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JP5533017B2 - Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
JP5533017B2
JP5533017B2 JP2010039246A JP2010039246A JP5533017B2 JP 5533017 B2 JP5533017 B2 JP 5533017B2 JP 2010039246 A JP2010039246 A JP 2010039246A JP 2010039246 A JP2010039246 A JP 2010039246A JP 5533017 B2 JP5533017 B2 JP 5533017B2
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developer
developing device
conveying
carrier
carrying member
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JP2011175101A (en
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善行 福田
克己 増田
彰 浅見
良雄 服部
圭一 吉田
信幸 田口
裕貴 佐藤
孝将 尾関
俊樹 林
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ、又は、それらの複合機等の電子写真方式を用いた画像形成装置とそこに設置される現像装置及びプロセスカートリッジに関する。
し、特に、現像剤を長手方向に搬送して循環経路を形成する複数の搬送部材のうち少なくとも2つの搬送部材が現像剤担持体に対向するように配設されていて、現像領域の上流側で現像剤量を規制する現像剤規制部材を現像剤担持体の下方に配設された現像装置、プロセスカートリッジ、及びこれらを備えた画像形成装置に関するものである。
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine thereof, and a developing device and a process cartridge installed therein.
In particular, at least two of the plurality of transport members that transport the developer in the longitudinal direction to form a circulation path are disposed so as to face the developer carrier, and upstream of the development region. In this regard, the present invention relates to a developing device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus provided with the developer regulating member that regulates the developer amount below the developer carrier.

従来から、複写機、プリンタ等の画像形成装置において、トナーとキャリアとからなる2成分現像剤(添加剤等を添加する場合も含むものとする)を収容した現像装置が知られている。この手の現像装置として、現像剤を長手方向に搬送する複数の搬送部材のうちの、少なくとも2つの搬送部材を上下方向に設置するとともに、現像剤担持体と像担持体とが対向する現像領域の上流側で現像剤量を規制するドクターブレード等の現像剤規制部材を現像ローラ等の現像剤担持体の下方に配設する構成が、例えば特許文献1〜3に記載されている。   2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a developing device containing a two-component developer (including a case where an additive or the like is added) composed of toner and a carrier is known in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer. As a developing device of this type, a developing region in which at least two conveying members among a plurality of conveying members that convey the developer in the longitudinal direction are installed in the vertical direction, and the developer carrying member and the image carrying member face each other. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe a configuration in which a developer regulating member such as a doctor blade that regulates the developer amount on the upstream side of the developer is disposed below a developer carrier such as a developing roller.

2成分現像剤を用いた現像装置は、現像装置内におけるトナー消費に応じて、現像装置の一部に設けられたトナー補給口から現像装置内に適宜にトナーが補給される。補給されたトナーは、現像装置内の現像剤とともに、搬送スクリュー等の搬送部材(撹拌搬送部材)によって撹拌・混合される。撹拌・混合された現像剤は、その一部が現像剤担持体に供給される。現像剤担持体に担持された現像剤は、現像剤担持体の下方に設置された現像剤規制部材によって適量に規制された後に、その2成分現像剤中のトナーが像担持体との対向位置で像担持体上の潜像に付着する。なお、現像剤担持体となる現像ローラの内部にはマグネットが固設されていて、このマグネットによって現像ローラの周囲に複数の磁極が形成されている。   In a developing device using a two-component developer, toner is appropriately replenished into the developing device from a toner replenishing port provided in a part of the developing device according to toner consumption in the developing device. The replenished toner is agitated and mixed together with the developer in the developing device by a conveying member (agitating and conveying member) such as a conveying screw. Part of the stirred and mixed developer is supplied to the developer carrying member. The developer carried on the developer carrying member is regulated to an appropriate amount by a developer regulating member installed below the developer carrying member, and then the toner in the two-component developer is opposed to the image carrying member. To adhere to the latent image on the image carrier. A magnet is fixed inside the developing roller serving as the developer carrying member, and a plurality of magnetic poles are formed around the developing roller by the magnet.

特許文献1等に記載の現像装置には、第1の搬送部材(供給スクリュ)と第2の搬送部材(回収スクリュ)とがケーシング内において上下方向に設置されていて、これらの搬送部材によって現像剤の循環経路を形成している。下方に設置された第1の搬送部材は、現像剤を長手方向に搬送しながら、汲上げ磁極の位置で現像ローラに現像剤を供給する。上方に設置された第2の搬送部材は、剤離れ磁極の位置で現像剤ローラから離脱された現像剤を長手方向(第1の搬送部材による搬送方向とは逆方向)に搬送する。第1の搬送部材による搬送経路(第1搬送経路)の下流側と第2の搬送部材による搬送経路(第2搬送経路)の上流側とは第1中継部を介して連通している。そして、第1搬送経路の下流側に達した現像剤は、その位置に留まり押し上げられ、第2搬送経路の上流側に達する。ここで、第2搬送経路の上流側には、トナー補給口が設けられていて、新品のトナーが適宜に補給される。また、第1搬送経路の上流側と第2搬送経路の下流側とは第2中継部を介して連通している。そして、第2搬送経路の下流側に達した現像剤は、第2中継部を自重落下して第1搬送経路の上流側に移動される。   In the developing device described in Patent Document 1 or the like, a first conveying member (supply screw) and a second conveying member (collection screw) are installed in the vertical direction in the casing, and development is performed by these conveying members. This forms a circulation route for the agent. The first conveying member installed below supplies the developer to the developing roller at the position of the pumping magnetic pole while conveying the developer in the longitudinal direction. The second conveying member installed above conveys the developer separated from the developer roller at the position of the agent separating magnetic pole in the longitudinal direction (the direction opposite to the conveying direction by the first conveying member). The downstream side of the transport path (first transport path) by the first transport member and the upstream side of the transport path (second transport path) by the second transport member communicate with each other via the first relay unit. Then, the developer that has reached the downstream side of the first transport path stays at that position and is pushed up to reach the upstream side of the second transport path. Here, a toner supply port is provided on the upstream side of the second conveyance path, and new toner is appropriately supplied. In addition, the upstream side of the first transport path and the downstream side of the second transport path communicate with each other via the second relay unit. Then, the developer that has reached the downstream side of the second conveyance path falls by its own weight on the second relay unit and is moved to the upstream side of the first conveyance path.

