JP2014081512A - Developing device, and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device that maintains a stable amount of an external additive in the developing device even when the printing rate changes, so as to suppress the occurrence of density variation and toner fogging, and an image forming apparatus including the developing device.SOLUTION: During developing operation and non-developing operation, a developing bias is applied to a developing roller 83. The developing bias is formed by superimposing an AC bias on a DC bias. By the developing bias applied to the developing roller 83, an external additive is separated from toner, and consumed at a photoreceptor drum 321 side. According to the printing rate of a toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 321, a consumption condition changing unit 94 changes the AC bias applied to the developing roller 83 during the non-developing operation or the rotation speed ratio of the developing roller 83 to the photoreceptor drum 321, so as to change consumption conditions of the external additive to the photoreceptor drum 321 side.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing device employing a developer containing toner and an image forming apparatus provided with the developing device.

  An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile using an electrophotographic system supplies a developer to an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier (for example, a photosensitive drum or a transfer belt) and supplies the developer. By developing the electrostatic latent image, a toner image is formed on the image carrier. As one of the developing methods, a touch-down developing method using a two-component developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier is known. In this case, a two-component developer layer (so-called magnetic brush layer) is carried on the magnetic roller, and the toner is moved from the two-component developer layer on the development roller to carry the toner layer. Further, the electrostatic latent image is visualized by supplying toner from the toner layer to the image carrier.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a developing bias in which an AC bias is superimposed on a DC bias is applied to a developing roller during a developing operation and a non-developing operation in which the developing operation is not performed.

JP-A-7-92804

  When a DC bias and an AC bias are applied to the developing roller as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the external additive added to the toner is separated from the toner by the AC bias and moved to the image carrier side. There was. Examples of such external additives include titanium oxide added mainly for the purpose of maintaining the chargeability of the toner and promoting the polishing action on the surface of the image carrier. The external additive is not only consumed on the image carrier side with the toner during the developing operation, but also in the non-developing operation, the external additive may be consumed alone on the image carrier side by the AC bias. Further, when the printing rate of the toner image is low, the external additive is consumed from the developing device alone. On the other hand, when the printing rate is high, the external additive is supplied together with new toner to the developing device, so that the amount of the external additive in the developing device is relatively increased. Further, there has been a problem that the change in the amount of the external additive in the developing device changes the chargeability of the toner, resulting in density fluctuations and toner fogging.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. Even when the printing rate fluctuates, the amount of the external additive in the developing device is stably maintained, and the concentration fluctuations and It is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device that suppresses the occurrence of toner fog and an image forming apparatus including the developing device.

  A developing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a developing housing that stores a developer containing toner to which an external additive is added, and a rotationally driven toner layer that carries the toner, and has an electrostatic latent image on the surface. A toner carrier that supplies the toner to an image carrier that carries a toner image formed by the toner, and a bias in which an AC bias is superimposed on a DC bias is applied to the toner carrier, A bias applying unit that forms a predetermined potential difference between the image carrier and the toner carrier, and a first developing bias that is applied to the bias application unit during a developing operation in which the toner image is formed on the image carrier. Bias control means for applying a second development bias to the bias application means during a non-development operation different from the development operation, and during the development operation and the non-development operation Sometimes, a rotational drive means for rotationally driving the image carrier and the toner carrier, a printing rate calculating means for calculating a printing rate of the toner image formed on the image carrier for a predetermined period, Consumption condition changing means for changing a consumption condition in which the external additive is consumed from the toner carrier to the image carrier during the non-development operation according to the printing rate calculated by a printing rate calculator; It is characterized by having.

  According to this configuration, the external additive may be moved to the image carrier side by the first development bias and the second development bias applied to the toner carrier during the development operation and the non-development operation. Even in such a case, the consumption condition changing means changes the consumption condition in which the external additive is consumed from the toner carrier to the image carrier during the non-development operation. For this reason, the consumption condition of the external additive during the non-development operation is suitably changed without affecting the development operation. As a result, even when the printing rate fluctuates, the amount of the external additive in the developing device can be suitably adjusted.

  In the above-described configuration, the image carrier and the toner carrier are rotationally driven in the same direction in regions facing each other, and the consumption condition changing means is the image carrier of the toner carrier during the non-development operation. It is desirable to change the rotation speed ratio with respect to.

  According to this configuration, the consumption condition of the external additive is suitably changed by changing the rotation speed ratio of the toner carrier to the image carrier during the non-development operation. That is, since the contact time for the toner layer of the toner carrier to contact the surface of the image carrier is changed, the consumption condition of the external additive is changed.

  In the above configuration, the consumption condition changing means includes a maximum peak value of the AC bias having a polarity on the side where the toner moves from the toner carrier to the image carrier during the non-development operation, and the image carrier. It is desirable to change the potential difference from the surface potential.

  According to this configuration, as a consumption condition, the potential difference between the maximum peak value of the AC bias on the side where the toner moves from the toner carrier to the image carrier and the surface potential of the image carrier during non-development operation is changed. Is done. For this reason, the external force by which the external additive is moved from the surface of the toner carrier to the surface of the image carrier is preferably changed.

  In the above configuration, the consumption condition changing unit may calculate the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation as the rotation speed during the development operation when the printing rate exceeds a preset first threshold value. It is desirable to set it larger than the ratio.

  According to this configuration, when the printing rate exceeds the first threshold, the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation is set to be larger than the rotation speed ratio during the development operation. For this reason, even when a relatively high printing rate is continued and there are many external additives in the developing housing, consumption of the external additives to the image carrier side can be promoted.

  In the above configuration, the consumption condition changing unit may be configured such that the second development bias is greater than the amplitude value of the AC bias in the first development bias when the printing rate exceeds a preset first threshold. It is desirable to set a large amplitude value of the AC bias at.

  According to this configuration, when the printing rate exceeds the first threshold, the amplitude value of the AC bias in the second developing bias is set larger than the amplitude value of the AC bias in the first developing bias. For this reason, even when a relatively high printing rate is continued and there are many external additives in the developing housing, consumption of the external additives to the image carrier side can be promoted.

  In the above-described configuration, the consumption condition changing means has the polarity on the side where the toner moves from the toner carrier to the image carrier when the printing rate exceeds a preset first threshold value. It is desirable to set the duty ratio of the second developing bias to be smaller than the duty ratio of the first developing bias in the duty ratio of the AC bias.

  According to this configuration, when the printing rate exceeds the first threshold, the duty ratio of the second developing bias is set smaller than the duty ratio of the first developing bias. For this reason, even when a relatively high printing rate is continued and there are many external additives in the developing housing, consumption of the external additives to the image carrier side can be promoted. Further, since the duty ratio of the second developing bias is set to be small, the maximum peak value of the AC bias on the side where the toner moves from the image carrier to the toner image carrier is not increased, and the toner is The difference between the maximum peak value of the AC bias on the side moving from the carrier to the image carrier and the surface potential of the image carrier is preferably enlarged.

  In the above-described configuration, the consumption condition changing unit may set the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation when the printing rate falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value that is set in advance. It is desirable that the rotation speed ratio is set smaller than that during the developing operation.

  According to this configuration, when the printing rate falls below the second threshold, the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation is set to be smaller than the rotation speed ratio during the development operation. For this reason, even when the relatively low printing rate is continued and the external additive in the developing housing is reduced, the consumption of the external additive on the image carrier side can be suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the consumption condition changing unit may be configured such that when the printing rate falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value that is set in advance, the amplitude of the AC bias in the first developing bias. It is desirable to set the amplitude value of the AC bias in the second developing bias smaller than the value.

