JPH1048937A - Development device - Google Patents
Development deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH1048937A JPH1048937A JP8209675A JP20967596A JPH1048937A JP H1048937 A JPH1048937 A JP H1048937A JP 8209675 A JP8209675 A JP 8209675A JP 20967596 A JP20967596 A JP 20967596A JP H1048937 A JPH1048937 A JP H1048937A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- tank
- developing device
- discharge port
- developer tank
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 title abstract description 10
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 43
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 abstract description 58
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012805 post-processing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002542 deteriorative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012800 visualization Methods 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、複写機やプリンタ
ー、ファクシミリ等、電子写真方式の画像形成装置に用
いる現像装置に関し、詳細には、トナー及びキャリアと
からなる二成分からなる現像剤を用いる現像装置に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc., and more particularly, to a developing device comprising a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier. The present invention relates to a developing device.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来より、複写機やプリンター等の画像
形成装置においては、トナーとキャリアとからなる二成
分系現像剤で静電潜像担持体表面に形成された静電潜像
の可視化、すなわち現像を行なう現像装置が多用されて
いる。このような現像装置において、トナーは現像操作
によって消費されていく一方、キャリアは消費されずに
現像装置内に残る。従って、現像装置内でトナーと共に
攪拌されるキャリアは攪拌回数が多くなるにつれて、ト
ナーとの摩擦や衝撃によりトナーの一部がキャリア表面
に付着して汚染する等により、現像剤の帯電性能が徐々
に低下する。このため、カブリ等の画質欠陥を生じて、
画像品質を著しく低下させる原因となっている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, visualization of an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier with a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier has been proposed. That is, a developing device for performing development is frequently used. In such a developing device, the toner is consumed by the developing operation, while the carrier is not consumed and remains in the developing device. Therefore, as the number of times of stirring of the carrier stirred with the toner in the developing device increases, a part of the toner adheres to the carrier surface due to friction or impact with the toner and becomes contaminated. To decline. For this reason, image quality defects such as fog occur,
This causes the image quality to be significantly reduced.
【０００３】このような劣化現像剤による画質低下を防
止するためには、一定期間ごとに現像装置内のキャリア
を新しいものと交換して同じキャリアが長期間に亘って
現像装置内に滞留するのを防止する必要がある。しかる
に、現像装置内ではキャリアとトナーが混ざった状態で
収容されており、現像装置内のキャリアを交換する際に
は、飛散しやすいトナーが漏れ出て画像形成装置周辺を
汚す虞れがあるため、熟練した技術者でないと交換が難
しく、また、この交換作業を一々人手に頼っていたので
は保守管理に手間が掛かり過ぎる。In order to prevent the image quality from deteriorating due to the deteriorated developer, the carrier in the developing device is replaced with a new one at regular intervals, and the same carrier stays in the developing device for a long period of time. Need to be prevented. However, since the carrier and the toner are contained in a mixed state in the developing device, when the carrier in the developing device is exchanged, the easily scattered toner may leak out and contaminate the periphery of the image forming apparatus. The replacement is difficult unless a skilled technician is involved, and maintenance work is too time-consuming if the replacement work is performed manually.
【０００４】そこで、この交換作業の手間を省くため、
自動的に現像剤の交換が行なわれる機構を備えた方式の
現像装置が開発され、現在広く普及している。この方式
の現像装置では、現像装置の外部から現像剤を補給する
補給装置が取り付けられており、現像剤は現像装置の駆
動時に現像ロールの駆動と同期して補給装置が作動して
自動的に現像剤が現像装置内に補給され、その一方で現
像装置内の現像剤が自動的に排出される機構となってい
る（特公平第２−２１５９１号公報）。Therefore, in order to save the trouble of the replacement work,
A developing device having a mechanism for automatically exchanging the developer has been developed and is now widely used. In this type of developing device, a replenishing device for replenishing the developer from the outside of the developing device is attached. When the developing device is driven, the replenishing device operates automatically in synchronization with the driving of the developing roll. The developer is supplied to the developing device, while the developer in the developing device is automatically discharged (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-21591).
【０００５】ところで、現像装置内の現像剤の量は画質
に大きく影響する。即ち、現像装置内に保持される現像
剤量が変動すると現像装置内の現像スリーブ周面に担持
される現像剤の量が変動し、この現像スリーブ周面上に
担持された現像剤で現像されて静電潜像担持体上に形成
される未定着トナー像の濃度が変動するため、最終的に
得られる画像の濃度も変動して画質が低下する。従って
画像濃度の変動による画質低下を防止するためには、常
に一定の量の現像剤が現像装置内に保持されることが必
要となる。[0005] Incidentally, the amount of the developer in the developing device greatly affects the image quality. That is, when the amount of the developer held in the developing device varies, the amount of the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve in the developing device varies, and the developer is developed with the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve. As a result, the density of the unfixed toner image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier fluctuates, so that the density of the finally obtained image also fluctuates and the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in image quality due to a change in image density, it is necessary that a constant amount of developer is always held in the developing device.
【０００６】そのため、上記方式の現像装置では、現像
装置の一部に古い現像剤を現像装置の外へ排出するため
の排出口を設け、そこから自動的に現像剤を排出させる
機構となっている。例えば、特公平第２−２１５９１号
公報に開示された現像装置では、図１７に示すように、
キャリアボックス６とトナーボックス８に収容された新
しいキャリアとトナーとをそれぞれキャリアディスペン
スロール７とトナーディスペンスロール９により現像ス
リーブ３の回転に同期して現像装置ハウジング２内に補
給する一方で、図中右側の一部に現像剤溢出口１１を設
け、ここから余剰の現像剤が溢れ出る機構となってい
る。Therefore, in the developing device of the above-mentioned type, a discharge port for discharging old developer to the outside of the developing device is provided in a part of the developing device, and a mechanism for automatically discharging the developer therefrom is provided. I have. For example, in the developing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-21591, as shown in FIG.
The new carrier and the toner stored in the carrier box 6 and the toner box 8 are replenished into the developing device housing 2 by the carrier dispense roll 7 and the toner dispense roll 9 in synchronization with the rotation of the developing sleeve 3, respectively. A developer overflow port 11 is provided at a part on the right side, and a mechanism is provided in which excess developer overflows from here.
【０００７】しかるに、上記のように古い現像剤と新規
現像剤とが自動的に交換される構造にしたにもかかわら
ず、この方式の現像装置においても依然として劣化キャ
リアが原因と思われる画質低下が発生する。その原因に
ついて本発明者らが検討したところ、現像装置内で現像
剤が滞留しやすい位置があり、この位置で古い現像剤が
滞留することが上記画質低下の原因であることが判明し
た。[0007] However, despite the structure in which the old developer and the new developer are automatically exchanged as described above, even in this type of developing apparatus, the image quality still degraded due to the deteriorated carrier is still low. Occur. The inventors of the present invention have examined the cause, and found that there is a position where the developer easily stays in the developing device, and that the old developer stays at this position is the cause of the above-mentioned deterioration in image quality.
【０００８】即ち、上記方式の現像装置では、図１３に
示すように、新規現像剤補給装置２ｂが作動すると図示
しない現像剤収容容器内の新規現像剤は開口部１ｃを経
て現像装置の現像剤槽１内に補給される。この図１３の
現像装置を図中矢印Ａの方向から見たところを表したの
が図１４であり、この現像装置の内部を図１３と同じ方
向から見たところを表したのが図１５である。That is, in the developing device of the above-mentioned type, as shown in FIG. 13, when the new developer replenishing device 2b operates, the new developer in the developer accommodating container (not shown) passes through the opening 1c and the developer in the developing device is charged. It is supplied into the tank 1. FIG. 14 shows the developing device of FIG. 13 as viewed from the direction of arrow A in the figure, and FIG. 15 shows the inside of the developing device as viewed from the same direction as FIG. is there.
【０００９】図１５中、３ａと３ｂは軸の周りに螺旋状
の羽根を備えたオーガー（ＡＵＧＥＲ）と呼ばれる攪拌
部材であり、この攪拌部材３ａと３ｂとは互いに反対方
向に回転することにより、攪拌部材３ａは図中左向きに
現像剤を移動させ、攪拌部材３ｂは図中右向きに現像剤
を移動させるようになっている。そして、攪拌部材３ａ
と３ｂとの間には仕切り板１ｂが取り付けられており、
攪拌部材３ａと３ｂとの両端以外の真中部分だけが仕切
られている。In FIG. 15, reference numerals 3a and 3b denote agitating members called augers having helical blades around their axes. By rotating these agitating members 3a and 3b in directions opposite to each other, The stirring member 3a moves the developer leftward in the figure, and the stirring member 3b moves the developer rightward in the figure. And the stirring member 3a
And a partition plate 1b is attached between 3b.
Only the middle part other than both ends of the stirring members 3a and 3b is partitioned.