このように複数の搬送部材が上下方向に並設された現像装置では、複数の搬送部材が水平方向に並設された現像装置(例えば、特許文献2の図19等参照)に比べて、現像装置を水平方向にコンパクト化することができるため、複数の現像装置が水平方向に並設されるタンデム型のカラー画像形成装置には、このような構成の現送装置が多く用いられている。また、複数の搬送部材を上下方向に並設して、現像剤担持体に対する現像剤の供給経路(第1搬送経路)と、現像剤担持体から離脱する現像剤の回収経路(第2搬送経路)とを分離した現像装置では、複数の搬送部材が水平方向に並設された現像装置(例えば、特許文献2の図19等参照)に比べて、現像剤担持体上に担持されて現像工程に供する現像剤中に現像工程後のものが含まれ難いために、像担持体上に形成するトナー像の濃度偏差を小さくすることができる。   As described above, the developing device in which the plurality of conveying members are arranged in the vertical direction is more developed than the developing device in which the plurality of conveying members are arranged in the horizontal direction (see, for example, FIG. 19 of Patent Document 2). Since the apparatus can be made compact in the horizontal direction, a current feeding apparatus having such a configuration is often used in a tandem type color image forming apparatus in which a plurality of developing devices are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. In addition, a plurality of transport members are arranged in the vertical direction, and a developer supply path (first transport path) to the developer carrier and a developer recovery path (second transport path) that separates from the developer carrier. ) Is separated from the developing device in which a plurality of conveying members are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction (for example, see FIG. 19 of Patent Document 2). Since the developer provided in step 1 does not easily include the developer after the development step, the density deviation of the toner image formed on the image carrier can be reduced.

また、現像剤規制部材が現像剤担持体の下方に配設された現像装置を備えた画像形成装置では、現像剤規制部材が現像剤担持体の上方に配設された現像装置(例えば、特許文献2の図19等参照)を備えたものに比べて、画像形成装置の下方に配設された給紙部(用紙収容部)から排紙トレイまでの用紙搬送経路の長さを短くできるために、タンデム型のカラー画像形成装置におけるファーストプリント時間を短くすることができる。さらに、排紙トレイを画像形成装置の上方に配設するレイアウトを、用紙搬送経路を比較的短くしても容易にとることができるため、水平方向のサイズが小型化されたタンデム型のカラー画像形成装置に多く用いられている。   Further, in an image forming apparatus having a developing device in which a developer regulating member is disposed below the developer carrying member, a developing device in which the developer regulating member is disposed above the developer carrying member (for example, a patent) Compared with the apparatus equipped with the document 2 (see FIG. 19 and the like), it is possible to shorten the length of the sheet conveyance path from the sheet feeding unit (sheet accommodating unit) disposed below the image forming apparatus to the sheet discharge tray. In addition, the first print time in the tandem color image forming apparatus can be shortened. Furthermore, the layout in which the paper discharge tray is disposed above the image forming apparatus can be easily taken even if the paper transport path is relatively short, so that the tandem color image with a reduced horizontal size is provided. Often used in forming equipment.

複数の搬送部材を上下方向に配置した現像装置では、第1搬送経路の上流側と第2搬送経路の下流側とをつなぐ第2中継部で自重落下して第1搬送経路の上流側に現像剤を(特に高速機において高速に)移動させる際、搬送路終端にあるスクリュー軸受シール部への剤圧上昇が上昇することから、第2搬送経路の下流終端部に搬送方向逆向きのスクリューを設けている。しかし、搬送方向逆向きのスクリューを設けていると、搬送方向の向かい合う双方のスクリューの対向部付近で現像剤が上方向に跳ね上がり、搬送効率が低下してしまう。また、高画像面積の画像を続けて出力した場合、消費されるトナーが多くなるので、これに比例して補給トナーが多く搬送される。この場合もトナーが巻き上げられ、周辺シール部から飛散トナーが漏れ出すことがある。   In the developing device in which a plurality of conveying members are arranged in the vertical direction, the weight is dropped by the second relay unit that connects the upstream side of the first conveying path and the downstream side of the second conveying path, and the developing is performed on the upstream side of the first conveying path. When the agent is moved (especially at high speed in a high speed machine), the increase in the agent pressure to the screw bearing seal part at the end of the conveying path increases, so a screw in the direction opposite to the conveying direction is placed at the downstream end of the second conveying path. Provided. However, if a screw is provided in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction, the developer jumps upward in the vicinity of the opposing portion of the screws facing each other in the conveyance direction, resulting in a decrease in conveyance efficiency. Further, when an image having a large image area is continuously output, a large amount of toner is consumed, so that a large amount of replenishment toner is conveyed in proportion thereto. Also in this case, the toner is wound up, and the scattered toner may leak from the peripheral seal portion.

特に、上下方向に並設された第1の搬送部材と第2の搬送部材を持ち、第1の搬送部材(供給スクリュー)から現像剤担持体に現像剤を搬送して現像後の剤を第2の搬送部材(回収スクリュー)で回収する一方向循環方式の現像装置では、元来現像剤搬送(現像剤バランス)を安定化するために従来の方式より高速回転が必要であるため。現像剤が上方向に跳ね上がりよる搬送効率が低下や、周辺シール部からの飛散トナーに対する軽減手段が要望されている。   In particular, it has a first conveying member and a second conveying member arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and conveys the developer from the first conveying member (supply screw) to the developer carrying member so that the developer after development is first. This is because the one-way circulation type developing device that collects with the two conveying members (collecting screws) originally needs higher rotation than the conventional method in order to stabilize the developer conveyance (developer balance). There is a demand for a means for reducing the conveyance efficiency due to the developer splashing upward, and for the toner scattered from the peripheral seal portion.

本発明は、現像剤を一方向循環させる際に、高速搬送時(高速機)でも安定した現像剤搬送が可能で、トナー飛散などの不具合を改善した現像装置、プロセスカートリッジを提供することを、その目的とする。   The present invention provides a developing device and a process cartridge that are capable of stable developer conveyance even during high-speed conveyance (high-speed machine) when the developer is circulated in one direction, and that improve problems such as toner scattering. For that purpose.

本発明は、高速搬送時でも安定した現像剤搬送が可能であり、トナー飛散などの不具合を改善した小型な画像形成装置を提供することを、その目的としている。   An object of the present invention is to provide a small image forming apparatus that can stably convey a developer even during high-speed conveyance and that has improved problems such as toner scattering.

本発明に係る現像装置は、像担持体と対向配置されていて、現像剤を担持して像担持体へ供給する現像剤担持体と、現像剤担持体に対向するように配設されていて、現像剤担持体に担持された現像剤の量を規制する現像剤規制部材と、現像剤担持体と対向配置されていて、現像剤を長手方向に搬送しながら現像剤担持体に現像剤を供給する第1の搬送部材と、第1の搬送部材よりも上方に配設されていて現像剤担持体に対向するとともに、現像剤担持体から離脱された現像剤を長手方向に搬送する第2の搬送部材と、現像剤担持体と対向する位置であって、第1の搬送部材と第2の搬送部材の間に、現像剤担持体から離脱された現像剤が現像剤担持体に再び担持されるのを防止する仕切り部材と、第2の搬送部材から第1の搬送部材への受け渡し領域内の剤搬送方向下流端部に、第2の搬送部材と逆向きの搬送方向で異なる形状の複数のフィンを配置したことを特徴としている。 The developing device according to the present invention is disposed so as to face the image carrier, a developer carrier that carries the developer and supplies the developer to the image carrier, and is disposed so as to face the developer carrier. A developer regulating member that regulates the amount of the developer carried on the developer carrying member, and the developer carrying member that is disposed opposite to the developer carrying member and transports the developer in the longitudinal direction. A first conveying member to be supplied, and a second conveying member disposed above the first conveying member to face the developer carrying member and convey the developer detached from the developer carrying member in the longitudinal direction. The developer separated from the developer carrying member is carried on the developer carrying member again between the first carrying member and the second carrying member at a position facing the developer carrying member and the developer carrying member. And a receiving member from the second conveying member to the first conveying member. To powder transport direction downstream end of the region, it is characterized in that a plurality of fins of different shapes in the second conveying member and the opposite conveying direction are arranged.

