JP3127594B2 - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP3127594B2 JP3127594B2 JP04224575A JP22457592A JP3127594B2 JP 3127594 B2 JP3127594 B2 JP 3127594B2 JP 04224575 A JP04224575 A JP 04224575A JP 22457592 A JP22457592 A JP 22457592A JP 3127594 B2 JP3127594 B2 JP 3127594B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- stirring chamber
- auger
- developing device
- developing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、電子写真複写機、プリ
ンタ等の画像形成装置において用いられ、トナーを静電
潜像に付着させて可視化する現像装置に係り、特にトナ
ーと磁性キャリアとからなる二成分現像剤を用いる現像
装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device which is used in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and a printer, and which makes a toner adhere to an electrostatic latent image for visualization. And a developing device using the two-component developer.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】近年、電子写真複写機等の画像形成装置
は省空間を達成するため装置本体の小型化が嘱望されて
おり、特に、現像装置については、フルカラー機で複数
台を用いるため、小型化の要望は大きい。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has been demanded to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine in order to save space. In particular, a developing apparatus uses a plurality of full-color machines. The demand for miniaturization is great.
【０００３】図４は、従来より知られている現像装置で
あって二成分現像剤を用いるものの一例を示す概略図で
ある。この現像装置は二成分現像剤を攪拌しながら搬送
する第１のオーガー１０７と第２のオーガー１０８とを
現像ロール１０３（現像剤担持体）の後方において横方
向に並設し、第１のオーガー１０７によって現像剤担持
体に現像剤を供給するようになっている。しかし、この
ような現像装置は第１のオーガー１０７と第２のオーガ
ー１０８とをほぼ水平に配置するため装置内で横方向に
２つのオーガーの直径の合算分以上の寸法を確保する必
要があり、装置が横方向に大きくなるという欠点を有し
ている。FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a conventionally known developing device using a two-component developer. In this developing device, a first auger 107 and a second auger 108 for transporting a two-component developer while stirring are arranged side by side behind a developing roll 103 (developer carrier). 107 supplies the developer to the developer carrier. However, in such a developing device, since the first auger 107 and the second auger 108 are arranged substantially horizontally, it is necessary to secure a dimension in the device that is equal to or greater than the sum of the diameters of the two augers. Has the disadvantage that the device becomes larger in the lateral direction.
【０００４】この問題を解決するため、図５または図６
に示すような現像装置が提案されている。図５は、特公
平３−１６０２６号公報に開示される現像装置を示す概
略構成図である。この現像装置は、現像剤を収容するハ
ウジング１１２内に、静電潜像保持体１０１と対向して
設けられる現像ロール１１３と、この現像ロール１１３
とほぼ平行に上下に並設され、互いに逆方向に現像剤を
搬送する第１のオーガー１１７および第２のオーガー１
１８と、現像剤の分布を均等化するブレンダー１１９と
を有している。To solve this problem, FIG. 5 or FIG.
The following developing device has been proposed. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a developing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-16026. The developing device includes a developing roll 113 provided in a housing 112 for accommodating a developer and opposed to the electrostatic latent image holding member 101,
The first auger 117 and the second auger 1 which are arranged in parallel up and down substantially in parallel to each other and transport the developer in opposite directions.
18 and a blender 119 for equalizing the distribution of the developer.
【０００５】上記第１のオーガー１１７と第２のオーガ
ー１１８とは、隔壁１１１で仕切られ両端部で連通する
第１の攪拌室１１５および第２の攪拌室１１６内で現像
剤を循環するように搬送するものである。また、第２の
オーガー１１８は現像ロールに面する位置にあって現像
剤を現像ロールの表面に供給できるようになっている。The first auger 117 and the second auger 118 are separated by a partition wall 111 so as to circulate the developer in a first stirring chamber 115 and a second stirring chamber 116 communicating at both ends. To be transported. Further, the second auger 118 is located at a position facing the developing roll so that the developer can be supplied to the surface of the developing roll.
【０００６】上記第１のオーガー１１７及び第２のオー
ガー１１８により攪拌された現像剤は第２のオーガー１
１８により現像ロール１１３の表面に供給され、現像ロ
ール１１３の回転により搬送されて静電潜像保持体１０
１と対向する現像領域で現像に供される。一方、現像に
寄与しなかった現像剤は再び第２の攪拌室１１６内に回
収され第２のオーガー１１８により攪拌される。このよ
うな現像装置では第１のオーガー１１７と第２のオーガ
ー１１８とが現像装置内の縦方向に設置されているの
で、ブレンダー１１９の大きさ及び配設位置等を工夫す
ることによって、現像装置の横方向の寸法を小さくする
ことができるという利点を有している。The developer stirred by the first auger 117 and the second auger 118 is supplied to the second auger 1.