【００１０】そのため、上記現像剤補給部材から開口部
１ｃを経て現像剤槽１ａ内に補給された新しい現像剤
（以下、「新規現像剤」という）は攪拌部材３ａと３ｂ
とによって攪拌されながら図中矢印Ｂの方向に移動して
略長円形の運動をし、現像剤槽内を循環する。そして攪
拌部材３ａと３ｂの両端の部分では、矢印ＣのようにＵ
ターンする。このＵターンする部分では現像剤の流れの
方向が変わるため、現像剤が現像剤槽の隅に取り込まれ
やすく、この現像剤槽の隅の部分で現像剤の滞留が生じ
るのである。Therefore, new developer (hereinafter referred to as "new developer") supplied from the developer supply member into the developer tank 1a through the opening 1c is supplied to the stirring members 3a and 3b.
While being agitated by this, it moves in the direction of arrow B in the figure to make a substantially elliptical motion and circulates in the developer tank. Then, at both ends of the stirring members 3a and 3b, U
Turn. Since the direction of the flow of the developer is changed in the U-turn portion, the developer is easily taken into the corner of the developer tank, and the developer is retained at the corner of the developer tank.
【００１１】即ち、図１５の現像剤槽１ａ内で攪拌部材
３ａの左端以外の部分では、攪拌部材３ａの螺旋状羽根
の作用により現像剤は図中左方向に搬送されており、こ
のまま搬送したのでは現像剤槽１ａの左方向端部側の壁
面に衝突してしまい、円滑にＵターンさせることができ
ないため、左方向に搬送されてきた現像剤の移動方向を
図１５の現像剤槽１ａの左方向端部側の部分で図中下側
に向けさせる必要がある。そのため、攪拌部材３ａの左
端のＧ1 で示した部分には逆ピッチオーガーと呼ばれる
短い螺旋状羽根（以下、「副螺旋状部材」という）が取
り付けられており、この副螺旋状部材が図中右方向に現
像剤を押し戻す働きをすることにより、現像剤の進路を
変更させるのである。That is, in the portion other than the left end of the stirring member 3a in the developer tank 1a in FIG. 15, the developer is conveyed leftward in the drawing by the action of the spiral blade of the stirring member 3a, and is conveyed as it is. In this case, the developer tank 1a collides with the wall surface on the left end side and cannot make a smooth U-turn. Therefore, the moving direction of the developer conveyed to the left is changed to the developer tank 1a in FIG. Must be directed to the lower side in the figure at the left end side of. For this reason, a short spiral blade (hereinafter, referred to as a “sub-spiral member”) called an inverted pitch auger is attached to a portion indicated by G 1 at the left end of the stirring member 3 a, and this sub-spiral member is shown in the drawing. The path of the developer is changed by pushing back the developer in the right direction.
【００１２】この副螺旋状部材の働きを図示したのが図
１６である。攪拌部材３ａの回転軸の周りに設けた螺旋
状羽根（以下、「主螺旋状羽根」という）の作用により
矢印Ｂの方向に搬送されてきた現像剤は、左端の部分に
近づくと、Ｇ1 の位置の副螺旋状部材により、矢印Ｂと
は反対向きの矢印Ｂ’の方向に押し戻される。すると、
図１５に示したように、それまで矢印Ｂ方向に搬送され
てきた現像剤は行き場を失い、隣接する攪拌部材３ｂの
方向へ進路を変える。一方、攪拌部材３ｂの主螺旋状羽
根は図中右方向に現像剤を搬送するように作動している
ため、攪拌部材３ａから移動してきた現像剤は図中右方
向へ搬送されるのである。FIG. 16 shows the function of the sub-spiral member. When the developer conveyed in the direction of arrow B by the action of a spiral blade (hereinafter referred to as “main spiral blade”) provided around the rotation axis of the stirring member 3a approaches G 1 when approaching the left end portion. Is pushed back in the direction of arrow B 'opposite to arrow B. Then
As shown in FIG. 15, the developer that has been conveyed in the direction of arrow B loses its place to go and changes its course in the direction of the adjacent stirring member 3b. On the other hand, since the main spiral blade of the stirring member 3b operates to convey the developer in the right direction in the drawing, the developer moved from the stirring member 3a is conveyed in the right direction in the drawing.
【００１３】この現像剤がＵターンするときに、このＧ
1 の部分で現像剤の滞留が起きるのである。即ち、上記
のようにして図１５に示した現像剤槽１ａの両端以外の
部分では攪拌部材３ａの部分では図中左方向に、攪拌部
材３ｂの部分では図中右方向に移動し、両端部分では矢
印Ｃの様に現像剤がＵターンするため、現像剤は現像剤
槽１ａ内を略長円形状に循環する。そのため、１ｃの開
口部から落とし込まれた新規現像剤は現像剤槽内の現像
剤と攪拌され、新規現像剤を含んだ現像剤の流れとして
現像剤槽内を循環する。When the developer makes a U-turn, the G
The stagnation of the developer occurs in the portion of ( 1 ). That is, as described above, the portion other than the both ends of the developer tank 1a shown in FIG. 15 moves leftward in the drawing at the portion of the stirring member 3a, and moves rightward in the drawing at the portion of the stirring member 3b. Since the developer makes a U-turn as indicated by arrow C, the developer circulates in the developer tank 1a in a substantially elliptical shape. Therefore, the new developer dropped from the opening 1c is stirred with the developer in the developer tank, and circulates in the developer tank as a flow of the developer containing the new developer.
【００１４】しかるに、図１５のＧ1 、Ｇ2 の部分には
副螺旋状羽根が取り付けられており、この副螺旋状羽根
の働きにより、上記新規現像剤を含んだ現像剤がその搬
送方向と逆向きに押し戻されるため、このＧ1 、Ｇ2 の
部分には新規現像剤が補給されず、現像剤の滞留が起こ
るのである。特に、Ｇ1 の部分は現像ロールと隣接して
いるため、この滞留した現像剤が現像ロールに担持され
やすく、この滞留して劣化した現像剤が現像に使われる
ことにより画質低下を惹き起こすのである。However, sub-spiral blades are attached to the portions G 1 and G 2 in FIG. 15, and by the action of the sub-spiral blades, the developer containing the above-mentioned new developer is moved in the transport direction. Since it is pushed back in the opposite direction, the portions of G 1 and G 2 are not replenished with the new developer, and the stagnation of the developer occurs. In particular, since the portion in G 1 is adjacent to the developing roll, the staying developer is easily carried on the developing roller, the deteriorated developer in this staying causing deterioration of the image quality by being used in developing is there.
【００１５】このような滞留現像剤が現像に用いられる
ことによる画質低下を防止するためには、攪拌部材の軸
方向の長さが現像ロール５の軸方向の長さより長いもの
を用い、攪拌部材の主螺旋状羽根の取り付けられた部分
のみと現像ロール５とが対向するように取り付け、副螺
旋状羽根の取り付けられた図中Ｇ1 の部分で滞留した現
像剤が現像ロール５へ供給されないようにする方法が考
えられる。しかるに、この方法では現像ロールの軸方向
の寸法より長い攪拌部材が必要となるため、現像ロール
の長さ自体は変わらないのに、この長さの現像ロールを
収容する現像装置はより大きなものが必要となり、現像
装置が大型化するという問題がある。また、この方法で
は、副螺旋状羽根の部分で生じる現像剤の滞留を防止す
るものではないため、この問題を根本的に解決するもの
ではない。In order to prevent the deterioration of the image quality due to the use of such a stagnant developer for development, a stirring member whose axial length is longer than the developing roller 5 in the axial direction is used. as the developer main helical portion attached Winged only the developing roller 5 is mounted so as to face, staying in the attached portion of figure G 1 of the sub-spiral blades of is not supplied to the developing roller 5 There is a method to make it. However, in this method, a stirring member longer than the dimension of the developing roll in the axial direction is required, so that the length of the developing roll itself does not change, but a developing device that accommodates a developing roll of this length has a larger size. This necessitates an increase in the size of the developing device. Further, this method does not prevent the developer from staying in the sub-spiral blade portion, and thus does not fundamentally solve this problem.
【００１６】[0016]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】そこで、本発明者ら
は、上記のような問題のない現像装置について鋭意研究
を重ねた結果、現像剤槽内から過剰になった現像剤を排
出する手段のうち、少なくとも一つを現像剤槽において
現像剤が滞留しやすい位置に設け、この排出手段により
滞留し易い位置の現像剤を現像剤槽の外へ確実に排出す
ることにより上記従来の問題を解決できることを見出し
て本発明を完成した。The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies on a developing device which does not have the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, have developed a means for discharging excess developer from the developer tank. At least one of them is provided at a position where the developer easily stays in the developer tank, and the discharging means solves the above conventional problem by reliably discharging the developer at the position where the developer easily stays outside the developer tank. The inventors have found out what can be done and completed the present invention.