本発明に係る現像装置において、複数のフィンは、その取付け角度が異なっていることを特徴としている。   In the developing device according to the present invention, the plurality of fins have different mounting angles.

本発明に係る現像装置において、複数のフィンは、周方向に等間隔で配置され、第2の搬送部材の軸方向から見た場合の各フィンの間に間隙を設けていることを特徴としている。 In the developing device according to the present invention, the plurality of fins are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and a gap is provided between the fins when viewed from the axial direction of the second conveying member. .

本発明に係る現像装置において、複数のフィンは、同一の回転周上に配置されていることを特徴としている。   In the developing device according to the present invention, the plurality of fins are arranged on the same rotation circumference.

本発明に係る現像装置において、現像剤は、トナーとキャリアから構成される2成分現像剤であり、キャリアの粒度が20〜60μmであることを特徴としている。   In the developing device according to the present invention, the developer is a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier, and the carrier has a particle size of 20 to 60 μm.

本発明に係るプロセスカートリッジは、少なくとも像担持体と上記何れかに記載の現像装置が一体化されていることを特徴としている。   The process cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that at least the image carrier and the developing device described above are integrated.

本発明に係る画像形成装置は、上記何れかの現像装置あるいはプロセスカートリッジを有することを特徴としている。   An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the above developing devices or process cartridges.

本発明によれば、第2の搬送部材から第1の搬送部材への受け渡し領域内の剤搬送方向下流端部に、第2の搬送部材と逆向きの搬送方向で異なる形状のフィンを複数配置したので、高速搬送されてくる現像剤圧を分散して搬送方向を変化させることが可能となる。このため、搬送路終端にあるスクリュー軸受シール部への剤圧上昇が防止されるとともに、高画像面積の画像を続けて出力した場合のように補給トナーが多く搬送された場合でも、トナーが巻き上げられて周辺シール部からの飛散トナーの漏れを極めて少なくすることができるとともに、高速搬送時でも安定した現像剤搬送が可能となる。よって、このような現像装置や、現像装置と像担持体を一体化したプロセスカートリッジを備える画像形成装置は、小型で良好な画像を得ることができる。   According to the present invention, a plurality of fins having different shapes in the transport direction opposite to the second transport member are arranged at the downstream end portion in the agent transport direction in the transfer region from the second transport member to the first transport member. Therefore, it is possible to change the transport direction by dispersing the developer pressure transported at high speed. For this reason, the increase of the agent pressure to the screw bearing seal portion at the end of the conveyance path is prevented, and even when a large amount of replenishment toner is conveyed as in the case of continuously outputting an image with a large image area, the toner is wound up. As a result, leakage of scattered toner from the peripheral seal portion can be extremely reduced, and stable developer conveyance is possible even during high-speed conveyance. Therefore, an image forming apparatus including such a developing device or a process cartridge in which the developing device and the image carrier are integrated can obtain a small and good image.

本発明が適用された画像形成装置の一構成例の概略図である。1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. 本発明に係る現像装置の一構成例を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows one structural example of the developing device which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る現像装置の断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view of a developing device according to the present invention. 現像像担持体の機能を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the function of a development image carrier. 本発明に係る現像装置の平面視図である。It is a top view of the developing device according to the present invention. 本発明に係る現像装置における現像剤の循環と複数のフィンの構成を説明する概略図である。It is the schematic explaining the structure of the circulation and the several fin of the developer in the image development apparatus concerning this invention. 本発明に係るプロセスカートリッジの一構成例を説明する断面図である。It is sectional drawing explaining the example of 1 structure of the process cartridge which concerns on this invention. (a)は第1の搬送部材の構成を示す平面図、(b)は複数のフィンを備えた第2の搬送部材の構成を示す平面図、(c)は従来の第2の搬送部材の構成を示す平面図である。(A) is a top view which shows the structure of a 1st conveying member, (b) is a top view which shows the structure of the 2nd conveying member provided with the several fin, (c) is a conventional 2nd conveying member. It is a top view which shows a structure. (a)は複数のフィン近傍の拡大図、(b)は複数のフィンを軸方向から見た図である。(A) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a plurality of fins, and (b) is a view of the plurality of fins viewed from the axial direction. (a)は複数のフィン近傍の角度を示す図、(b)はフィンによる現像剤の搬送方向を示す図、(c)は(b)とは異なるフィンによる現像剤の搬送方向を示す図である。(A) is a figure which shows the angle of the fin vicinity, (b) is a figure which shows the conveyance direction of the developer by a fin, (c) is a figure which shows the conveyance direction of the developer by a fin different from (b). is there. 複数のフィンの角度を組み合わせた実施例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the Example which combined the angle of the several fin.

本発明の実施の形態について図面を用いて説明する。まず、図1を用いて画像形成装置全体の構成と動作について説明し、次に現像装置とプロセスカートリッジに関する説明を行う。なお実施の形態において、特定の色とトナーと関連する部材を説明する場合には、トナーの色を示すY(イエロー)、M(マゼンタ)、C(シアン)、K(ブラック)のアルファベットを数字の符号に付すが、総体的な説明をする場合には、トナーの色を識別するためのY、M、C、Kの符号は省略する。   Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 1, and then the developing device and process cartridge will be described. In the embodiment, when a member related to a specific color and toner is described, alphabets of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) indicating the color of the toner are numbers. However, in the case of general explanation, the symbols Y, M, C, and K for identifying the toner color are omitted.

図1において、符号1は画像形成装置としてのタンデム型のカラー複写機の装置本体、符号3は原稿を原稿読込部に搬送する原稿搬送部、符号4は原稿の画像情報を読み込む原稿読込部、符号5は出力画像が積載される排紙トレイ、符号7は転写紙等の記録媒体Pが収容される給紙部、符号9は記録媒体Pの搬送タイミングを調整するレジストローラ、符号11Y,11M,11C,11Kは各色のトナー像が形成される像担持体としての感光体ドラム、符号13Y,13M,13C,13Kは感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上にそれぞれ形成される静電潜像を現像する現像装置、符号14Y,14M,14C,14Kは感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上に形成されたトナー像を記録媒体P上に重ねて転写する転写バイアスローラ(1次転写バイアスローラ)をそれぞれ示す。   In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus main body of a tandem type color copying machine as an image forming apparatus, reference numeral 3 denotes a document conveying section for conveying a document to a document reading section, reference numeral 4 denotes a document reading section for reading image information of the document, Reference numeral 5 denotes a paper discharge tray on which output images are stacked, reference numeral 7 denotes a paper feed unit that accommodates a recording medium P such as transfer paper, reference numeral 9 denotes a registration roller that adjusts the conveyance timing of the recording medium P, and reference numerals 11Y and 11M. , 11C, and 11K are photosensitive drums as image carriers on which toner images of the respective colors are formed, and reference numerals 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K denote electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively. Development devices 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K for developing the images transfer the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K on the recording medium P in an overlapping manner. It is shown shooting bias roller (primary transfer bias rollers), respectively.

