JPS6095465A - Developing device for electrostatic latent image - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To hold carrier particles and toner particles at a specific ratio by comparing the detected value of a toner density detecting means with a specific reference value and calculating the comparative relation between the both, and further calculating the variation state of the detected toner density value of this density detecting means. CONSTITUTION:A control means 58 compares the detected density value which is based upon the detection signal from the toner density detecting means and stored in a memory 60 with the specific reference value stored in a memory 64 to calculate the comparative relation between the both. Then, the detected toner density value based upon the detection signal from the toner density detecting means is compared with a detected toner density value which is stored in a memory 62 and based upon the toner density detection signal from the toner density detecting means before a specific period determined by a timing pulse generating means 68 to calculate the comparative relation between the both, calculating the variation state of the detected toner density value. Then, an operation signal for operating an electric motor 70 is generated on the bais of the comparative relation and variation state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electrostatic fH image developing apparatus, and more particularly to an electrostatic latent image developing apparatus of the type in which a so-called two-component developer consisting of carrier particles and toner particles is used.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, in electrostatic copying machines and the like, 4- is a type of developing device in which a so-called two-component developer consisting of carrier particles and toner particles is used as a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image. Developing devices have been widely used in practical use. This type of developing device generally includes a developer container containing a developer, a developer application mechanism that holds a portion of the developer in the developer container on the surface and applies it to the electrostatic latent image to be developed.
The toner particle container includes a toner particle container for storing toner particles, and a toner particle supply means that is selectively operated to supply toner particles from the toner particle container to the developer in the developer container.

In the above-mentioned developing device, the toner particle supply means is operated appropriately according to the consumption of toner particles in the developer due to the performance of development, and toner particles are appropriately supplied from the toner particle container to the developer in the developer container. Thus, it is important to maintain the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer in the developer container within the required range. To explain this point in more detail, the developer applying mechanism in the above-mentioned developing device retains the developer consisting of carrier particles and toner particles on its surface, but as is well known to those skilled in the art, the electrostatic latent image is Only the toner particles are deposited and therefore only the toner particles are consumed as development is carried out, and the carrier particles are not substantially consumed. Therefore, development is possible without supplying toner particles to the developer in the developer container! If performed repeatedly, the proportion of toner particles in the developer is reduced excessively. and,
This causes problems such as a decrease in the density of the developed image and the so-called under-development phenomenon. On the other hand, excess toner particles are supplied from the toner particle container to the developer in the developer container, and 1. If the proportion of toner particles in the developer increases excessively, problems such as the so-called background capri phenomenon occur in the developed image.

Therefore, in the past, the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer in the developer container is detected by various methods, and based on this detection, the toner particle supply means is activated (therefore, the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer in the developer container is activated). The supply of toner particles to the developer in the developer container is controlled, thus maintaining the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer in the developer container within a required range.

However, the conventional developing device is still not fully satisfactory and has the following drawbacks and problems. That is, in the developing device as described above, the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer in the developer container is detected and the operation of the toner particle supply mechanism is controlled based on the detection signal. Since its operation is controlled only by the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer, there is a relatively wide range in the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles (i.e., it is difficult to obtain a good toner image). 7- The ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer container is controlled over a relatively large range relative to the required ratio that can be achieved), thus controlling the ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer to the required ratio. cannot be maintained accurately within the range.

The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide an improved developing device that can maintain the ratio of carrier particles and toner particles of developer in a developer container at a required ratio. It is to be.

