JP3312955B2 - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP3312955B2 JP3312955B2 JP11796193A JP11796193A JP3312955B2 JP 3312955 B2 JP3312955 B2 JP 3312955B2 JP 11796193 A JP11796193 A JP 11796193A JP 11796193 A JP11796193 A JP 11796193A JP 3312955 B2 JP3312955 B2 JP 3312955B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- layer thickness
- regulating member
- thickness regulating
- carrier
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Landscapes
- Developing For Electrophotography (AREA)
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、複写機、ファクシミ
リ、プリンター等の画像形成装置に用いられる現像装置
に係り、詳しくは、現像剤担持体表面に一成分現像剤を
担持して潜像担持体との対向部に搬送し該潜像担持体上
の潜像を現像する現像装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, etc., and more particularly, to a developing device in which a one-component developer is carried on the surface of a developer carrying member to carry a latent image. The present invention relates to a developing device which transports a latent image on a latent image carrier by transporting the latent image to a portion facing the body.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来この種の現像装置として、特開昭５
４−１５５０４３号公報には、導電性表面を有する現像
剤担持体に一成分現像剤を供給して電圧の印加された電
極によって該現像剤を所定の極性に帯電させ、静電潜像
を現像する方法において、該電極に直流の重畳された交
流電圧を印加することを特徴とするものが開示されてい
る。これによれば、一成分現像剤を、現像剤担持体で搬
送する間に交流電圧の印加された電極によって帯電させ
るので、帯電された現像剤が帯電量分布を持つことにな
り、階調性の再現性に優れた画像を得ることができると
されている。また、特開昭５５−１２００５４号公報に
は、現像剤層を表面に担持した現像剤担持体表面に所定
間隔をおいて対向する現像剤厚み規制部材を設け、両部
材の間隙に交番すべく外部振動電界を与えることを特徴
とするものが開示されている。これによれば、現像剤担
持体と現像剤厚み規制部材との間隙で、外部振動電界に
よって現像剤を往復運動させて凝集を防止し、これによ
り、現像剤担持体上に長期にわたって安定に均一な現像
剤の層を形成できるとされている。更に、特開昭５９−
１７４８６１号公報には、非磁性の担持体に一成分現像
剤を供給し、該担持体に近接して配置された規制部材で
該現像剤を圧接することよって薄く均一な層として表面
に静電潜像を保持する保持体に送り、該静電潜像に現像
剤を付着させる現像装置において、該規制部材を、交番
電圧が印加される導電材料からなる電極層と、この電極
層上に該担持体側に配置されるように積層された絶縁層
とから構成することを特徴とするものが開示されてい
る。これによれば、上記電極層への交番電界の印加によ
り規制部材をその交番電界の周波数に同期して振動させ
ることによって、規制部材の現像剤に対する圧接力を低
くしても担持体上に薄くかつ均一な現像剤の層を安定的
に形成できるとされている。また、潜像担持体に向いた
ケーシングの開口から部分的に露出し、少なくとも部分
的に現像剤を所定極性に摩擦帯電し得る誘電体材料から
なる、表面が、一成分現像剤を担持して潜像担持体との
対向部に搬送した後に該ケーシング内に戻るように移動
する現像剤担持体を有する現像装置も知られている。2. Description of the Related Art A conventional developing device of this type is disclosed in
No. 4,155,043 discloses that a one-component developer is supplied to a developer carrier having a conductive surface, the developer is charged to a predetermined polarity by an electrode to which a voltage is applied, and the electrostatic latent image is developed. In this method, an AC voltage in which a DC is superimposed is applied to the electrode. According to this, the one-component developer is charged by the electrode to which the AC voltage is applied while being transported by the developer carrier, so that the charged developer has a charge amount distribution, and the gradation property is improved. It is said that an image having excellent reproducibility can be obtained. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-120054 discloses a developer-thickness regulating member provided at a predetermined interval on a surface of a developer-carrying member having a developer layer carried thereon, so as to alternate with a gap between both members. A device characterized by applying an external oscillating electric field is disclosed. According to this, in the gap between the developer carrying member and the developer thickness regulating member, the developer is reciprocated by the external oscillating electric field to prevent aggregation, thereby stably and uniformly on the developer carrying member for a long time. It is said that a layer of a suitable developer can be formed. Further, JP-A-59-
No. 1,748,861 discloses that a one-component developer is supplied to a non-magnetic carrier, and the developer is pressed against the developer with a regulating member disposed close to the carrier to form an electrostatic layer on the surface as a thin and uniform layer. In a developing device for sending a latent image to a holding member and applying a developer to the electrostatic latent image, the regulating member is provided with an electrode layer made of a conductive material to which an alternating voltage is applied, and an electrode layer formed on the electrode layer. An insulating layer laminated on the side of the carrier is disclosed. According to this, by applying the alternating electric field to the electrode layer, the regulating member is vibrated in synchronization with the frequency of the alternating electric field, so that the regulating member is thinly formed on the carrier even when the pressing force of the regulating member against the developer is reduced. It is said that a uniform layer of the developer can be stably formed. Further, the surface is partially exposed from the opening of the casing facing the latent image carrier, and is at least partially made of a dielectric material capable of frictionally charging the developer to a predetermined polarity. There is also known a developing device having a developer carrier that moves to return to the inside of the casing after being conveyed to a portion facing the latent image carrier.
【０００３】[0003]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが、上記特開昭
５４−１５５０４３号公報では、主に、導電体からなる
電極を用いて現像剤を直接帯電させる方式について言及
され、現像剤担持体との接触部が絶縁性材料で構成され
た層厚規制部材を用い、必要に応じて該層厚規制部材の
絶縁性材料部分や現像剤担持体の誘電体材料部分と、ト
ナーとの摩擦によるトナー帯電を併用する場合について
は、触れられていない。また、上記特開昭５５−１２０
０５４号公報では、外部振動電界を与える現像剤厚み規
制部材を、現像剤担持体表面に所定間隔をおいて対向す
るように設けているので、外部振動電界によって振動す
る現像剤（特に非磁性トナー）が、該規制部材と現像剤
担持体表面との間隙を通って現像装置外に飛散する恐れ
があった。また、上記特開昭５９−１７４８６１号公報
に開示の構成によれば、現像剤担持体上の現像剤に圧接
する規制部材を、交番電圧を印加して交番電界の周波数
に同期して振動させ、現像剤を該規制部材の絶縁層に衝
突させて、摩擦帯電させるものであり、規制部材に印加
する交番電圧で現像剤を電気的に直接帯電させることに
ついての配慮がされていない。従って、現像剤を十分帯
電できない恐れがあった。However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-155043 mentioned above mainly mentions a method of directly charging a developer using an electrode made of a conductor. The contact portion uses a layer thickness regulating member made of an insulating material, and if necessary, the toner charging due to friction between the insulating material portion of the layer thickness regulating member and the dielectric material portion of the developer carrier and the toner. No mention is made of the use of a combination. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 054, a developer thickness regulating member for applying an external oscillating electric field is provided so as to be opposed to the surface of the developer carrier at a predetermined interval. ) May scatter outside the developing device through the gap between the regulating member and the surface of the developer carrying member. Further, according to the configuration disclosed in the above-mentioned JP-A-59-174861, the regulating member which is pressed against the developer on the developer carrier is vibrated in synchronization with the frequency of the alternating electric field by applying an alternating voltage. In this method, the developer collides with the insulating layer of the regulating member to cause frictional charging, and no consideration is given to electrically charging the developer directly with an alternating voltage applied to the regulating member. Therefore, the developer may not be sufficiently charged.
【０００４】本発明は以上の問題点に鑑みなされたもの
であり、その目的とするところは、層厚規制部材の少な
くとも現像剤担持体接触部を絶縁性材料で構成した現像
装置において、該層厚規制部材と現像剤担持体との対向
部で現像剤を往復運動させて凝集を防止し、現像剤担持
体上に十分な帯電量の均一な現像剤の層を長期にわたっ
て安定に形成できるようにするとともに、現像装置外へ
の現像剤の飛散を防止できる現像装置を提供することで
ある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus in which at least a contact portion of a layer thickness regulating member with a developer carrying member is made of an insulating material. The developer is reciprocated at the opposed portion between the thickness regulating member and the developer carrier to prevent aggregation, so that a uniform layer of the developer having a sufficient charge amount can be stably formed on the developer carrier for a long period of time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing device capable of preventing the developer from scattering outside the developing device.