符号17は複数色のトナー像が重ねて転写される中間転写ベルト、符号18は中間転写ベルト17上のカラートナー像を記録媒体P上に転写するための2次転写バイアスローラ、符号20は記録媒体P上の未定着画像を定着する定着装置、符号28Y,28M,28C,28Kは、各色(Y、M、C、K)のトナー(トナー粒子)を対応する現像装置13Y,13M,13C,13Kへ供給する各色のトナー容器をそれぞれ示す。   Reference numeral 17 denotes an intermediate transfer belt on which toner images of a plurality of colors are transferred in an overlapping manner, reference numeral 18 denotes a secondary transfer bias roller for transferring the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 onto the recording medium P, and reference numeral 20 denotes a recording. Fixing devices 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K for fixing an unfixed image on the medium P correspond to developing devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and toners (toner particles) of the respective colors (Y, M, C, and K). Each color toner container supplied to 13K is shown.

以下、画像形成装置における、通常のカラー画像形成時の動作について説明する。   Hereinafter, an operation during normal color image formation in the image forming apparatus will be described.

図示しない原稿は、原稿搬送部3の搬送ローラによって原稿台から搬送されて、原稿読込部4のコンタクトガラス上に載置される。コンタクトガラス上に載置された原稿は、原稿読込部4で画像情報が光学的に読み取られる。詳しくは、原稿読込部4は、コンタクトガラス上の原稿の画像に対して、照明ランプから発した光を照射しながら走査させる。そして、原稿にて反射した光を、ミラー群及びレンズを介して、カラーセンサに結像する。原稿のカラー画像情報は、カラーセンサにてRGB(レッド、グリーン、ブルー)の色分解光ごとに読み取られた後に、電気的な画像信号に変換される。さらに、RGBの色分解画像信号をもとにして画像処理部で色変換処理、色補正処理、空間周波数補正処理等の処理を行い、イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラックのカラー画像情報を得る。   A document (not shown) is transported from the document table by the transport roller of the document transport unit 3 and placed on the contact glass of the document reading unit 4. The document information placed on the contact glass is optically read by the document reading unit 4. Specifically, the document reading unit 4 scans an image of a document on the contact glass while irradiating light emitted from an illumination lamp. Then, the light reflected from the original is imaged on the color sensor via the mirror group and the lens. The color image information of the original is read for each color separation light of RGB (red, green, blue) by the color sensor, and then converted into an electrical image signal. Further, color conversion processing, color correction processing, spatial frequency correction processing, and the like are performed by the image processing unit based on the RGB color separation image signals to obtain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color image information.

Y、M、C、K(イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラック)の各色の画像情報は、図示しない書込み部に送信される。書込み部からは、各色の画像情報に基づいたレーザ光が、それぞれ対応する感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上に向けて発せられる。   Image information of each color of Y, M, C, and K (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) is transmitted to a writing unit (not shown). Laser light based on the image information of each color is emitted from the writing unit toward the corresponding photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

一方、4つの感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11Kは、それぞれ図1において時計方向に回転する。感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11Kの表面は、それぞれ帯電部12Y,12M,12C,12Kとの対向部で、一様に帯電される(帯電工程)。こうして、感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上には、帯電電位が形成される。その後、帯電された感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K表面は、それぞれのレーザ光の照射位置に達する。   On the other hand, the four photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K rotate clockwise in FIG. The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are uniformly charged at the facing portions of the charging portions 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, respectively (charging process). Thus, a charging potential is formed on the photoconductive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. Thereafter, the charged surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K reach the irradiation positions of the respective laser beams.

書込み部において、4つの光源から画像信号に対応したレーザ光が各色に対応してそれぞれ射出される。各レーザ光は、イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラックの色成分ごとに別の光路を通過することになる(露光工程)。   In the writing unit, laser beams corresponding to the image signals are emitted from the four light sources corresponding to the respective colors. Each laser beam passes through a different optical path for each color component of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (exposure process).

イエロー成分に対応したレーザ光は、図1の左側から1番目の感光体ドラム11Y表面に照射される。このとき、イエロー成分のレーザ光は、高速回転するポリゴンミラーにより、感光体ドラム11Yの回転軸方向(主走査方向)に走査される。こうして、帯電部12にて帯電された後の感光体ドラム11Y上には、イエロー成分に対応した静電潜像が形成される。   The laser beam corresponding to the yellow component is irradiated on the surface of the first photosensitive drum 11Y from the left side in FIG. At this time, the yellow component laser light is scanned in the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 11Y by a polygon mirror that rotates at high speed. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow component is formed on the photosensitive drum 11Y charged by the charging unit 12.

同様に、マゼンタ成分に対応したレーザ光は、図1の左から2番目の感光体ドラム11M表面に照射されて、マゼンタ成分に対応した静電潜像が形成される。シアン成分のレーザ光は、図1の左から3番目の感光体ドラム11C表面に照射されて、シアン成分の静電潜像が形成される。ブラック成分のレーザ光は、図1の左から4番目の感光体ドラム11K表面に照射されて、ブラック成分の静電潜像が形成される。   Similarly, the laser beam corresponding to the magenta component is irradiated on the surface of the second photosensitive drum 11M from the left in FIG. 1, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta component is formed. The cyan component laser light is applied to the surface of the third photosensitive drum 11C from the left in FIG. 1 to form an electrostatic latent image of the cyan component. The black component laser light is applied to the surface of the fourth photosensitive drum 11K from the left in FIG. 1 to form an electrostatic latent image of the black component.

その後、各色の静電潜像が形成された感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K表面は、それぞれ、現像装置13Y,13M,13C,13Bとの対向位置に達する。そして、各現像装置から感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上に各色のトナーが供給されて、各感光体ドラム上の潜像がそれぞれ現像される(現像工程)。   Thereafter, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K on which the electrostatic latent images of the respective colors are formed reach positions facing the developing devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13B, respectively. Then, each color toner is supplied from each developing device onto the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and the latent image on each photosensitive drum is developed (developing step).

その後、現像工程後の感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11Kの表面は、それぞれ中間転写ベルト17との対向部に達する。ここで、それぞれの対向部には、中間転写ベルト17の内周面に当接するように転写バイアスローラ14Y,14M,14C,14Kがそれぞれ設置されている。そして、各転写バイアスローラ14Y,14M,14C,14Kの位置で、中間転写ベルト17上に、感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上に形成された各色のトナー像が、順次重ねて転写される(1次転写工程)。   Thereafter, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K after the development process reach the facing portions of the intermediate transfer belt 17, respectively. Here, transfer bias rollers 14 </ b> Y, 14 </ b> M, 14 </ b> C, and 14 </ b> K are respectively installed at the facing portions so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 at the positions of the transfer bias rollers 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K. (Primary transfer step).

