JPH1144995A - Developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device capable of preventing both end of layer thickness controlling members from directly coming into contact with the developer carrier peripheral surface, a local breakage and excessive supply of developer due to the breakage from occurring, and preventing the inconvenience such as contamination of the inside of the device and the increase of consumption of the developer. SOLUTION: This device is constituted by arranging a layer thickness controlling member 5 on the downstream side of a developer case 4 in the rotary direction of the developer carrier 1, and arranging so that a top end of the layer thickness controlling member 5 surface or the vicinity thereof is held in contact with the whole area in the shaft direction of the developer carrier 1. Thus, by arranging the layer thickness controlling member 5 over whole area on the developer carrier 1, the both end of layer thickness controlling member 5 is respectively prevented from coming into contact with the developer carrier 1 periphery, therefore the local damage thereby is prevented from occurring.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device using a one-component developing material, and more particularly to a developing device for an image forming apparatus using an electrostatic latent image such as an electrophotographic machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when adjusting the toner density of a printer of an image forming apparatus, a method of electrically adjusting a developing bias and a toner replenishment control to adjust the density is generally known.

Further, as a mechanism for adjusting the toner density,
A method of adjusting the toner concentration by adjusting the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-160101 is generally known.

[0004]

The conventional mechanism for equalizing the toner concentration is based on the problem of dimensional defects (such as warpage) of the layer thickness regulating member.
The amount of toner adhering to the developer carrying member may become non-uniform due to a change in the spring constant due to variations in the material or the material, or a defect in the positional accuracy of the mounting surface of the layer thickness regulating member, which may cause uneven density. Further, due to a change in the environment or a change in the remaining amount of toner, the toner layer thickness may be changed from the initial layer thickness on the developer carrying member, which may cause problems such as a decrease in density and printing fog.

In the present invention, in order to solve these problems, means for adjusting the toner concentration is provided,
Developing devices for image forming devices such as copiers, facsimile machines, and printers that can adjust density unevenness due to positional accuracy failure of the mounting surface of the layer thickness regulating member and adjust density in response to environmental changes and changes in the amount of remaining toner. It is intended to provide.

Further, as in the conventional method of adjusting the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier, for example, when the contact pressure is reduced, the sealing between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier is reduced. Depending on the performance, toner may drop from the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member during printing, blow out, or toner may leak from between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member due to vibration during transportation. May occur.

Conversely, if the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member is increased, for example, in the case of long-term storage, the effect of the permanent distortion of the contact portion of the developer carrying member with the layer thickness regulating member, Due to a decrease in the thickness of the toner layer on the developer carrying member, a decrease in the density is conspicuous due to an environmental change or the like.

For these reasons, the conventional method of adjusting the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier has many restrictions and the range in which the contact pressure can be adjusted is narrow. Therefore, the adjustable range of the toner density is narrow, and the density adjustment required by the user and the density adjustment that can cope with environmental changes cannot be performed.

Therefore, in the present invention, the contact angle between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier is changed to adjust the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion of the developer carrier with the layer thickness regulating member. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer which can finely adjust a toner concentration arbitrarily in a wide range.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device for an electrophotographic printer using a non-magnetic developer, wherein a developer carrier for attaching the developer to a photoreceptor is provided. A layer thickness regulating member for forming a developer layer having a predetermined layer thickness on the developer carrier in contact with the carrier; and a means for adjusting an amount of the developer adhering to the developer carrier. Is a developing device of an electrophotographic printer.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by providing the means for adjusting the toner density, it is possible to adjust the density unevenness due to the positional accuracy failure of the mounting surface of the layer thickness regulating member, or to change the environment or the residual toner. It is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, and the like, capable of adjusting the density corresponding to the change in the amount.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device, the means for adjusting the amount of the developer adhering to the developer carrier includes the developer carrier and the developer carrier having a predetermined thickness. A mechanism for changing a contact angle with a layer thickness regulating member for forming a developer layer on the developer carrier, wherein the developer carrier and the developer having a predetermined layer thickness are brought into contact with the developer carrier; The amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member is adjusted according to a change in the angle between the layer and the layer thickness regulating member forming the layer on the developer carrying member. Thus, the developing device performs density adjustment.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the contact angle between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier is changed, and the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion of the developer carrier with the layer thickness regulating member is changed. The developing device of an image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer, which can finely adjust the toner density arbitrarily over a wide range by adjusting.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the method of adjusting the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member as in the prior art is, for example, if the contact pressure is reduced, the layer thickness regulating member and the developing device are contacted. Due to the sealing performance between the toner carrier and the developer carrier, toner drops from between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier during printing,
Toner may leak from between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier due to blowing out or vibration during transportation.