【０００５】[0005]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、請求項１の発明は、現像剤担持体と該現像剤担持体
上に担持する一成分現像剤の層厚を規制する層厚規制部
材とを有する現像装置において、該層厚規制部材の少な
くとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶縁性材料で構成し、該
層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間に、所定極性に帯
電した現像剤を該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体側
へ向かわせる向きの電界を形成する直流成分が重畳され
た、交番電界を形成する電圧を印加する電圧印加手段を
設け、上記現像剤担持体表面に対向する上記層厚規制部
材の表面又は該現像剤担持体表面の少なくとも一部を、
導電性にし、該層厚規制部材の上記電圧印加回路内にお
ける時定数が、１／（２πｆ）よりも十分大きくなるよ
うに、該層厚規制部材を構成したことを特徴とするもの
である。但し、ここでπは円周率、ｆは上記交番電界の
周波数である。請求項２の発明は、現像剤担持体と該現
像剤担持体上に担持する一成分現像剤の層厚を規制する
層厚規制部材とを有する現像装置において、該層厚規制
部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶縁性材料で
構成し、該層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間に、直
流成分が重畳された交番電界を形成する電圧を印加する
電圧印加手段と、該直流成分を可変する直流可変手段と
を設け、上記現像剤担持体表面に対向する上記層厚規制
部材の表面又は該現像剤担持体表面の少なくとも一部
を、導電性にし、該層厚規制部材の上記電圧印加回路内
における時定数が、１／（２πｆ）よりも十分大きくな
るように、該層厚規制部材を構成したことを特徴とする
ものである。但し、ここでπは円周率、ｆは上記交番電
界の周波数である。請求項３の発明は、現像剤担持体と
該現像剤担持体上に担持する一成分現像剤の層厚を規制
する層厚規制部材とを有する現像装置において、該層厚
規制部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶縁性材
料で構成し、該層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間
に、所定極性に帯電した現像剤を該層厚規制部材側から
該現像剤担持体側へ向かわせる向きの電界を形成する直
流成分が重畳された、交番電界を形成する電圧を印加す
る電圧印加手段を設け、上記現像剤担持体の軸線方向に
おいて、該現像剤担持体上の現像剤を担持させる領域よ
りも外側の領域に対向する、上記層厚規制部材部分を、
該現像剤を担持させる領域に対向する部分よりも大きな
電気抵抗になるように構成したことを特徴とするもので
ある。請求項４の発明は、現像剤担持体と該現像剤担持
体上に担持する一成分現像剤の層厚を規制する層厚規制
部材とを有する現像装置において、該層厚規制部材の少
なくとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶縁性材料で構成し、
該層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間に、直流成分が
重畳された交番電界を形成する電圧を印加する電圧印加
手段と、該直流成分を可変する直流可変手段とを設け、
上記現像剤担持体の軸線方向において、該現像剤担持体
上の現像剤を担持させる領域よりも外側の領域に対向す
る、上記層厚規制部材部分を、該現像剤を担持させる領
域に対向する部分よりも大きな電気抵抗になるように構
成したことを特徴とするものである。請求項５の発明
は、上記現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に下方から対向する
ように配設し、上記層厚規制部材を、該現像剤担持体に
接触する自由端部が該現像剤担持体と該潜像担持体との
対向部に位置するように配設し、該現像剤担持体の少な
くとも上記対向部に位置する箇所を、中抵抗材と絶縁材
を積層して構成し、かつ、該絶縁材の表面が上記潜像担
持体に対向するように配設したことを特徴とするもので
ある。 In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a layer thickness for regulating a layer thickness of a developer carrier and a one-component developer carried on the developer carrier. in the developing device having a regulating member, at least the developer carrying member contact portion of the layer thickness regulating member composed of an insulating material, between said <br/> layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member A voltage applying means for applying a voltage for forming an alternating electric field, on which a DC component forming an electric field in a direction for causing the developer charged to a predetermined polarity to flow from the layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrier is superimposed. Provided, at least a part of the surface of the layer thickness regulating member facing the surface of the developer carrier or at least a part of the surface of the developer carrier,
The present invention is characterized in that the layer thickness regulating member is made conductive so that the time constant of the layer thickness regulating member in the voltage application circuit is sufficiently larger than 1 / (2πf). Here, π is the pi, and f is the frequency of the alternating electric field. The invention according to claim 2 is a developing device having a developer carrier and a layer thickness regulating member that regulates the layer thickness of the one-component developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein at least the the developer carrying member contact portion formed of insulating material, between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member, and a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to form an alternating electric field direct current component is superimposed, DC variable means for varying the DC component is provided, and at least a part of the surface of the layer thickness regulating member or the surface of the developer carrier facing the surface of the developer carrier.
And the conductive, the time constant of the above voltage application circuit of the layer thickness regulating member, so as to be sufficiently larger than 1 / (2 [pi] f), characterized in that it has constituted the layer thickness regulating member is there. Here, π is the pi, and f is the frequency of the alternating electric field. The invention according to claim 3 is a developing device having a developer carrier and a layer thickness regulating member that regulates the layer thickness of the one-component developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein at least the the developer carrying member contact portion formed of insulating material, between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member, the developer bearing member a developer charged to a predetermined polarity from said layer thickness regulating member side Voltage applying means for applying a voltage for forming an alternating electric field, on which a DC component for forming an electric field in a direction toward the developer carrier is superimposed, and a developer on the developer carrier in the axial direction of the developer carrier. The layer thickness regulating member portion facing the region outside the region where the
The present invention is characterized in that the electric resistance is higher than that of a portion facing the region where the developer is carried. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device having a developer carrier and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a one-component developer carried on the developer carrier. The developer carrier contact portion is made of an insulating material ,
Between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member, provided with a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to form an alternating electric field direct current component is superimposed, a DC varying means for varying the direct current component,
In the axial direction of the developer carrying member, the layer thickness regulating member portion facing a region outside the region for carrying the developer on the developer carrying member, and facing the region carrying the developer. The electrical resistance is larger than that of the portion . Invention 請 Motomeko 5, the developer carrying member is disposed so as to face from below the latent image bearing member, the layer thickness regulating member, the free end is developing in contact with the developer carrying member agent disposed so as to be located in the portion facing the carrier and latent image bearing member, a portion which is located at least on the opposing portion of said developer carrying member, formed by laminating a medium resistance insulation material In addition, the surface of the insulating material is disposed so as to face the latent image carrier .
【０００６】[0006]
【０００７】[0007]
【０００８】[0008]
【０００９】[0009]
【００１０】[0010]
【００１１】[0011]
【００１２】[0012]
【００１３】[0013]
【００１４】[0014]
【作用】請求項１の発明においては、現像剤担持体に層
厚規制部材を接触させて配置することによって、両部材
の対向部を介して現像剤が外部に飛散するのを防止す
る。そして、両部材の間に交番電界を形成する電圧を印
加して、両部材の対向部を通過する現像剤を振動させ、
これにより、該対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留を防止す
る。更に、該電圧として、所定極性に帯電した現像剤を
該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体側へ向かわせる向
きの電界を形成する直流成分が重畳された交番電界を形
成するものを用い、これにより、層厚規制部材で現像剤
を電気的に直接帯電さることを可能にする。また、請求
項２の発明においては、現像剤担持体に層厚規制部材を
接触させて配置することによって、両部材の対向部を介
して現像剤が外部に飛散するのを防止する。そして、両
部材の間に交番電界を形成する電圧を印加して、両部材
の対向部を通過する現像剤を振動させ、これにより、該
対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留を防止する。更に、該電圧
として、直流成分が重畳された交番電界を形成するもの
を用い、かつ、該直流成分を可変にし、これにより、該
直流成分の調整で現像剤の帯電量や層厚を調整可能にす
る。ここで、上記直流成分は、所定極性に帯電した現像
剤を該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体側へ向かわせ
る向きの電界を形成するものであっても良いし、該向き
とは逆の向きの電界を形成するものであっても良い。い
ずれにおいても、この直流成分に応じて現像剤の帯電量
や層厚を調整できる。そして、請求項１あるいは２の発
明においては、上記現像剤担持体表面に対向する上記層
厚規制部材の表面又は該現像剤担持体表面の少なくとも
一部を導電性にし、該層厚規制部材の上記電圧印加回路
内における時定数が、１／（２πｆ）よりも十分大きく
なるように、該層厚規制部材を構成し、これにより、該
層厚規制部材からの放電によっても該層厚規制部材と現
像剤担持体とがリークしないようにする。According to the first aspect of the present invention, the layer thickness regulating member is placed in contact with the developer carrying member, so that the developer is prevented from being scattered to the outside via the facing portion of the two members. Then, by applying a voltage that forms an alternating electric field between the two members, the developer passing through the opposing portion of the two members is vibrated,
This prevents the developer from staying in the vicinity of the facing portion. Further, as the voltage, one that forms an alternating electric field in which a DC component that forms an electric field in a direction for causing the developer charged to a predetermined polarity to move from the layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrier side is used, This makes it possible to electrically charge the developer directly with the layer thickness regulating member. According to the second aspect of the present invention, by disposing the layer thickness regulating member in contact with the developer carrying member, it is possible to prevent the developer from being scattered to the outside via the opposed portions of the two members. Then, a voltage for forming an alternating electric field is applied between the two members to vibrate the developer passing through the opposing portion of the two members, thereby preventing the developer from staying near the opposing portion. Further, as the voltage, a voltage that forms an alternating electric field on which a DC component is superimposed is used, and the DC component is made variable, whereby the charge amount and the layer thickness of the developer can be adjusted by adjusting the DC component. To Here, the DC component may form an electric field in a direction for causing the developer charged to a predetermined polarity to travel from the layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrier, or may be opposite to the direction. May be formed. In any case, the charge amount and the layer thickness of the developer can be adjusted according to the DC component. Then, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, at least a part of the surface or the developer carrying member surface of the layer thickness regulating member facing the developer carrying member surface conductivity, the layer thickness regulating member The layer thickness regulating member is configured such that the time constant in the voltage application circuit is sufficiently larger than 1 / (2πf), whereby the layer thickness regulating member is also supposed to be discharged by the layer thickness regulating member. And the developer carrier are prevented from leaking.