  According to this configuration, when the printing rate falls below the second threshold, the amplitude value of the AC bias in the second developing bias is set smaller than the amplitude value of the AC bias in the first developing bias. For this reason, even when the relatively low printing rate is continued and the external additive in the developing housing is reduced, the consumption of the external additive on the image carrier side can be suppressed.

  In the above-described configuration, the consumption condition changing unit is configured to change the first bias in the duty ratio of the AC bias when the printing rate falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the preset first threshold value. It is desirable to set the duty ratio of the second developing bias larger than the duty ratio of the developing bias.

  According to this configuration, when the printing rate falls below the second threshold, the duty ratio of the second developing bias is set larger than the duty ratio of the first developing bias. For this reason, even when the relatively low printing rate is continued and the external additive in the developing housing is reduced, the consumption of the external additive on the image carrier side can be suppressed.

  In the above-described configuration, the image carrier and the toner carrier are rotationally driven in the same direction in regions facing each other, and the consumption condition changing unit has the printing rate exceeding a preset first threshold value. A first condition change for setting the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation to be larger than the rotation speed ratio during the development operation, and an amplitude value of the AC bias in the first development bias. A second condition change for setting a large amplitude value of the AC bias in the second developing bias, and a duty ratio of the AC bias on the side where the toner moves from the toner carrier to the image carrier. Of the three condition changes, the third condition change for setting the duty ratio of the second developing bias to be smaller than the duty ratio of the first developing bias. It is desirable to change at least two.

  According to this configuration, when the printing rate exceeds the first threshold value, the first, second, and third condition changes are selectively combined and set by the consumption condition changing unit. For this reason, even when a relatively high printing rate is continued and a large amount of external additive is present in the developing housing, consumption of the external additive to the image carrier can be further promoted.

  In the above configuration, the external additive preferably contains titanium oxide.

  According to this configuration, the consumption conditions of titanium oxide during the non-development operation are suitably changed without affecting the development operation. As a result, even when the printing rate fluctuates, the amount of titanium oxide in the developing device can be suitably adjusted. Therefore, the chargeability of the toner in the developing device is stably maintained.

  In the above configuration, the developer in the developing housing is received while rotating in a predetermined direction, and the developer carrying member carrying the developer layer and the developing member while rotating in contact with the developer layer. It is desirable to have the toner carrier that receives the toner from the agent layer and carries the toner layer.

  According to this configuration, after the developer in the developing device is carried on the developer carrier, the toner in the developer is carried on the toner carrier. The development bias applied to the toner carrier forms an AC electric field between the toner carrier and the developer carrier, and even when the external additive is more easily detached from the toner, The consumption condition of the external additive is suitably changed. As a result, the amount of the external additive in the developing device can be suitably adjusted.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the developing device according to any one of the above, and the image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image formed by toner supplied from the toner carrier. And transfer means for transferring the toner image from the image carrier to a sheet.

  According to this configuration, the consumption condition changing unit changes the consumption condition in which the external additive is consumed from the toner carrier to the image carrier during the non-development operation. For this reason, the consumption condition of the external additive during the non-development operation is suitably changed without affecting the development operation. As a result, even when the printing rate fluctuates, the amount of the external additive in the developing device can be suitably adjusted. For this reason, the chargeability of the toner in the developing device is stably maintained, and the density change of the toner image formed on the image carrier and the occurrence of toner fog on the image carrier are preferably suppressed.

  In the above-described configuration, the non-development operation is performed before or after execution of an image forming operation for forming an image on a sheet, or when one image is formed on a plurality of sheets and subsequent sheets. It is desirable to be executed correspondingly between paper sheets.

  According to this configuration, the amount of the external additive in the developing device can be suitably adjusted before the execution of the image forming operation, after the execution, or using the interval between sheets.

  According to the present invention, even when the printing rate fluctuates, a developing device that stably maintains the amount of the external additive in the developing device and suppresses the occurrence of density fluctuations and toner fog, and the same are provided. An image forming apparatus is provided.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure inside a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the image development operation | movement which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 5 is a graph showing a relationship between a potential difference between a developing roller and a photosensitive drum and a flying amount of an external additive. 6 is a graph showing the transition of the amount of external additive in the developing device according to the number of printed sheets. It is a flowchart of the consumption condition change operation | movement which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a waveform of an AC bias constituting a developing bias. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the effect | action of the alternating current bias at the time of a non-development operation. It is a flowchart of the consumption condition change operation | movement which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structure of the developing device which concerns on deformation | transformation embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, as the image forming apparatus 1, a multi-function machine having a printer function and a copying function is illustrated, but the image forming apparatus may be a printer, a copier, or a facsimile machine.

<Description of Image Forming Apparatus>
The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 10 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing structure, and an automatic document feeder 20 disposed on the apparatus main body 10. In the apparatus main body 10, a reading unit 25 that optically reads a document image to be copied, an image forming unit 30 that forms a toner image on a sheet, a fixing unit 60 that fixes the toner image on a sheet, and image formation A sheet feeding unit 40 for storing sheets conveyed to the unit 30, and a conveyance path 50 for conveying the sheet from the sheet feeding unit 40 or the sheet feeding tray 46 to the sheet discharge port 10E via the image forming unit 30 and the fixing unit 60. And a conveyance unit 55 having therein a sheet conveyance path constituting a part of the conveyance path 50 is accommodated.

  An automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 is rotatably attached to the upper surface of the apparatus body 10. The ADF 20 automatically feeds a document sheet to be copied toward a predetermined document reading position in the apparatus main body 10. On the other hand, when the user manually places the document sheet on a predetermined document reading position, the ADF 20 is opened upward. The ADF 20 includes a document tray 21 on which a document sheet is placed, a document transport unit 22 that transports a document sheet via an automatic document reading position, and a document discharge tray 23 that discharges a document sheet after reading. .

  The reading unit 25 optically reads an image of a document sheet automatically fed from the ADF 20 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 10 or a manually placed document sheet. In the reading unit 25, a scanning mechanism including a light source, a movable carriage, a reflection mirror, and the like, and an image sensor are accommodated (not shown). The scanning mechanism irradiates the original sheet with light and guides the reflected light to the image sensor. The image sensor photoelectrically converts the reflected light into an analog electric signal. The analog electric signal is converted into a digital electric signal by an A / D conversion circuit and then input to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 performs a process of generating a full-color toner image and transferring it onto a sheet. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) arranged in tandem. An image forming unit 32 including four units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32Bk for forming the respective toner images, an intermediate transfer unit 33 disposed adjacent to the image forming unit 32, and an intermediate transfer unit 33. And a toner replenishing section 34 disposed in the.

  Each of the image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32Bk includes a photosensitive drum 321 (image carrier) and a charger 322, an exposure unit 323, a developing device 324, and a primary transfer arranged around the photosensitive drum 321. A roller 325 and a cleaning device 326.

  The photosensitive drum 321 rotates about its axis, and an electrostatic latent image and a toner image are formed on its peripheral surface. As the photosensitive drum 321, a photosensitive drum using an amorphous silicon (a-Si) material can be used. The charger 322 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 321. The exposure device 323 includes a laser light source and optical system devices such as a mirror and a lens, and forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321 with light based on image data of a document image. .

  The developing device 324 supplies toner to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321 in order to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 321. The developing device 324 is for a two-component developer and includes a screw feeder, a magnetic roller, and a developing roller. The details of the developing device 324 will be described in detail later.