18, is supplied to the surface of the developing roll 113, is conveyed by the rotation of the developing roll 113, and is
1 is used for development in a development area opposed to 1. On the other hand, the developer that has not contributed to the development is recovered again in the second stirring chamber 116 and stirred by the second auger 118. In such a developing device, the first auger 117 and the second auger 118 are installed in the vertical direction in the developing device. Therefore, by devising the size and arrangement position of the blender 119, the developing device can be improved. Has an advantage that the dimension in the lateral direction can be reduced.
【０００７】一方、図６は２つのオーガーを上下方向に
配置した現像装置の他の例を示す概略構成図である。こ
の現像装置は、現像ロール１２３に現像剤を供給できる
位置において現像剤を一定方向に搬送する第１のオーガ
ー１２７を備えた第１の攪拌室１２５と、この第１の攪
拌室よりも下方に第１のオーガー１２７と反対方向に現
像剤を搬送する第２のオーガー１２８を備えた第２の攪
拌室１２６とを有している。前記第１の攪拌室１２５と
第２の攪拌室１２６とは隔壁１２１を介して仕切られ、
両端部で連通しており、現像剤はこれら２つの攪拌室１
２５、１２６内で循環するように搬送される。FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a developing device in which two augers are arranged in a vertical direction. This developing device includes a first stirring chamber 125 provided with a first auger 127 for transporting the developer in a fixed direction at a position where the developer can be supplied to the developing roll 123, and a lower portion than the first stirring chamber. A second stirring chamber 126 having a second auger 128 for transporting the developer in a direction opposite to the first auger 127 is provided. The first stirring chamber 125 and the second stirring chamber 126 are separated via a partition 121,
The two ends communicate with each other, and the developer is supplied to these two stirring chambers 1.
25 and 126 so as to circulate.
【０００８】第１のオーガー１２７により現像ロール１
２３に供給された現像剤は現像ロール１２３の回転によ
り静電潜像保持体１０１との対向位置で現像に供される
とともに、現像に寄与しなかった現像剤は再び第２の攪
拌室１２６内に回収され、第２のオーガー１２８により
攪拌される。このような現像装置においても上記図５に
示す現像装置と同様に第１のオーガー１２７と第２のオ
ーガー１２８とが現像装置内の縦方向に設置されている
ので、現像装置の横方向の寸法を小さくすることができ
る。The first auger 127 causes the developing roll 1
The developer supplied to the developing roller 23 is provided for development at a position facing the electrostatic latent image holding member 101 by the rotation of the developing roll 123, and the developer not contributing to the development is again placed in the second stirring chamber 126. And agitated by the second auger 128. In such a developing device as well, the first auger 127 and the second auger 128 are installed in the vertical direction in the developing device as in the developing device shown in FIG. Can be reduced.
【０００９】[0009]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記図
５、図６に示すような現像装置では、第１のオーガーと
第２のオーガーとによって現像剤を循環するように搬送
する際に、下方にある攪拌室から上方にある攪拌室への
現像剤の移送が円滑に行われず、下方の攪拌室の端部付
近で現像剤が堆積してしまうことがある。このように現
像ロールの後方部（静電潜像保持体と対向する部分の反
対側）において多くの現像剤が堆積するとその部分で攪
拌が不充分となり、現像領域を通過した後のトナー濃度
の低い現像剤が再び現像ロールに供給され、再び現像領
域に搬送される。このため現像ロール表面の現像剤中の
トナー濃度が現像ロールの軸方向で不均一となり、画像
に濃度ムラが発生し易くなるという問題点がある。However, in the developing device as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the developer is conveyed by the first auger and the second auger so as to circulate, the developing device moves downward. The transfer of the developer from a certain stirring chamber to the upper stirring chamber is not performed smoothly, and the developer may be deposited near the end of the lower stirring chamber. If a large amount of the developer is deposited on the rear portion of the developing roll (on the side opposite to the portion facing the electrostatic latent image holding member), the stirring becomes insufficient at that portion, and the toner density after passing through the developing area is reduced. The low developer is supplied to the developing roll again and transported to the developing area again. For this reason, there is a problem in that the toner concentration in the developer on the surface of the developing roll becomes non-uniform in the axial direction of the developing roll, and the image tends to have uneven density.