According to the present invention, there is provided a developing container containing a developer consisting of carrier particles and toner particles, and a developing device that retains a portion of the developer in the developer container on the surface and applies it to an electrostatic a image to be developed. a toner particle applying mechanism, a toner particle container for storing toner particles, a toner particle supply means that is selectively activated to supply toner particles from the toner particle container into the developer container, and 8- Inside the developer container. a toner concentration detection means for detecting the toner concentration in the developer; and a control means for controlling the operation of the toner particle supply means based on the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means. In the electrolatent image developing device; the control means compares the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means with a predetermined reference value to calculate a comparison relationship between the two, and also compares the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means with a predetermined reference value. An electrostatic latent image developing device is provided, characterized in that a fluctuation state is calculated, and the operation of the manual toner particle supply is controlled based on the comparison relationship and the fluctuation state.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electrostatic ffN+ image developing device constructed according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated electrostatic latent image development device, generally designated by the numeral 2, includes a dish-shaped lower plate 4 formed from a non-conductive material as well as a dish-shaped lower plate 4 formed from a non-conductive material. A developing housing 8 having an upper cover plate 6 is provided. A so-called two-component developer 10 consisting of magnetic carrier particles and toner particles is located in the lower part of the developer housing 8.
A developing container 12 that accommodates the. Developing housing 8
An opening 14 is formed in the front surface of the developing housing 80, and an opening 18 that is closed by a door 16 that can be opened and closed is formed in the top surface of the developing housing 80.

A developer application mechanism 20 is disposed within the developer housing 8 . Further, inside the developer housing 8, a spike length setting member 22 positioned in relation to and around the developer application mechanism 20, a toner particle container 26 provided with a toner particle supply means 24, a peeling member 28, and a rotating Stirring mechanism 3
0 is also provided.

The developer application mechanism 20 in the illustrated example includes a rotating sleeve member 34 that is rotatably mounted and rotationally driven in the direction indicated by an arrow 32, and a stationary permanent magnet 36 disposed within the rotating sleeve member 34. Equipped with The stationary permanent magnet 36 is roll-shaped and has six circumferentially spaced magnetic poles on its periphery, ie, three south poles and three north poles located alternately.

The panicle length setting member 22 made of a conductive material is numbered 2.
The angle indicated by 2a is 0.5 to 3. The length of the lid or magnetic brush tip of the developer 10 held on the surface of the rotating sleeve member 34 is set to a required value, as will be described later. The panicle length setting member 22 is arranged at a desired position of the developing housing 8, more specifically, at a lower grate, so that the above-mentioned interval can be finely adjusted as needed. It is attached to the front end of 11-4.

The toner particle container 26 containing the toner particles 38 is J
It has a toner particle supply means 40 on the fourth side and a toner particle discharge opening 42 on the lower surface. And the toner particle container 26
A toner particle supply means 24 is disposed in the toner particle discharge opening 42 of the toner particle discharge opening 42 . The toner particle supply means 24 is constituted by a rotatably mounted roller, the circumferential surface of which is provided with a number of grooves or grooves, for example by knurling. As will be discussed below, the toner particle supply means 24 is selectively actuated to drive rotation in the direction indicated by arrow 44, thus causing the toner particle supply means 24 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 44.
The toner particles 38 are carried out from the toner particle container 26 while being accommodated in a large number of recesses or grooves present on the chest surface of the toner particle container 26 , and are then dropped toward the surface of the U-rolling sleeve part @ 340 to be developed in the developer container 12 . agent 10. Toner particle container 2612 - Toner particles 38 are supplied to the toner particle container 2612 by opening the door 16 provided on the top surface of the developer housing 8 and introducing the toner particles into the toner particle container 26 through the opening 18 and the toner particle replenishment opening 40. This is accomplished by loading particles 38.

The peeling member 28 fixed at a predetermined position within the developer housing 8 has a tip 28a that contacts or approaches the surface of the rotating sleeve member 340, and as will be described later,
acts on the developer 10 present on the surface of the rotating sleeve member 340, thereby reliably separating the developer 10 from the surface of the rotating sleeve member 340.

The rotary agitation mechanism 30 is comprised of a rotary agitation member that is rotatably mounted and rotationally driven in the direction indicated by an arrow 46 .