  The primary transfer roller 325 forms a nip portion with the photosensitive drum 321 across the intermediate transfer belt 331 provided in the intermediate transfer unit 33, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 321 is primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 331. To do. The cleaning device 326 includes a cleaning roller and the like, and cleans the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321 after the toner image is transferred.

  The intermediate transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 331, a driving roller 332, and a driven roller 333. The intermediate transfer belt 331 is an endless belt that is stretched around a driving roller 332 and a driven roller 333, and toner images from a plurality of photosensitive drums 321 are superimposed on the same portion on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 331. Is transcribed. The intermediate transfer unit 33 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG.

  A secondary transfer roller 35 (transfer means) is disposed facing the peripheral surface of the drive roller 332. A nip portion between the driving roller 332 and the secondary transfer roller 35 serves as a secondary transfer portion that transfers a full-color toner image overcoated on the intermediate transfer belt 331 to a sheet. A secondary transfer bias potential having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to one of the driving roller 332 and the secondary transfer roller 35, and the other roller is grounded. In addition, the density sensor 35 </ b> A is disposed opposite to the circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 331 at a position upstream of the drive roller 332 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 331. The density sensor 35A outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the density of the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 331.

  The toner supply unit 34 includes a yellow toner container 34Y, a magenta toner container 34M, a cyan toner container 34C, and a black toner container 34Bk. These toner containers 34Y, 34C, 34M, and 34Bk respectively store toner of each color, and are supplied to the developing devices 324 of the image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32Bk corresponding to each color of YMCBk through a supply path (not shown). Supply toner of each color.

  The paper feed unit 40 includes two-stage paper feed cassettes 40A and 40B that accommodate sheets subjected to image forming processing. These paper feed cassettes 40A and 40B can be pulled out from the front of the apparatus body 10 toward the front.

  The fixing unit 60 is an induction heating type fixing device that performs a fixing process for fixing a toner image on a sheet, and includes a heating roller 61, a fixing roller 62, a pressure roller 63, a fixing belt 64, and an induction heating unit 65. A pressure roller 63 is pressed against the fixing roller 62 to form a fixing nip portion. The heating roller 61 and the fixing belt 64 are induction-heated by an induction heating unit 65, and give the heat to the fixing nip portion. As the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion, the toner image transferred to the sheet is fixed to the sheet.

<Configuration of developing device>
Next, the developing device 324 will be described in detail. 2 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical and horizontal directions schematically showing the internal structure of the developing device 324, and FIG. The developing device 324 includes a developing housing 80 that defines an internal space of the developing device 324. The developing housing 80 is provided with a developer storing portion 81 for storing a developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier. Further, inside the developing housing 80, a magnetic roller 82 (developer carrying member) disposed above the developer reservoir 81, and a developing roller disposed opposite to the magnetic roller 82 at a position obliquely above the magnetic roller 82. 83 (toner carrier) and a developer regulating blade 84 disposed opposite to the magnetic roller 82 are disposed.

  The developer storage unit 81 includes two adjacent developer storage chambers 81 a and 81 b extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing device 324. The developer storage chambers 81a and 81b are separated from each other by a partition plate 801 that is formed integrally with the developing housing 80 and extends in the longitudinal direction. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the communication paths 803 and 804 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Are in communication with each other. The developer storage chambers 81a and 81b accommodate screw feeders 85 and 86 that agitate and convey the developer by rotating around the axis. The screw feeders 85 and 86 are rotationally driven by a drive unit 962 described later, and their rotational directions are set in opposite directions. As a result, the developer is circulated and conveyed between the developer storage chamber 81a and the developer storage chamber 81b as shown by the arrows in FIG. By this stirring, the nonmagnetic toner and the carrier are mixed, and the nonmagnetic toner is charged positively, for example.

  The nonmagnetic toner in this embodiment is composed of a binder resin, a colorant, and the like. Examples of the binder resin include polystyrene resins, acrylic resins, styrene-acrylic copolymers, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, and polyvinyl resins. It is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin such as an alcohol resin, vinyl ether resin, N-vinyl resin, or styrene-butadiene resin.

  The colorant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include black, magenta, cyan and yellow pigments. These colorants are usually blended in an amount of 2 to 20 parts by mass, preferably 5 to 15 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.

  Other additives may be added to the toner as long as the effects of the exemplary embodiment are not impaired. Examples of such additives include charge control agents and waxes. A known charge control agent can be used as the charge control agent. As the positively chargeable charge control agent, for example, a nigrosine dye, a fatty acid-modified nigrosine dye, a carboxyl group-containing fatty acid-modified nigrosine dye, a quaternary ammonium salt, an amine compound, an organometallic compound, or the like can be used.

  The wax is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include carnauba wax and Fischer-Tropsch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “FT”) wax having ester in the side chain, synthetic hydrocarbon wax such as polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, and the like. It is done. Among these, from the viewpoint of dispersibility, use of FT wax or polyethylene wax having ester in the side chain is recommended.

  In addition, inorganic oxide fine particles are externally added to the nonmagnetic toner as necessary. As such an external additive, fine particles such as silica fine particles, alumina, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, and strontium titanate can be used. Further, if necessary, an organic external additive such as resin fine particles can also be used. The volume average diameter of the external additive is 0.001 to 1.0 μm, preferably 0.005 to 0.3 μm. The addition amount of the external additive is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the toner.

  Here, the silica fine particles are mainly used as a fluidizing agent. Titanium oxide, alumina, resin fine particles, and the like are used as toner charge control agents. Titanium oxide or the like is suitably used as an abrasive for the surface of the photoreceptor.

  The magnetic roller 82 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the developing device 324 and can be rotated clockwise in FIG. A fixed so-called magnet roll (not shown) is arranged inside the magnetic roller 82. The magnet roll has a plurality of magnetic poles. In this embodiment, the magnet roll has a drawing pole 821, a regulation pole 822, and a main pole 823. The scooping pole 821 faces the developer storage section 81, the regulation pole 822 faces the developer regulation blade 84, and the main pole 823 faces the developing roller 83.

  The magnetic roller 82 magnetically pumps (receives) the developer from the developer reservoir 81 onto its peripheral surface 82A by the magnetic force of the pumping pole 821. The developer drawn up is magnetically held as a developer layer (magnetic brush layer) on the peripheral surface 82A of the magnetic roller 82, and is conveyed toward the developer regulating blade 84 as the magnetic roller 82 rotates. .

  The developer regulating blade 84 is disposed on the upstream side of the developing roller 83 when viewed from the rotation direction of the magnetic roller 82, and regulates the layer thickness of the developer layer magnetically attached to the peripheral surface 82 </ b> A of the magnetic roller 82. The developer regulating blade 84 is a plate member made of a magnetic material extending along the longitudinal direction of the magnetic roller 82, and is supported by a predetermined support member 841 fixed at a proper position of the developing housing 80. Further, the developer regulating blade 84 has a regulating surface 842 (that is, the leading end surface of the developer regulating blade 84) that forms a regulating gap G having a predetermined size with the peripheral surface 82A of the magnetic roller 82.

  The developer regulating blade 84 formed from a magnetic material is magnetized by the regulating pole 822 of the magnetic roller 82. As a result, a magnetic path is formed between the regulating surface 842 of the developer regulating blade 84 and the regulating pole 822, that is, in the regulating gap G. When the developer layer adhering to the peripheral surface 82A of the magnetic roller 82 by the drawing pole 821 is conveyed into the regulation gap G as the magnetic roller 82 rotates, the layer thickness of the developer layer is regulated in the regulation gap G. Is done. Thereby, a uniform developer layer having a predetermined thickness is formed on the peripheral surface 82A.