【００１７】従って、本発明の目的は、新規現像剤を現
像剤槽内に補給する一方で、過剰の現像剤を現像剤槽の
外へ排出することにより現像剤槽内の現像剤量を一定に
保つ機構の現像装置において、現像装置を大型化するこ
となく、現像剤の滞留を防止することのできる現像装置
を提供することにある。Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to supply a new developer into the developer tank while discharging excess developer to the outside of the developer tank so as to keep the amount of the developer in the developer tank constant. An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device having a mechanism for keeping the developing device in a state where the developer can be prevented from staying without increasing the size of the developing device.
【００１８】[0018]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、装置ハウジン
グの左右方向に沿って形成され、少なくとも現像剤担持
体の現像領域全幅に対応して伸び、トナーとキャリアと
からなる二成分系現像剤を収容する現像剤槽と、この現
像剤槽内に新規現像剤を補給する現像剤補給手段と、上
記現像剤槽に設けられ、この現像剤槽から過剰になった
現像剤を排出する過剰現像剤排出手段と、上記現像剤槽
内に配設され、この現像剤槽内の現像剤をその左右方向
に循環させながら攪拌する現像剤搬送攪拌手段とを備え
た現像装置において、上記過剰現像剤排出手段の少なく
とも一つを、上記現像剤槽において現像剤が滞留しやす
い位置に設けた現像装置である。According to the present invention, there is provided a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier, which is formed along the left-right direction of an apparatus housing, extends at least over the entire width of a developing area of a developer carrier. And a developer replenishing means for replenishing the developer tank with a new developer, and an excess developer provided in the developer tank and discharging excess developer from the developer tank. A developer discharging means provided in the developer tank, and a developer conveying and stirring means for stirring while circulating the developer in the developer tank in the left-right direction. In the developing device, at least one of the discharging units is provided at a position where the developer easily stays in the developer tank.
【００１９】本発明の過剰現像剤排出手段は、現像剤槽
内に所定量以上の現像剤が収容された場合に過剰の現像
剤を現像剤槽内から排出させることにより現像剤槽内の
現像剤量を一定量に保つ機能（以下、「過剰現像剤排出
機能」という）と、現像剤槽内の滞留現像剤を現像剤槽
の外へ排出する機能（以下、「滞留現像剤排出機能」と
いう）とを有するものである。The excess developer discharging means of the present invention discharges excess developer from the developer tank when a predetermined amount or more of the developer is stored in the developer tank, thereby developing the developer in the developer tank. A function of maintaining a constant amount of the developer (hereinafter, referred to as an “excess developer discharging function”) and a function of discharging the stagnated developer in the developer tank to the outside of the developer tank (hereinafter, a “stagnated developer discharging function”) ).
【００２０】過剰現像剤排出手段の具体的な内容として
は、代表的には、過剰現像剤排出機能を果たす排出口
（以下「主排出口」という）と、滞留現像剤排出機能を
果たす排出口（以下「副排出口」という）の二つの排出
口を別個に設けたもの（以下、主排出口と副排出口とを
纏めて「分離型排出口」という場合もある）が挙げられ
る。The specific contents of the excess developer discharging means are, typically, a discharge port which performs a function of discharging excess developer (hereinafter referred to as a "main discharge port") and a discharge port which performs a function of discharging retained developer. (Hereinafter, referred to as “sub-discharge outlet”) separately provided (hereinafter, the main discharge outlet and the sub-discharge outlet may be collectively referred to as “separable discharge outlet”).
【００２１】本発明の過剰現像剤排出手段として上記分
離型排出口を設ける場合、主排出口、副排出口の形状
は、それぞれ上記過剰現像剤排出機能、滞留現像剤排出
機能を果たし得るものであれば良く、特に限定されな
い。具体的には、例えば、主排出口と副排出口として共
に長方形又は正方形の排出口を配設したもの等が挙げら
れる。When the above-mentioned separation type discharge port is provided as the excess developer discharge means of the present invention, the main discharge port and the sub discharge port are shaped so as to perform the above-mentioned excessive developer discharge function and stagnated developer discharge function, respectively. There is no particular limitation as long as it exists. Specifically, for example, a rectangular outlet or a square outlet is provided as the main outlet and the sub outlet.
【００２２】主排出口、副排出口の大きさは、それぞれ
上記過剰現像剤排出機能、滞留現像剤排出機能とを果た
し得るものであれば良く、特に限定されない。具体的に
は、例えば、主排出口としては過剰現像剤を速やかに排
出して現像剤槽内の現像剤量を最大値以下に調整できる
ような大きさの排出口とし、一方副排出口としては滞留
現像剤を所定の割合で排出できるような大きさのものに
することができる。そして、これら主排出口、副排出口
の具体的な寸法は実験値を基にして現像装置ごとに定め
られる。The sizes of the main discharge port and the sub discharge port are not particularly limited as long as they can fulfill the above-mentioned function of discharging the excess developer and the function of discharging the staying developer. Specifically, for example, as the main discharge port, a discharge port large enough to quickly discharge excess developer and adjust the amount of developer in the developer tank to a maximum value or less, and as a sub discharge port Can have a size such that the staying developer can be discharged at a predetermined rate. The specific dimensions of the main discharge port and the sub discharge port are determined for each developing device based on experimental values.
【００２３】副排出口は現像剤槽内において現像剤が滞
留し易い位置に配設する。この現像剤が滞留し易い位置
とは、具体的には、例えば、現像剤槽を構成する現像装
置ハウジングの左右方向端部の壁面において攪拌部材の
軸受部の周辺の部分である。The sub-discharge port is provided at a position where the developer easily stays in the developer tank. Specifically, the position at which the developer easily accumulates is, for example, a portion around the bearing portion of the stirring member on the left and right end wall surfaces of the developing device housing constituting the developer tank.
【００２４】更に詳細には、副排出口は現像剤槽の左右
方向端部の壁面において攪拌部材の軸受部の周辺の位置
に設ける。そして、副排出口は、現像剤槽内の現像剤量
の最小値を決定するように設ける。具体的には、副排出
口は、現像剤槽内に収容すべき現像剤量の適正範囲のう
ち、下限の量の現像剤を現像剤槽内に維持できるような
位置に設ける。例えば、現像剤槽内に上記下限の量の現
像剤を収容した状態で現像剤搬送攪拌手段（以下、「攪
拌手段」と略す場合もある）を作動させたときに現像剤
槽内の現像剤の上面が、現像剤槽内部の底部からｈ1 の
高さに来る場合に、この現像剤槽内部の底部からｈ1 の
高さの位置に副排出口の下端がくるように副排出口を設
ける場合が挙げられる。More specifically, the sub-discharge port is provided at a position around the bearing of the stirring member on the wall surface at the left and right ends of the developer tank. The secondary discharge port is provided so as to determine the minimum value of the amount of the developer in the developer tank. Specifically, the sub-discharge port is provided at a position where the lower limit amount of the developer in the appropriate range of the amount of the developer to be accommodated in the developer tank can be maintained in the developer tank. For example, when a developer carrying and stirring means (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as “stirring means”) is operated in a state where the above-mentioned lower limit amount of the developer is contained in the developer tank, the developer in the developer tank is the upper surface, when coming from the bottom of the developing agent tank to the height of h 1, the sub-discharge port so that the lower end of the sub-outlet comes from the bottom of the interior the developer tank to the height of the position of h 1 Provided.
【００２５】また、主排出口は、現像剤槽においてこの
現像剤を循環する現像剤の流れが安定する位置におい
て、現像剤槽内の現像剤量の最大値を決定するように設
ける。ここで、「現像剤を循環する現像剤の流れが安定
する位置」とは、例えば、現像剤槽の左右方向中央部寄
りの位置、即ち、現像装置ハウジングのうち、現像装置
の背面を構成する壁面であって、この壁面の両端の位置
を除いた位置が挙げられる。この位置では、攪拌部材に
より現像剤槽内を搬送される現像剤の流れが安定してお
り、現像剤上面の上下動の振幅が小さいため、この現像
剤の上面の高さを指標として現像剤槽内に収容されてい
る現像剤の総量を推し計った場合でも、実際に現像剤総
内に収容されている現像剤の量との誤差が小さいためで
ある。The main outlet is provided so as to determine the maximum value of the amount of the developer in the developer tank at a position where the flow of the developer circulating in the developer tank is stabilized. Here, "the position where the flow of the developer circulating the developer is stabilized" is, for example, a position near the center in the left-right direction of the developer tank, that is, the rear surface of the developing device in the developing device housing. The position is a wall surface excluding positions at both ends of the wall surface. In this position, the flow of the developer conveyed in the developer tank by the stirring member is stable, and the amplitude of the vertical movement of the upper surface of the developer is small. Therefore, the height of the upper surface of the developer is used as an index. This is because, even when the total amount of the developer contained in the tank is estimated, an error from the amount of the developer actually contained in the whole developer is small.