The developing device 2 as described above is disposed on the I^1 surface of a rotary drum 48 (only a part of which is shown), which is rotatably mounted in, for example, an electrostatic copying machine housing (not shown). Toner particles are applied to an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrostatographic photoreceptor 50 (also only a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1) by any suitable method which is well known per se, and this is developed into a visible image. It is used as a waste developing device. In this case, the developing device 2 is mounted so that the opening 14 formed on the front surface of the developing housing 8 faces the photoreceptor 50, as shown in FIG. And developing device 2k
i. In response to the rotation of the rotating sleeve member 34 in the direction indicated by the arrow 32, the following actions are performed. First, in the developer drawing-up area indicated by the symbol P, the developer 10 present in the developer container 12 is attracted and held on the surface of the rotating IJ-stub member 34 by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet 36. A magnetic brush 52 of the developer 10 is formed on the surface of the rotating sleeve member 34 . Next, the magnetic brush 52 is made to have a desired length by the action of the brush length setting member 220. After that, the magnetic brush 52 is brought into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 500, which is being rotated in the direction shown by the arrow 54, in the developing area indicated by the symbol.
Toner particles manufactured by Magnetic Brush Co., Ltd. are applied to the electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photoreceptor 50, and the electrostatic latent image is developed into a visible image. Next, in the developer peeling area indicated by the symbol R,
In this developer stripping region R, the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 36 is not present, and even if the magnetic field is present, it is extremely small. In addition, the stripping member 28 acts on the magnetic brush 52 on the rotating sleeve member 34, Rotating sleeve member 340
The developer 10 forming the magnetic brush 52 is peeled off from the surface.

The peeled developer 10 flows down along the upper surface of the peeling member 2B and falls toward the rotating stirring mechanism 30. The rotary stirring mechanism 30 stirs the developer 1o to uniformly mix carrier particles and toner particles in the developer 10, and also triboelectrically charges the toner particles, for example, negatively.

Therefore, the above-described structure and operation of the through hole in the illustrated developing device @2 do not constitute a new improvement of the developing device configured according to the present invention, but are merely improvements in the developing device to which the present invention is applied. This is just one example.

Continuing with vit91 with reference to FIG. 1, the developing device 2 detects the electrical conductivity of the developer 10 in the container 12 (this electrical conductivity also includes the influence of the electric charge in the developer 10 due to triboelectric charging). Detection means for detecting toner concentration is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, developer application mechanism 20
A voltage source 56 is electrically interposed between the rotating sleeve member 34 and ground, and the spike length setting member 22 made of a conductive material is also used as a counter electrode. For example, the voltage source 56 is about 200V = 16
- applying a good DC voltage to the rotating sleeve member 34;

The electrical conductivity of the developer 10 in the developer container 12 is detected by detecting the current flowing between the rotating sleeve member 34 and the brush length setting member 22 through the developer 10 present therebetween. .

In the illustrated example, a rotating drum 48 made of a conductive material and having a photoreceptor 50 disposed on its circumferential surface is grounded. Therefore, the voltage source 56 functions as a voltage source for detecting the conductivity of the developer 10 in the developer container 12, and also provides a voltage source between the rotating sleeve member 34 and the photoreceptor 50 in the developing area. It also functions as a developing bias voltage source that applies a well-known developing bias voltage to prevent the occurrence of so-called background fog.

The counter electrode for detecting the current flowing through the developer 1o in the developer container 12 is connected to the spike length setting member 22 as described above.
Instead of being made up of, it can also be made up of other appropriate members. For example, a conductive member may be buried above the dish-shaped lower plate 4 that defines the bottom surface of the developer container 12, and the opposing T& may be formed by such a conductive member. Further, depending on the case, the dish-shaped lower plate 4 itself may be formed from a conductive material, and the dish-shaped lower plate 4 itself may be used as a counter electrode.

In the above specific example, the counter electrode composed of the panicle length setting member 22 is connected to the counter electrode via a well-known noise filter (not shown), which can be composed of an integrating circuit, for example, as described in detail below. It is electrically connected to control means 58 . Therefore, the toner concentration detection signal based on the detected toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means is as follows:
A control means 58 is supplied.

Control means 58 consisting of an example Eva microprocessor
includes first memory means 60 , second memory means 62 , third memory means 64 , fourth memory means 66 and timing pulse generating means 68 . The first memory hand R60 includes the toner concentration detection means to the control means 58.
A detected toner density value based on the toner density detection signal supplied to the toner density detection signal is stored. The second memory means 62 stores the detected toner density value detected by the toner detecting means a predetermined period ago, as will be explained in detail later.