  The developing roller 83 is disposed so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the developing device 324 and in parallel with the magnetic roller 82, and can rotate clockwise in FIG. The developing roller 83 has a peripheral surface 83A that receives toner from the developer layer and carries the toner layer while rotating in contact with the developer layer held on the peripheral surface 82A of the magnetic roller 82. During the development in which the development operation is performed, the toner in the toner layer is supplied to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321.

  The developing roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82 are rotationally driven by a driving unit 962 (rotational driving means). A gap S having a predetermined dimension is formed between the peripheral surface 83A of the developing roller 83 and the peripheral surface 82A of the magnetic roller 82. The gap S is set to about 250 μm, for example. The developing roller 83 is disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum 321 through an opening formed in the developing housing 80, and a gap having a predetermined dimension is also formed between the peripheral surface 83A and the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321. Yes.

<Electrical configuration, block diagram>
Next, the main electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 90 that comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work area of the CPU, and the like. In addition to the image forming unit 30 described above, the control unit 90 includes a first application unit 88 (bias application unit), a second application unit 89 (bias application unit), a drive unit 962 (rotation drive unit), and an image memory. 963, I / F 964, and the like are electrically connected.

  The first application unit 88 includes a DC power source and an AC power source, and applies a bias to the magnetic roller 82 in the developing device 324 based on a control signal from the bias control unit 92 (bias control unit). Similarly, the second application unit 89 includes a DC power source and an AC power source, and applies a bias to the developing roller 83 in the developing device 324 based on a control signal from the bias control unit 92.

  The drive unit 962 includes a motor and a gear mechanism that transmits torque thereof, and in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 90, a developing roller 83 and a magnetic roller 82 in the developing device 324 are described during a developing operation and a non-developing operation described later. Further, the screw feeders 85 and 86 are driven to rotate. In the present embodiment, the developing roller 83, the magnetic roller 82, and the screw feeders 85 and 86 are rotationally driven in synchronization by the drive unit 962. The driving unit 962 drives the photosensitive drum 321 to rotate during the developing operation and the non-developing operation. In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 are rotationally driven in the same direction at portions facing each other. The drive unit 962 receives a control signal output from the drive control unit 91 described later, and changes the rotation speed ratio (S / D) of the developing roller 83 with respect to the photosensitive drum 321.

  The image memory 963 temporarily stores image data for printing given from an external device such as a personal computer when the image forming apparatus 1 functions as a printer. The image memory 963 temporarily stores image data optically read by the ADF 20 when the image forming apparatus 1 functions as a copying machine.

  The I / F 964 is an interface circuit for realizing data communication with an external device. For example, the I / F 964 creates a communication signal in accordance with a network communication protocol for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 and the external device, and from the network side. Are converted into data in a format that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 1. A print instruction signal transmitted from a personal computer or the like is given to the control unit 90 via the I / F 964, and image data is stored in the image memory 963 via the I / F 964.

  The controller 90 executes a control program stored in the ROM by the CPU, so that a drive controller 91, a bias controller 92 (bias controller), a print rate calculator 93 (print rate calculator), a consumption condition It functions to include a changing unit 94 (consumption condition changing means).

  The drive control unit 91 controls the drive unit 962 to rotationally drive the developing roller 83, the magnetic roller 82, and the screw feeders 85 and 86. In addition, the drive control unit 91 controls the drive unit 962 to drive the photosensitive drum 321 to rotate. In the present embodiment, the drive control unit 91 rotationally drives the above members in the developing operation and the non-developing operation. Further, the drive control unit 91 receives a control signal from the consumption condition changing unit 94 and changes the rotation speed ratio of the developing roller 83 with respect to the photosensitive drum 321.

  The bias control unit 92 (bias control means) determines the bias setting values for the developing roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82 when executing the developing operation, and controls the first applying unit 88 and the second applying unit 89 to perform the first operation. 1 development bias Bd is applied. In addition, the bias control unit 92 determines a bias setting value for the developing roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82 and controls the first application unit 88 and the second application unit 89 during the non-development operation when the development operation is not performed. Then, the second developing bias Bp is applied.

  The printing rate calculation unit 93 calculates the printing rate based on the image data stored in the image memory 963. In the present embodiment, the printing rate calculation unit 93 calculates an average printing rate per sheet from the image data formed on the past 100 photosensitive drums 321. In another embodiment, the printing rate calculation unit 93 may calculate the average printing rate per sheet from the image data formed on the photosensitive drum 321 during the previous minute.

  The consumption condition changing unit 94 changes the consumption condition in which the external additive is consumed from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 during the non-development operation according to the printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculating unit 93. . Specifically, the consumption condition changing unit 94 changes the rotation speed ratio of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 during the non-developing operation. In addition, the consumption condition changing unit 94, during the non-development operation, the maximum peak value (Vpp-MAX) of the AC bias on the side where the toner moves from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 321. The potential difference from the potential (Vback) is changed. At this time, the consumption condition changing unit 94 controls the bias control unit 92 to change the amplitude value of the AC bias in the second developing bias Bp relative to the amplitude value of the AC bias in the first developing bias Bd. To do. Further, the consumption condition changing unit 94 controls the bias control unit 92 so that the duty ratio of the first developing bias Bd is the duty ratio of the AC bias having the polarity where the toner moves from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321. In contrast, the duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp is relatively changed.

<Application of development bias and development operation>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a configuration for bias application of the developing device 324 and a developing operation will be described. The developing device 324 includes the first applying unit 88, the second applying unit 89, and the control unit 90 described above in order to control the developing operation. As shown in the figure, the first application unit 88 has a DC voltage source 881 and an AC voltage source 882 connected in series, and is connected to the magnetic roller 82. A voltage obtained by superimposing the AC bias output from the AC voltage source 882 on the DC bias output from the DC voltage source 881 is applied to the magnetic roller 82. The second application unit 89 includes a DC voltage source 891 and an AC voltage source 892 connected in series, and is connected to the developing roller 83. A voltage obtained by superimposing the AC bias output from the AC voltage source 892 on the DC bias output from the DC voltage source 891 is applied to the developing roller 83.

  The values of the direct current bias and the alternating current bias applied to the magnetic roller 82 and the developing roller 83 are determined when the developing device 324 supplies toner onto the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321 (develops the electrostatic latent image). It is changed according to the charging property of the supplied toner. Further, in the non-development operation, different bias values are applied to the magnetic roller 82 and the development roller 83.

  Next, the developing mechanism of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 321 in the developing operation will be described. The magnetic brush layer on the peripheral surface 82 </ b> A of the magnetic roller 82 is transported toward the developing roller 83 as the magnetic roller 82 rotates after the layer thickness is uniformly regulated by the developer regulating blade 84. Thereafter, in the region of the gap S (FIG. 2), a large number of magnetic brushes DB in the magnetic brush layer come into contact with the peripheral surface 83A of the rotating developing roller 83.