【００１５】請求項３の発明においては、現像剤担持体
に層厚規制部材を接触させて配置することによって、両
部材の対向部を介して現像剤が外部に飛散するのを防止
する。そして、両部材の間に交番電界を形成する電圧を
印加して、両部材の対向部を通過する現像剤を振動さ
せ、これにより、該対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留を防止
する。更に、該電圧として、所定極性に帯電した現像剤
を該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体側へ向かわせる
向きの電界を形成する直流成分が重畳された交番電界を
形成するものを用い、これにより、層厚規制部材で現像
剤を電気的に直接帯電さることを可能にする。また、請
求項４の発明においては、現像剤担持体に層厚規制部材
を接触させて配置することによって、両部材の対向部を
介して現像剤が外部に飛散するのを防止する。そして、
両部材の間に交番電界を形成する電圧を印加して、両部
材の対向部を通過する現像剤を振動させ、これにより、
該対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留を防止する。更に、該電
圧として、直流成分が重畳された交番電界を形成するも
のを用い、かつ、該直流成分を可変にし、これにより、
該直流成分の調整で現像剤の帯電量や層厚を調整可能に
する。ここで、上記直流成分は、所定極性に帯電した現
像剤を該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体側へ向かわ
せる向きの電界を形成するものであっても良いし、該向
きとは逆の向きの電界を形成するものであっても良い。
いずれにおいても、この直流成分に応じて現像剤の帯電
量や層厚を調整できる。そして、請求項３あるいは４の
発明においては、上記現像剤担持体の軸線方向におい
て、該現像剤担持体上の現像剤を担持させる領域よりも
外側の領域に対向する、上記層厚規制部材部分を、該現
像剤を担持させる領域に対向する部分よりも大きな電気
抵抗になるように構成し、これにより、現像剤が担持さ
れている領域に比してリークが生じやすい現像剤が担持
されていない領域においても確実にリークを防止できる
ようにする。According to the third aspect of the present invention, the layer thickness regulating member is placed in contact with the developer carrying member, so that the developer is prevented from being scattered to the outside via the opposed portions of the two members. Then, a voltage for forming an alternating electric field is applied between the two members to vibrate the developer passing through the opposing portion of the two members, thereby preventing the developer from staying near the opposing portion. Further, as the voltage, one that forms an alternating electric field in which a DC component that forms an electric field in a direction for causing the developer charged to a predetermined polarity to move from the layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrier side is used, This makes it possible to electrically charge the developer directly with the layer thickness regulating member. Further, in the invention of claim 4, by disposing the layer thickness regulating member in contact with the developer carrying member, it is possible to prevent the developer from being scattered to the outside via the facing portion of both members. And
By applying a voltage that forms an alternating electric field between the two members, the developer passing through the opposing portions of the two members is vibrated, whereby
The stagnation of the developer near the facing portion is prevented. Further, as the voltage, one that forms an alternating electric field on which a DC component is superimposed is used, and the DC component is made variable.
By adjusting the DC component, the charge amount and layer thickness of the developer can be adjusted. Here, the DC component may form an electric field in a direction for causing the developer charged to a predetermined polarity to travel from the layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrier, or may be opposite to the direction. May be formed.
In any case, the charge amount and the layer thickness of the developer can be adjusted according to the DC component. In the invention according to claim 3 or 4, in the axial direction of the developer carrying member, the layer thickness regulating member portion faces a region outside the region for carrying the developer on the developer carrying member. Is configured so as to have a larger electrical resistance than a portion facing the region where the developer is carried, thereby carrying the developer which is more likely to leak than the region where the developer is carried. Ensure that leaks can be reliably prevented even in non-existent areas.
【００１６】[0016]
【００１７】[0017]
【００１８】[0018]
【００１９】[0019]
【００２０】[0020]
【００２１】[0021]
【００２２】[0022]
【００２３】[0023]
【００２４】[0024]
【００２５】[0025]
【実施例】以下、本発明を画像形成装置である電子写真
複写機（以下、複写機という）に適用した一実施例につ
いて説明する。図１は本実施例に係る複写機の概略構成
図である。まず、複写機全体の概略について説明する
と、潜像担持体としての感光体ドラム（以下、感光体と
いう）１は矢印時計回りに回転駆動される。この感光体
１の回りには、一様帯電器２、図示しない潜像形成光学
系、現像装置３、転写帯電器４、クリーニング装置５、
除電器６なでが配設されている。この構成において、２
で帯電された感光体１表面に潜像形成光学系に光像が結
像露光されて静電潜像が形成される。この静電潜像が３
で現像され感光体１表面にトナー像が形成される。この
トナー像が転写帯電器４で図示しない給紙搬送手段によ
って感光体１表面に搬送された転写紙に転写され、図示
しない定着装置を通って機外に排出される。一方、転写
後の感光体１表面は、クリーニング装置５で残留トナー
が除去された後に除電器６で残留電荷が除電され、次の
作像に備えられる。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic copying machine (hereinafter referred to as a copying machine) as an image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine according to the present embodiment. First, an outline of the entire copying machine will be described. A photosensitive drum (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive member) 1 as a latent image carrier is driven to rotate clockwise by an arrow. Around this photoconductor 1, a uniform charger 2, a latent image forming optical system (not shown), a developing device 3, a transfer charger 4, a cleaning device 5,
A static eliminator 6 is provided. In this configuration, 2
An optical image is formed and exposed on the latent image forming optical system on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 charged in step (1) to form an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is 3
And a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 1. This toner image is transferred to the transfer paper conveyed to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 by a paper feeder (not shown) by the transfer charger 4 and discharged outside the apparatus through a fixing device (not shown). On the other hand, on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 after the transfer, the residual charge is removed by the charge remover 6 after the residual toner is removed by the cleaning device 5, and the surface is prepared for the next image formation.