The third memory means 64 stores a required ratio of carrier particles to toner particles in the developer, that is, a predetermined reference value of toner concentration. Further, the fourth memory means 66 includes:
Data of "high speed", "medium speed" and "low speed" for operating the electric motor 70 for rotating the above-mentioned toner particle supply means 24 in the direction shown by the arrow 44 in a Pk required period is stored. There is. Further, the timing pulse generation means 68 generates pulse signals at predetermined intervals (eg, 0.5 seconds to 1 second intervals). Such a pulse signal is generated when the above toner=
19- Toner concentration detection signal f from one concentration detection means: acts to supply to the control + crotch 58 at predetermined intervals.

As will be described in detail later, the control means 58 controls the detected toner concentration value based on the toner concentration detection signal from the toner concentration detection means (in the specific example, the detected toner concentration value stored in the first memory means 60). A predetermined reference value (in a specific example, a predetermined reference value of toner concentration stored in the third memory means 64) is compared to find a comparative relationship between the two, and the toner concentration detected by the toner concentration detection means is The detected toner concentration value based on the detection signal and the detected toner based on the toner concentration detection signal from the toner concentration detection means before a predetermined period (the predetermined period corresponds to the interval of the pulse signal generated by the timing pulse generation means 68). By comparing the density value (in the specific example, the detected toner density value stored in the second memory means 62) and calculating the comparative relationship between the two, the detected toner of the toner density detecting means is The fluctuation state of the concentration value is calculated, and an operation signal for operating the electric motor 70 is generated as described later based on the comparison relationship and the fluctuation state. That is, when data of "high speed" (or "medium speed j1 "low speed") is read out from the fourth memory means 66 based on the above comparison relationship and the above fluctuation state, such "
A high speed activation signal (or medium speed activation signal, low speed activation signal) is generated based on the ``high speed'' (or ``medium speed'', [low speed]) data, and such high speed activation signal (or medium speed activation signal, low speed activation signal) is generated. is fed to the electric motor 70.

When a high-speed operation signal is sent from the control means 58, the electric motor 70 is driven to rotate at a predetermined high speed, and the toner particle supply means 24 is thus rotated at a relatively high speed to supply a relatively large amount of toner particles to the developer container 12. (a large amount of supply occurs). When a low-speed operation signal is sent from the control means 58, the electric motor is rotated at a constant low speed, and thus the toner particle supply means 24 is rotated at a relatively low speed to completely develop a relatively small amount of toner particles. Supplied into the container 12 (
Kokura supply status). Further, when a medium speed operation signal is sent from the control means 58, the electric motor 70 is driven to rotate at a predetermined medium speed between the predetermined high speed and the predetermined low speed, and thus the toner particle supply means 24 is rotated. It is rotated at a medium speed to supply toner particles into the developer container 12 that are relatively smaller than the polyphonic speed and larger than the relatively small amount (the toner particles are smaller than the toner particle supply 1 in the above-mentioned large-volume supply state and the toner particles in the above-mentioned small-volume supply state). (This results in an intermediate supply state in which toner particles are supplied in an amount larger than the particle supply amount.)

Next, with reference mainly to the table shown in FIG.
The comparison relationship between the detected toner concentration value M1) stored in the toner concentration and a predetermined reference value of toner concentration (predetermined reference value M5 stored in the third memory means 64), and the detected toner concentration from the toner concentration detection means (the detected toner concentration value Ml stored in the first memory means 60) and the detected toner concentration value from the toner concentration detecting means a predetermined period ago (the detected toner once value stored in the second memory means 64). M2)
The relationship between the fluctuation state of the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means obtained by calculating the comparison relationship with the toner concentration value and the control of the electric motor 70 operated by the operation signal generated by the control means 58 will be explained. do. When the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is larger than the predetermined reference value (M3) of toner concentration (Ml>M3), and the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is the predetermined reference value. (M5) is substantially equal to (M1=M3)
and is greater than the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the toner concentration detection means for the predetermined period (Ml>M2) or substantially equal to the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the toner concentration detection means for the predetermined period (M1
= M2), no actuation signal is generated and the electric motor 7
0 becomes inactive, and the toner particle supply means 24 becomes inactive (therefore, the supply is stopped). The toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means meets the predetermined standard M(
M5) is substantially equal to (M1=M5) and the detected toner concentration value (
M2) (Ml<M2), and the toner density value (Ml) detected by the toner density detection means is smaller than the predetermined reference value (M5) (Ml<M5), and the toner density is detected before a predetermined period of time. Detected toner density value of means (M2)
(Ml>M2), the "low speed" data is read out from the fourth memory means 66 and sent to the control means 5.
A sluggish activation signal is generated at 8, thus causing the toner particle supply means 24 to rotate at a relatively low speed as described above (thereby providing a small supply condition). Further, the toner concentration detected by the toner concentration detection means 24-(4) is smaller than the predetermined reference value (M5) (Ml<, M3) and the toner concentration detected by the toner concentration detection means M, (M2) before the predetermined period. ) is substantially equal (M1=M2), the "medium speed" data is read from the fourth memory means 66 and a medium speed actuation signal is generated in the control means 58, thus causing the toner particle supply means 24 to operate as described above. It is rotated at a medium speed as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is smaller than the predetermined reference value (M5) (
Ml<M5) and smaller than the toner density value (M2) detected by the toner density detection means before the pruning period (Ml<M2), the "high speed" data is read out from the fourth memory means 66 and the control means 58 A high-speed actuation signal is generated at
Thus, the toner particle supply means 24 is rotated at a relatively high speed (therefore, a large quantity is supplied) as described above.