Conversely, when the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member is increased, the influence of the permanent distortion of the contact portion of the developer carrying member with the layer thickness regulating member during long-term storage, for example, is considered. Also, due to a decrease in the thickness of the toner layer on the developer carrying member, a decrease in the density is conspicuous due to an environmental change or the like.

For these reasons, the conventional method of adjusting the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier has many restrictions and the range in which the contact pressure can be adjusted is narrow. Therefore, the adjustable range of the toner density is narrow, and the density adjustment required by the user and the density adjustment that can cope with environmental changes cannot be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the layer thickness regulating member has a mechanism capable of moving back and forth in the width direction, and adjusts an amount of toner supplied to a contact portion of the developer carrier with the layer thickness regulating member. By doing so, it is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer, which can finely adjust the toner concentration arbitrarily over a wide range.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the method of adjusting the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member as in the prior art is as follows. Due to the sealing performance between the toner carrier and the developer carrier, toner drops from between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier during printing,
Toner may leak from between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier due to blowing out or vibration during transportation.

Conversely, if the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member is increased, the influence of the permanent distortion of the contact portion of the developer carrying member with the layer thickness regulating member, for example, during long-term storage, etc. Also, due to a decrease in the thickness of the toner layer on the developer carrying member, a decrease in the density is conspicuous due to an environmental change or the like.

For these reasons, the conventional method of adjusting the contact pressure between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member has many restrictions and the range over which the contact pressure can be adjusted is narrow. Therefore, the adjustable range of the toner density is narrow, and the density adjustment required by the user and the density adjustment that can cope with environmental changes cannot be performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the developing device has a mechanism movable in a width direction along an extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member and on an extension of the layer thickness regulating member. A developing device for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, or the like, which can arbitrarily finely adjust the toner concentration over a wide range by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to a contact portion of the developer carrier with the layer thickness regulating member. Can be provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device, the means for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is provided in a lower portion of the layer thickness regulating member. On the extension of the layer thickness regulating member, the developer is supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member having a mechanism capable of expanding and contracting in the width direction along the extension of the layer thickness regulating member. By providing a member for adjusting the amount of developer, by expanding and contracting the member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member, the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member, The density is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion.

According to the developing device of the fifth aspect, a mechanism capable of extending and contracting in a width direction along an extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member and on an extension of the layer thickness regulating member. Image forming apparatuses such as copiers, facsimiles, and printers that can finely adjust the toner concentration in a wide range by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion of the developer carrier with the layer thickness regulating member. A developing device can be provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device, the means for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is provided in a lower portion of the layer thickness regulating member. A member that adjusts the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member, which has a mechanism that can move in the width direction, perpendicularly to an extension of the layer thickness regulating member. The member provided for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member is moved, whereby the development supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is developed. It is characterized in that the concentration is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the agent.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device having a mechanism capable of moving in a width direction perpendicular to an extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member. It is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer, which can finely adjust a toner concentration in a wide range by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to a contact portion with a layer thickness regulating member.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the developing device, the means for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is provided below the layer thickness regulating member. A member that adjusts the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member, which has a mechanism that can expand and contract in the width direction, perpendicularly to an extension of the layer thickness regulating member. The developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member by extending and contracting a member for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member. It is characterized in that the density is adjusted by adjusting the amount of.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device having a mechanism capable of expanding and contracting in a width direction perpendicular to an extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member, and It is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer, which can finely adjust a toner concentration in a wide range by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to a contact portion with a layer thickness regulating member.

[0028] In the developing device according to the present invention, the means for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is provided in a lower portion of the layer thickness regulating member. On a line extending from the layer thickness regulating member, to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member having a mechanism capable of adjusting an angle around a position of a side edge close to the layer thickness regulating member. By providing a member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied, by adjusting the angle of the member itself for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member, the developer carrier and The density is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member.