【００２６】そして、主排出口は現像剤槽内の現像剤量
の最大値を決定するように設ける。具体的には、現像剤
槽内に収容すべき現像剤量の適正範囲のうち、上限の量
の現像剤を現像剤槽内に維持できるような位置に主排出
口を設ける。例えば、現像剤槽内に上記上限の量の現像
剤を収容した状態で攪拌手段を作動させたときに、現像
剤槽内の現像剤の上面が、現像剤槽内部の底部からｈ2
の高さに来る場合に、この現像剤槽内部の底部からｈ2
の高さの位置に主排出口の下端がくるように主排出口を
設ける場合が挙げられる。そして分離型排出口の場合、
排出口は三つ以上設けても良い。その場合には、主排出
口を一つと、副排出口を二つ以上設ける場合等が挙げら
れる。The main outlet is provided so as to determine the maximum value of the amount of developer in the developer tank. Specifically, a main discharge port is provided at a position where an upper limit amount of the developer in the appropriate range of the amount of developer to be accommodated in the developer tank can be maintained in the developer tank. For example, when the stirring means is operated in a state in which the amount of the developer is stored in the developer tank, the upper surface of the developer in the developer tank is h 2 from the bottom in the developer tank.
When the coming of the height, h 2 from the bottom of the interior the developer tank
The main discharge port is provided so that the lower end of the main discharge port is located at the height of the main discharge port. And in the case of a separate outlet,
Three or more outlets may be provided. In that case, there is a case where one main outlet and two or more sub outlets are provided.
【００２７】また、過剰現像剤排出手段としては、上記
分離型排出口の他に、上記過剰現像剤排出機能と滞留現
像剤排出機能とを併せ持つ一つの排出口（以下、「複合
型排出口」という）を設けたものが挙げられる。この場
合、複合型排出口の形状としては、前記分離型排出口の
主排出口と副排出口とが結合した形、例えば、Ｔ字型或
いはＬ字型等の形状の開口部からなる排出口が挙げられ
る。更に、この複合型排出口の主排出口に対応する部分
に排出口の開閉を制御するシャッターを配設しても良
い。As the excess developer discharging means, in addition to the separation type discharging port, one discharging port having both the above-mentioned excessive developer discharging function and the staying developer discharging function (hereinafter, referred to as “composite type discharging port”) ) Is provided. In this case, as the shape of the composite discharge port, the discharge port having a shape in which the main discharge port and the sub discharge port of the separation type discharge port are combined, for example, a T-shaped or L-shaped opening is used. Is mentioned. Further, a shutter for controlling opening and closing of the discharge port may be provided at a portion corresponding to the main discharge port of the combined discharge port.
【００２８】また、複合型排出口として、上記分離型排
出口の主排出口と副排出口とが結合した形状の排出口を
一つ設ける場合には、この複合型排出口は現像剤槽を構
成する現像装置ハウジングの左右方向端部の壁面におい
て攪拌部材の軸受部の周辺の位置に設ける。そして、上
記主排出口に対応する部分の下端がｈ2 の高さにくるよ
うにし、上記副排出口に対応する部分の下端がｈ1 の高
さにくるように排出口を設ける場合等が挙げられる。In the case where a single discharge outlet having a shape in which the main discharge outlet and the sub discharge outlet of the above-mentioned separate discharge outlet are combined is provided as the composite discharge outlet, the composite discharge outlet is provided with a developer tank. The agitating member is provided at a position around the bearing on the wall surface at the left and right ends of the developing device housing. Then, like the case where the lower end of the portion corresponding to the main outlet to come to the height of h 2, the lower end portion corresponding to said auxiliary outlet provided an outlet to come to the height of h 1 is No.
【００２９】そして、この複合型排出口のうち主排出口
に対応する部分の上側の位置に現像剤槽内の壁面から現
像剤槽の内部に向かって突き出たカバーを取り付け、こ
のカバーにより、現像剤上面の振動を抑制するようにす
ることが好ましい。上記攪拌部材の副螺旋状羽根配設側
の軸受け部分近傍の位置では、副螺旋状羽根の作用によ
り現像剤が進行方向を変え、現像剤上面の振動が激しい
ため、この振動をある程度まで抑制して、現像剤の上面
の位置を安定させる必要があるためである。Then, a cover projecting from the wall surface inside the developer tank toward the inside of the developer tank is attached to a position above a portion corresponding to the main discharge port of the composite discharge port, and the cover is used for developing. It is preferable to suppress the vibration of the upper surface of the agent. At a position near the bearing portion of the stirring member on the side where the sub-spiral blade is provided, the developer changes its traveling direction due to the action of the sub-spiral blade, and the vibration on the upper surface of the developer is severe. This is because it is necessary to stabilize the position of the upper surface of the developer.
【００３０】更に、他の過剰現像剤排出手段としては、
円形或いは矩形の孔を現像剤槽を構成するハウジングの
一部に設け、この孔にステッピングモーターで駆動され
る螺旋状羽根を備えた排出装置（以下、「排出装置」と
いう）を配設したもの等が挙げられる。この排出装置を
用いる場合には、制御装置で排出装置の作動時間を制御
し、画素密度等から現像操作で消費されたトナーの消費
量に基づいて計算した作動時間だけ作動するように制御
したり、或いは、現像剤槽から排出された現像剤の量を
別の装置で測定しながら作動させたりすることができ、
上記滞留現像剤排出機能と共に過剰現像剤排出機能をも
持たせることができる。そして、この排出装置を配設す
る場合には、排出装置を制御することにより現像剤槽内
の現像剤量を調節することができるので、特に上記のｈ
1 、ｈ2 の高さに合わせて配設する必要はないが、排出
装置を配設する排出口の下端部がｈ1 の高さに来るよう
に配設することもでき、その場合には、現像剤槽内の現
像剤量を排出しすぎるのが防止できるという利点があ
る。Further, as another excess developer discharging means,
A circular or rectangular hole is provided in a part of a housing constituting a developer tank, and a discharge device having a spiral blade driven by a stepping motor (hereinafter, referred to as a “discharge device”) is provided in the hole. And the like. When this discharge device is used, the control device controls the operation time of the discharge device, and controls the discharge device to operate only for the operation time calculated based on the amount of toner consumed in the developing operation from the pixel density or the like. Alternatively, it can be operated while measuring the amount of the developer discharged from the developer tank with another device,
An excess developer discharging function can be provided in addition to the staying developer discharging function. When the discharging device is provided, the amount of the developer in the developer tank can be adjusted by controlling the discharging device.
1 need not be arranged in accordance with the height of h 2, can also lower end of the discharge port arranging the discharge device is arranged so that the height of h 1, in which case This has the advantage that the amount of developer in the developer tank can be prevented from being excessively discharged.
【００３１】本発明の現像装置において過剰現像剤排出
手段は、その少なくとも一つが現像ロールに隣接する攪
拌部材の軸受け部であって、副螺旋状羽根の配設された
側の現像剤槽の壁面に設けられていることが求められ
る。この副螺旋状羽根周辺の部分の現像剤は現像ロール
に近く、現像ロールとの間で頻繁に現像剤の着脱が起こ
るため、現像剤が滞留すると特にキャリアの劣化が起こ
り易く、直接的に画質低下の原因となり易いためであ
る。そしてこの位置に副排出口或いは主排出口を設ける
場合には、現像ロールから剥離された現像剤であって、
比較的新しい現像剤が直接排出口から排出されてしまう
のを防止するための庇状突出部をこの排出口の上側の位
置であって、現像剤槽の内部へ向かう方向に向けて配設
することが好ましい。また、この副排出口或いは主排出
口は攪拌部材の１本に一つずつ設けても良く、その場合
には、各攪拌部材の軸受け部のうち、副螺旋状羽根の配
設された側に設ける。In the developing device of the present invention, at least one of the excess developer discharging means is a bearing portion of the stirring member adjacent to the developing roll, and the wall surface of the developer tank on the side where the sub-spiral blade is disposed. Is required. The developer around the sub-spiral blades is close to the developing roll, and the developer frequently attaches and detaches to and from the developing roll. This is because it tends to cause a decrease. If the secondary discharge port or the main discharge port is provided at this position, the developer is separated from the developing roll,
An eaves-shaped protrusion for preventing relatively new developer from being directly discharged from the discharge port is disposed at a position above the discharge port and in a direction toward the inside of the developer tank. Is preferred. Further, the sub-discharge port or the main discharge port may be provided one by one for the stirring member. In this case, the bearing portion of each stirring member is provided on the side where the sub-spiral blade is disposed. Provide.
【００３２】更に、排出口は、通路を経て回収容器に繋
がるようにし、現像剤槽から排出された滞留現像剤や過
剰の現像剤がこの通路を経て現像剤槽の外側に排出され
るような構造にすることにより、排出された現像剤を回
収容器に回収させることも可能である。Further, the discharge port is connected to the collection container through a passage so that the staying developer and excess developer discharged from the developer tank are discharged to the outside of the developer tank through this passage. With the structure, the discharged developer can be collected in a collection container.