Next, further explanation will be given with reference to the flowchart of the control of -E notation a4n4t58, all η scraps #143. 1st,
At step n-1, the toner density detection number from the toner density detection means is input to the control means 58. As described above, the input of the number M is performed in synchronization with the pulse signal generated by the timing pulse generation means 68, and thus is performed at intervals of 0.5 to 1 second in the specific example. If so, step n-2
Then, the detected toner density value based on the toner density detection signal is stored in the first memory means 60. Next, the process moves to step n-3, where the detected toner concentration value (Ml) stored in the first memory means 60 and the third memory means 6 are stored.
4 is compared with the Hr standard value (M5) stored in
1 will be given. In step na above, the detected toner concentration value (Mt) of the first memory means 60 is larger than the predetermined reference value (M5) of the third memory means 64 (Ml>M5).
), the process moves to step n-4, where the control means 58 does not generate an activation signal for activating the electric motor 70, and in step n-5, the electric motor 70 is determined to be inactive. (Thus, the toner particle supply means 24 is in a supply stop state).

If it is determined in step n-3 that the detected toner concentration value (Ml) of the first memory means 60 is substantially equal to the predetermined reference value (M3) of the third memory means 640 (M1=M3), , the process moves to step n-6, and the detected toner density value (Ml) stored in the first memory means 60 and the detected toner density value (Ml > (such detected toner density value) stored in the second memory means 62 are determined. As described above, is the detected toner density value detected by the toner density detecting means a predetermined period ago). In step n-6, the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the first memory means 60 is smaller than the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the second memory means 62 (Ml<Ml). If it is determined by comparison, the process moves to step n-7, and in step n-7, among the "high speed", "medium speed" and "low speed" data stored in the fourth memory means 66, "low speed" is selected. Data is read.

When the "low speed" data is set out, the process moves to step n-8, where the control means 58 generates a low speed operation signal based on the "low speed" data, and then the process moves to step n-99.
The electric motor 70 is caused to rotate at a predetermined low speed by this low speed operation signal (the toner particle supply means 24 is in a state of supplying only a small amount of toner particles). On the other hand, the above step n-
6, the toner density value (Ml) detected by the first memory means 600 is substantially equal to the toner density value (Ml) detected by the second memory means 62 (M1=M2), or the detected toner density value (Ml) is substantially equal to the toner density value (Ml) detected by the second memory means 62. Concentration value (
Ml) (Ml>Ml), the process moves to step n-10, where the control means 58 does not generate an actuation signal for actuating the electric motor 70, and the process proceeds to step n-11. At this point, the electric motor 70 is inactive (thus, the toner particle supply means 24 is in a non-supply state).