【００１０】例えば、図６に示す現像装置において上記
問題点を生じる現像剤のフローを、図７に示すブロック
図のようにモデル化して説明する。この現像装置におい
て理想的な現像剤のフローでは、実線で示すように、現
像ロールから剥離された現像剤が第２の攪拌室内を搬送
され第１の攪拌室への移送部（連通部）を通過し、第１
の攪拌室内を搬送されるとともに現像ロールに供給され
る。また、現像ロールに供給されなかった現像剤は第２
の攪拌室への移送部を経て第２の攪拌室へもどされる。For example, the flow of the developer causing the above-described problem in the developing device shown in FIG. 6 will be described by modeling it as a block diagram shown in FIG. In the ideal flow of the developer in this developing device, as shown by a solid line, the developer separated from the developing roll is transported in the second stirring chamber and is transferred to the first stirring chamber (communication section). Pass, 1st
And supplied to the developing roll. Further, the developer not supplied to the developing roll is the second developer.
Is returned to the second stirring chamber through the transfer section to the stirring chamber.
【００１１】しかし、第２の攪拌室から第１の攪拌室へ
の移送部（連通部）近傍に現像剤が滞留すると、この移
送部近傍において、現像領域を通過しトナー濃度の低下
した現像剤が第２の攪拌室へ回収されずに再び現像領域
に搬送されるという現像剤フローとなる場合がある。こ
れは図６に示すように第２の攪拌室１２６で現像ロール
１２３の表面近く（符号Ｇで示す位置）まで現像剤が堆
積すると、現像領域から回収された現像剤が再び現像ロ
ールの表面に付着し、現像ロール１２３の回転により現
像領域に搬送されるものであり、図７中に破線で示す現
像剤フローとなる。ところが現像ロールの軸方向におけ
る他の領域では実線で示す様な現像剤フローとなってお
り、これにより現像ロール上の現像剤のトナー濃度が不
均一となるという現象が発生する。However, when the developer stays in the vicinity of the transfer section (communication section) from the second stirring chamber to the first stirring chamber, in the vicinity of the transfer section, the developer having passed through the development area and having a reduced toner concentration is used. May be transported to the developing area again without being collected in the second stirring chamber. This is because, as shown in FIG. 6, when the developer is deposited in the second stirring chamber 126 near the surface of the developing roll 123 (at the position indicated by the symbol G), the developer collected from the developing area is again deposited on the surface of the developing roll It adheres and is conveyed to the developing area by the rotation of the developing roll 123, and the developer flows as shown by the broken line in FIG. However, in other areas in the axial direction of the developing roll, the developer flow is as shown by the solid line, and this causes a phenomenon that the toner concentration of the developer on the developing roll becomes non-uniform.
【００１２】図８は図６に示す現像装置を用い、ベタ黒
画像を連続して１０枚現像した後の現像ロール上のトナ
ー濃度を示したものであるが、現像ロールの軸方向にお
いて、第２の攪拌室１２６から第１の攪拌室１２５への
現像剤移送部の近傍に当たる奥側のトナー濃度が手前及
び中央に置けるトナー濃度と比較して低くなっている。
このため、現像時において画像に濃度ムラが発生し易く
なっている。FIG. 8 shows the toner density on the developing roll after ten solid black images are continuously developed using the developing device shown in FIG. The toner concentration at the back side near the developer transfer section from the second stirring chamber 126 to the first stirring chamber 125 is lower than the toner concentration at the front and the center.
For this reason, density unevenness tends to occur in the image during development.
【００１３】本発明は、上記のような問題点に鑑みてな
されたものであり、その目的は、小型化した現像装置で
あって、攪拌室内における現像剤担持体の軸方向の現像
剤量の分布及びトナー濃度の分布を均一化し、濃度ムラ
のない良好な画像が得られる現像装置を提供することで
ある。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a downsized developing device, in which the amount of developer in an axial direction of a developer carrier in a stirring chamber is reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device capable of making the distribution and the distribution of toner density uniform and obtaining a good image without density unevenness.
【００１４】[0014]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記問題点を解決するた
めに、本発明は、 静電潜像保持体と対向して設けられ
た現像剤担持体と、 該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿っ
て現像剤を搬送する第１のオーガーを備えた第１の撹拌
室と、 前記第１の撹拌室とほぼ平行に設けられ、両端
部において前記第１の撹拌室と連通し、前記第１のオー
ガーと反対方向に現像剤を搬送する第２のオーガーを備
えた第２の撹拌室とを有し、 前記第１のオーガーと前
記第２のオーガーとにより、連通する前記第１の撹拌室
と前記第２の撹拌室内とを循環するように、現像剤を搬
送する現像装置において、 前記第１の撹拌室のほぼ直
下に前記第２の撹拌室を設け、 前記第２の撹拌室に
は、前記第２のオーガーより上方に第３のオーガーを設
け、 該第３のオーガーは、前記第２の撹拌室から前記
第１の撹拌室への連通部近傍に滞留する現像剤を、前記
第２の撹拌室内で前記第２のオーガーと反対方向に搬送
するものとする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a developer carrying member provided to face an electrostatic latent image holding member, and a developer carrying member provided in an axial direction of the developer carrying member. A first stirring chamber provided with a first auger for transporting the developer along the first stirring chamber; and a first stirring chamber provided substantially parallel to the first stirring chamber, and communicating with the first stirring chamber at both ends. auger and developer have a second agitation chamber equipped with a second auger for conveying the in the opposite direction, prior to the first auger
The first stirring chamber communicated with the second auger.