According to the developing device of the present invention, the angle can be adjusted on the extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member, centering on the position of the side edge close to the layer thickness regulating member. Images of copiers, facsimile machines, printers, etc. that have a mechanism that can finely adjust the toner concentration over a wide range by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion of the developer carrier with the layer thickness regulating member. A developing device for the forming device can be provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device, the means for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member is provided below the layer thickness regulating member. On the extension line of the layer thickness regulating member, the developer carrier having a mechanism capable of adjusting an angle around a position of a side edge farther from a position close to the layer thickness regulating member and the layer thickness By providing a member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion with the regulating member, and by adjusting the angle of the member itself for regulating the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member The density is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, on the extension line of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member, a distant side opposite to the side edge close to the layer thickness regulating member. And a mechanism capable of adjusting the angle about the position of the side edge of the toner carrier. The toner concentration is arbitrarily adjusted over a wide range by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion of the developer carrier with the layer thickness regulating member. It is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer that can be adjusted.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device, the means for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is provided in a lower portion of the layer thickness regulating member. On the extension of the layer thickness regulating member, a member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier having a rotatable mechanism and the layer thickness regulating member is provided, and the layer thickness is adjusted. The amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is adjusted by rotating the member itself for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion with the regulating member. In this case, the density is adjusted.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the developing device has a rotatable mechanism on an extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member, and is provided with a layer thickness regulating member of the developer carrying member. The developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, and the like, which can arbitrarily finely adjust the toner concentration over a wide range by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a structural view of a developing device of the present invention applied to an electrophotographic laser printer. In FIG. 1, a columnar developer carrier 1 and a developer case 4 for supplying an appropriate amount of developer 2 to the surface thereof are provided. A toner stirring roller 8 is provided inside the developer case 4. In this embodiment, a conductive rubber material is used as the developer carrier 1, and a high-resistance toner having an average particle size of about 10 μm is used as the developer 2. The developer carrier 1 is rotatably supported at both ends thereof, and is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed to carry the developer 2 supplied from the developer case 4 on a surface thereof via a supply roller 7 and convey the developer 2. . A layer thickness regulating member 5 is arranged on the downstream side of the developer case 1 in the rotation direction of the developer carrier 1, and the tip of the surface of the layer thickness regulating member 5 or its vicinity is located in the axial direction of the developer carrier 1. It is arranged to be in contact over the whole area.

The developer carrier 1 is for attaching the developer 2 to the photosensitive member. The layer thickness regulating member 5 forms a layer of the developer 2 having a predetermined thickness on the developer carrier 1 by bringing the layer into contact with the developer carrier 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural view of FIG. As is clear from FIG. 2, the front end portion of the surface of the layer thickness regulating member 5 or its vicinity is at least smaller than the width of the developer carrier 1, even if the electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier 3. 3
It is provided so as to be wider than the region width of −1.

By arranging the layer thickness regulating member 5 over the entire area of the developer carrier 1, the layer thickness regulating member 5 is provided.
Does not directly touch the peripheral surface of the developer carrying member 1, thereby causing no local damage, excessive supply of the developer due to the damage, contamination in the machine due to scattering of the developer, and consumption of the developer. Inconveniences such as an increase in the amount can be prevented. The layer thickness regulating member 5 regulates the developer 2 supplied from the developer case 4 to the surface of the developer carrier 1 to form a developer thin layer 6.

In this embodiment, the thickness regulating member 5 has a thickness of 0.1 mm.
One end of the layer thickness regulating member 5 on the side of the developer case 4 is fixed to the developer case 4 via a fixing piece 5-1 using a 1 mm stainless thin plate. It is pressed against the developer carrier 1. The distance from the fixing portion of the layer thickness regulating member 5 to the developer case 4 to the contact portion with the developer carrier 1 is 10 mm, and the deflection amount is 1 mm.
It is.

As described above, by pressing the layer thickness regulating member 5 against the developer carrier 1 with a uniform force, a stable layer thickness and charge amount of the developer thin layer 6 can be obtained. In this embodiment, a voltage having the same polarity as the charged voltage of the developer thin layer 6 is applied to the developer carrier 1, and the electrostatic latent image 3 drawn on the image carrier 3 is applied.
Development is performed using the potential difference from -1.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3A shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the embodiment, and FIG.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
A protrusion 10 and a screw hole 11 are provided at both ends of a layer thickness regulating member holder 9 for fixing the developing cartridge frame and the developing cartridge frame, and a groove 12 for adjustment is formed in the layer thickness regulating member holder mounting portion of the developing cartridge frame. Positioning hole 13
Is provided.