  At this time, the bias control unit 92 controls the first application unit 88 and the second application unit 89 to apply predetermined DC bias and AC bias to the magnetic roller 82 and the developing roller 83, respectively. As a result, a predetermined potential difference (developing potential difference) is generated between the peripheral surface 82A of the magnetic roller 82 and the peripheral surface 83A of the developing roller 83. Due to this potential difference, only the toner T moves from the magnetic brush DB to the peripheral surface 83A at a position where the peripheral surface 82A and the peripheral surface 83A face each other (at a position where the main pole 823 (FIG. 2) faces the peripheral surface 83A). The carrier C of the magnetic brush DB and a part of the remaining toner remain on the peripheral surface 82A. At this time, the toner T is supplied from the peripheral surface 82A of the magnetic roller 82 to the peripheral surface 83A of the developing roller 83. Accordingly, the toner layer TL having a predetermined thickness is carried on the peripheral surface 83A of the developing roller 83.

  The toner layer TL on the circumferential surface 83A is conveyed toward the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 321 as the developing roller 83 rotates. A superimposed voltage of a DC voltage and an AC voltage is applied to the developing roller 83. Therefore, a predetermined potential difference is generated between the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321 having a potential on the surface according to the electrostatic latent image and the peripheral surface 83A of the developing roller 83. Due to this potential difference, the toner T in the toner layer TL moves to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321. Thereby, the electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 321 is developed, and a toner image is formed.

  In the present embodiment, the bias control unit 92 controls the first application unit 88 and the second application unit 89 during the development operation, and an example of the development bias Bd applied to the magnetic roller 82 and the development roller 83, and others. The conditions are as follows.

DC bias Vmag_dc of magnetic roller 82; 200V
DC bias Vslv_dc of developing roller 83; 50V
AC roller bias (Vpp) Vmag_ac of magnetic roller 82; 300V (4.0 kHz)
AC bias of developing roller 83 (Vpp) Vslv_ac; 1700 V (4.0 kHz)
Duty ratio of the bias between the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 (Duty 1); 43%
Duty ratio of bias between developing roller 83 and magnetic roller 82 (Duty 2); 57%
Linear speed of photosensitive drum 321; 200 mm / sec
Surface potential of photosensitive drum 321; background portion (dark potential) 230V, image portion (bright potential) 20V
Rotational speed ratio of developing roller 83 to photosensitive drum 321 (S / D); 1.5
Toner chargeability Q / m; 20 μC / g

<Description of non-development operation>
Next, the non-developing operation in the developing device 324 in this embodiment will be described. This non-development operation is a timing at which the previous development operation is not performed, for example, before and after the image forming operation in which an image is formed on a sheet, or after one sheet when an image is formed on a plurality of sheets and thereafter The process is executed corresponding to the interval between the sheets between successive sheets.

  In the non-development operation, as in the development operation, each member of the developing device 324 including the developing roller 83 is rotated in addition to the photosensitive drum 321. Then, by applying the second developing bias Bp to the developing roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82, a toner layer is formed on the developing roller 83 in preparation for the developing operation. In the non-development operation, the toner is preliminarily formed on the development roller 83 to cope with the rapid consumption of the toner from the development roller 83 toward the photosensitive drum 321 when the development operation is started. Can do. In addition, in a non-development operation performed between sheets or after image formation, a part of the toner carried on the development roller 83 during the development operation is moved to the magnetic roller 82 side, so that The toner is preferably replaced, and the charging property of the toner on the developing roller 83 is stably maintained.

<Consumption of external additives>
In developing and non-developing operations, toner carried on the developing roller 83 by an AC bias electric field formed between the magnetic roller 82 and the developing roller 83 or between the developing roller 83 and the photosensitive drum 321. In some cases, the external additive is detached from the photosensitive drum 321 and moved toward the photosensitive drum 321. 6 shows the maximum peak value Vpp-MAX of the AC bias in the polarity on the side where the toner moves from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 among the developing bias applied to the developing roller 83, and the dark potential of the photosensitive drum 321. 3 is a graph showing the amount of the external additive flying to the photosensitive drum 321 when the potential difference between and is changed. As described above, the external additive is consumed independently from the developing device 324 to the photosensitive drum 321 according to the AC bias component applied to the developing roller 83.

  The external additive is not only consumed together with the toner during the developing operation, but also during the non-developing operation, the external additive is consumed alone on the image carrier side by the AC bias. Further, when the printing rate of the toner image is low during the developing operation, the external additive is consumed by itself on the background potential portion of the photosensitive drum 321. On the other hand, when the printing rate is high, external additive is supplied from the toner supply unit 34 to the developing device 324 together with new toner. For this reason, the amount of the external additive in the developing device 324 is relatively increased. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the transition of the amount of the external additive in the developing device 324 with respect to the number of printed sheets when the image forming apparatus 1 continues printing at different printing rates. The abundance of the external additive is shown as a ratio of the external additive to the entire developer in the developing device 324. Further, FIG. 7 shows the transition of the abundance of titanium oxide as an external additive. As shown in FIG. 7, the presence rate of the external additive in the developing device 324 decreases in the order of (A) printing rate 30%> (B) printing rate 5%> (C) printing rate 2%. It was discovered. Further, the change in the amount of the external additive in the developing device 324 causes a change in toner chargeability, resulting in a density change and a toner fog on the image. That is, when the amount of the external additive is excessive, toner fog occurs, and when the amount of the external additive is excessive, the density is lowered due to poor chargeability of the toner.

  In the present embodiment, in order to solve the above-described problem, the consumption condition changing unit 94 develops the external additive during the non-development operation according to the printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculation unit 93. The consumption condition consumed from the roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 is changed. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the consumption condition changing operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a first flowchart when the consumption condition changing unit 94 sets the consumption condition in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first development bias Bd is referred to as a first development bias Bd11. When printing is started in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S001), the control unit 90 counts the number of printed sheets (step S002). The control unit 90 repeats counting until the number of printed sheets reaches 100 (NO in step S002, step 003). When the number of printed sheets reaches 100 (YES in step S002), the average printing ratio for the past 100 sheets is calculated by the printing ratio calculation unit 93 (step S004). Thereafter, the count of the number of printed sheets is reset by the control unit 90 (step S005), and the printing condition is compared with a preset first threshold value by the consumption condition changing unit 94 (step S006). In the present embodiment, a printing rate of 30% is set in advance as the first threshold value. When the average printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculation unit 93 is less than 30% (YES in step S006), the consumption condition changing unit 94 sets the second developing bias Bp as the first developing bias Bd11 under the same conditions. 2 Development bias Bp11 is set. In other words, the consumption condition changing unit 94 does not change the second developing bias Bp with respect to the first developing bias Bd11. For this reason, the second developing bias Bp11 is applied to the magnetic roller 82 and the developing roller 83 in the subsequent non-developing operation represented by the sheet. Further, the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 are rotationally driven at the same rotational speed ratio (S / D) as that during the developing operation.