【００２６】次に現像装置３について説明する。本実施
例の現像装置３は、感光体１表面に向けた開口を備えた
ケーシング７と、該開口から部分的に露出し、矢印反時
計回りに回転駆動される現像剤担持体としての現像ロー
ラ８と、現像ローラ８表面の開口出口部で現像ローラ８
表面に接触するようにケーシング７に取り付けられた層
厚規制部材としてのブレード９と、ケーシング７内のト
ナー収容部内のトナーを撹拌するとともに現像ローラ８
表面とブレード９との接触部に向けて搬送する撹拌搬送
手段としてのアジテータ１０とを備えている。ここで、
上記現像ローラ８としては、軸線方向において少なくと
も現像幅に対応した領域の全表面が絶縁性材料で形成さ
れているもの、少なくとも該領域の全表面が例えば金属
や導電性樹脂などからなる導体や低抵抗体で形成されて
いるもの、後に詳述するように、少なくとも該領域の表
面に、誘電体部と接地された導電体部とが規則的又は不
規則的に微小面積で表面に露出したもの、などを用いる
ことができる。いずれの場合にも現像ローラ８表面の少
なくとも一部をトナー摩擦帯電用に利用する場合には、
そのトナー摩擦帯電用に利用する表面部分の材質とし
て、摩擦帯電系列上でのトナーとの関係が、現像に使用
するための所定極性にトナーを帯電し得る材料を選定す
る。そして、この現像ローラ８には感光体１と対向する
現像領域に所定の現像電界を形成するための現像バイア
ス電圧ＶRが現像バイアス電源１１によって印加されて
いる。なお、上記現像ローラ８は図１に示すように所定
ギャップＧをおいて感光体１表面と対向するように配設
しても良いし、感光体１表面に接触するように配置して
も良い。また、上記アジテータ１０は、トナーが自重で
順次現像ローラ８とブレード９の接触部に移動するよう
に、トナー収容部を構成するケーシング７壁内面を形成
した場合には省略できる。Next, the developing device 3 will be described. The developing device 3 of the present embodiment includes a casing 7 having an opening facing the surface of the photoreceptor 1 and a developing roller as a developer carrier that is partially exposed from the opening and is driven to rotate counterclockwise by an arrow. 8 and the developing roller 8 at the opening exit on the surface of the developing roller 8.
A blade 9 as a layer thickness regulating member attached to the casing 7 so as to be in contact with the surface;
An agitator 10 is provided as a stirring / transporting means for transporting the material toward a contact portion between the surface and the blade 9. here,
The developing roller 8 has a structure in which at least the entire surface of the region corresponding to the developing width in the axial direction is formed of an insulating material, and at least the entire surface of the region is formed of a conductor or low-conductive material such as a metal or a conductive resin. Formed of a resistor, as will be described in detail later, at least on a surface of the region, a dielectric portion and a grounded conductor portion are regularly or irregularly exposed to the surface with a small area. , Etc. can be used. In any case, when at least a part of the surface of the developing roller 8 is used for toner triboelectric charging,
As the material of the surface portion used for the frictional charging of the toner, a material capable of charging the toner to a predetermined polarity for use in development is selected in relation to the toner on the frictional charging series. A developing bias voltage V R for forming a predetermined developing electric field in a developing area facing the photoconductor 1 is applied to the developing roller 8 by a developing bias power supply 11. The developing roller 8 may be disposed so as to face the surface of the photoconductor 1 with a predetermined gap G as shown in FIG. 1 or may be disposed so as to be in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 1. . Further, the agitator 10 can be omitted when the inner surface of the wall of the casing 7 constituting the toner accommodating portion is formed so that the toner moves to the contact portion between the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 sequentially by its own weight.
【００２７】そして、本実施例においては、例えば図２
（ａ）に示すように、上記ブレード９が導電層９ａ上に
絶縁層９ｂを積層して形成されている。この導電層９ａ
は導電性ゴム（例えばカーボン分散型ウレタン）板や厚
さ０．１mm程度の金属弾性板で構成される。上記絶縁層
９ｂは、例えばトナーが付着しにくい、Ｓｉ系材料、Ｐ
ＴＦＥ系材料、Ｓｉ系材料とＰＴＦＥ系材料との合成材
料などの絶縁性材料を導電層９ａ上に約１００μｍの厚
さに塗布して形成される。この絶縁性材料は、絶縁層９
ａをトナーの摩擦帯電用に利用する場合には、摩擦帯電
系列上でのトナーとの関係が、現像に使用するための所
定極性にトナーを帯電し得る材料を選定する。またブレ
ード９表面へのトナー固着やフィルミングの要因になる
該表面近傍でのトナー滞留を防止するためには、上記絶
縁層９ｂの表面粗さをトナー粒径の３分の１以下に設定
することが望ましい。In this embodiment, for example, FIG.
As shown in (a), the blade 9 is formed by laminating an insulating layer 9b on a conductive layer 9a. This conductive layer 9a
Is made of a conductive rubber (for example, carbon dispersed urethane) plate or a metal elastic plate having a thickness of about 0.1 mm. The insulating layer 9b is made of, for example, a Si-based material, P
It is formed by applying an insulating material such as a TFE-based material or a synthetic material of a Si-based material and a PTFE-based material to a thickness of about 100 μm on the conductive layer 9a. This insulating material is used for the insulating layer 9.
When a is used for frictional charging of the toner, a material that can charge the toner to a predetermined polarity for use in development is selected in relation to the toner on the frictional charging series. Further, in order to prevent the toner from sticking to the surface of the blade 9 and to prevent the toner from staying in the vicinity of the surface, which is a cause of filming, the surface roughness of the insulating layer 9b is set to one third or less of the toner particle size. It is desirable.
【００２８】また、後述するブレードバイアスの印加に
よって現像ローラ８表面との間のリークが生じないよう
にすめたに、上記絶縁層９ａは抵抗Ｒが、 Ｒ＞１／（２πｆＣ） の関係を満足するように形成することが望ましい。ここ
で、πは円周率、ｆは後述するブレードバイアスの交流
周波数、Ｃは上記絶縁層９ａの容量である。但し、上述
のように現像ローラ８表面の少なくとも一部が導電や低
抵抗体である現像ローラ８を用いる場合には、上記リー
クを確実に防止するために、ブレード９の抵抗Ｒが、 Ｒ≫１／（２πｆＣ） の関係を満足するように形成することが望ましい。ま
た、現像ローラ８の軸線方向における両端部には絶縁性
トナーが担持されないので、トナーが担持されている領
域よりも上記リークが生じやすい。よって、特にこの両
端部が導体で構成されていたり、ブレードバイアスの具
体的な大きさによって上記リークが生じる恐れが高かっ
たりする場合には、このようなトナーが担持されない現
像ローラ８表面に対向するブレード９部分を、トナーが
担持されている現像ローラ８領域に対向するブレード９
部分の抵抗に比して、例えば１桁大きい抵抗になるよう
に構成することが望ましい。In order to prevent a leak from being generated between the surface of the developing roller 8 and the surface of the developing roller 8 by applying a blade bias described later, the insulating layer 9a has a resistance R satisfying a relationship of R> 1 / (2πfC). It is desirable to form so that Here, π is a circular constant, f is an AC frequency of a blade bias described later, and C is a capacity of the insulating layer 9a. However, when the developing roller 8 in which at least a part of the surface of the developing roller 8 is a conductive or low-resistance body is used as described above, the resistance R of the blade 9 is set to R≫ in order to reliably prevent the leakage. It is desirable to form them so as to satisfy the relationship of 1 / (2πfC). In addition, since the insulating toner is not carried on both ends in the axial direction of the developing roller 8, the above-described leak is more likely to occur than in the region where the toner is carried. Therefore, particularly when both ends are formed of a conductor, or when there is a high possibility that the above-described leakage occurs due to the specific magnitude of the blade bias, the developing roller 8 faces the surface of the developing roller 8 that does not carry such toner. The blade 9 is replaced with the blade 9 facing the developing roller 8 area where the toner is carried.
It is desirable that the resistance is, for example, one digit larger than the resistance of the portion.
【００２９】このような構成からなるブレード９を、絶
縁層９ａが現像ローラ８に接触するようにケーシング７
に取り付ける。具体的には図２（ａ）のようにブレード
９が現像ローラ８表面にほぼエッジ当てになるように取
り付けても良いし、例えば図２（ｂ）に示すように腹当
てになるように取り付けても良い。ここで、図２（ａ）
のようにブレード９の自由端部がその固定端部よりも現
像ローラ表面移動方向下流側になるようにしてエッジ当
てした場合には、図中に円Ｉで示すように、両者の接触
部よりも現像ローラ表面移動方向上流側で、微小な楔状
の間隙（以下、入り口楔部という）をおいて両部材表面
が対向する領域が生じる。また図２（ｂ）のように腹当
てした場合には、図中に円Ｅで示すように両者の接触部
よりも現像ローラ表面移動方向下流側にも、微小な楔状
の間隙（以下、出口楔部という）をおいて両部材表面が
対向する領域が生じる。The blade 9 having the above-described structure is mounted on the casing 7 so that the insulating layer 9a contacts the developing roller 8.