And transport the developer so as to circulate through the second stirring chamber.
In the developing device for feeding, the second stirring chamber is provided substantially immediately below the first stirring chamber, and the second stirring chamber is provided in the second stirring chamber.
Establishes a third auger above the second auger.
The third auger is moved from the second stirring chamber to the third auger.
The developer stagnating in the vicinity of the communication portion with the first stirring chamber is
Conveyed in the second stirring chamber in the opposite direction to the second auger
Shall do .
【００１５】上記第３のオーガーは、上記第２のオーガ
ーよりも上方にあって、第２の攪拌室から第１の攪拌室
への現像剤移送部（連通部）近傍に滞留する現像剤を上
記第２のオーガーと反対方向に搬送することができるも
のであれば、その配置位置および大きさ等は適宜に設定
することができる。また、上記各オーガーの回転方向も
各オーガーの配置および構造に応じて適宜に設定するこ
とができる。上記第１の攪拌室と第２の攪拌室との連通
部（移送部）は、現像装置内において上記現像剤担持体
上の現像剤付着領域の両端部よりも外側に配設されるの
が望ましい。[0015] The third auger is located above the second auger, and removes the developer remaining near a developer transfer portion (communication portion) from the second stirring chamber to the first stirring chamber. As long as it can be transported in the opposite direction to the second auger, its arrangement position, size, and the like can be appropriately set. In addition, the rotation direction of each auger can be appropriately set according to the arrangement and structure of each auger. The communicating portion (transfer portion) between the first stirring chamber and the second stirring chamber is preferably disposed outside both ends of the developer adhering area on the developer carrier in the developing device. desirable.
【００１６】[0016]
【作用】上記のような構成の現像装置では、第１の攪拌
室のほぼ直下に第２の攪拌室を設け、この第２の攪拌室
内の第２のオーガーより上方に、該第２のオーガーと反
対方向に現像剤を搬送する第３のオーガーを備えている
ので、第２の攪拌室の現像剤を第２のオーガーにより搬
送して第１の攪拌室内に搬入する際に、第２の攪拌室か
ら第１の攪拌室への移送部近傍に滞留する現像剤は前記
第３のオーガーによって第２のオーガーと反対方向に搬
送される。このため、第２の攪拌室内で現像剤を第２の
オーガーの軸方向にほぼ均等に保つことが可能となる。
これらの現像剤は再び第２のオーガーによって所定の方
向に搬送され、第１の攪拌室内に搬入される。したがっ
て、第２の攪拌室からトナー濃度の低下した現像剤が現
像剤担持体に供給されるようなことがなくなり、充分に
攪拌され均一なトナー濃度の現像剤が現像剤担持体に供
給される。これにより、現像剤担持体軸方向に均一な濃
度の画像を形成することが可能となる。In the developing device having the above-described structure, a second stirring chamber is provided substantially immediately below the first stirring chamber, and the second auger is provided above the second auger in the second stirring chamber. The third auger for transporting the developer in a direction opposite to that of the first agitator when the developer in the second stirring chamber is transported by the second auger and loaded into the first stirring chamber. The developer staying near the transfer section from the stirring chamber to the first stirring chamber is transported by the third auger in the direction opposite to the second auger. For this reason, it becomes possible to keep the developer substantially uniformly in the axial direction of the second auger in the second stirring chamber.
These developers are again conveyed in a predetermined direction by the second auger, and are carried into the first stirring chamber. Therefore, the developer having the reduced toner concentration is not supplied to the developer carrier from the second stirring chamber, and the developer having sufficiently stirred and uniform toner concentration is supplied to the developer carrier. . This makes it possible to form an image having a uniform density in the axial direction of the developer carrier.