転写工程後の感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11Kの表面は、それぞれ、図7に示すクリーニング部15との対向位置に達する。そして、クリーニング部15で、感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上に残存する未転写トナーが回収される(クリーニング工程)。その後、感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11Kの表面は、不図示の除電部を通過して、感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11Kにおける一連の作像プロセスが終了する。   The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K after the transfer process reach positions facing the cleaning unit 15 shown in FIG. The untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is collected by the cleaning unit 15 (cleaning process). Thereafter, the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K pass through a charge removal unit (not shown), and a series of image forming processes on the photoconductor drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is completed.

他方、感光体ドラム11Y,11M,11C,11K上の各色のトナーが重ねて転写(担持)された中間転写ベルト17は、図1中の反時計方向に走行して、2次転写バイアスローラ18との対向位置に達する。そして、2次転写バイアスローラ18との対向位置で、記録媒体P上に中間転写ベルト17上に担持されたカラーのトナー像が転写される(2次転写工程)。   On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 17 on which the toners of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are transferred (carried) are run counterclockwise in FIG. Reach the opposite position. The color toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is transferred onto the recording medium P at a position facing the secondary transfer bias roller 18 (secondary transfer step).

その後、中間転写ベルト17の表面は、図示しない中間転写ベルトクリーニング部の位置に達する。そして、中間転写ベルト17上に付着した未転写トナーが中間転写ベルトクリーニング部に回収されて、中間転写ベルト17における一連の転写プロセスが終了する。   Thereafter, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 reaches the position of an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit (not shown). Then, the untransferred toner attached on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit, and a series of transfer processes in the intermediate transfer belt 17 is completed.

ここで、中間転写ベルト17と2次転写バイアスローラ18との間に形成される2次転写ニップに搬送される記録媒体Pは、給紙部7からレジストローラ9等を経由して搬送されたものである。詳しくは、記録媒体Pを収納する給紙部7から、給紙ローラ8により給送された記録媒体Pが、搬送ガイドを通過した後に、レジストローラ9に導かれる。レジストローラ9に達した記録媒体Pは、タイミングを合わせて、2次転写ニップに向けて搬送される。   Here, the recording medium P conveyed to the secondary transfer nip formed between the intermediate transfer belt 17 and the secondary transfer bias roller 18 was conveyed from the paper supply unit 7 via the registration roller 9 and the like. Is. Specifically, the recording medium P fed by the paper feeding roller 8 from the paper feeding unit 7 that stores the recording medium P is guided to the registration roller 9 after passing through the conveyance guide. The recording medium P that has reached the registration roller 9 is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip at the same timing.

フルカラー画像が転写された記録媒体Pは、その後に定着装置20に導かれる。定着装置20では、定着ローラと加圧ローラとのニップにて、カラー画像が記録媒体P上に定着される。定着工程後の記録媒体Pは、排紙ローラによって装置本体1外に出力画像として排出されて、排紙トレイ5上にスタックされて、一連の画像形成プロセスが完了する。   The recording medium P onto which the full color image has been transferred is then guided to the fixing device 20. In the fixing device 20, the color image is fixed on the recording medium P at the nip between the fixing roller and the pressure roller. The recording medium P after the fixing process is discharged as an output image outside the apparatus main body 1 by a discharge roller and stacked on the discharge tray 5 to complete a series of image forming processes.

本形態では、これら構成部材のうち、図7に示すように、感光体ドラム11、帯電部12、現像装置13、クリーニング部15と、感光体ドラムへ潤滑部材62を供給するブラシローラ61が、色毎に一体化されていてプロセスユニット60を構成している。
(代表例の構成)
図2は本発明にかかる現像装置13の斜視図、図3は本発明にかかるプロセスユニット60の現像装置13側の断面図、図4は現像装置の磁力の作用を説明する図、図5は、現像装置13の平面図、図6は現像装置内の現像剤の流れを示す図である。各色に対応した現像装置13Y,13M,13C,13Kは、トナーの色を除いて同一の構成であるので、ここでは、トナーの色を識別するためのY、M、C、Kの符号は省略して数字の符号のみで1つの現像装置について説明する。
In this embodiment, among these constituent members, as shown in FIG. 7, the photosensitive drum 11, the charging unit 12, the developing device 13, the cleaning unit 15, and the brush roller 61 that supplies the lubricating member 62 to the photosensitive drum, The process unit 60 is configured by being integrated for each color.
(Configuration of representative example)
2 is a perspective view of the developing device 13 according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the process unit 60 according to the present invention on the developing device 13 side, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the action of magnetic force of the developing device, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the developing device 13, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of the developer in the developing device. Since the developing devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K corresponding to the respective colors have the same configuration except for the toner color, the symbols Y, M, C, and K for identifying the toner color are omitted here. A single developing device will be described using only numerals.

図2〜図6を用いて、本発明が適用された現像装置13の構成および動作を説明する。現像装置13は、キャリアとトナーとを有する二成分の現像剤Gが現像装置13のケーシング50内に収容されているとともに、感光体ドラム11上に形成される潜像をこの現像剤Gのトナーで現像するものである。現像装置13は、感光体ドラム11に対向するとともに、周囲に複数の磁極が形成された現像剤担持体となる現像スリーブ51と、現像スリーブ51の下方に、同スリーブと対向するように配設されるとともに、現像スリーブ51に担持された現像剤の量を規制する現像剤規制部材とるドクターブレード52、ケーシング50内に収容された現像剤Gを現像スリーブ51の長手方向に搬送する複数の搬送部材を備えている。複数の搬送部材は、現像スリーブ51にケーシング50内で対向するとともに、現像剤Gを現像スリーブ51の長手方向に搬送しながら現像スリーブ51に現像剤Gを供給する第1の搬送部材となる供給スクリュー53と、供給スクリュー53よりも上方に配設されて現像スリーブ51にケーシング50内で対向するとともに、現像スリーブ51から離脱された現像剤Gを現像スリーブ51の長手方向に搬送する第2の搬送部材となると回収スクリュー54とで構成されている。   The configuration and operation of the developing device 13 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. In the developing device 13, a two-component developer G having a carrier and toner is accommodated in a casing 50 of the developing device 13, and a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is converted into toner of the developer G. It develops with. The developing device 13 is opposed to the photosensitive drum 11 and is provided with a developing sleeve 51 serving as a developer carrying member having a plurality of magnetic poles formed around it, and disposed below the developing sleeve 51 so as to face the sleeve. In addition, a doctor blade 52 serving as a developer regulating member that regulates the amount of developer carried on the developing sleeve 51, and a plurality of transports for transporting the developer G accommodated in the casing 50 in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 51. A member is provided. The plurality of conveying members are opposed to the developing sleeve 51 in the casing 50 and are supplied as a first conveying member that supplies the developer G to the developing sleeve 51 while conveying the developer G in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 51. A second screw 53 is disposed above the supply screw 53 so as to face the developing sleeve 51 in the casing 50 and conveys the developer G detached from the developing sleeve 51 in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 51. When it becomes a conveyance member, it is comprised with the collection | recovery screw 54. FIG.