  On the other hand, when the average printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculation unit 93 exceeds 30% (NO in step S006), the consumption condition changing unit 94 is different from the first development bias Bd11 as the second development bias Bp. A second developing bias Bp12 is set. Specifically, the consumption condition changing unit 94 changes the Vpp and Duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp12 with respect to the first developing bias Bd11. In this case, Vpp of the second developing bias Bp12 is increased as compared with the developing bias Bd11. Further, the duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp12 is reduced as compared with the developing bias Bd11. The second developing bias Bp12 is applied to the magnetic roller 82 and the developing roller 83 during the subsequent non-developing operation represented by the sheet.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the second developing bias Bp12 is selected, the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 are rotationally driven at a rotational speed ratio different from that during the developing operation. In this case, the rotation speed of the developing roller 83 is increased and the rotation speed ratio (S / D) of the developing roller 83 with respect to the photosensitive drum 321 is increased as compared with the developing operation.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a waveform of one cycle of the AC bias when a developing bias having a different duty ratio is applied to the developing roller 83. As to the effect of reducing the duty ratio in the change from the developing bias Bd11 to the second developing bias Bp12, the duty ratio is 37% and 40% in the order of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, respectively. 43%. In this case, Vpp-MAX (A)> Vpp-MAX (B)> Vpp with respect to the maximum peak value (Vpp-MAX) of the AC bias in the polarity on the side where the toner is moved from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 side. -Changed to MAX (C). Therefore, the potential difference between the dark potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum 321 during the non-development operation and the Vpp-MAX is increased as the duty ratio is reduced. As a result, the reduction of the duty ratio promotes the consumption of the external additive from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321. Similarly, in the change from the first developing bias Bd11 to the second developing bias Bp12, the potential difference is increased by increasing Vpp, and thus the consumption of the external additive is further promoted. When the rotation speed ratio of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 is increased with the selection of the second developing bias Bp12, the toner layer on the developing roller 83 is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 321. The contact time for contact is increased. For this reason, consumption of said external additive is further accelerated | stimulated.

  Here, an example of the second developing bias Bp and the driving condition set by the bias control unit 92 and the drive control unit 91 for the non-development operation by the control signal of the consumption condition changing unit 94 is as follows.

<Normal Second Development Bias Bp11 = First Development Bias Bd11>
DC bias Vmag_dc of magnetic roller 82; 200V
DC bias Vslv_dc of developing roller 83; 50V
AC roller bias (Vpp) Vmag_ac of magnetic roller 82; 300V (4.0 kHz)
AC bias of developing roller 83 (Vpp) Vslv_ac; 1700 V (4.0 kHz)
Duty ratio of the bias between the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 (Duty 1); 43%
Duty ratio of bias between developing roller 83 and magnetic roller 82 (Duty 2); 57%
Linear speed of photosensitive drum 321; 200 mm / sec
Surface potential of photosensitive drum 321; background portion (dark potential) 230V
Rotational speed ratio of developing roller 83 to photosensitive drum 321 (S / D); 1.5

<Second development bias Bp12 when promoting consumption of external additives>
DC bias Vmag_dc of magnetic roller 82; 200V
DC bias Vslv_dc of developing roller 83; 50V
AC roller bias (Vpp) Vmag_ac of magnetic roller 82; 300V (4.0 kHz)
AC bias of developing roller 83 (Vpp) Vslv_ac; 1800 V (4.0 kHz)
Duty ratio (Duty 1) of bias between the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83; 40%
Duty ratio of bias between developing roller 83 and magnetic roller 82 (Duty 2); 60%
Linear speed of photosensitive drum 321; 200 mm / sec
Surface potential of photosensitive drum 321; background portion (dark potential) 230V
Rotational speed ratio of developing roller 83 to photosensitive drum 321 (S / D); 1.8

  In the above setting example, as described above, the rotation speed ratio (S) of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 is increased in the second developing bias Bp12 when the external additive consumption is promoted, compared to the normal second developing bias Bp11. / D) is increased, the AC bias (Vpp) Vslv_ac of the developing roller 83 is increased, and the duty ratio of the bias between the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 is reduced.

  Next, the case where the second developing bias Bp12 is applied during the non-developing operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the potentials of the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 when images are formed on three sheets in the image forming apparatus 1. In FIG. 10, Vdrum indicates the time on the horizontal axis and the transition of the potential on the photosensitive drum 321 on the vertical axis. P1, P2, and P3 indicate development steps (development operations) in which toner images are formed on the first, second, and third sheets, respectively. A1 indicates a non-developing operation immediately before the developing operation for the first sheet, and A2 indicates a non-developing operation after the developing operation for the third sheet is completed. Further, B1 and B2 correspond to a so-called non-development operation between sheets, and correspond to between the sheets between the first sheet, the second sheet, the second sheet, and the third sheet, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 321 is charged with a potential of the background portion to +250 V by the charger 322. That is, the photosensitive drum 321 is charged to +250 V corresponding to A1, P1, B1, P2, B2, P3, and A2 in FIG. Then, in the developing steps P1, P2, and P3 of each sheet, when the area corresponding to the maximum image density is exposed by the exposure unit 323, the surface potential is reduced to Vimg; + 20V. At this time, as described above, a DC bias Vslv_dc; 50 V is applied to the developing roller 83. Further, an AC bias (Vpp) Vslv_ac1; 1700 V (4.0 kHz) is applied to the developing roller 83 with a duty ratio of 43%. Further, the rotation speed ratio (S / D) of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 is set to 1.5. As a result, toner is supplied from the developing roller 83 to the + 20V image portion.

  On the other hand, in the non-development operations A1, B1, B2, and A2 where the above-described development operation is not performed, the photosensitive drum 321 is similarly charged to + 250V. Further, a DC bias Vslv_dc; 50V is applied to the developing roller 83 as the second developing bias Bp12, and an AC bias (Vpp) Vslv_ac2; 1800V (4.0 kHz) is applied with a duty ratio of 40%. Further, the rotation speed ratio (S / D) of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 is set to 1.8.

  In FIG. 10, as described above, the Vpp of the second development bias Bp2 is increased and the duty ratio is reduced in the gaps B1 and B2 as compared with the first development bias Bd11. As a result, compared to Vpp-MAX1 during the development operation (P1, P2, P3), the potential difference between the background portion potential (dark potential) Vback of the photosensitive drum 321 of Vpp-MAX2 during the non-development operation is set larger. The At this time, during the non-development operation, the image portion potential (bright potential) Vimg is not set on the photosensitive drum 321, so that an electrical leak occurs between the image portion potential Vimg and the enlarged Vpp-MAX 2. Is deterred.

  Next, a second embodiment of the consumption condition changing operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a second flowchart when the consumption condition changing unit 94 sets the consumption condition in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, during the developing operation, the first developing bias Bd12 corresponding to the first developing bias Bd11 of the previous first embodiment is set. When printing is started in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S011), the number of printed sheets is counted by the control unit 90 (step S012). The controller 90 repeats counting until the number of printed sheets reaches 100 (NO in step S012, step 013). When the number of printed sheets reaches 100 (YES in step S012), the average printing ratio for the past 100 sheets is calculated by the printing ratio calculation unit 93 (step S014). Thereafter, the printing unit count is reset by the control unit 90 (step S015), and the printing condition is compared with a preset lower limit threshold value (second threshold value) by the consumption condition changing unit 94 (step S016). . In the present embodiment, a printing rate of 5% is set in advance as the lower limit threshold value. When the average printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculation unit 93 is less than 5% (YES in step S016), the consumption condition changing unit 94 sets a second development bias Bp21 different from the first development bias Bd12 ( Step S017). In other words, the consumption condition changing unit 94 reduces the Vpp of the second development bias Bp21 as compared with the first development bias Bd12. As a result, the consumption of the external additive from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 side is suppressed during the subsequent non-development operation represented by the paper.

  On the other hand, if the average printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculation unit 93 exceeds 5% (NO in step S016), the consumption rate changing unit 94 sets the average printing rate to a preset upper threshold (first value). (Step S018). In the present embodiment, a printing rate of 20% is set in advance as the upper limit threshold. When the average printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculation unit 93 is less than 20% (YES in step S018), the consumption condition changing unit 94 sets the first development bias Bd12 as the development bias during the non-development operation. . For this reason, consumption of the external additive from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 side is not promoted or suppressed.