【００３３】上記のように、現像剤槽において現像剤が
滞留し易い位置に少なくとも一つの過剰現像剤排出手段
を設けたので、副螺旋状羽根の働きにより新規現像剤を
含んだ現像剤が循環できないために攪拌部材の副螺旋状
羽根配設側の軸受け部分近傍に滞留した現像剤がこの過
剰現像剤排出手段から一定の割合で確実に現像剤槽内か
ら外へ排出される。As described above, since at least one excess developer discharging means is provided at a position where the developer easily stays in the developer tank, the developer containing the new developer is circulated by the function of the sub-spiral blade. Because of the failure, the developer remaining in the vicinity of the bearing on the side of the sub-spiral blade of the stirring member is reliably discharged from the developer tank to the outside at a fixed rate from the excess developer discharging means.
【００３４】即ち、分離型排出口を配設した現像装置で
は、副排出口がこの現像剤槽の側部壁面のうちの攪拌部
材の軸受部近傍の位置であって、現像剤槽の底部からｈ
1 の位置に排出口の下端が来るように配設されているの
で、滞留した現像剤はこの副排出口から確実に排出され
る。しかも、その高さは現像剤槽の底部からｈ1 の位置
に排出口の下端が来るように配設されているので現像剤
槽内の現像剤の量がその許容範囲の下限を下回るまで排
出されてしまうことが防止される。That is, in the developing device provided with the separation type discharge port, the sub discharge port is located at the position near the bearing portion of the stirring member on the side wall surface of the developer tank, and is located from the bottom of the developer tank. h
Since the lower end of the discharge port is disposed at the position 1 , the accumulated developer is reliably discharged from the sub discharge port. Moreover, the discharge until the amount of the developer in the developer tank so that the height is arranged so that the lower end of the outlet at the position of h 1 from the bottom of the developer tank comes below the lower limit of the allowable range Is prevented from being done.
【００３５】一方、主排出口は現像剤槽の底部からｈ2
の位置に排出口の下端が来るように配設されているの
で、現像剤槽内に大量の新規現像剤が一時に補給され、
現像剤槽内の現像剤の量がその許容範囲の上限値を上回
り、しかも前記副排出口の排出能力を上回った場合で
も、この主排出口から過剰の現像剤が現像剤槽の外へ速
やかに排出され、現像剤槽内の現像剤量が規定の範囲内
になるまで調整されるため、現像剤の過供給による画質
低下が未然に防止される。On the other hand, the main outlet is h 2 from the bottom of the developer tank.
Is arranged so that the lower end of the discharge port comes to the position of, so a large amount of new developer is supplied to the developer tank at a time,
Even if the amount of the developer in the developer tank exceeds the upper limit of the allowable range and exceeds the discharge capability of the sub-discharge port, excess developer is quickly discharged from the main discharge port to the outside of the developer tank. And the amount of developer in the developer tank is adjusted until the amount falls within a specified range, thereby preventing the deterioration of image quality due to excessive supply of developer.
【００３６】また、上記主排出口と副排出口とが結合し
た形状の複合型排出口を一つ設ける場合には、副排出口
に対応する部分から滞留現像剤が排出され、主排出口に
対応する部分からは過剰の現像剤が現像剤槽内から排出
されるため、現像剤の滞留が防止されるとともに、現像
剤槽内の現像剤の量が適正範囲に維持される。In the case where a single composite outlet having a shape in which the main outlet and the sub outlet are combined is provided, the stagnant developer is discharged from the portion corresponding to the sub outlet, and the main outlet is discharged to the main outlet. Since the excess developer is discharged from the corresponding portion from the developer tank, stagnation of the developer is prevented, and the amount of the developer in the developer tank is maintained in an appropriate range.
【００３７】更に、上記形状の複合型排出口を一つ設
け、上記主排出口に対応する部分にシャッターを配設し
た現像装置では、副副排出口に対応する部分から滞留現
像剤が排出される一方、主排出口に対応する部分からは
過剰の現像剤が現像剤槽内から排出されるため、現像剤
の滞留が防止されるとともに、現像剤槽内の現像剤の量
が適正範囲に維持される。また、この主排出口に対応す
る部分はシャッターで開閉が制御されており、所定の時
間、例えば、現像操作開始直誤或いは完了直前にシャッ
ターが開いて過剰の現像剤を排出すると共に、それ以外
の時期にはシャッターは閉じたままの状態にすることも
できる。このような構造にすれば、主排出口からは過剰
の現像剤だけが効率良く排出され、排出する必要のない
現像剤まで排出されることが防止されているため、常に
適正な量の現像剤が現像剤槽内に維持される。Further, in the developing device provided with one composite type discharge port having the above-mentioned shape and a shutter disposed at a portion corresponding to the main discharge port, the staying developer is discharged from a portion corresponding to the sub-sub discharge port. On the other hand, since the excess developer is discharged from the portion corresponding to the main discharge port from the developer tank, the stagnation of the developer is prevented, and the amount of the developer in the developer tank is within an appropriate range. Will be maintained. The opening and closing of the portion corresponding to the main discharge port is controlled by a shutter. The shutter is opened for a predetermined period of time, for example, right before the completion of the development operation or immediately before the completion of the development operation, and the excess developer is discharged. During this time, the shutter can be kept closed. With such a structure, only an excessive amount of the developer is efficiently discharged from the main discharge port, and it is prevented that the unnecessary developer is discharged. Is maintained in the developer tank.
【００３８】更に、上記排出装置を使用する方式の現像
装置の場合には、現像剤槽側部壁面の攪拌部材の軸受部
近傍の位置にこの排出装置を配設するための孔を設け、
この排出手段を制御することにより、現像剤槽内の現像
剤量を適正範囲内に維持しながら、前記軸受部周辺の滞
留現像剤を現像剤槽の外へ排出するため、現像剤槽内の
現像剤量を適正な範囲内に維持しながら、滞留現像剤を
現像剤槽の外へ効率良く排出できる。Further, in the case of a developing device using the above-described discharging device, a hole for disposing the discharging device is provided at a position near the bearing portion of the stirring member on the side wall of the developer tank,
By controlling this discharging means, while maintaining the amount of developer in the developer tank within an appropriate range, the developer remaining around the bearing portion is discharged to the outside of the developer tank. The retained developer can be efficiently discharged out of the developer tank while maintaining the developer amount within an appropriate range.
【００３９】以上のようにして、現像剤槽内の現像剤の
量を適正な範囲内に維持しながら、滞留現像剤を現像剤
槽の外へ排出するため、上記軸受け部分近傍の現像剤が
滞留しやすい部分においても、古い現像剤が長期間にわ
たって滞留することがなくなり、この現像剤に含まれる
キャリアも完全に劣化してしまう前に現像剤槽の外へ排
出される。その結果、この古い現像剤に含まれるキャリ
アが劣化して惹き起こす画質低下が未然に防止される。As described above, while the amount of the developer in the developer tank is maintained within an appropriate range, the accumulated developer is discharged out of the developer tank. Even in the portion where the developer easily stays, the old developer does not stay for a long time, and the carrier contained in the developer is discharged out of the developer tank before the carrier is completely deteriorated. As a result, the deterioration of the image quality caused by the deterioration of the carrier contained in the old developer is prevented.
【００４０】[0040]
（第一の実施の形態）以下、本発明の第一の実施形態で
ある現像装置に基づいて本発明を説明する。図１は本実
施形態の現像装置の概略図であり、図２は図１の現像装
置をＤ−Ｄ’を通り攪拌部材の軸に平行な平面で切断し
た断面を矢印Ａの方向から見た図である。また、図３は
図１の現像装置のハウジングの概略断面図であり、図４
は図３の現像装置のハウジングをＪ−Ｊ’に平行な平面
で切り取った断面を現像装置の背面側、即ち図３中矢印
Ａの方向から見たところを表した図であり、図５は図３
の現像装置のハウジングを現像装置の背面側から見たと
ころを表した図である。(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the developing device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device of FIG. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the housing of the developing device of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the housing of the developing device of FIG. 3 taken along a plane parallel to JJ ′ as viewed from the back side of the developing device, that is, from the direction of arrow A in FIG. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a housing of the developing device as viewed from the rear side of the developing device.