Attach to Specifically, the blade 9 may be attached to the surface of the developing roller 8 so as to substantially contact the edge as shown in FIG. 2A, or may be attached so as to contact the stomach as shown in FIG. 2B. May be. Here, FIG.
When the edge is applied such that the free end of the blade 9 is located downstream of the fixed end of the blade 9 in the direction of movement of the developing roller surface, as shown by a circle I in FIG. Also on the upstream side in the developing roller surface movement direction, there is a region where the surfaces of both members face each other with a minute wedge-shaped gap (hereinafter referred to as an entrance wedge portion). 2B, a small wedge-shaped gap (hereinafter referred to as an outlet) is also provided downstream of the developing roller surface moving direction from the contact portion between them, as indicated by a circle E in the figure. A region where the surfaces of both members are opposed to each other at the wedge portion is generated.
【００３０】そして、上記導電層９ａには絶縁層９ａと
現像ローラ８との接触部に直流成分が重畳された交番電
界を形成するためのブレード電圧がブレードバイアス電
源１２によって印加されている。このブレード電圧とし
ては、直流成分を重畳した交流などを用いることができ
る。この直流成分は、この直流成分ＶBLと上記現像バイ
アス電圧ＶRとの電位差で所定極性に帯電したトナーが
現像ローラ８表面側への静電気力を受けるように設定す
ることが望ましい。また例えば図２（ａ）に示すように
可変直流電源を用いて直流成分を可変できるようにして
も良い。またこのブレード電圧を、放電開始電圧以上に
なるように設定し、放電電荷をトナー帯電に寄与させる
ようにしても良い。例えば厚さ０．１mm程度の金属弾性
板上に絶縁性材料を約１００μｍの厚さに塗布したブレ
ード９の場合、上記直流成分ＶBLがほぼ５００ボルト以
上で、上記交流のピーク・ツウ・ピーク電圧Ｖppが、 Ｖpp≧２×｜ＶBL−ＶR｜ の関係を満足し、かつ、上記交流の周波数が５００Ｈｚ
乃至２０００Ｈｚの範囲内で、良好な結果が得られた。A blade voltage for forming an alternating electric field in which a DC component is superimposed on a contact portion between the insulating layer 9a and the developing roller 8 is applied to the conductive layer 9a by a blade bias power supply 12. As the blade voltage, an AC having a DC component superimposed thereon can be used. This DC component is desirably charged toner to a predetermined polarity by a potential difference between the DC component V BL and the developing bias voltage V R is set to receive an electrostatic force to the developing roller 8 surface. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, a DC component may be made variable using a variable DC power supply. Further, the blade voltage may be set to be equal to or higher than the discharge starting voltage so that the discharge charges contribute to the toner charging. For example, in the case of a blade 9 in which an insulating material is applied to a thickness of about 100 μm on a metal elastic plate having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, the DC component V BL is approximately 500 volts or more, and the AC peak-to-peak The voltage V pp satisfies the relationship of V pp ≧ 2 × | V BL −V R | and the frequency of the alternating current is 500 Hz
Good results were obtained in the range of 2000 Hz.
【００３１】以上の構成において、現像ローラ８の回転
によって現像ローラ８とブレード９の接触部に搬送され
る現像ローラ８表面上のトナーＴは、上記入り口楔部Ｉ
で、例えば図３（ａ）に示すように、交番電界Ｅの静電
気力を受け、振動しながら接触部に侵入していく。ここ
で、トナーＴが振動するので、入り口楔部Ｉでのトナー
凝集を防止できる。また、この振動によりトナーが現像
ローラ８やブレード９の表面に繰り返し衝突するので、
これらの表面をトナー摩擦帯電用に使用する場合には、
良好なトナー帯電量を得ることができる。更に、上記ブ
レード電圧を放電開始電圧以上にしている場合には、放
電電荷によるトナー帯電又はトナー帯電量の向上を図れ
る。特に、図２（ｂ）及び図３（ｂ）に示すように、ブ
レード９を腹当てにしている場合には、現像ローラ８と
ブレード９の接触部で所定の層厚にされたトナー層のト
ナーＴが出口楔部Ｘでも振動して多数回、現像ローラ８
やブレード９の表面に衝突するので、よりトナー帯電性
を安定させることができる。従って、十分に帯電したト
ナーＴからなる均一なトナー層を感光体１に供給するこ
とができ、かつ、ブレード９へのトナー固着を防止でき
る。更に、上記交番電界によりトナー振動で現像ローラ
８表面に付着したトナーＴを剥離することは、現像ロー
ラ８表面でのトナーフィルミング防止上も有効である。In the above-described configuration, the toner T on the surface of the developing roller 8 which is conveyed to the contact portion between the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 by the rotation of the developing roller 8 is supplied to the entrance wedge I
Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), it receives the electrostatic force of the alternating electric field E and penetrates into the contact portion while vibrating. Here, since the toner T vibrates, toner aggregation at the entrance wedge I can be prevented. Further, the toner repeatedly collides with the surfaces of the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 due to this vibration,
When these surfaces are used for toner triboelectric charging,
A good toner charge amount can be obtained. Further, when the blade voltage is equal to or higher than the discharge starting voltage, it is possible to improve the toner charge or the toner charge amount by the discharge charge. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, when the blade 9 is placed on the belly, the toner layer having a predetermined thickness at the contact portion between the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 is removed. The toner T vibrates even at the outlet wedge portion X, and the developing roller 8
And collides with the surface of the blade 9, so that the toner chargeability can be further stabilized. Therefore, it is possible to supply a uniform toner layer made of the sufficiently charged toner T to the photoreceptor 1 and prevent the toner from sticking to the blade 9. Further, peeling off the toner T adhered to the surface of the developing roller 8 by the toner vibration due to the alternating electric field is effective in preventing toner filming on the surface of the developing roller 8.
【００３２】なお、上記実施例においては、ブレード９
を導電層９ａ上に絶縁層９ｂを積層して形成したが、ブ
レード９を絶縁体のみで構成することもできる。この場
合にも、このブレード９自体に上記実施例と同様のブレ
ード電圧を印加することによって、入り口楔部や出口楔
部でトナーを振動させ、また、ブレード電圧を放電開始
電圧以上に設定しておくことによって、摩擦帯電に加
え、放電電荷によるトナー帯電を行うこともできる。例
えば、抵抗が１０14Ω・cm以上で、厚みが１００μｍ程
度のブレード９を用い、上記直流成分ＶBLがほぼ−５０
０ボルト以上で、上記交流のピーク・ツウ・ピーク電圧
Ｖppが、直流の放電開始電圧の２倍以上で、かつ、周波
数が５００Ｈｚ乃至２０００Ｈｚの範囲内のブレード電
圧を用いたところ、良好な結果が得られた。この場合、
現像ローラ８とブレード９との間の十分な耐圧を維持す
るために、少なくともブレード電圧印加の電極と現像ロ
ーラ８の導電性基体との間の時定数τ（抵抗Ｒと容量Ｃ
の積）が、 τ≫１／（２πｆ） の関係を満足するように設定した。In the above embodiment, the blade 9
Is formed by laminating the insulating layer 9b on the conductive layer 9a, but the blade 9 may be composed of only an insulator. Also in this case, by applying the same blade voltage to the blade 9 itself as in the above-described embodiment, the toner is vibrated at the entrance wedge portion and the exit wedge portion, and the blade voltage is set to be equal to or higher than the discharge starting voltage. By doing so, in addition to the frictional charging, the toner can be charged by the discharge charge. For example, a blade 9 having a resistance of 10 14 Ω · cm or more and a thickness of about 100 μm is used, and the DC component V BL is substantially −50.
When the AC peak-to-peak voltage V pp is 0 volts or more, and the peak-to-peak voltage V pp is twice or more the DC firing voltage and the frequency is in the range of 500 Hz to 2000 Hz, a good result is obtained. was gotten. in this case,
In order to maintain a sufficient withstand voltage between the developing roller 8 and the blade 9, at least a time constant τ (resistance R and capacitance C) between at least the electrode for applying the blade voltage and the conductive substrate of the developing roller 8.
Is set so as to satisfy the relationship of τ２1 / (2πf).
【００３３】また、現像ローラ８表面移動方向で下流側
の部分が同方向上両側の部分よりも抵抗Ｒが小さくなる
ように形成したブレード９を用いれば、両部分に振動と
放電によるトナーへの電荷付与を分担させることもでき
る。If the blade 9 is formed so that the resistance R is smaller at the downstream side in the direction of movement of the surface of the developing roller 8 than at both sides in the same direction, the charge to the toner due to vibration and discharge is applied to both parts. The assignment can also be shared.