現像スリーブ51に対向する位置であって、供給スクリュー53と回収スクリュー54との間には、現像スリーブ51から離脱された現像剤の現像スリーブ51への再付着を防止する仕切り部材57が配設されている。ケーシング50の内部には、この仕切り部材57によって、供給スクリュー53が内部に配置された第1搬送経路531と回収スクリュー54が内部に配置された第2搬送経路541とに分割されている。   A partition member 57 is disposed between the supply screw 53 and the recovery screw 54 at a position facing the developing sleeve 51 to prevent the developer detached from the developing sleeve 51 from reattaching to the developing sleeve 51. Has been. Inside the casing 50, the partition member 57 is divided into a first transport path 531 in which the supply screw 53 is disposed and a second transport path 541 in which the recovery screw 54 is disposed.

第1搬送経路531と第2搬送経路541は、図6に示すように、供給スクリュー53の下流側と回収スクリュー54の上流側で第1中継部56を介して連通し、供給スクリュー53の上流側と回収スクリュー54の下流側で第2中継部58を介して連通している。供給スクリュー53の下流側に達した現像剤Gは、その位置に留まり供給スクリュー53の回転により押し上げられ、第1中継部56を介して第2搬送経路541の上流側に達する。第2搬送経路541の上流側には、トナー補給口542が設けられていて、新品のトナーが適宜に補給される。また、第2搬送経路541の下流側に達した現像剤Gは、第2中継部58を自重落下して第1搬送経路531の上流側に移動される。図3、図6において、符号A、Bは現像剤Gの搬送方向をそれぞれ示す。   As shown in FIG. 6, the first transport path 531 and the second transport path 541 communicate with each other on the downstream side of the supply screw 53 and the upstream side of the recovery screw 54 via the first relay unit 56, and upstream of the supply screw 53. And a downstream side of the recovery screw 54 via the second relay portion 58. The developer G that has reached the downstream side of the supply screw 53 stays at that position and is pushed up by the rotation of the supply screw 53 and reaches the upstream side of the second transport path 541 via the first relay unit 56. A toner replenishing port 542 is provided on the upstream side of the second transport path 541, and new toner is appropriately replenished. Further, the developer G that has reached the downstream side of the second transport path 541 falls by its own weight on the second relay portion 58 and is moved to the upstream side of the first transport path 531. 3 and 6, reference signs A and B indicate the transport direction of the developer G, respectively.

現像装置13内には、ポリエステル樹脂を主成分とするトナー(5.8μm)と磁性微粒子であるキャリア(35μm)を7wt%に均一混合した現像剤Gが300g充填されており、互いに並列に配置した供給スクリュー53と回収スクリュー54をそれぞれ600rpmで回転させることによって補給後のトナー攪拌と搬送を同時に行い、トナーとキャリアの均一混合と帯電付与を行っている。均一混合された現像剤Gは、図4に示すように、現像スリーブ51に近接して平行に設けられた供給スクリュー53より現像スリーブ51に内包されたマグローラ55の磁力P5によってスリーブ外周部の表面に搬送され、現像スリーブ51が図中矢印方向に回転することによって感光体ドラム11と現像スリーブ51によって作られる現像領域に運ばれ、図示しない高圧電源による現像電界を形成することによってトナーが感光体ドラム11上の潜像を現像する。現像後の現像剤Gは、現像スリーブ51の回転に伴ってマグローラ55の磁力P3により第2搬送経路541へと導入され、回収スクリュー54長手方向に搬送されて回収されるように構成されている。   The developing device 13 is filled with 300 g of a developer G in which toner (5.8 μm) containing a polyester resin as a main component and a carrier (35 μm) which is a magnetic fine particle are uniformly mixed in 7 wt%, and is arranged in parallel with each other. By rotating the supplied screw 53 and the collecting screw 54 at 600 rpm, the toner is stirred and conveyed after replenishment at the same time, and the toner and carrier are uniformly mixed and charged. As shown in FIG. 4, the uniformly mixed developer G is supplied to the surface of the outer peripheral portion of the sleeve by the magnetic force P5 of the mag roller 55 contained in the developing sleeve 51 from the supply screw 53 provided in parallel to the developing sleeve 51. When the developing sleeve 51 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the drawing, the developing sleeve 51 is carried to a developing region formed by the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing sleeve 51, and a developing electric field is generated by a high voltage power source (not shown), whereby toner is transferred to the photosensitive member. The latent image on the drum 11 is developed. The developed developer G is introduced into the second transport path 541 by the magnetic force P3 of the mag roller 55 as the developing sleeve 51 rotates, and is transported in the longitudinal direction of the recovery screw 54 and recovered. .

図6は、本発明の動作時(画像出力中)の現像装置13内の現像剤堆積状態を示す。供給スクリュー53と回収スクリュー54を有するケーシング50内には、現像剤Gが300g充填されている。このため、攪拌搬送された現像剤Gは、供給スクリュー53から現像スリーブ51に下方から搬送供給される。現像後の現像剤Gは、回収スクリュー54により供給スクリュー53よりも上方で回収される。このため、回収スクリュー54が配置された第2搬送経路541(攪拌搬送路)内の現像剤Gの堆積状態は図6の黒塗り部分のように現像スリーブ51の長手方向に渡って斜めに傾斜している。   FIG. 6 shows the developer accumulation state in the developing device 13 during the operation of the present invention (during image output). The casing 50 having the supply screw 53 and the recovery screw 54 is filled with 300 g of developer G. For this reason, the developer G stirred and conveyed is conveyed and supplied from below to the developing sleeve 51 from the supply screw 53. The developed developer G is recovered above the supply screw 53 by the recovery screw 54. Therefore, the developer G accumulation state in the second conveyance path 541 (stirring conveyance path) where the recovery screw 54 is arranged is inclined obliquely over the longitudinal direction of the development sleeve 51 as shown by the black portion in FIG. doing.