【００１７】[0017]
【実施例】以下、本発明の実施例を図に基づいて説明す
る。図１は、本発明の一実施例である現像装置を示す概
略断面図である。この現像装置２は、帯電電位の差によ
る静電潜像を保持することができる静電潜像保持体１と
対向して設けられており、非磁性トナーと磁性キャリア
からなる二成分現像剤を収容するハウジング１２内に、
二成分現像剤を磁気的に吸着して表面に磁気ブラシを形
成する現像ロール（現像剤担持体）３と、この現像ロー
ル３上に吸着された現像剤量を規制する現像剤規制部材
４と、前記現像ロール３の軸線方向に沿って現像剤を搬
送する第１のオーガー７を備えた第１の攪拌室５と、こ
の第１の攪拌室５と隔壁１３で仕切られたほぼ直下に第
２のオーガー８を備えた第２の攪拌室６とを有してい
る。さらに第２の攪拌室６内には第２のオーガー８より
上方の現像ロール３との間に第３のオーガー９が設けら
れている。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a developing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The developing device 2 is provided so as to face an electrostatic latent image holder 1 capable of holding an electrostatic latent image due to a difference in charging potential, and is provided with a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier. In the housing 12 to house,
A developing roll (developer carrier) 3 for magnetically adsorbing the two-component developer to form a magnetic brush on the surface; and a developer regulating member 4 for regulating the amount of the developer adsorbed on the developing roll 3. A first stirring chamber 5 provided with a first auger 7 for transporting the developer along the axial direction of the developing roll 3, and a first stirring chamber 5 substantially immediately below the first stirring chamber 5 and a partition 13. And a second stirring chamber 6 having two augers 8. Further, a third auger 9 is provided in the second stirring chamber 6 between the developing roll 3 and the second auger 8.
【００１８】上記現像ロール３は、位置を不動にして複
数の磁石を内蔵した磁気ロールの外周に、回転可能な円
筒状のスリーブを配置したものであり、二成分現像剤を
磁気的に吸着して磁気ブラシを形成するとともに、円筒
状のスリーブの回転により現像剤を搬送することができ
るものである。上記第１のオーガー７と第２のオーガー
８とは上下にほぼ平行に配置され、回転により現像剤を
攪拌するとともに軸方向に搬送することができるもので
あり、各々現像剤を逆方向に搬送する様に設定されてい
る。また、上記第１のオーガー７は、現像ロール３と対
向してほぼ平行に配置され、図１中に示す矢印Ａの方向
へ回転することにより二成分現像剤を現像ロール３に供
給することができるようになっており、上記第２のオー
ガー８は図１中に示す矢印Ｂの方向へ回転することによ
り、現像ロール３と反対側に現像剤を多く堆積させ、現
像ロール３から回収したトナーを攪拌し易くするように
なっている。The developing roll 3 has a rotatable cylindrical sleeve disposed on the outer periphery of a magnetic roll having a plurality of built-in magnets in a fixed position, and magnetically adsorbs a two-component developer. To form a magnetic brush and transport the developer by rotation of a cylindrical sleeve. The first auger 7 and the second auger 8 are arranged substantially vertically in parallel, and are capable of agitating the developer by rotation and transporting the developer in the axial direction. It is set to do. The first auger 7 is arranged substantially parallel to the developing roll 3 so as to supply the two-component developer to the developing roll 3 by rotating in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. The second auger 8 rotates in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 1 so that a large amount of developer is deposited on the side opposite to the developing roll 3 and the toner collected from the developing roll 3 Is made easy to stir.
【００１９】上記第３のオーガー９は、上記第２のオー
ガー８と隣接してほぼ平行に配置されており、回転方向
が図中に示す矢印Ｃの方向に設定され、上記第２のオー
ガー８とは逆方向に現像剤を搬送するようになってい
る。上記第１の攪拌室５と第２の攪拌室６とは隔壁１３
を介して仕切られるとともに両端部で連通しており、上
記第１のオーガー７と第２のオーガー８とが回転するこ
とによって現像剤が両攪拌室５、６内を循環するように
搬送される。また、上記連通部（現像剤移送部）はハウ
ジング１２内で現像ロール３の軸方向における両端部よ
りも外側となるように配設されている。The third auger 9 is disposed substantially parallel to and adjacent to the second auger 8, the rotation direction is set in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. The developer is transported in the opposite direction. The first stirring chamber 5 and the second stirring chamber 6 are separated from each other by a partition 13.
, And communicate with each other at both ends. By rotation of the first auger 7 and the second auger 8, the developer is conveyed so as to circulate in the stirring chambers 5 and 6. . Further, the communication portion (developer transfer portion) is disposed in the housing 12 so as to be located outside both ends in the axial direction of the developing roll 3.