【００３４】更に、上記直流成分を調整できるように構
成しておけば、現像ローラ８の線速の設定を変更する場
合に、この直流成分を調整して現像ローラ８の線速に応
じた良好なトナー帯電量や層厚を得られるようにするこ
とができる。更に、交流のピーク・ツウ・ピーク電圧や
周波数も調整可能に構成しておいても良い。Further, if the DC component is configured to be adjustable, when the setting of the linear velocity of the developing roller 8 is changed, the DC component is adjusted so as to be suitable for the linear velocity of the developing roller 8. It is possible to obtain an appropriate toner charge amount and layer thickness. Further, the peak-to-peak voltage and frequency of the alternating current may be adjustable.
【００３５】また、図２（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、
ブレード９を現像ローラ８に押圧して湾曲させた状態で
取り付ける場合には、交番電界の作用範囲を局所的に限
定でき、トナーの流れに与える影響を小さくできる。As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,
When the blade 9 is attached to the developing roller 8 while being pressed and curved, the range of action of the alternating electric field can be locally limited, and the influence on the toner flow can be reduced.
【００３６】次に、本発明の他の実施例に係る現像装置
について説明する。図４（ａ）は本実施例の現像装置の
概略構成図、図４（ｂ）は同現像装置の部分拡大図であ
る。本実施例の現像装置が、上記実施例の装置と異なる
点は、現像ローラ８表面がケーシング７内に戻って来る
ケーシング７の下ケーシング内面と現像ローラ８表面と
の間に、流出防止部材としてのシールブレード１３を設
けた点のみであり、本実施例においてもブレード９に所
定のブレード電圧が印加されている。上記シールブレー
ド１３は下端縁がケーシング７の下ケーシング内面に固
定され上端縁部を現像ローラ８表面に接触させている。
このシールブレード１３は、ケーシング７内のトナーが
現像ローラ８と下ケーシング内面との間を通ってケーシ
ング７開口部から流出するのを防止する他に、トナーを
所定極性に帯電するための誘電体で現像ローラ８表面を
構成した場合に、この表面のトナー帯電能力を維持させ
るとともにこの表面へのトナーフィルミングを防止する
目的を有している。このために、シールブレード１３
は、現像ローラ８表面を所定のトナー帯電極性とは逆の
極性に摩擦帯電させるような材質、つまり、摩擦帯電系
列上、現像ローラ８表面材料をトナー帯電極性と逆極性
に摩擦帯電し得る材料で構成する。更に、トナーとの摩
擦によっては、トナーを帯電させないか、又は、積極的
に所定のトナー帯電極性のトナー電荷量を減少させるよ
うな材質、つまり、摩擦帯電系列上、トナーを摩擦帯電
しないか、又は、積極的にトナーを所定のトナー帯電極
性とは逆極性に摩擦帯電し得る材料で構成することが望
ましい。これによれば、現像ローラ８とシールブレード
１３との接触部通過時に、現像ローラ８表面に付着して
ケーシング７内に戻ってきた未現像トナーに対する現像
ローラ８表面の束縛力を軽減させ、新しいトナーと入れ
替えることができる。従って、現像ローラ８表面に付着
し続け、何度も現像ローラ８とブレード９との接触部を
通過して現像ローラ８表面にフィルミングが生じて、現
像ローラ８表面のトナー摩擦帯電機能やトナー保持力を
低下させるのを防止できる。Next, a developing device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4A is a schematic configuration diagram of the developing device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged view of the developing device. The difference between the developing device of the present embodiment and the device of the above embodiment is that the surface of the developing roller 8 is returned to the inside of the casing 7 and between the inner surface of the lower casing 7 and the surface of the developing roller 8 as an outflow preventing member. In this embodiment, a predetermined blade voltage is applied to the blade 9. The lower end of the seal blade 13 is fixed to the inner surface of the lower casing of the casing 7, and the upper end of the seal blade 13 contacts the surface of the developing roller 8.
The seal blade 13 not only prevents the toner in the casing 7 from flowing out of the opening of the casing 7 through the gap between the developing roller 8 and the inner surface of the lower casing, but also serves as a dielectric for charging the toner to a predetermined polarity. When the surface of the developing roller 8 is formed as described above, the purpose is to maintain the toner charging ability of this surface and to prevent toner filming on this surface. For this purpose, the sealing blade 13
Is a material that frictionally charges the surface of the developing roller 8 to a polarity opposite to the predetermined toner charging polarity, that is, a material that can frictionally charge the surface material of the developing roller 8 to a polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity in a friction charging series. It consists of. Further, depending on the friction with the toner, do not charge the toner, or a material that positively reduces the amount of toner charge of a predetermined toner charge polarity, that is, does not frictionally charge the toner on the friction charge series, Alternatively, it is preferable that the toner is made of a material that can be frictionally charged to a polarity opposite to a predetermined toner charging polarity. According to this, when passing through the contact portion between the developing roller 8 and the seal blade 13, the binding force of the surface of the developing roller 8 against undeveloped toner adhering to the surface of the developing roller 8 and returning to the inside of the casing 7 is reduced. Can be replaced with toner. Therefore, the toner continues to adhere to the surface of the developing roller 8, passes through the contact portion between the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 many times, and filming occurs on the surface of the developing roller 8. A decrease in holding power can be prevented.
【００３７】更に、このシールブレード１３と現像ロー
ラ８との対向部におけるトナー滞留を防止するために、
上記ブレード９と同様に交番電界を印加して、該対向部
でトナー振動させるようにしても良い。この場合、例え
ば図５に示すように、シールブレード１３の、固定端側
を上記絶縁性材料で、自由端側を導電性材料で、それぞ
れ形成し、該絶縁性材料からなる部分が現像ローラ８に
接触し、かつ該導電性材料からなる部分が現像ローラ８
との接触部よりも上記ケーシング７内奥側に延在するよ
うに取り付け、該導電性材料からなる部分にシールブレ
ードバイアス電源１４で上記電圧を印加するようにして
も良い。これによれば、現像ローラ８上の未現像トナー
をシールブレード１３と現像ローラ８との接触部で、ト
ナーの所定の帯電極性の帯電量を減少させて現像ローラ
８表面の束縛力を弱めた後に、交番電界Ｅによりトナー
を振動させることができるので、該対向部でのトナーの
滞在を有効に防止でき、現像ローラ８表面のフィルミン
グを防止できる。従って、現像ローラ８による現像電界
の維持、現像ローラ８の現像剤搬送力やトナー帯電能力
の安定を図ることができる。なお、このシールブレード
１３に印加する交流としては、ピーク・ツウ・ピーク電
圧が１０００ボルト以上で、周波数が１０００Ｈｚ程度
のもので十分に、このような効果が発揮されることが確
認できた。Further, in order to prevent toner stagnation in the opposed portion between the seal blade 13 and the developing roller 8,
Similar to the blade 9, an alternating electric field may be applied to cause the toner to vibrate at the facing portion. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixed end side of the seal blade 13 is formed of the above-mentioned insulating material, and the free end side thereof is formed of the conductive material. And the portion made of the conductive material contacts the developing roller 8.
May be attached to the inner side of the casing 7 so as to extend from the contact portion with the conductive material, and the seal blade bias power supply 14 may apply the voltage to a portion made of the conductive material. According to this, the amount of undeveloped toner on the developing roller 8 at the contact portion between the seal blade 13 and the developing roller 8 is reduced to reduce the amount of toner having a predetermined charging polarity, thereby reducing the binding force on the surface of the developing roller 8. Later, since the toner can be vibrated by the alternating electric field E, it is possible to effectively prevent the toner from staying at the opposed portion and prevent the filming on the surface of the developing roller 8. Therefore, maintenance of the developing electric field by the developing roller 8 and stabilization of the developer conveying force and the toner charging ability of the developing roller 8 can be achieved. In addition, it was confirmed that such an effect was sufficiently exhibited when the peak-to-peak voltage of the alternating current applied to the seal blade 13 was 1000 volts or more and the frequency was about 1000 Hz.