Further, in step n-3 described above, the detected toner concentration value (Ml) of the first memory means 60 is smaller than the predetermined reference value (M5) of the third memory means 640 (Ml<M5).
If it is determined by comparison, move to step n-12,
The detected toner density value (
Ml) and the detected toner density value (Ml) stored in the second memory means 62 are compared and determined (by performing this comparative judgment, the fluctuation state of the toner density value detected by the toner density detecting means is calculated). ). If it is determined in step n-12 that the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the first memory means 60 is smaller than the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the second memory means 62 (Ml<M2), ,
Moving on to step n-13, "high speed" data among the data stored in the fourth memory means 66 is read out in step n-13. When the "high speed" data is read out, the process moves to step n-14, where the control means 58 generates a high speed operation signal based on the 1-high speed data, and then the process moves to step n-15, where the high speed operation signal is used to generate a high speed operation signal. The electric motor 70 is rotated at a predetermined high speed (thus, the toner particle supply means 24 is in a large quantity supply state).

In step n-12 above, the first memory hand 11R6
The detected toner density value (Ml) of 0 is stored in the second memory means 62.
is substantially equal to the detected toner concentration of 1m (Mg) (Mt=
M2), the process moves to step n-16, and in step n-16, the fourth memory means 66
Among the data stored in , "medium speed" data is read out. When the “medium speed” data is read, step n
-17, the control means 58 generates a medium speed operation signal based on the "medium speed" data, and then in step n-
18, the medium speed operation signal causes the electric motor 7 to
0 is rotated at a predetermined medium speed (thus, the toner particle supply means 24 is in an intermediate supply state). Further, in step n-12, it is determined that the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the first memory means 60 is larger than the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the second memory means 62 (Ml>M2). If so, proceed to step n-7 described above;
As mentioned above, "slow" data is read. When the "low speed" data is read, the control means 5
At 8, a low speed activation signal is generated, causing the electric motor 70 to rotate at a predetermined low speed (thus, the toner particle supply means 2431- is in a small supply state).

Step n-5 and step n-11 as described above.
After the electric motor 70 is in a non-operating state in step n-9, after the electric motor 70 is in a low-speed rotation state in step n-18, or after the electric motor 70 is in a medium-speed rotation state in step n-18, or After the electric motor 70 enters the high-speed rotation state in step n-15, the process moves to step n-19, in which the detected toner concentration value (Ml) of the first memory means 60 is stored in the second memory means 62. Ru. At this time, the detected toner density value (M2) previously stored in the second memory means 62 is erased, and the detected toner density value (Ml) of the first memory means 60 is newly stored.
is memorized. When the detected toner concentration value (Ml) of the first memory means 60 is stored in the second memory means 62, it returns to the original state, and thus the control as described above is performed at a predetermined interval (0
, 5 to 1 second intervals) and is performed repeatedly for 32 seconds.

Although preferred specific examples of the electrostatic latent image developing device constructed according to the present invention have been described above, various modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the illustrated example, the rotational speed of the roller constituting the toner particle supply means is switched in three stages, and the toner particle supply state is set in three stages: a large amount supply state, an intermediate supply state, and a small amount supply state. However, if desired, instead of this, it is also possible to set the toner particle supply state in one stage, two stages, or four stages or more. When the toner particle supply state is set to one level, the operation of the electric motor for rotating the toner particle supply means may be controlled as shown in the table of FIG. That is, when the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is larger than the predetermined reference value (M5) of toner concentration (Mx>Rh), and the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is Substantially equal to the predetermined reference value (M5) (-< (Ml=M5) and (Ml>M2) or the above detection When it is substantially equal to the toner concentration value (M2) (M1=M2), no actuation signal is generated by the control means, and the electric motor 70 is inactive (therefore, the toner particle supply means is in the supply stop state). ), the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is substantially equal to the predetermined reference value (M5) (M1=M5), and is greater than the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the toner concentration detection means a predetermined period before. is also small (Ml
<M2), and when the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner density detection means is smaller than the predetermined reference value (M5) (M1<M3), the control means generates a signal. electric motor 70 is activated (therefore,
The toner particle supplying means may be controlled so as to be in a supplying state.