  Further, when the average printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculation unit 93 exceeds 20% (NO in step S018), the consumption condition changing unit 94 sets the second developing bias Bp22 as a developing bias during the non-developing operation. Set (step S020). In other words, the consumption condition changing unit 94 reduces the duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp22 as compared with the first developing bias Bd12. As a result, the consumption of the external additive from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 side is promoted during the non-developing operation represented by the subsequent paper.

  Table 1 shows the bias conditions and conditions for the first development bias Bd12 and the second development bias Bp21 and Bp22.

  Regarding Table 1, when the average printing rate is less than 5% (YES in step 016 in FIG. 11, step 017), Vpp of the second developing bias Bp21 during non-development operation (between sheets) is reduced to 1300V. Is done. At this time, the potential difference between the maximum peak value Vpp-MAX of the AC bias and the surface potential (dark potential) of the photosensitive drum 321 becomes about 540 V, and almost no external additive jumps on the photosensitive drum 321 (FIG. 6). reference). When the average printing rate is 20% or more (NO in step 018 of FIG. 11, step 020), the duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp22 is reduced to 37%. As described above, during the non-development operation, the target potential that may cause electrical leakage with Vpp-MAX is a dark potential unlike during the development operation, so Vpp-MAX is increased. It becomes possible. For this reason, by reducing the duty ratio, only Vpp-MAX is increased, and a lot of external additives are suitably consumed on the photosensitive drum 321 side. Thus, in this embodiment, Vpp-MAX is increased by reducing the duty ratio without increasing the Vpp of the AC bias. As a result, the minimum peak value (Vpp−MIN) on the side where the toner is moved from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 is not increased. For this reason, the occurrence of electrical leakage between the minimum peak value Vpp-MIN and the dark potential of the photosensitive drum 321 is suppressed.

  In FIG. 7, when the average printing rate is 30% (NO in step 018 in FIG. 11, step 020), the duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp22 is reduced to 37% and Vpp-MAX is increased. The transition of the amount of titanium oxide in the developing device 324 is shown by (D) 30% printing rate (Vpp-MAXup). From the graph of FIG. 7, it is found that the amount of titanium oxide in the developing device 324 is reduced as compared with the case of (A) the printing rate of 30%. Further, when the average printing rate is 2% (YES in step 016 in FIG. 11, step 017), the Vpp of the second developing bias Bp21 is reduced to 1300V, and the Vpp-MAX is lowered in the developing device 324. The transition of the amount of titanium oxide is indicated by (E) printing rate 2% (Vpp-MAXdown). From the graph, it is found that the amount of titanium oxide in the developing device 324 is increased as compared with the case of (C) the printing rate of 2%. As described above, the amount of the external additive in the developing device 324 is changed even when the printing rate fluctuates by changing the consumption condition of the external additive to the photosensitive drum 321 side during the non-development operation. Is maintained stably.

  According to the above embodiment, the external additive is moved to the photosensitive drum 321 side by the first developing bias Bd and the second developing bias Bp applied to the developing roller 83 during the developing operation and the non-developing operation. There is a case. Even in such a case, the consumption condition changing unit 94 changes the consumption condition in which the external additive is consumed from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 during the non-development operation. For this reason, the consumption condition of the external additive during the non-development operation is suitably changed without affecting the development operation. As a result, even when the printing rate fluctuates, it is possible to suitably adjust the amount of the external additive in the developing device 324.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the consumption condition of the external additive is suitably changed by changing the rotation speed ratio of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 during the non-developing operation. That is, since the contact time for the toner layer of the developing roller 83 to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 321 is changed, the consumption condition of the external additive is changed.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, as a consumption condition, during the non-development operation, the maximum peak value Vpp-MAX of the AC bias of the polarity on the side where the toner moves from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 and the photosensitive drum The potential difference from the surface potential (dark potential Vback) of 321 is changed. For this reason, the external force by which the external additive is moved from the surface of the developing roller 83 toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 321 is preferably changed.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when the printing rate exceeds a preset upper limit threshold (first threshold), the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation is greater than the rotation speed ratio during the development operation. Is also set larger. For this reason, even when a relatively high printing rate is continued and a large amount of external additive is present in the developing housing 80, consumption of the external additive to the photosensitive drum 321 side can be promoted. it can.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when the printing rate exceeds a preset upper threshold, the amplitude value of the AC bias at the second developing bias Bp is greater than the amplitude value Vpp of the AC bias at the first developing bias Bd. Vpp is set large. For this reason, even when a relatively high printing rate is continued and a large amount of external additive is present in the developing housing 80, consumption of the external additive to the photosensitive drum 321 side can be promoted. it can.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when the printing rate exceeds a preset upper limit threshold, the duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp is set smaller than the duty ratio of the first developing bias Bd. For this reason, even when a relatively high printing rate is continued and a large amount of external additive is present in the developing housing 80, consumption of the external additive to the photosensitive drum 321 side can be promoted. it can. Further, by setting the duty ratio of the second developing bias Bp to be small, the maximum peak value (Vpp−MIN) of the AC bias having the polarity on the side where the toner moves from the photosensitive drum 321 to the developing roller 83 is increased. Without any problem, the potential difference between the maximum peak value (Vpp-MAX) of the AC bias on the side where the toner moves from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 and the surface potential (dark potential) of the photosensitive drum 321 is preferably enlarged. Is done. Further, since the dark potential on the photosensitive drum 321 during the non-development operation is closer to the maximum peak value Vpp-MAX of the AC bias than the bright potential during the development operation, the developing roller 83 and the photosensitive drum 321 are used. Consumption of the external additive can be promoted without causing leakage between the two.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when the printing rate falls below the preset lower limit threshold (second threshold), the second developing bias Bp is larger than the AC bias amplitude value Vpp in the first developing bias Bd. The amplitude value Vpp of the AC bias at is set small. For this reason, even when the relatively low printing rate is continued and the external additive in the developing housing 80 is reduced, the consumption of the external additive to the photosensitive drum 321 side can be suppressed. .

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the consumption condition of titanium oxide during the non-development operation is suitably changed without affecting the development operation. As a result, even when the printing rate fluctuates, the amount of titanium oxide in the developing device 324 can be suitably adjusted. Therefore, the charging property of the toner in the developing device 324 is stably maintained. Further, since the titanium oxide moved to the photosensitive drum 321 without excess or deficiency is interposed between the cleaning roller of the cleaning device 326 and the photosensitive drum 321, the surface of the photosensitive drum 321 is stably polished. .

  Further, according to the above embodiment, after the developer in the developing device 324 is carried on the magnetic roller 82, the toner in the developer is carried on the developing roller 83. Even when the AC bias is generated between the magnetic roller 82 and the developing roller 83 by the developing bias applied to the developing roller 83 and the external additive is more easily detached from the toner, The additive consumption conditions are suitably changed. As a result, the amount of the external additive in the developing device 324 can be suitably adjusted.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the charging property of the toner in the developing device 324 is stably maintained, and the density change of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 321 and the toner fog on the photosensitive drum 321 occur. Occurrence is preferably suppressed. Further, the non-development operation may be performed before or after execution of an image forming operation for forming an image on a sheet, or between one sheet and a subsequent sheet when images are formed on a plurality of sheets. It is executed corresponding to the interval between sheets. Therefore, the amount of the external additive in the developing device 324 can be suitably adjusted before the execution of the image forming operation, after the execution, or using the interval between sheets.