【００２０】このような現像装置において、現像剤のフ
ローは以下のようになる。図２は、上記現像装置の現像
剤フローを示す説明図であり、現像領域通過後に現像ロ
ール３表面から第２の攪拌室６内に回収された現像剤
は、第２のオーガー８によって図中に示す矢印Ｄの方向
に搬送される。搬送された現像剤は、第２の攪拌室６か
ら第１の攪拌室５への移送部（連通部）１１を通過して
第１の攪拌室５内へ搬入されるが、第１の攪拌室５が第
２の攪拌室より上方にあるため、第２のオーガー８の搬
送量が第１の攪拌室５への移送量を上回り移送部１１付
近に現像剤が滞留することがある。この滞留した現像剤
は第３のオーガー９により第２の攪拌室６内を第２のオ
ーガー８と反対方向（図中に示す矢印Ｅの方向）に搬送
される。この現像剤は、現像ロール３から回収される現
像剤と混合され、再び第２のオーガー８によって第３の
オーガーとは反対方向（図中に示す矢印Ｄの方向）に搬
送される。これにより第２の攪拌室６内の現像剤が充分
に攪拌されるとともに現像ロール軸方向に堆積量が均等
化される。したがって部分的に過剰に現像剤が堆積する
ことがなく、第２の攪拌室６からトナー濃度の低い現像
剤が現像ロール３に供給されることはない。In such a developing device, the flow of the developer is as follows. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a developer flow of the developing device. The developer collected in the second stirring chamber 6 from the surface of the developing roll 3 after passing through the developing area is shown by a second auger 8 in the figure. Are transported in the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. The transported developer passes through a transfer section (communication section) 11 from the second stirring chamber 6 to the first stirring chamber 5 and is carried into the first stirring chamber 5, but the first stirring is performed. Since the chamber 5 is located above the second stirring chamber, the transport amount of the second auger 8 may exceed the transfer amount to the first stirring chamber 5 and the developer may stay near the transfer section 11. The retained developer is transported by the third auger 9 in the second stirring chamber 6 in the direction opposite to the second auger 8 (in the direction of the arrow E shown in the drawing). This developer is mixed with the developer collected from the developing roll 3, and is again conveyed by the second auger 8 in the direction opposite to the third auger (in the direction of arrow D shown in the drawing). As a result, the developer in the second stirring chamber 6 is sufficiently stirred, and the deposition amount is equalized in the axial direction of the developing roll. Therefore, the developer does not partially accumulate excessively, and the developer having a low toner concentration is not supplied to the developing roll 3 from the second stirring chamber 6.
【００２１】第１の攪拌室５内では、第１のオーガー７
が上記第２のオーガー８と反対方向（図中に示す矢印Ｆ
の方向）に現像剤を搬送するように回転し、第２の攪拌
室６から第１の攪拌室５内へ円滑に現像剤が搬入され
る。この第１の攪拌室５内においては、第１のオーガー
７の回転により現像剤の搬送とともに現像ロール３への
現像剤の供給が行われ、さらに現像ロール３へ供給され
なかった現像剤は第１の攪拌室から第２の攪拌室への移
送部（連通部）１０を通過して第２の攪拌室６内へ搬入
される。In the first stirring chamber 5, the first auger 7
Is in the opposite direction to the second auger 8 (arrow F shown in the figure).
The developer is transported from the second stirring chamber 6 to the first stirring chamber 5 smoothly. In the first stirring chamber 5, the developer is supplied to the developing roll 3 together with the transport of the developer by the rotation of the first auger 7, and the developer that is not supplied to the developing roll 3 is removed. It passes through the transfer section (communication section) 10 from the first stirring chamber to the second stirring chamber and is carried into the second stirring chamber 6.
【００２２】このようにして第１の攪拌室５および第２
の攪拌室６内を搬送された現像剤は各オーガー７、８、
９の回転により攪拌され、非磁性トナーと磁性キャリア
との間の摩擦帯電により所望の電荷が付与される。充分
に帯電され、第１のオーガー７から現像ロール３へ供給
された現像剤は現像ロール３表面に磁気的に吸着されて
現像剤の磁気ブラシを形成する。このとき現像剤は充分
に攪拌されており、現像ロール３の軸方向に均一なトナ
ー濃度となっている。この現像剤の磁気ブラシは現像剤
規制部材４によって現像剤量が規制され、現像ロール３
表面の回転により静電潜像保持体１と対向する現像領域
に搬送される。Thus, the first stirring chamber 5 and the second stirring chamber 5
The developer transported in the stirring chamber 6 of each of the augers 7, 8,
The toner is stirred by the rotation of No. 9 and a desired charge is applied by frictional charging between the non-magnetic toner and the magnetic carrier. The developer sufficiently charged and supplied to the developing roll 3 from the first auger 7 is magnetically attracted to the surface of the developing roll 3 to form a magnetic brush of the developer. At this time, the developer is sufficiently stirred, and has a uniform toner concentration in the axial direction of the developing roll 3. The developer amount of the developer magnetic brush is regulated by a developer regulating member 4 and
Due to the rotation of the surface, the sheet is transported to a developing area facing the electrostatic latent image holding member 1.