回収スクリュー54から供給スクリュー53への受け渡し領域内となる第2中継部58よりも上流側で、回収スクリュー54の搬送方向の下流端部54a(第2搬送経路541の下流端部)には、回収スクリュー54と逆向きの搬送方向で異なる形状のフィンを複数有する回転部材201が配置されている。この回転部材201は、回収スクリュー54の下流端部54aに同回収スクリュー54と同軸上に設けられ、回収スクリュー54の回転動作と同時に回転するように構成されている。回転部材201は、現像スリーブ51の長手方向の全長よりも搬送方向外側に配置されていて、現像剤層幅の外側に配置している。つまり、第1中継部56と第2中継部58は、現像スリーブ51の長手方向の全長よりも搬送方向外側に配置されている。回転部材201のより理想的な位置としては、現像スリーブ51の長手方向の全長よりも十分外側にある事が好ましい。   On the upstream side of the second relay portion 58 in the transfer region from the recovery screw 54 to the supply screw 53, the downstream end portion 54 a in the transport direction of the recovery screw 54 (the downstream end portion of the second transport path 541) A rotating member 201 having a plurality of fins having different shapes in the conveying direction opposite to the recovery screw 54 is disposed. The rotating member 201 is provided coaxially with the collecting screw 54 at the downstream end 54 a of the collecting screw 54, and is configured to rotate simultaneously with the rotating operation of the collecting screw 54. The rotating member 201 is disposed on the outer side in the transport direction than the entire length of the developing sleeve 51 in the longitudinal direction, and is disposed on the outer side of the developer layer width. That is, the first relay unit 56 and the second relay unit 58 are disposed on the outer side in the transport direction than the entire length of the developing sleeve 51 in the longitudinal direction. A more ideal position of the rotating member 201 is preferably sufficiently outside the entire length of the developing sleeve 51 in the longitudinal direction.

図8(a)は本発明で用いる供給スクリュー53の形状、図8(b)は、回転部材201が装着された本発明で用いる回収スクリュー54の形状、8図(c)は従来の回収スクリュー5の形状をそれぞれ示す。   8A shows the shape of the supply screw 53 used in the present invention, FIG. 8B shows the shape of the recovery screw 54 used in the present invention with the rotating member 201 attached, and FIG. 8C shows the conventional recovery screw. Each of the five shapes is shown.

回収スクリュー54に装着された回転部材201は、図9(a),図9(b),図10に示すように、回収スクリュー54の下流端部54aに装着される本体202と、この本体202に、その表面積が等しい6枚のフィン201a,201b,201c,201d,201e,201fとで構成されている。フィン201a,201b,201c,201d,201e,201fは本体202ではなく、直接下流端部54aにスリットなどを設けて、当該スリットに挿入して回収スクリュー54と一体化さても良いが、交換時の着脱性を考慮すると、本体202に装着するのが好ましい。   The rotating member 201 attached to the recovery screw 54 includes a main body 202 attached to the downstream end 54a of the recovery screw 54 and the main body 202, as shown in FIGS. And six fins 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d, 201e, 201f having the same surface area. The fins 201 a, 201 b, 201 c, 201 d, 201 e, 201 f may be integrated with the recovery screw 54 by providing a slit or the like directly in the downstream end portion 54 a instead of the main body 202. Considering detachability, it is preferable to attach to the main body 202.

各フィンの取付け角度hは、図10(a)に示すように、回収スクリュー54の軸線と平行な線L1から各フィンの内面までの角度である。この取付け角度hはフィン毎に互いに異なっていて、各フィンの取付け角度hを変更することで搬送現像剤の返り方向を分散させている。回転部材201に設けられるフィンは、現像剤流動性と設定された回収スクリュー54の回転数に応じて、その角度、パターン、数を調整されている。複数のフィン201a〜201fは、図9(b)に示すように、周方向に等間隔で配置され、回収スクリュー54の軸方向から見た場合の各フィンの間に間隙S1〜S6を設けている。図11は、フィンの角度hをコンピュータシミュレーションによって適正化検討して実験を行った組み合わせの一例である。   As shown in FIG. 10A, the attachment angle h of each fin is an angle from a line L1 parallel to the axis of the recovery screw 54 to the inner surface of each fin. The attachment angle h is different for each fin, and the return direction of the conveyed developer is dispersed by changing the attachment angle h of each fin. The angle, pattern, and number of fins provided on the rotating member 201 are adjusted according to the developer fluidity and the set number of rotations of the collection screw 54. As shown in FIG. 9B, the plurality of fins 201a to 201f are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and gaps S1 to S6 are provided between the fins when viewed from the axial direction of the recovery screw 54. Yes. FIG. 11 shows an example of a combination in which an experiment was conducted by optimizing the fin angle h by computer simulation.

このように、回収スクリュー54から供給スクリュー53への受け渡し領域内に位置する回収スクリュー54の下流端部54aに、回収スクリュー54と逆向きの搬送方向で異なる形状の複数のフィン201a〜201fを有する回転部材201を配置したので、図10(b),図10(c)に示すように、高速搬送されてくる現像剤圧を分散して搬送方向を変化させることが可能となる。このため、搬送経路541の終端にあるスクリュー軸受シール部への剤圧上昇が防止されるとともに、高画像面積の画像を続けて出力した場合のように補給トナーが多く搬送された場合でも、トナーが巻き上げられて周辺シール部からの飛散トナーの漏れを極めて少なくすることができるとともに、高速搬送時でも安定した現像剤Gの搬送が行える。よって、このような現像装置13や、現像装置13と感光体ドラム11を一体化したプロセスカートリッジ60を備える画像形成装置は、小型を維持しながらも現像剤Gが安定供給されるので、良好な画像を得ることができる。   As described above, the downstream end portion 54 a of the recovery screw 54 located in the transfer region from the recovery screw 54 to the supply screw 53 has a plurality of fins 201 a to 201 f having different shapes in the conveying direction opposite to the recovery screw 54. Since the rotating member 201 is disposed, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, it is possible to change the transport direction by dispersing the developer pressure transported at high speed. For this reason, the increase in the agent pressure to the screw bearing seal portion at the end of the conveyance path 541 is prevented, and even when a large amount of replenishment toner is conveyed as in the case of continuously outputting an image with a large image area, the toner As a result, the leakage of the scattered toner from the peripheral seal portion can be extremely reduced, and the developer G can be stably conveyed even during high-speed conveyance. Therefore, the developing device 13 and the image forming apparatus including the process cartridge 60 in which the developing device 13 and the photosensitive drum 11 are integrated are stable because the developer G is stably supplied while maintaining a small size. An image can be obtained.

また、複数のフィン201a〜201fのフィン面のそれぞれ角度が異なっているので、回収スクリュー54で搬送経路541の終端側に搬送されてくる現像剤Gの搬送方向と異なる帰り方向への搬送剤の搬送方向を分散させることができるため、搬送路終端にあるスクリュー軸受シール部への剤圧上昇や、高画像面積の画像を続けて出力した場合のように補給トナーが多く搬送された場合でも、トナーが巻き上げられて周辺シール部からの飛散トナーの漏れ出し(吹き出す)を、より確実に防止することができる。   In addition, since the angles of the fin surfaces of the plurality of fins 201a to 201f are different from each other, the transport agent in the return direction different from the transport direction of the developer G transported to the terminal end side of the transport path 541 by the recovery screw 54. Since the transport direction can be dispersed, even when a lot of replenishment toner is transported, such as when the agent pressure rises to the screw bearing seal part at the end of the transport path or when an image with a high image area is continuously output, It is possible to more reliably prevent the toner from being rolled up and the scattered toner from leaking out (blowing out) from the peripheral seal portion.