Further, when the toner particle supply state is set in two stages (a small amount supply state and a large amount supply state), the operation of the electric motor may be controlled as shown in the table of FIG. That is,
The toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is larger than the predetermined reference value (M3) of toner concentration (Ml>M5
), and the horizontal toner density value of the toner density detection means (
Ml) is substantially equal to the predetermined reference value (M5) (M
1=M5) and larger than the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the toner concentration detection means a predetermined period before (M 1 )M 2
) or substantially equal to the detected toner concentration value (M2) (M1=M2), the control means does not generate an activation signal and the electric motor is inactive (therefore, the toner particle supply means is in a supply stop state). ), and the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is equal to the predetermined reference value (M5).
) is substantially equal to (Mx=Ms) and 35 before the predetermined period
- When the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is smaller than the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the toner concentration detection means (Ml<M2), and the toner concentration value (Ml) detected by the toner concentration detection means is the predetermined reference value (M5).
smaller (Ml<M5) and larger (M
l>M2), the control means generates a low speed operation signal to rotate the electric motor at a low speed (therefore, the toner particle supply means is rotated at a relatively low speed and is in a small amount supply state), and the toner concentration is Toner concentration value detected by the detection means (M
l) is smaller than the above predetermined reference value (M5) (Ml<M
5) and is substantially equal to the toner concentration value (M2) detected by the toner concentration detection means before a predetermined period (M1=M2) or smaller than the detected toner concentration fuk (M2) (Ml<M2).
), the control means generates a speed activation signal to rotate the electric motor at a high speed (therefore, the toner particle supply means is rotated at a relatively high speed and is in a large quantity supply state)3.
6- It should be controlled as follows.

Further, in the illustrated example, the toner particle supply means is constituted by a roller, and the toner particle supply state is controlled in three stages (large amount supply state, intermediate supply state, small amount supply state) by changing the rotational speed of this roller. ), but instead of this, it is also possible to configure as described below. That is, the inside of the toner particle container is divided into a small amount supply section, a large amount supply section, and an intermediate supply section, and a plurality of relatively small diameter holes are provided in the bottom wall of the small amount supply section, and is provided with a plurality of holes having a relatively large diameter, and the bottom wall of the intermediate supply section is provided with a plurality of holes that are larger than the relatively small diameter and smaller than the relatively large diameter, and the toner particle supply means is provided in a small amount. It is also possible to include a first shutter member that opens and closes the hole in the supply section, a second shutter member that opens and closes the hole in the bulk supply section, and a third shutter member that opens and closes the hole in the intermediate supply section. In such a case, when the first shutter member is opened to open the hole of the small amount supply section, toner particles of relatively small i are supplied through this hole (therefore, a small amount supply state is established), and the second
When the shutter member of is opened to open the hole of the polyphonic supply section, relatively polyphonic toner particles are supplied through this hole (
When the third shutter member is opened to open the hole in the intermediate supply section, relatively more toner particles than Ogura and relatively less than Polyton are supplied (therefore, the intermediate supply state is (repeat).

Further, in the specific example, a device that detects the toner concentration by detecting the conductivity of the developer is used as the toner concentration detection means, but instead of this, the light transmittance of the developer, which is known per se, or It is also possible to use a device that detects the toner concentration by detecting magnetic permeability, or a device that detects the toner concentration by measuring the developer volume 1-[directly or indirectly (eg, flow rate).