【００２３】現像領域においては、現像ロール３と静電
潜像保持体１との間に電圧が印加され所望の電界が形成
されており、磁気ブラシが静電潜像保持体１表面に摺擦
されることにより静電潜像に非磁性トナーが付着して現
像が行われる。一方、現像後に現像ロール３表面に残留
するトナー及び磁性キャリアは、現像ロール３の表面の
回転により現像ロール３内の反発する磁極が配置された
位置で現像ロール３表面から解放され、第２の攪拌室６
内に回収される。回収された現像剤は前記と同様第２の
攪拌室６および第１の攪拌室５内を搬送される。In the developing area, a voltage is applied between the developing roll 3 and the electrostatic latent image holder 1 to form a desired electric field, and the magnetic brush rubs against the surface of the electrostatic latent image holder 1. As a result, the non-magnetic toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image and development is performed. On the other hand, the toner and the magnetic carrier remaining on the surface of the developing roll 3 after the development are released from the surface of the developing roll 3 at the position where the repelling magnetic poles in the developing roll 3 are arranged due to the rotation of the surface of the developing roll 3, and Stir chamber 6
Collected inside. The collected developer is conveyed in the second stirring chamber 6 and the first stirring chamber 5 as described above.
【００２４】このような現像装置を用いてベタ黒画像を
連続して１０枚現像した後、現像ロール上の現像剤のト
ナー濃度を測定したところ、図３に示すように、現像ロ
ールの軸方向におけるいずれの位置においてもトナー濃
度がほぼ均一であることが確認された。また、このとき
の平均トナー濃度は、現像装置内に収容される現像剤全
体のトナー濃度に極近く、旧現像剤と新現像剤との交換
効率が高いことが確認された。したがって、連続してコ
ピーを行った場合にも画像濃度にムラの生じない性能を
得ることができる。また、現像装置の横方向の寸法も静
電潜像保持体（Φ８４）の軸中心から１００ｍｍ程度に
設定でき、非常に小型の現像装置を提供することができ
る。After ten solid black images were continuously developed using such a developing device, the toner concentration of the developer on the developing roll was measured. As shown in FIG. It was confirmed that the toner density was almost uniform at any position in the above. In addition, the average toner concentration at this time was extremely close to the toner concentration of the entire developer contained in the developing device, and it was confirmed that the exchange efficiency between the old developer and the new developer was high. Therefore, even when continuous copying is performed, it is possible to obtain a performance that does not cause unevenness in image density. Further, the lateral dimension of the developing device can be set to about 100 mm from the axial center of the electrostatic latent image holding member (Φ84), so that a very small developing device can be provided.
【００２５】[0025]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明の現像装置
では、第１の攪拌室のほぼ直下に第２の攪拌室を設け、
装置本体を小型化することができると同時に、第２の攪
拌室内の第２のオーガーの上方には該オーガーと反対方
向に現像剤を搬送する第３のオーガーを有しているの
で、第２の攪拌室内に収容される現像剤の分布を現像剤
担持体軸方向に均等化することができる。このため現像
剤担持体上にトナー濃度の均一な現像剤を供給すること
ができ、画像に濃度ムラのない安定した現像を行うこと
ができる。As described above, in the developing device of the present invention, the second stirring chamber is provided almost immediately below the first stirring chamber.
The apparatus main body can be reduced in size, and at the same time, a third auger is provided above the second auger in the second stirring chamber for transporting the developer in a direction opposite to the auger. The distribution of the developer contained in the stirring chamber can be equalized in the axial direction of the developer carrier. Therefore, a developer having a uniform toner concentration can be supplied onto the developer carrying member, and stable development without unevenness in image density can be performed.
【図１】本発明の一実施例である現像装置を示す概略断
面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】上記実施例の現像装置における現像剤のフロー
を示す説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a developer in the developing device of the embodiment.
【図３】上記実施例の現像装置において、現像ロール上
の現像剤のトナー濃度を測定した結果を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a view showing a result of measuring a toner concentration of a developer on a developing roll in the developing device of the embodiment.
【図４】従来の現像装置の一例を示す概略断面図であ
る。FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of a conventional developing device.
【図５】従来の現像装置であって、二つの攪拌室を上下
に配置した例を示す概略断面図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional developing device in which two stirring chambers are arranged vertically.
【図６】従来の現像装置であって、二つの攪拌室を上下
に配置した他の例を示す概略断面図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a conventional developing device in which two stirring chambers are arranged vertically.