【００３８】また、図４（ａ）や図５に示すように、シ
ールブレード１３を弾性材料で構成し、これを現像ロー
ラ８に押圧して湾曲させた状態で取り付ける場合には、
この湾曲度合いによって両部材表面で形成する楔状の間
隙の開き角度、すなわち未現像トナーを現像ローラ８表
面から剥離させる交番電界の作用範囲を調整できる。ま
たシールブレード１３の自由端部の現像ローラ８への押
圧によってケーシング７内を密封できる。As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 5, when the seal blade 13 is made of an elastic material and is attached to the developing roller 8 in a curved state by pressing it,
The degree of curvature can adjust the opening angle of the wedge-shaped gap formed between the surfaces of both members, that is, the range of action of the alternating electric field that separates undeveloped toner from the surface of the developing roller 8. Further, the inside of the casing 7 can be sealed by pressing the free end of the seal blade 13 against the developing roller 8.
【００３９】ここで、上記各実施例における現像ローラ
８として好適な現像ローラ８について説明する。本出願
人は、現像ローラ８上に帯電量の安定したトナーを所望
量だけ付着させるために、例えば図６（ａ）に示すよう
に、表面が規則的または不規則的に微小面積で分布した
誘電体部１５と接地された導電体部とからなる現像ロー
ラ８を用い、現像ローラ８面に接触する位置で回転する
現像剤供給部材としてトナー供給ローラ１６を設け、現
像ローラ８とトナー供給ローラ１６との圧接部において
トナーを摩擦帯電し、かつ、該誘電体部１５をトナー供
給ローラ１６及びトナーにより摩擦帯電して、図６
（ｂ）に示すように現像ローラ８面近傍に多数の微小閉
電界Ｅ0を形成し、摩擦帯電されたトナーを、該微小閉
電界Ｅ0により現像ローラ８上に多層に担持させる現像
装置について出願を行なった（例えば、特願平２−１５
１１０号参照）。かかる先願発明の現像装置によれば、
現像ローラ８上に帯電量の安定した多層のトナー層を形
成することが可能になる。ここで、上記誘電体部１５の
大きさは、例えば径が５０〜２００μm程度になるよう
にする。両部の面積比としては、例えば誘電体部１５の
面積が全体の４０〜７０％の範囲になるようにするのが
好ましい。図６（ａ）に示す現像ローラ８は、ローレッ
ト型のものであり、これは、芯金ローラの表面をローレ
ット加工して所定の溝を形成した後、絶縁性の例えば樹
脂をコートし、その後に表面を切削加工して芯金部が導
電体部として、溝内の樹脂が誘電体部１５として、それ
ぞれ表面に露出するようにしたものである。このような
ローレット加工による現像ローラ８に限らず、例えば、
金属ローラ上に誘電粒子４１ａが分散された導電性樹脂
の層を形成した樹脂分散型の現像ローラ８を用いても良
い。Here, the developing roller 8 suitable as the developing roller 8 in each of the above embodiments will be described. In order to deposit a desired amount of toner having a stable charge amount on the developing roller 8, the present applicant has, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the surface is regularly or irregularly distributed over a small area. A toner supply roller 16 is provided as a developer supply member that rotates at a position in contact with the surface of the development roller 8 using a development roller 8 including a dielectric part 15 and a conductive part that is grounded. The toner is frictionally charged at the pressure contact portion with the toner supply roller 16 and the dielectric portion 15 is frictionally charged by the toner supply roller 16 and the toner.
(B) A developing device that forms a large number of minute closed electric fields E 0 near the surface of the developing roller 8 and carries the triboelectrically charged toner on the developing roller 8 in multiple layers by the minute closed electric field E 0 Filed an application (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2-15
No. 110). According to the developing device of the prior invention,
It is possible to form a multi-layer toner layer having a stable charge amount on the developing roller 8. Here, the size of the dielectric portion 15 is set, for example, to a diameter of about 50 to 200 μm. It is preferable that the area ratio between the two parts is, for example, such that the area of the dielectric part 15 is in the range of 40 to 70% of the whole. The developing roller 8 shown in FIG. 6A is of a knurled type, which is formed by knurling the surface of a cored roller to form a predetermined groove, and then coating an insulating resin, for example. The core is exposed on the surface as a conductor, and the resin in the groove is exposed as a dielectric 15 on the surface. Not only the developing roller 8 formed by such knurling but also, for example,
A resin-dispersed developing roller 8 in which a conductive resin layer in which dielectric particles 41a are dispersed on a metal roller may be used.
【００４０】このような表面にトナーを担持するための
無数の微小閉電界Ｅ0が形成される現像ローラ８を、上
記各実施例の現像ローラ８として用いる場合には、種々
の相乗効果が発揮される。すなわち、図６（ａ）に示す
ように、現像ローラ８として無数の微小閉電界Ｅ0を形
成される現像ローラ８を用い、かつ、ブレード９に所定
のブレード電圧を印加する場合には、入り口楔部でブレ
ード電圧による交番電界によって振動するトナーは、入
り口楔部の現像ローラ８とブレード９との間隙が極めて
狭くなり、微小閉電界Ｅ0の作用範囲まで侵入した後に
は、現像ローラ８表面の誘電体部１５とブレード９表面
との間で振動するようになり、トナーの特に誘電体部１
５との間の摩擦帯電を促進させることができる。更に、
上記ブレード電圧として放電開始電圧以上の電圧を用い
て放電させる場合には、放電電荷によってトナーの帯電
を高めるばかりでなく、誘電体部１５にも電荷を付与し
て微小閉電界を強めることができる。更に、このような
放電による誘電体部１５への電荷付与や、ブレード９に
よる誘電体部１５の摩擦帯電により、誘電体部１５に電
荷を付与するようにすることによって、上記トナー供給
ローラ１６を省略することもできる。When the developing roller 8 in which the innumerable minute closed electric field E 0 for carrying toner on the surface is formed is used as the developing roller 8 in each of the above embodiments, various synergistic effects are exhibited. Is done. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the developing roller 8 that forms an innumerable minute closed electric field E 0 is used as the developing roller 8 and a predetermined blade voltage is applied to the blade 9, vibrated by an alternating electric field by the blade voltage wedge toner, the gap is extremely narrow and the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 of the entrance wedge, the after penetrate working range of the fine閉電field E 0, the developing roller 8 surface Vibrates between the dielectric portion 15 of the toner and the surface of the blade 9, and particularly the dielectric portion 1 of the toner.
5 can be promoted. Furthermore,
When the discharge is performed using a voltage equal to or higher than the discharge starting voltage as the blade voltage, not only the charge of the toner is increased by the discharge charge, but also a charge is applied to the dielectric portion 15 to strengthen the minute electric field. . Further, the toner supply roller 16 is provided by applying electric charge to the dielectric portion 15 by such discharge and applying electric charge to the dielectric portion 15 by frictional charging of the dielectric portion 15 by the blade 9. It can be omitted.
【００４１】また、現像ローラ８として無数の微小閉電
界Ｅ0を形成される現像ローラ８を用い、かつ、上記シ
ールブレード１３を用いれば、シールブレード１３によ
り未現像トナーの現像ローラ８表面からの剥離を行うこ
とで、現像ローラ８表面へのフィルミングを長期にわた
って防止できるので、現像ローラ８表面の誘電体部１５
の摩擦帯電等による微小閉電界Ｅ0の形成を長期にわた
って安定に行うことができる。特に、上記シールブレー
ド１３に所定の交流電圧を印加する場合には、上記剥離
能力が増大するので、強力なトナー吸引力故にフィルミ
ングが生じ易い上記現像ローラ８のフィルミングを有効
に防止できる。更に、このシールブレード１３によって
誘電体部１５を所定極性に摩擦帯電するようにしても、
上記トナー供給ローラ１６を省略できるようになる。When the developing roller 8 having the innumerable minute closed electric field E 0 is used as the developing roller 8 and the seal blade 13 is used, the undeveloped toner from the surface of the developing roller 8 is removed by the seal blade 13. By performing peeling, filming on the surface of the developing roller 8 can be prevented for a long period of time.
It is possible to perform triboelectric charging or the like of the formation of micro閉電field E 0 by stable over long. In particular, when a predetermined AC voltage is applied to the seal blade 13, the peeling ability increases, so that the filming of the developing roller 8 where filming easily occurs due to a strong toner suction force can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, even if the dielectric portion 15 is frictionally charged to a predetermined polarity by the seal blade 13,
The toner supply roller 16 can be omitted.