By fixing the positions of the screw holes 11 at both ends of the layer thickness regulating member holder 9 and the positioning holes 13 of the mounting portion of the layer thickness regulating member holder of the developing cartridge frame to the respective positions, the developer carrier 1 is fixed. The contact angle a between the layer and the layer thickness regulating member 5 changes. When the angle a is increased, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 increases, and the image density increases. Conversely, when the angle a is reduced, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 decreases, and the image density decreases.

The preferred range of the contact angle a is 50 ° -60.
° and the optimal angle is 55 °. By changing the contact angle a, it is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner density over a wide range.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 4A shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the embodiment, and FIG.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
At both ends or at both ends of a layer thickness regulating member holder 9 for fixing the developing cartridge frame to the developing cartridge frame.
5 and a shaft 16 are provided. By rotating the knob 18 protruding from the developing cartridge frame 17, the gear 15 rotates, and the layer thickness regulating member 5 moves in the direction b.

By turning the knob 18, the protrusion amount 19 of the layer thickness regulating member 5 from the contact portion with the developer carrier 1 changes. When the protrusion amount 19 of the layer thickness regulating member 5 from the contact portion with the developer carrier 1 is increased, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 increases, and the image density is reduced. Get higher.

Conversely, when the protrusion 19 of the layer thickness regulating member 5 from the contact portion with the developer carrying member 1 is reduced, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrying member 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 is reduced. And the image density decreases. Therefore, the layer thickness regulating member 5
By changing the protruding amount 19 from the contact portion with the developer carrier 1, it is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner concentration over a wide range.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 5A shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the embodiment, and FIG.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
A toner supply regulating member 20 movable in the direction b along an extension of the layer thickness regulating member 5 is provided on an extension of the layer thickness regulating member 5 below. A member 14 is provided at both ends of the toner supply regulating member 20 so that the gear meshes with the gear.
6 are provided. By rotating the knob 18 protruding from the developing cartridge frame 17, the gear 15 rotates and the toner supply regulating member 20 moves in the direction b.

By turning the knob 18, the position of the toner supply regulating member 20 changes. Layer thickness regulating member 5
When the distance between the toner supply regulating member 20 and the toner supply regulating member 20 is reduced, the amount of toner passing through between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20 decreases, and the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 are reduced.
As a result, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion increases, and the image density increases.

Conversely, when the distance between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20 is increased, the amount of toner passing through between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20 increases,
The amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 decreases, and the image density decreases. Therefore, by changing the distance between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20, it is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner density over a wide range.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 6A shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the embodiment, and FIG.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
On the extension of the layer thickness regulating member 5 below, a toner supply regulating member 20 that can expand and contract in the direction b along the extension of the layer thickness regulating member 5 is provided. A member 14 is provided at both ends of the toner supply restricting member 20 so that the gear meshes with the gear. A gear 15 and a shaft 16 are provided so as to mesh with the gear. Developing cartridge frame 17
By rotating the knob 18 protruding from
The gear 15 rotates, and the toner supply regulating member 20 expands and contracts in the direction b.

By turning the knob 18, the total length c of the toner supply regulating member 20 changes. When the distance between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20 is reduced, the amount of toner passing through between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20 is reduced, and the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 are reduced. As a result, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion increases, and the image density increases.

Conversely, when the distance between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20 is increased, the amount of toner passing through between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20 increases.
The amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 decreases, and the image density decreases. Therefore, by changing the distance between the layer thickness regulating member 5 and the toner supply regulating member 20, it is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner density over a wide range. In the present embodiment, the density can be adjusted more efficiently than in the fourth embodiment.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 7A shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing the structure of the embodiment, and FIG.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
D perpendicular to the extension of the layer thickness regulating member 5 below
A toner supply restricting member 20 that can move in the direction is provided. A member 14 is provided at both ends of the toner supply restricting member 20 so that the gear meshes with the gear. A gear 15 and a shaft 16 are provided so as to mesh with the gear. By rotating the knob 18 protruding from the developing cartridge frame 17, the gear 15 rotates, and the toner supply regulating member 20 moves in the direction d.