【図７】上記図６に示す現像装置における現像剤のフロ
ーを示すブロック図である。FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a flow of a developer in the developing device shown in FIG. 6;
【図８】上記図６に示す現像装置において、現像ロール
上の現像剤のトナー濃度を測定した結果を示す図であ
る。FIG. 8 is a view showing a result of measuring a toner concentration of a developer on a developing roll in the developing device shown in FIG. 6;
１ 静電潜像保持体 ２ 現像装置 ３ 現像剤担持体 ４ 現像剤規制部材 ５ 第１の攪拌室 ６ 第２の攪拌室 ７ 第１のオーガー ８ 第２のオーガー ９ 第３のオーガー １０ 第１の攪拌室から第２の攪拌室への移送部 １１ 第２の攪拌室から第１の攪拌室への移送部 １２ ハウジング １３ 隔壁 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electrostatic latent image holder 2 developing device 3 developer carrier 4 developer regulating member 5 first stirring chamber 6 second stirring chamber 7 first auger 8 second auger 9 third auger 10 first Transfer section from the stirring chamber to the second stirring chamber 11 transfer section from the second stirring chamber to the first stirring chamber 12 housing 13 partition
フロントページの続き (72)発明者 石川 雅 神奈川県海老名市本郷2274番地 富士ゼ ロックス株式会社海老名事業所内 (72)発明者 積田 敏和 神奈川県海老名市本郷2274番地 富士ゼ ロックス株式会社海老名事業所内 (72)発明者 倉本 新一 神奈川県海老名市本郷2274番地 富士ゼ ロックス株式会社海老名事業所内 (72)発明者 加藤 正則 神奈川県海老名市本郷2274番地 富士ゼ ロックス株式会社海老名事業所内 (72)発明者 新田 達也 神奈川県海老名市本郷2274番地 富士ゼ ロックス株式会社海老名事業所内 (56)参考文献 実開 平３−12263（ＪＰ，Ｕ) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) G03G 15/08 - 15/095 Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Masaru Ishikawa 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. ) Inventor Shinichi Kuramoto 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Ebina Office (72) Inventor Masanori Kato 2274 Hongo, Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Ebina Office (72) Inventor Nitta Tatsuya 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Ebina Works (56) References Hikaru 3-12263 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. 7 , DB name) G03G 15 / 08-15/095
Claims (1)
現像剤担持体と、 該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って現像剤を搬送する第
１のオーガーを備えた第１の撹拌室と、 前記第１の撹拌室とほぼ平行に設けられ、両端部におい
て前記第１の撹拌室と連通し、前記第１のオーガーと反
対方向に現像剤を搬送する第２のオーガーを備えた第２
の撹拌室とを有し、 前記第１のオーガーと前記第２のオーガーとにより、連
通する前記第１の撹拌室と前記第２の撹拌室内とを循環
するように、現像剤を搬送する現像装置において、 前記第１の撹拌室のほぼ直下に前記第２の撹拌室を設
け、前記第２の撹拌室には、前記第２のオーガーより上方に
第３のオーガーを設け、 該第３のオーガーは、前記第２の撹拌室から前記第１の
撹拌室への連通部近傍に滞留する現像剤を、前記第２の
撹拌室内で前記第２のオーガーと反対方向に搬送するも
のである ことを特徴とする現像装置。A first auger for transporting the developer along an axial direction of the developer carrier, the developer carrier being provided opposite to the electrostatic latent image carrier; A stirring chamber; and a second auger provided substantially parallel to the first stirring chamber, communicating with the first stirring chamber at both ends, and transporting the developer in a direction opposite to the first auger. The second
Possess a stirring chamber, the said first auger and said second auger, continuous
Circulating between the first stirring chamber and the second stirring chamber through which
In the developing device that transports the developer, the second stirring chamber is provided substantially immediately below the first stirring chamber, and the second stirring chamber is provided above the second auger.
Providing a third auger, wherein the third auger is provided with the first auger from the second stirring chamber;
The developer staying in the vicinity of the communication portion with the stirring chamber is removed by the second
Transported in the stirring chamber in a direction opposite to the second auger.
A developing device, characterized in that:
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04224575A JP3127594B2 (en) | 1992-08-03 | 1992-08-03 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04224575A JP3127594B2 (en) | 1992-08-03 | 1992-08-03 | Developing device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0651634A JPH0651634A (en) | 1994-02-25 |
| JP3127594B2 true JP3127594B2 (en) | 2001-01-29 |
Family
ID=16815896
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04224575A Expired - Lifetime JP3127594B2 (en) | 1992-08-03 | 1992-08-03 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3127594B2 (en) |
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1992
- 1992-08-03 JP JP04224575A patent/JP3127594B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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