【００４１】本実施形態の現像装置は、現像装置ハウジ
ング１（装置ハウジング）の左右方向に沿って形成さ
れ、少なくとも現像ロール５（現像剤担持体）の現像領
域全幅に対応して伸び、トナーとキャリアとからなる二
成分系現像剤を収容する現像剤槽１ａと、この現像剤槽
１ａ内に新規現像剤を補給するカートリッジ２ａ及びデ
ィスペンサー２ｂ（現像剤補給手段）と、上記現像剤槽
１ａに設けられ、この現像剤槽１ａから過剰になった現
像剤を排出する主排出口４ｂ（過剰現像剤排出手段）
と、上記現像剤槽１ａ内に配設され、この現像剤槽１ａ
内の現像剤をその左右方向に循環させながら攪拌する攪
拌部材３ａ、３ｂ（現像剤搬送攪拌手段）とを備えてい
る。The developing device of this embodiment is formed along the left-right direction of the developing device housing 1 (device housing), and extends at least over the entire width of the developing area of the developing roll 5 (developer carrying member), and the toner A developer tank 1a containing a two-component developer composed of a carrier, a cartridge 2a and a dispenser 2b (developer replenishing means) for replenishing a new developer in the developer tank 1a; A main discharge port 4b (excess developer discharging means) for discharging excess developer from the developer tank 1a.
And the developer tank 1a is disposed in the developer tank 1a.
Stirring members 3a and 3b (developer conveying stirring means) for stirring the developer inside while circulating the developer in the left-right direction.
【００４２】そして、本実施形態の現像装置では、図１
に示したように、前記現像剤槽１ａ内で、現像剤が滞留
し易い位置である、現像ロール５に隣接する攪拌部材３
ａの軸受部のうち、副螺旋状羽根配設側の軸受部６の近
傍の位置に一つの副排出口４ａ（現像剤搬送攪拌手段）
が設けられている。ここで、副排出口４ａの配設位置の
高さは、副排出口４ａの下端が現像剤槽１ａの内側の底
部からｈ1 の高さになるように設けられている。このｈ
1 の高さは現像剤槽に最低限必要な量の現像剤を収容し
た状態で攪拌部材３ａと３ｂとを作動したときに現像剤
の上面が来る位置となっている。そして、攪拌部材３ａ
の回転軸の中心から図中副排出口４ａの左端迄の距離ｄ
1 、幅ｗ1 、高さｗ2 の値は、攪拌部材３ａの回転軸の
軸受部６周辺に滞留する滞留現像剤を最も効率よく現像
剤槽１ａの外へ排出できる値となっている。In the developing device of the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the stirring member 3 adjacent to the developing roll 5 is a position where the developer easily stays in the developer tank 1a.
In the bearing portion a, one sub-discharge port 4a (developer conveyance stirring means) is provided at a position near the bearing portion 6 on the side where the sub-spiral blade is provided.
Is provided. Here, the height of the installation position of the sub-discharge port 4a has a lower end of the sub-discharge port 4a is provided to a height of h 1 from the inside of the bottom of the developer tank 1a. This h
The height of 1 is a position where the upper surface of the developer comes when the stirring members 3a and 3b are operated in a state where the minimum amount of the developer is stored in the developer tank. And the stirring member 3a
Distance d from the center of the rotation axis to the left end of the auxiliary discharge port 4a in the figure
1 , the value of the width w 1 and the value of the height w 2 are such that the accumulated developer remaining around the bearing 6 of the rotating shaft of the stirring member 3a can be discharged most efficiently out of the developer tank 1a.
【００４３】また、主排出口４ｂは現像装置の背面部分
を構成する現像剤ハウジングの一部に設けられており、
現像剤槽の左右方向中央部よりに設けられている。そし
て、主排出口４ｂの配設位置の高さは、主排出口４ｂの
下端が現像剤槽１の底部からｈ2 の高さになるように設
けられている。このｈ2 の高さは現像剤槽に収容すべき
最大限の量の現像剤を収容した状態で攪拌部材３ａと３
ｂとを作動させたときに現像剤の上面が来る位置となっ
ている。また、主排出口４ｂの開口部の幅Ｗ1、高さＷ
2 は、前記副排出口４ａの幅ｗ1 、高さｗ2 のそれぞれ
に対して十分大きく、現像剤槽１ａ内の現像剤量がその
最大限の量を越えたときに過剰の現像剤を速やかに現像
剤槽１ａの外へ排出できる大きさとなっている。The main discharge port 4b is provided in a part of a developer housing constituting a rear part of the developing device.
The developer tank is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the developer tank. The height of the installation position of the main discharge port 4b is the lower end of the main discharge port 4b is provided to a height of h 2 from the bottom of the developer tank 1. The height of h 2 is determined by the stirring members 3a and 3a with the maximum amount of developer to be stored in the developer tank.
b is at a position where the upper surface of the developer comes when actuated. Further, the width W 1 and the height W of the opening of the main discharge port 4b are set.
2, the width w 1 of the sub-discharge port 4a, large enough for each height w 2, the excess developer when the developer amount in the developer tank 1a exceeds the amount of that maximum The size is such that it can be quickly discharged out of the developer tank 1a.
【００４４】現像装置ハウジング１の図中右側にはカー
トリッジ２ａの一部に設けられた現像剤回収容器２ｄが
隣接しており、開口部２ｅが主排出口４ｂと連通するよ
うになっており、主排出口４ｂを経て現像剤槽１ａから
排出された現像剤がこのカートリッジ２ａの一部に設け
た現像剤回収部分２ｆ内に収容されるようになってい
る。また、前記副排出口４ａも通路を介してこのカート
リッジ２ａの一部に設けた現像剤回収部分２ｆと連通し
ている。この副排出口４ａと現像剤回収部分２ｆとが通
路４ｉを介して連通した状態を示したのが図６と図７で
ある。A developer collecting container 2d provided in a part of the cartridge 2a is adjacent to the right side of the developing device housing 1 in the drawing, and an opening 2e communicates with the main discharge port 4b. The developer discharged from the developer tank 1a through the main discharge port 4b is accommodated in a developer recovery portion 2f provided in a part of the cartridge 2a. The sub-discharge port 4a also communicates with a developer collecting portion 2f provided in a part of the cartridge 2a via a passage. FIGS. 6 and 7 show a state in which the sub-discharge port 4a and the developer collecting portion 2f communicate with each other through the passage 4i.
【００４５】以下、現像装置の動きに沿って説明する。
まず、現像操作により現像剤槽１ａ内からトナーが消費
されると、図示しない中央演算処理装置（以下「ＣＰ
Ｕ」という）からディスペンサー２ｂに信号が送られ、
所定時間だけ作動するよう指示が送られる。このディス
ペンサー２ｂが作動すると、カートリッジ２ａ内の現像
剤が所定の量だけ現像装置ハウジング１の一部に設けら
れた開口部１ｃから現像剤槽１ａ内に落とし込まれる。
一方、現像剤槽１ａ内にはトナーとキャリアとからなる
現像剤が収容されており、この現像剤は現像剤槽１ａ内
に配設された２本の攪拌部材３ａ、３ｂにより現像剤槽
１ａ内を循環しながら攪拌されている。Hereinafter, the operation of the developing device will be described.
First, when the toner is consumed from the developer tank 1a by the developing operation, a central processing unit (not shown)
U ") to the dispenser 2b.
An instruction is sent to operate for a predetermined time. When the dispenser 2b operates, the developer in the cartridge 2a is dropped into the developer tank 1a by a predetermined amount from an opening 1c provided in a part of the developing device housing 1.
On the other hand, a developer composed of a toner and a carrier is stored in the developer tank 1a, and the developer is supplied to the developer tank 1a by two stirring members 3a and 3b disposed in the developer tank 1a. It is agitated while circulating inside.
【００４６】即ち、この攪拌部材は回転軸の周りに主螺
旋状羽根を備えたオーガーであり、その回転軸は現像剤
槽１ａ内のハウジング壁面に配設した軸受部６ａ、６
ｂ、７ａ、７ｂにより回転自在に取り付けられており、
また、攪拌部材３ａ、３ｂはそれぞれ一端に逆ピッチオ
ーガーと呼ばれる副螺旋状羽根を備えており、本実施形
態の現像装置では、図中Ｇで示した部分に設けられてい
る。That is, the agitating member is an auger having a main spiral blade around a rotation axis, and the rotation axis is provided on bearing portions 6a, 6 arranged on the housing wall surface in the developer tank 1a.
b, 7a, 7b to be rotatably mounted,
Further, each of the stirring members 3a and 3b has a sub-spiral blade called an inverted pitch auger at one end, and is provided at a portion indicated by G in the drawing in the developing device of the present embodiment.
【００４７】そして、攪拌部材３ａ、３ｂの間には、両
端以外の部分を仕切る仕切り板１ｂが設けられており、
攪拌部材３ａ、３ｂには互いに反対向きの回転駆動力が
伝達されている。そのため、現像剤槽１ａ内の現像剤は
この攪拌部材３ａ、３ｂが回転すると、主螺旋状羽根の
動きにより、攪拌部材３ａ側では図中上方から下方に向
けて現像剤が搬送され、攪拌部材３ｂ側では図中下方か
ら上方に向けて現像剤が搬送される。そしてそれぞれの
攪拌部材の末端付近まで現像剤が搬送されて来ると、端
部に取り付けられた副螺旋状羽根の作用により、今まで
搬送されて来た現像剤がこれまでの搬送方向とは逆方向
に押し戻され、行き場を失った現像剤は隣接する搬送部
材の側へと移動する。すると、隣接する攪拌部材の主螺
旋状羽根は逆方向に搬送するように駆動しているため、
現像剤は搬送方向を変えて、図中矢印Ｃで示したように
Ｕターンしてこれまでとは逆方向に搬送する。このよう
にして現像剤槽内の現像剤は現像剤槽１ａ内を循環す
る。A partition plate 1b is provided between the stirring members 3a and 3b to partition portions other than both ends.