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a simplified sectional view showing a portion of an electrostatic latent image developing device and a rotating drum constructed according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a table explaining the control of the electric motor in the developing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control of the control means in the developing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a table for explaining the control of the electric motor when the toner particle supply state is in one stage. FIG. 5 is a table for explaining the control of the electric motor when the toner particle supply state is in two stages. 2... Electrostatic latent image developing device 10... Developer 12... Developer container 20... Developer application mechanism 22... Panch length setting member = 39- 24... Toner particle supply means 26 . . . Toner particle container 34 . . Rotating sleeve member 56 . . Voltage source 58 . Kazuo Tono 1, Indication of the case Patent Application No. 201915 of 1982, Name of the invention Electrostatic latent image developing device 3, Person making the amendment Relationship to the case Patent applicant Address 1-2-28 Tamatsukuri, Higashi-ku, Osaka City Title name (615
) Mita Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Name) 4. Agent 105 Address Name 5゜Date of amendment order January 31, 1980 (shipment date) Explanation column and drawings (I) of the invention in the description The Detailed Description column and the Brief Description of Drawings column are corrected as follows. (1) On page 23, line 14 of the specification: “Next, mainly...
``Refer to ``...'' is corrected to ``Table r is ``. (2) On page 24, line 11 of the same page, the statement ``Explain.'' is corrected as follows. Table I Next, to explain the above relationship mainly with reference to Table I above, correct. (4) On page 34, line 13, the text "Table of Figure 4" is corrected to read "Table 1 ["]. (5) In lines 34-15 of the same page, [just do it]. ``In other words,'' should be corrected as follows. To explain in more detail with reference to Table 11, J (6) "Table in Figure 5" is written in lines 3 and 4 of page 36 of the same page. is corrected as rTable III J. (7) On page 36, line 5 of the same page, the text "You may do so. In other words," is corrected as follows. "You may do so. Table ■ The above table ■ To explain in more detail with reference to (8) page 40, lines 5 and 6, [Figure 2 shows...
·······table. ” will be deleted. (9) On page 40, line 7, the text "Figure 3" is corrected to "Figure 2." On page 40, lines 9 to 12, [Figure 4 shows...
·······table. ” will be deleted. Correct the drawing as follows. (1) Delete Figures 2, 4, and 5. (2) As shown in red on the attached reference diagram, "Figure 3" has been corrected to "Figure 2."that's all

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Applicable to a developer container containing a developer consisting of carrier particles and toner particles, and an electrostatic latent image to be developed by holding a portion of the developer in the developer container on the surface. a developer application mechanism for storing toner particles; a toner particle container for storing toner particles; a toner particle supply means that is selectively operated to supply toner particles from the toner particle container into the developer container; a toner concentration detection means for detecting the toner concentration in the developer; and a control means for controlling the operation of the toner particle supply means based on the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means. In the electrolatent image developing device; the control means compares the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means with a predetermined reference value to calculate a comparison relationship between the two, and also compares the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means with a predetermined reference value. An electrostatic latent image developing device, comprising: calculating a fluctuation state, and controlling the operation of the toner particle supply means based on the comparison relationship and the fluctuation state. 2. The toner particle supply means has at least two states: a large supply state in which a relatively large amount of toner particles are supplied into the developer container and a small quantity supply state in which a relatively small amount of toner particles are supplied into the developer container. 2. An electrostatic imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrostatic imaging device is configured to be able to be brought into an active state. 3. The control means characterizes the fluctuation state by comparing the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means with the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means a predetermined period before and calculating a comparison relationship between the two. A static latent image developing device according to claim 1 or 2. 4. In addition to the large amount supply state and the small supply state, the toner particle supply means also provides a supply of toner that is smaller than the toner particle supply amount in the large amount supply state and larger than the toner particle supply amount in the subtotal supply state. The control means is configured to be capable of causing an intermediate supply state in which particles are supplied into the developer container, and the control means is configured such that when the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means is larger than the predetermined reference value; When the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means is substantially equal to the predetermined reference value and is larger than or substantially equal to the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means before the predetermined period,
The toner particle supplying means is inactivated, and the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means is substantially equal to the predetermined reference value and is lower than the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means before the predetermined period. ) is also small, and when the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means is smaller than the predetermined reference value and larger than the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means before the predetermined period, the toner particle supply when the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means is smaller than the predetermined reference value and substantially equal to the toner concentration detected by the toner concentration detection means before the predetermined period; causing the toner particle supply means to be in the intermediate supply state, and the toner concentration value detected by the toner concentration detection means being smaller than the predetermined reference value is smaller than the toner concentration detected by the toner concentration detection means before the predetermined period; sometimes causing the toner particle supply means to be in the bulk supply state;
An electrostatic latent image developing device according to claim 3. 5. The toner particle supply means is composed of a roller rotatably attached to a discharge opening formed in the toner container, and in the large quantity supply state, the roller rotates at a relatively high speed. The electrostatic latent image developer according to claim 4, wherein the roller is rotated at a relatively low speed in the small supply state, and the roller is rotated at an intermediate speed in the intermediate supply state. Device. 6. The electrostatic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the toner concentration detection means determines the toner concentration by detecting the conductivity of the developer in the developer container. Latent image developing device.