By turning the knob 18, the position of the toner supply regulating member 20 changes. The width e of the supply path of the toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 due to the change in the position of the toner supply regulating member 20.
Becomes smaller, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 decreases, and the image density decreases.

Conversely, when the width e of the supply path of the toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrying member 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 increases, the contact portion between the developer carrying member 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 becomes large. And the image density is increased. Accordingly, by changing the width e of the supply path of the toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5, the developing device of the image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner concentration over a wide range is provided. Can be provided.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 8A shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8B is a schematic view showing a configuration of the example, and FIG.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
D perpendicular to the extension of the layer thickness regulating member 5 below
A toner supply regulating member 20 that can expand and contract in the direction is provided. A member 14 is provided at both ends of the toner supply restricting member 20 so that the gear meshes with the gear. A gear 15 and a shaft 16 are provided so as to mesh with the gear. By rotating the knob 18 protruding from the developing cartridge frame 17, the gear 15 rotates, and the toner supply restricting member 20 expands and contracts in the direction d.

By turning the knob 18, the total length of the toner supply regulating member 20 changes. If the width e of the supply path of the toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrying member 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 becomes narrow due to a change in the total length of the toner supply regulating member 20, the developer carrying member 1 and the layer thickness regulating member are regulated. The amount of toner supplied to the contact portion with the member 5 decreases, and the image density decreases.

Conversely, when the width e of the supply path of the toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrying member 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 increases, the contact portion between the developer carrying member 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 becomes large. And the image density is increased. Accordingly, by changing the width e of the supply path of the toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5, the developing device of the image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner concentration over a wide range is provided. Can be provided. In the present embodiment, the density can be adjusted more efficiently than in the sixth embodiment.

(Embodiment 8) FIG. 9A shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the embodiment, and FIG.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
A toner supply regulating member 20 whose angle can be adjusted around a position of a side edge close to the layer thickness regulating member 5 is provided on an extension line of the layer thickness regulating member 5 below. Shaft 2 for adjusting the angle at the end of toner supply regulating member 20
1 is provided.

By rotating the knob 18 protruding from the developing cartridge frame 17 connected to the shaft 21, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 changes.

When the angle f is increased, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 increases,
The image density increases. Conversely, when the angle f is reduced, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 decreases, and the image density decreases. Therefore, the contact angle f
The developing device of the image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner concentration over a wide range by changing the value of.

(Embodiment 9) FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a sectional view B of the main part thereof.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
A toner supply regulating member 20 whose angle can be adjusted around a position opposite to a side edge close to the layer thickness regulating member 5 is provided on an extension of the layer thickness regulating member 5 below. . A shaft 21 for adjusting the angle is provided at an end of the toner supply regulating member 20.

By rotating the knob 18 protruding from the developing cartridge frame 17 connected to the shaft 21, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 changes.

When the angle f is increased, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 increases,
The image density increases. Conversely, when the angle f is reduced, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 decreases, and the image density decreases. Therefore, the contact angle f
The developing device of the image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner concentration over a wide range by changing the value of.

(Embodiment 10) FIG. 11A is a schematic view showing the structure of a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a sectional view B of the main part thereof.

Layer thickness regulating member 5 in contact with developer carrier 1
A rotatable toner supply restricting member 20 is provided on an extension of the layer thickness restricting member 5 below. A knob 18 is provided outside the developing cartridge frame 17 by passing the shaft 21 through the toner supply regulating member 20. By rotating the knob 18 protruding from the developing cartridge frame 17, the toner supply regulating member 20 rotates.

By rotating the toner supply regulating member 20, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 changes.

For example, when the angle of the toner supply regulating member 20 is perpendicular to the layer thickness regulating member 5, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 decreases.
Image density decreases. Conversely, when the layer is level with respect to the layer thickness regulating member 5, the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier 1 and the layer thickness regulating member 5 increases, and the image density increases. Therefore, by changing the angle g, it is possible to provide a developing device of an image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily finely adjusting the toner density over a wide range.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0078]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image density is adjusted by adjusting the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member. Fine adjustment can be made arbitrarily over a wide range. In addition, it is possible to prevent unevenness in density due to a component defect (difference in spring constant due to warpage or variation in material) or a defect in positional accuracy of the mounting surface of the layer thickness regulating member. Further, since the density can be adjusted depending on the use environment, the density can be changed depending on, for example, a shipping location (a cold area or a high-temperature and high-humidity area) and shipped. Alternatively, the density can be adjusted according to the change in the remaining amount of toner, and there is an effect that a good image density adjustment required by the user can be obtained from the initial stage to the end of toner life.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 4A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 5A is a configuration diagram showing a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 6A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 7A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 8A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 9A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 10A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 11A is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a sectional view thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 developer carrier 2 developer 3 image carrier 4 developer case 5 layer thickness regulating member 6 developer thin film 7 supply roller 8 stirring roller 9 layer thickness regulating member 10 projection 11 screw hole 12 groove 13 positioning hole 14 member with which gear meshes 15 Gear 16, 21 Shaft 17 Developing cartridge frame 18 Knob 19 Projection amount 20 Toner supply regulating member