Rotational driving forces in opposite directions are transmitted to the stirring members 3a and 3b. Therefore, when the stirring members 3a and 3b rotate, the developer in the developer tank 1a is conveyed from the upper side to the lower side in the drawing on the stirring member 3a side by the movement of the main spiral blade. On the 3b side, the developer is transported from the lower side to the upper side in the figure. Then, when the developer is conveyed to near the end of each stirring member, the action of the sub-spiral blade attached to the end causes the developer conveyed up to now to be in the opposite direction to the previous conveyance direction. The developer which has been pushed back in the direction and has lost its place moves to the side of the adjacent conveying member. Then, since the main spiral blade of the adjacent stirring member is driven to be conveyed in the opposite direction,
The developer is transported in a different direction, is U-turned as shown by the arrow C in the figure, and is transported in the opposite direction. Thus, the developer in the developer tank circulates in the developer tank 1a.
【００４８】従って、開口部１ｃを経て現像剤槽１ａ内
に落とし込まれた新規現像剤は上記のような現像剤の動
きに合わせて、現像剤槽１ａ内を循環しながら現像剤槽
１ａ内に収容されていた現像剤と攪拌されてゆく。即
ち、開口部１ｃで落とし込まれた所定量の新規現像剤は
攪拌部材３ｂにより、図中下方から上方へと搬送され、
図面上側の矢印ＣのようにＵターンすると共に隣接する
攪拌部材３ａへと移動して、図中上方から下方へと搬送
され、図中下側のＧの位置まで移動すると、また、副螺
旋状羽根の働きにより図中下側の矢印ＣのようにＵター
ンして現像剤槽１ａ内を循環しながら攪拌されていく。Therefore, the new developer dropped into the developer tank 1a through the opening 1c is circulated through the developer tank 1a in accordance with the movement of the developer as described above. The developer is stirred with the developer contained in the container. That is, a predetermined amount of the new developer dropped in the opening 1c is conveyed from the lower side to the upper side in FIG.
A U-turn as shown by the arrow C on the upper side of the figure and the movement to the adjacent stirring member 3a are carried from the upper side to the lower side in the figure. The blades make a U-turn as shown by the arrow C on the lower side in the figure and are stirred while being circulated in the developer tank 1a.
【００４９】ここで、図中下側のＧの位置の副螺旋状羽
根の部分では、この副螺旋状羽根の作用により、現像剤
を図中下方から上方へと押し戻すため、上記の新規現像
剤を含んだ現像剤はこの副螺旋状羽根の配設された部分
まで到達できずに隣接する攪拌部材３ｂへと移動してし
まう。そのため、この副螺旋状羽根の配設された部分に
は新規現像剤を含んだ現像剤が供給されないため、現像
剤の滞留が生じ易い。しかるに、本実施形態の現像装置
では、この現像剤の滞留が生じ易い軸受部６ａの近傍の
位置に副排出口４ａが設けられているため、上記のよう
に現像剤の攪拌が行なわれると、この副排出口４ａを介
してこの部分にある現像剤が一定の割合で現像剤槽１ａ
内から排出される。そして、この副排出口４ａは、その
下端が現像剤槽１ａの底部からｈ1 の高さになるように
設けられているので、現像剤槽１ａ内の現像剤はその上
面がｈ1 より低くなるまで排出されてしまうことはな
く、最低限の現像剤量が現像剤槽１ａ内に保持できるよ
うになっている。Here, in the portion of the sub-spiral blade at the position of G on the lower side in the figure, the developer is pushed back from the lower side to the upper side in the figure by the action of the sub-helical blade. Does not reach the portion where the sub-spiral blades are disposed, and moves to the adjacent stirring member 3b. Therefore, since the developer containing the new developer is not supplied to the portion where the sub-spiral blades are provided, the developer tends to stay. However, in the developing device of the present embodiment, the auxiliary discharge port 4a is provided at a position near the bearing portion 6a where the stagnation of the developer easily occurs. Therefore, when the developer is stirred as described above, The developer in this portion is supplied to the developer tank 1a at a constant rate through the sub discharge port 4a.
Exhausted from inside. Then, the sub-discharge port 4a, since its lower end is provided to a height of h 1 from the bottom of the developer tank 1a, developer in the developer tank 1a has its upper surface is lower than h 1 Thus, the developer is not discharged until the developer is discharged, and the minimum amount of the developer can be held in the developer tank 1a.
【００５０】一方、大量の現像が一時に行なわれ、ディ
スペンサー２ｂが長時間作動して、現像剤槽１ａ内に大
量の新規現像剤が一時に落とし込まれた場合、副排出口
４ａの排出能力が追いつかず、現像剤槽１ａ内に最大限
の量を越える現像剤が収容されてしまった場合には、過
剰の現像剤は主排出口４ｂにより速やかに現像剤槽１ａ
内からその外へ排出され、最大限の量まで現像剤の量が
減少するため、現像剤の過供給による画質低下のトラブ
ルの発生が未然に防止される。また、副排出口４ａ、主
排出口４ｂから現像剤槽１ａから排出された現像剤はカ
ートリッジ２ａの一部に設けられた現像剤回収部２ｆに
収容されるため、カートリッジ２ａの交換と共に廃棄、
回収され、現像装置の周囲を汚すことなく効率よく回収
される。On the other hand, when a large amount of development is performed at one time and the dispenser 2b is operated for a long time and a large amount of new developer is dropped into the developer tank 1a at a time, the discharge capacity of the sub discharge port 4a is reduced. If the amount of developer exceeds the maximum amount in the developer tank 1a, the excess amount of the developer is promptly discharged to the developer tank 1a through the main discharge port 4b.
Since the developer is discharged from the inside to the outside and the amount of the developer is reduced to the maximum amount, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the trouble of the deterioration of the image quality due to the excessive supply of the developer. Further, since the developer discharged from the developer tank 1a through the sub-discharge port 4a and the main discharge port 4b is stored in a developer recovery section 2f provided in a part of the cartridge 2a, the developer is discarded together with the replacement of the cartridge 2a.
It is collected and efficiently collected without soiling the periphery of the developing device.
【００５１】（第二の実施の形態）本実施形態の後処理
装置では、図８及び図９に示したように、副排出口４ａ
と主排出口４ｂとをそれぞれ別個に設ける代わりに、主
排出口に対応する部分と副排出口に対応する部分とを併
せ持つ複合型排出口４ｃを一つ設け、現像剤槽１ａ内の
現像剤の振動を抑制するためのカバー４ｄを設けたこと
以外は第一の実施形態と同様の現像装置である。本実施
形態の現像装置では、現像装置の構造が簡素化できると
いう特有の効果が得られる。(Second Embodiment) In the post-processing apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
And a main discharge port 4b are provided separately. Instead, a single composite discharge port 4c having a portion corresponding to the main discharge port and a portion corresponding to the sub discharge port is provided, and the developer in the developer tank 1a is provided. This developing device is the same as the developing device of the first embodiment except that a cover 4d for suppressing the vibration of the first embodiment is provided. In the developing device of the present embodiment, a unique effect that the structure of the developing device can be simplified is obtained.
【００５２】（第三の実施の形態）本実施形態の後処理
装置では、図１０及び図１１に示したように、副排出口
４ａと主排出口４ｂとをそれぞれ別個に設ける代わり
に、主排出口に対応する部分と副排出口に対応する部分
とを併せ持つ複合型排出口４ｃを一つ設け、この複合型
排出口４ｃのうち、主排出口に対応する部分の開閉を制
御するシャッター４ｆと、このシャッター４ｆを駆動す
る駆動装置４ｇとを設け、現像操作完了直前に所定の時
間だけこの主排出口に対応する部分を開けることによ
り、現像操作の後半で過剰現像剤を現像槽の外へ排出す
るようにしたこと以外は、第一の実施形態と同様の現像
装置である。本実施形態の現像装置では、現像装置の構
造が簡素化できるという特有の効果が得られる。(Third Embodiment) In the post-processing apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, instead of providing the sub discharge port 4a and the main discharge port 4b respectively, One composite outlet 4c having both a portion corresponding to the outlet and a portion corresponding to the sub outlet is provided, and a shutter 4f for controlling opening and closing of a portion corresponding to the main outlet of the composite outlet 4c. And a driving device 4g for driving the shutter 4f. By opening a portion corresponding to the main discharge port for a predetermined time just before the completion of the developing operation, excess developer is removed from the developing tank in the latter half of the developing operation. The developing device is the same as the developing device of the first embodiment except that the developing device is discharged to the developing device. In the developing device of the present embodiment, a unique effect that the structure of the developing device can be simplified is obtained.