  The developing device 324 and the image forming apparatus 1 including the developing device 324 according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the following modified embodiment is adopted. Can do.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the consumption conditions for the external additive to be consumed from the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 side are the rotation speed ratio of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 and the Vpp at the second developing bias Bp. However, one of these conditions may be selected, or two of these conditions may be set by selectively combining them. Further, in order to suppress the consumption of the external additive to the photosensitive drum 321 side, the rotation speed ratio of the developing roller 83 to the photosensitive drum 321 may be reduced, and an AC bias in the developing bias. The duty ratio may be increased. Thereby, even when the relatively low printing rate is continued and the external additive in the developing housing 80 is reduced, the consumption of the external additive to the photosensitive drum 321 side can be suppressed. .

  (2) In the above embodiment, the aspect of the developing bias applied to the developing roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82 has been described in the aspect shown in FIG. 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a third application unit 88A and a fourth application unit 89A that apply a development bias to the development roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82 in another modified embodiment. Unlike the first application unit 88 and the second application unit 89 in the previous embodiment, the third application unit 88A and the fourth application unit 89A are connected to the fourth application unit 89A without the third application unit 88A being grounded. It is characterized in that it is connected in parallel. Such a so-called dual development bias application method is characterized in that the duty ratio of the AC bias applied to the magnetic roller 82 and the development roller 83 can be individually changed. Even in such a dual development bias application method, as shown below, the second development bias Bp31, 32 is set with respect to the first development bias Bd13, so that the non-representation represented by the gap between the papers. It is possible to promote consumption of the external additive during the developing operation.

<Normal second development bias Bp31 = first development bias Bd13>
DC bias Vmag_dc of magnetic roller 82; 200V
DC bias Vslv_dc of developing roller 83; 50V
AC roller bias (Vpp) Vmag_ac of magnetic roller 82; 300V (4.0 kHz)
AC bias of developing roller 83 (Vpp) Vslv_ac; 1700 V (4.0 kHz)
Duty ratio of the bias between the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83 (Duty 1); 43%
Duty ratio of the bias between the developing roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82 (Duty 2); 70%
Linear speed of photosensitive drum 321; 200 mm / sec
Surface potential of photosensitive drum 321; background portion (dark potential) 230V
Rotational speed ratio of developing roller 83 to photosensitive drum 321 (S / D); 1.5

<Second Development Bias Bp32 when Promoting Consumption of External Additives>
DC bias Vmag_dc of magnetic roller 82; 200V
DC bias Vslv_dc of developing roller 83; 50V
AC roller bias (Vpp) Vmag_ac of magnetic roller 82; 300V (4.0 kHz)
AC bias of developing roller 83 (Vpp) Vslv_ac; 1800 V (4.0 kHz)
Duty ratio (Duty 1) of bias between the photosensitive drum 321 and the developing roller 83; 40%
Duty ratio of the bias between the developing roller 83 and the magnetic roller 82 (Duty 2); 70%
Linear speed of photosensitive drum 321; 200 mm / sec
Surface potential of photosensitive drum 321; background portion (dark potential) 230V
Rotational speed ratio of developing roller 83 to photosensitive drum 321 (S / D); 1.8

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Apparatus main body 30 Image forming part 32 Image forming unit 33 Intermediate transfer unit 321 Photosensitive drum (image carrier)
324 Developing device 80 Developing housing 81 Developer reservoir 82 Magnetic roller (Developer carrier)
821 Flush upper electrode 822 Regulating electrode 823 Main electrode 83 Developing roller (toner carrier)
84 Developer regulating blade 85 Screw feeder 86 Screw feeder 88 First application section (bias application means)
89 Second application section (bias application means)
90 control section 91 drive control section 92 bias control section (bias control means)
93 Print rate calculation unit (print rate calculation means)
94 Consumption condition changing section (Consumption condition changing means)
962 Drive unit (rotation drive means)
963 Image memory 964 I / F

Claims (14)

A developing housing for storing a developer containing toner to which an external additive is added;
A toner carrier that is rotationally driven and carries a toner layer made of the toner, and that supplies the toner to an image carrier that carries a toner image that is formed on the surface and is made visible by the toner;
A bias applying means for applying a bias in which an AC bias is superimposed on a DC bias to the toner carrier to form a predetermined potential difference between the image carrier and the toner carrier;
A first developing bias is applied to the bias applying unit during a developing operation in which the toner image is formed on the image carrier, and a second developing bias is applied to the bias applying unit during a non-developing operation different from the developing operation. Bias control means for applying,
A rotation drive means for rotating the image carrier and the toner carrier during the development operation and the non-development operation;
A printing rate calculating means for calculating a printing rate of the toner image formed on the image carrier during a predetermined period;
Consumption condition changing means for changing a consumption condition in which the external additive is consumed from the toner carrier to the image carrier during the non-development operation in accordance with the printing rate calculated by the printing rate calculator. And a developing device. The image carrier and the toner carrier are rotationally driven in the same direction in regions facing each other,
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the consumption condition changing unit changes a rotation speed ratio of the toner carrier to the image carrier during the non-development operation.   In the non-development operation, the consumption condition changing means is configured to obtain a maximum peak value of the AC bias on the side where the toner moves from the toner carrier to the image carrier and a surface potential of the image carrier. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the potential difference is changed.   The consumption condition changing means sets the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation to be larger than the rotation speed ratio during the development operation when the printing rate exceeds a preset first threshold value. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein:   The consumption condition changing means is configured such that when the printing rate exceeds a preset first threshold value, the AC bias amplitude in the second developing bias is larger than the amplitude value of the AC bias in the first developing bias. The developing device according to claim 3, wherein the amplitude value is set large.   The consumption condition changing means is configured to change the duty ratio of the AC bias of the polarity on the side where the toner moves from the toner carrier to the image carrier when the printing rate exceeds a preset first threshold. 4. The developing device according to claim 3, wherein the duty ratio of the second developing bias is set smaller than the duty ratio of the first developing bias. 5.   The consumption condition changing means determines the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation when the printing rate falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the preset first threshold value. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the developing device is set to be smaller than the rotation speed ratio.   The consumption condition changing unit is configured such that, when the printing rate falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value set in advance, the amplitude value of the AC bias in the first developing bias is greater than the amplitude value of the AC bias. 6. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein an amplitude value of the AC bias in the second developing bias is set to be small.   The consumption condition changing unit is configured to set the duty ratio of the first developing bias in the duty ratio of the AC bias when the printing rate falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the preset first threshold value. The developing device according to claim 6, wherein the duty ratio of the second developing bias is set to be larger than the developing device. The image carrier and the toner carrier are rotationally driven in the same direction in regions facing each other,
The consumption condition changing means sets the rotation speed ratio during the non-development operation to be larger than the rotation speed ratio during the development operation when the printing rate exceeds a preset first threshold value. A first condition change, a second condition change in which the amplitude value of the AC bias in the second development bias is set larger than the amplitude value of the AC bias in the first development bias, and the toner is Third condition for setting the duty ratio of the second developing bias smaller than the duty ratio of the first developing bias in the duty ratio of the AC bias having the polarity on the side moving from the toner bearing member to the image bearing member 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the three condition changes are changed.   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the external additive includes titanium oxide. A developer carrying member that receives the developer in the developing housing while rotating in a predetermined direction and carries the developer layer;
The toner carrier that receives the toner from the developer layer and carries the toner layer while rotating in contact with the developer layer;
The developing device according to claim 1, comprising: A developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image formed by toner supplied from the toner carrier;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image from the image carrier to a sheet;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The non-development operation is performed before or after execution of an image forming operation for forming an image on a sheet, or between a sheet and a subsequent sheet when images are formed on a plurality of sheets. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed in response to.

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