複数のフィン201a〜201fは周方向に等間隔に配置され、回収スクリュー54の軸方向から見た場合に各フィンの間に間隙をS1〜S6が設けてあるので、回転時の回転ムラを防止して、回収スクリュー54の回転動作不良時、逆転動作時の終端部剤圧上昇によるロック現象を緩和することができる。さらに、フィン201a〜201fは本体202の周面上に配置されている、すなわち、同一の回転周上に配置されているので、軸長さを短くコンパクトに構成することができる。   The plurality of fins 201a to 201f are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and when viewed from the axial direction of the recovery screw 54, gaps S1 to S6 are provided between the fins, thereby preventing uneven rotation during rotation. Thus, when the recovery screw 54 rotates poorly, the locking phenomenon due to the increase in the end portion agent pressure during reverse rotation can be alleviated. Further, since the fins 201a to 201f are arranged on the peripheral surface of the main body 202, that is, are arranged on the same rotation circumference, the axial length can be made short and compact.

このような構成と作用を伴う現像装置13やプロセスカートリッジ60を備えた画像形成装置となるカラー複写機では、プリント速度を速め、それら応じて回収スクリュー54の回転策度が高速機になっても、この速度アップ分も加えて高速搬送された現像剤Gの搬送方向転換範囲が1点に集中することが無なり、省スペースで実現できる機構を備えることができる。   In a color copying machine that is an image forming apparatus including the developing device 13 and the process cartridge 60 with such a configuration and operation, even if the printing speed is increased and the rotation measure of the recovery screw 54 is accordingly increased, In addition, the transport direction change range of the developer G transported at high speed in addition to this speed increase is not concentrated at one point, and a mechanism that can be realized in a space-saving manner can be provided.

なお、公知技術である特開2008−203814では、その図16及び段落0061に記載のように、供給スクリューと逆スクリューとの境界での現像剤の跳ね上がり作用を利用して、余剰現像剤の排出機能を成立させているが、本願発明ではその跳ね上がり作用は搬送効率の低下に至ってしまうため、複数のフィン201a〜201fを回収スクリュー54の下流端部54aに設けて、現像剤Gを1点に集中させないようにして改善を図った。   In addition, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-203814, which is a known technique, as shown in FIG. 16 and paragraph 0061, the excess developer is discharged by utilizing the developer jumping action at the boundary between the supply screw and the reverse screw. Although the function is established, in the present invention, the jumping action leads to a decrease in the conveyance efficiency. Therefore, a plurality of fins 201a to 201f are provided at the downstream end 54a of the recovery screw 54, and the developer G is set to one point. I tried to improve it by not concentrating.

本形態では、画像形成装置をカラー複写機として説明したが、カラーファクシミリ、カラープリンタあるいはこれらの複合機であって同様の効果を得ることができる。   In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus has been described as a color copying machine. However, a color facsimile, a color printer, or a combination of these can obtain the same effects.

11(Y,M,C,K)像担持体
13(Y,M,C,K)現像装置
51(Y,M,C,K)現像剤担持体
52(Y,M,C,K)現像剤規制部材
53(Y,M,C,K)第1の搬送部材
54(Y,M,C,K)第2の搬送部材
54a 下流端部
57 仕切り部材
60 プロセスカートリッジ
201a〜201f 複数のフィン
G 現像剤
h 取付け角度
S1〜S6 間隙
11 (Y, M, C, K) image carrier 13 (Y, M, C, K) developing device 51 (Y, M, C, K) developer carrier 52 (Y, M, C, K) development Agent restricting member 53 (Y, M, C, K) First transport member 54 (Y, M, C, K) Second transport member 54a Downstream end 57 Partition member 60 Process cartridges 201a to 201f Multiple fins G Developer h Mounting angle S1 to S6 Gap

特開平11−174810号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-174810 特開2008−26408号公報JP 2008-26408 A 特許第3950735号公報Japanese Patent No. 3950735

Claims (7)

像担持体と対向配置されていて、現像剤を担持して前記像担持体へ供給する現像剤担持体と、
前記現像剤担持体に対向するように配設されていて、前記現像剤担持体に担持された現像剤の量を規制する現像剤規制部材と、
前記現像剤担持体と対向配置されていて、前記現像剤を長手方向に搬送しながら前記現像剤担持体に現像剤を供給する第1の搬送部材と、
前記第1の搬送部材よりも上方に配設されていて前記現像剤担持体に対向するとともに、前記現像剤担持体から離脱された現像剤を長手方向に搬送する第2の搬送部材と、
前記現像剤担持体と対向する位置であって、前記第1の搬送部材と第2の搬送部材の間に、前記現像剤担持体から離脱された現像剤が前記現像剤担持体に再び担持されるのを防止する仕切り部材と、
前記第2の搬送部材から前記第1の搬送部材への受け渡し領域内の剤搬送方向下流端部に、第2の搬送部材と逆向きの搬送方向で異なる形状の複数のフィンを配置したことを特徴とする現像装置。
A developer carrier disposed opposite to the image carrier and carrying the developer and supplying the developer to the image carrier;
A developer regulating member that is disposed to face the developer carrying member and regulates the amount of the developer carried on the developer carrying member;
A first conveying member that is disposed opposite to the developer carrier and supplies the developer to the developer carrier while conveying the developer in the longitudinal direction;
A second conveying member that is disposed above the first conveying member and faces the developer carrying member, and conveys the developer released from the developer carrying member in the longitudinal direction;
At a position facing the developer carrying member, the developer detached from the developer carrying member is again carried on the developer carrying member between the first carrying member and the second carrying member. A partition member for preventing
A plurality of fins having different shapes in the conveying direction opposite to the second conveying member are disposed at the downstream end portion in the agent conveying direction in the transfer region from the second conveying member to the first conveying member. A developing device.
前記複数のフィンは、その取付け角度が異なっていることを特徴とする請求項1記載の現像装置。   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fins have different attachment angles. 前記複数のフィンは、周方向に等間隔で配置され、前記第2の搬送部材の軸方向から見た場合の各フィンの間に間隙を設けていることを特徴とする請求項1または2記載の現像装置。 The plurality of fins are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and a gap is provided between the fins when viewed from the axial direction of the second conveying member. Development device. 前記複数のフィンは、同一の回転周上に配置されていることを特徴とする請求項1,2または3記載の現像装置。   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fins are arranged on the same rotation circumference. 前記現像剤は、トナーとキャリアから構成される2成分現像剤であり、前記キャリアの粒度が20〜60μmであることを特徴とする請求項1ないし4の何れか1つに記載の現像装置。   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer is a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and the particle size of the carrier is 20 to 60 μm. 少なくとも像担持体と請求項1ないし5の何れか1つに記載の現像装置が一体化されたことを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。   A process cartridge in which at least an image carrier and the developing device according to claim 1 are integrated. 請求項1ないし5の何れか1つに記載の現像装置あるいは請求項6記載のプロセスカートリッジを有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。   An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 1 or the process cartridge according to claim 6.
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