPH11133731A (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-10-30 JP JP29817097A patent/JPH11133731A/en active Pending
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