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shigeyuki Wakata 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside (72) Inventor Toshihide 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuo Imai 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Inside (72) Inventor Yuhi Yui 22-22 Nagaikecho, Nagano-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A developing device for an electrophotographic printer using a non-magnetic developer, comprising: a developer carrier for adhering a developer to a photoreceptor; and a developer layer having a predetermined thickness in contact with the developer carrier. A developing device for an electrophotographic printer, comprising: a layer thickness regulating member for forming a layer on the developer carrier; and a means for adjusting an amount of the developer adhered to the developer carrier. Means for adjusting the amount of the developer adhering to the developer carrier, wherein the developer carrier is brought into contact with the developer carrier to form a developer layer having a predetermined thickness into the developer carrier. A mechanism for changing a contact angle with a layer thickness regulating member formed on the carrier, wherein the developer carrier and the developer layer having a predetermined layer thickness brought into contact with the developer carrier are brought into contact with the developer carrier; The density is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member according to the change in the angle with the layer thickness regulating member formed thereon. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The means for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member has a mechanism capable of moving forward and backward in the width direction of the layer thickness regulating member. A member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is provided, and a development supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is provided. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted by adjusting an amount of the developer. 4. A means for adjusting an amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member, wherein the means for extending the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member is provided. The amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member, which has a mechanism that can move in the width direction along the extension of the layer thickness regulating member on a line, is adjusted. By providing a member, the member itself for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member is moved, whereby the member is supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted by adjusting an amount of the developer. 5. A means for adjusting an amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between said developer carrier and said layer thickness regulating member, wherein said means for extending said layer thickness regulating member below said layer thickness regulating member is provided. On the line, the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member having a mechanism capable of expanding and contracting in the width direction along the extension of the layer thickness regulating member is adjusted. By providing a member and expanding and contracting a member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member, the developer is supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted by adjusting an amount of the developer. 6. A device for adjusting an amount of a developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member, the extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member. A member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier having a mechanism movable in the width direction and perpendicular to the line and the layer thickness regulating member, wherein the layer thickness regulating member is provided. The amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member is adjusted by moving the member itself for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion with the developer. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted. 7. A means for adjusting an amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member is provided by extending the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member. A member that adjusts the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier having a mechanism capable of expanding and contracting in the width direction and perpendicular to the line and the layer thickness regulating member is provided, and the layer thickness regulating member is provided. By expanding and contracting a member for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion with the developer, by adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member. ,
2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted. 8. A means for adjusting an amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member, wherein an extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member. On the line, the amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member having a mechanism capable of adjusting the angle about the position of the side edge close to the layer thickness regulating member By adjusting the angle of the member itself for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member, the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted by adjusting an amount of the developer supplied to the contact portion. 9. An apparatus for adjusting an amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member, the extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member. On a line, to a contact portion between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member having a mechanism capable of adjusting an angle around a position of a far side edge opposite to a position close to the layer thickness regulating member. By providing a member for adjusting the amount of developer supplied, by adjusting the angle of the member itself for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member, the developer carrier and 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted by adjusting an amount of a developer supplied to a contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member. 10. A means for adjusting an amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member,
On the extension of the layer thickness regulating member below the layer thickness regulating member, the amount of developer supplied to a contact portion between the developer carrier having a rotatable mechanism and the layer thickness regulating member is determined. A member for adjusting the amount of the developer supplied to a contact portion with the layer thickness regulating member is provided, and the member itself for adjusting the amount of developer supplied to the contact portion between the developer carrier and the layer thickness regulating member is rotated. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the density is adjusted by adjusting an amount of the supplied developer.