【００５３】（第四の実施の形態）本実施形態の後処理
装置では、図１２に示したように、副排出口４ａと主排
出口４ｂとをそれぞれ別個に設ける代わりに、螺旋状の
羽根をステッピングモーターで回転させる排出装置４ｈ
を現像剤が滞留し易い位置に取り付け、この排出装置を
ＣＰＵで制御しながら駆動させることにより、滞留現像
剤の排出と、現像剤槽内の現像剤量を一定に維持するよ
うにしたこと以外は第一の実施形態と同様の後処理装置
である。本実施形態の後処理装置では、現像装置の構造
が簡素化できることと、現像剤槽内の現像剤の量のを正
確に管理できるという、特有の効果が得られる。(Fourth Embodiment) In the post-processing apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, instead of separately providing the sub discharge port 4a and the main discharge port 4b, spiral blades are used. Device 4h that rotates the motor with a stepping motor
Is mounted at a position where the developer easily stays, and the discharging device is driven while being controlled by the CPU, so that the staying developer is discharged and the amount of the developer in the developer tank is kept constant. Is a post-processing device similar to the first embodiment. The post-processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has specific effects that the structure of the developing device can be simplified and the amount of the developer in the developer tank can be accurately controlled.
【００５４】[0054]
【発明の効果】本発明によれば、現像装置を大型化する
ことなく、現像剤の滞留を防止することのできる現像装
置を提供することができる。According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing device capable of preventing the stagnation of the developer without increasing the size of the developing device.
【図１】 本発明の第一の実施形態の現像装置の概略垂
直断面図FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】 本発明の第一の実施形態の現像装置の概略水
平断面図FIG. 2 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of a developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】 本発明の第一の実施形態の現像装置のハウジ
ングの概略垂直断面図（側面方向）FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical sectional view (side view) of a housing of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】 本発明の第一の実施形態の現像装置のハウジ
ングの概略垂直断面図（背面方向）FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view (back direction) of a housing of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図５】 本発明の第一の実施形態の現像装置のハウジ
ングの部分概略図FIG. 5 is a partial schematic view of a housing of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図６】 本発明の第一の実施形態の現像装置の概略垂
直断面図FIG. 6 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図７】 本発明の第一の実施形態の現像装置の概略垂
直断面図FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図８】 本発明の第二の実施形態の現像装置の概略垂
直断面図（側面方向）FIG. 8 is a schematic vertical sectional view (side view) of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図９】 本発明の第二の実施形態の現像装置の概略垂
直断面図（背面方向）FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention (backward direction).
【図１０】 本発明の第三の実施形態の現像装置の概略
垂直断面図（側面方向）FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical sectional view (side view) of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図１１】 本発明の第三の実施形態の現像装置の概略
垂直断面図（背面方向）FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention (backward direction).
【図１２】 本発明の第三の実施形態の現像装置の概略
垂直断面図FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図１３】 従来の現像装置の概略垂直断面図FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a conventional developing device.
【図１４】 従来の現像装置の概略図FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a conventional developing device.
【図１５】 従来の現像装置の概略水平断面図FIG. 15 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of a conventional developing device.
【図１６】 従来の現像装置の部分概略図FIG. 16 is a partial schematic view of a conventional developing device.
【図１７】 従来の現像装置の概略断面図FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional developing device.
１…現像装置ハウジング（装置ハウジング）、１ａ…現
像剤槽、２ａ…カートリッジ（現像剤補給手段）、２ｂ
…ディスペンサー（現像剤補給手段）、３ａ…攪拌部材
（現像剤搬送攪拌手段）、３ｂ…攪拌部材（現像剤搬送
攪拌手段）、４ａ…副排出口（過剰現像剤排出手段）、
４ｂ…主排出口（過剰現像剤排出手段）、５…現像ロー
ル（現像剤担持体）。DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Developing device housing (device housing), 1a ... Developer tank, 2a ... Cartridge (developer supply means), 2b
... Dispenser (developer replenishing means), 3a ... stirring member (developer conveying and stirring means), 3b ... stirring member (developer conveying and stirring means), 4a ... sub discharge port (excess developer discharging means),
4b: Main discharge port (excess developer discharge means), 5: Development roll (developer carrier).
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 伊藤 愛 神奈川県海老名市本郷2274番地 富士ゼロ ックス株式会社内 (72)発明者 長束 育太郎 神奈川県海老名市本郷2274番地 富士ゼロ ックス株式会社内 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Ai Ito 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ikutaro Nagatsuka 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
Claims (4)
され、少なくとも現像剤担持体の現像領域全幅に対応し
て伸び、トナーとキャリアとからなる二成分系現像剤を
収容する現像剤槽と、 この現像剤槽内に新規現像剤を補給する現像剤補給手段
と、 上記現像剤槽に設けられ、この現像剤槽から過剰になっ
た現像剤を排出する過剰現像剤排出手段と、 上記現像剤槽内に配設され、この現像剤槽内の現像剤を
その左右方向に循環させながら攪拌する現像剤搬送攪拌
手段とを備えた現像装置において、 上記過剰現像剤排出手段の少なくとも一つを、上記現像
剤槽において現像剤が滞留しやすい位置に設けたことを
特徴とする現像装置。A developer tank formed along the left-right direction of the device housing, extending at least in correspondence with the entire width of the developing region of the developer carrier, and containing a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier; A developer replenishing means for replenishing a new developer in the developer tank; an excess developer discharging means provided in the developer tank for discharging excess developer from the developer tank; A developer transport stirrer disposed in the tank and agitating while circulating the developer in the developer tank in the left-right direction, at least one of the excess developer discharging means, A developing device, wherein the developer is provided at a position where the developer easily stays in the developer tank.
られた複数の排出口である請求項１に記載の現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the excess developer discharging means is a plurality of discharge ports provided in the developer tank.
現像剤槽内を循環する現像剤の流れが安定する位置に設
けられ、現像剤槽内の現像剤量の最大値を決定する一つ
の主排出口と、現像剤槽において現像剤が滞留し易い位
置に設けられ、現像剤槽内の現像剤量の最小値を決定す
る少なくとも一つの副排出口とで構成されている請求項
２に記載の現像装置。3. A plurality of outlets are provided at positions where the flow of the developer circulating in the developer tank is stabilized in the developer tank, and determine a maximum value of the amount of the developer in the developer tank. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: one main discharge port and at least one sub discharge port which is provided at a position where the developer easily stays in the developer tank and determines a minimum value of the amount of the developer in the developer tank. 3. The developing device according to claim 1.
りに形成され、また、副排出口は現像剤槽の左右方向端
部側に形成されている請求項３に記載の現像装置。4. The developing device according to claim 3, wherein the main discharge port is formed near the center in the left-right direction of the developer tank, and the sub-discharge port is formed at an end portion in the left-right direction of the developer tank. .
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP20967596A JP3603492B2 (en) | 1996-08-08 | 1996-08-08 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP20967596A JP3603492B2 (en) | 1996-08-08 | 1996-08-08 | Developing device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH1048937A true JPH1048937A (en) | 1998-02-20 |
| JP3603492B2 JP3603492B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
Family
ID=16576757
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP20967596A Expired - Fee Related JP3603492B2 (en) | 1996-08-08 | 1996-08-08 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3603492B2 (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2003066715A (en) * | 2001-08-23 | 2003-03-05 | Canon Inc | Image forming device |
| US6587661B1 (en) | 2002-01-30 | 2003-07-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2004012522A (en) * | 2002-06-03 | 2004-01-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JP2007272201A (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2007-10-18 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP2009047891A (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-03-05 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2009048139A (en) * | 2007-08-23 | 2009-03-05 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JP2009063991A (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-03-26 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| US7529510B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2009-05-05 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with developing device having discharge openings |
| US8385754B2 (en) | 2009-08-26 | 2013-02-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus featuring forced discharging of excessive developer |
| JP2015004849A (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2015-01-08 | シャープ株式会社 | Developing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
-
1996
- 1996-08-08 JP JP20967596A patent/JP3603492B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2003066715A (en) * | 2001-08-23 | 2003-03-05 | Canon Inc | Image forming device |
| US6587661B1 (en) | 2002-01-30 | 2003-07-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2004012522A (en) * | 2002-06-03 | 2004-01-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device |
| US7529510B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2009-05-05 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with developing device having discharge openings |
| JP2007272201A (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2007-10-18 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP2009063991A (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-03-26 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP2009047891A (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-03-05 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2009048139A (en) * | 2007-08-23 | 2009-03-05 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device |
| US8385754B2 (en) | 2009-08-26 | 2013-02-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus featuring forced discharging of excessive developer |
| JP2015004849A (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2015-01-08 | シャープ株式会社 | Developing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3603492B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
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