【００４２】次に、他の実施例に係る現像装置３につい
て説明する。図７（ａ）は本実施例の現像装置３を採用
した複写機の概略構成図、図７（ｂ）は同現像装置３の
現像領域におけるトナー挙動の説明図である。この複写
機では、現像装置３を感光体１の下方に配置している。
これにともない一様帯電器２、転写帯電器４、クリーニ
ング装置５などが、上記図１の複写機での配設位置とは
ずれた位置に配設されている。この図７（ａ）中の符号
Ａが図示しない潜像形成光学系からの露光光線の光路を
示し、また符号Ｂが転写紙の搬送経路を示している。複
写機全体の動作は図１の複写機と同様である。Next, a developing device 3 according to another embodiment will be described. FIG. 7A is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine employing the developing device 3 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of toner behavior in a developing area of the developing device 3. In this copying machine, the developing device 3 is disposed below the photoconductor 1.
Along with this, the uniform charger 2, the transfer charger 4, the cleaning device 5, and the like are arranged at positions different from the arrangement positions in the copying machine of FIG. Reference numeral A in FIG. 7A indicates an optical path of an exposure light beam from a latent image forming optical system (not shown), and reference numeral B indicates a transfer path of a transfer sheet. The operation of the entire copying machine is the same as that of the copying machine shown in FIG.
【００４３】本実施例の現像装置３は、感光体１表面に
対向するケーシング７の上部に現像ローラ８を部分的に
露出させるため開口が形成され、この開口から部分的に
露出するように回転駆動される現像ローラ８が配設され
ている。この現像ローラ８には図示しない電源から所定
の現像バイアスが印加されている。このケーシング７開
口から露出している現像ローラ９の表面に自由端部が接
触するようにケーシング７に層厚規制部材としてのブレ
ード９が取り付けられている。このブレード９は基端部
がケーシング７に固定され、自由端部が現像ローラ９表
面に接触しているので、現像ローラ９表面とケーシング
７開口縁部とのシール部材としても機能している。現像
ローラ８の回転により、このブレード９の当接部を通過
し、かつ直接感光体１表面に例えば非接触で対向した後
に、ケーシング７に戻ってきた現像ローラ８表面に自由
端部が接触するように、流出防止部材としてのシールブ
レード１３がケーシング７に取り付けられている。ま
た、ケーシング７内には非磁性トナーからなる一成分系
現像剤が収容され、収容トナーを現像ローラ８表面に供
給するためのアジテータ１０が設けられている。このア
ジテータ１０に代え、現像ローラ８表面にトナーを摺擦
させながら供給するスポンジローラなどを用いても良
い。In the developing device 3 of this embodiment, an opening is formed in the upper part of the casing 7 facing the surface of the photoreceptor 1 so as to partially expose the developing roller 8, and is rotated so as to be partially exposed from the opening. A driven developing roller 8 is provided. A predetermined developing bias is applied to the developing roller 8 from a power source (not shown). A blade 9 as a layer thickness regulating member is attached to the casing 7 such that a free end thereof comes into contact with the surface of the developing roller 9 exposed from the opening of the casing 7. Since the base end of the blade 9 is fixed to the casing 7 and the free end thereof is in contact with the surface of the developing roller 9, the blade 9 also functions as a sealing member between the surface of the developing roller 9 and the opening edge of the casing 7. Due to the rotation of the developing roller 8, the free end portion comes into contact with the surface of the developing roller 8 that has passed through the contact portion of the blade 9 and directly opposed to the surface of the photosensitive member 1 without contact, for example, and then returned to the casing 7. As described above, the seal blade 13 as the outflow prevention member is attached to the casing 7. Further, a one-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner is contained in the casing 7, and an agitator 10 for supplying the contained toner to the surface of the developing roller 8 is provided. Instead of the agitator 10, a sponge roller or the like that supplies toner while rubbing the surface of the developing roller 8 may be used.
【００４４】ここで、本実施例において、図７（ｂ）に
示すように、上記ブレード９に、ブレードバイアス電源
１２によって現像ローラ９及び感光体１との間に交番電
界を形成するための電圧が印加されている。この印加電
圧としては例えば上記実施例におけるブレードバイアス
電源１２の電圧と同様の電圧を用いることができる。ま
た、図示の例では、上記ブレード９が、中抵抗材からな
るブレード本体９ａの感光体１側の面に絶縁層９ｂを積
層して形成されている。この中抵抗材は、これと現像ロ
ーラ９との間のトナー摩擦によりトナーを所定極性に摩
擦帯電する場合には、摩擦帯電系列上でのトナーとの関
係が、現像に使用するための所定極性にトナーを帯電し
得る材料を選定する。またブレード９表面へのトナー固
着やフィルミングの要因になる該表面近傍でのトナー滞
留を防止するためには、上記絶縁層９ｂの表面粗さをト
ナー粒径の３分の１以下に設定することが望ましい。更
に、上記絶縁層９ｂは、感光体１との間の放電を確実に
防止するために、時定数τ（抵抗Ｒと容量Ｃの積）が、 τ≫１／（２πｆ） の関係を満足するように設定することが望ましい。In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, a voltage for forming an alternating electric field between the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive member 1 by the blade bias power supply 12 is applied to the blade 9 as shown in FIG. Is applied. As the applied voltage, for example, the same voltage as the voltage of the blade bias power supply 12 in the above embodiment can be used. In the illustrated example, the blade 9 is formed by laminating an insulating layer 9b on the surface of the blade body 9a made of a medium resistance material on the photoconductor 1 side. When the medium resistance material frictionally charges the toner to a predetermined polarity by toner friction between the medium resistance material and the developing roller 9, the relationship between the medium resistance material and the toner on the friction charging series is a predetermined polarity for use in development. A material that can charge the toner is selected. Further, in order to prevent the toner from sticking to the surface of the blade 9 and to prevent the toner from staying in the vicinity of the surface, which is a cause of filming, the surface roughness of the insulating layer 9b is set to one third or less of the toner particle size. It is desirable. Further, the insulating layer 9b has a time constant τ (the product of the resistance R and the capacitance C) satisfying the relationship of τ≫1 / (2πf) in order to reliably prevent discharge between the photoconductor 1 and the insulating layer 9b. It is desirable to set as follows.
【００４５】そして、図示の例では、現像ローラ９に対
してブレード９の自由端縁部がほぼ感光体１の回転中心
の鉛直直下に位置するように取り付けられている。更
に、このブレード９は図７（ｂ）に示すように現像ロー
ラ９に対して腹当てになっており、現像ローラ９との接
触部より、現像ローラ表面移動方向の上流及び下流で微
小な楔状の間隙をおいて両部材表面が対向する領域が生
じるようにされている。In the illustrated example, the blade 9 is attached to the developing roller 9 such that the free edge of the blade 9 is located substantially vertically below the rotation center of the photosensitive member 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the blade 9 is in contact with the developing roller 9 and has a small wedge-shaped upstream and downstream in the developing roller surface moving direction from the contact portion with the developing roller 9. A region where the surfaces of both members face each other with a gap of.
【００４６】以上の構成において、現像ローラ８の回転
によって現像ローラ８とブレード９の接触部に搬送され
る現像ローラ８表面上のトナーは、上記入り口楔部で、
例えば図７（ｂ）に示すように、交番電界Ｅの静電気力
を受け、振動しながら接触部に侵入していく。ここで、
トナーが振動するので、入り口楔部でのトナー凝集を防
止できる。また、この振動によりトナーが現像ローラ８
やブレード９の表面に繰り返し衝突するので、これらの
表面をトナー摩擦帯電用に使用する場合には、良好なト
ナー帯電量を得ることができる。特に、図示のように、
ブレード９を腹当てにしている場合には、現像ローラ８
とブレード９の接触部で所定の層厚にされたトナー層の
トナーが出口楔部でも振動して多数回、現像ローラ８や
ブレード９の表面に衝突するので、よりトナー帯電性を
安定させることができる。従って、十分に帯電したトナ
ーＴからなる均一なトナー層を感光体１に供給すること
ができ、かつ、ブレード９へのトナー固着を防止でき
る。そして、現像ローラ８表面が直接感光体１と対向す
る現像領域で、現像ローラ８上のトナーが感光体１の潜
像の像部に移転する。この現像領域ではブレード９と現
像ローラ８との間に形成されている交番電界により、あ
るいは、現像電界により、上記像部に付着しない不必要
なトナーも現像ローラ８上から離れて浮遊して外部に飛
散する恐れがある。しかし、本実施例においては、感光
体１と現像ローラ８との対向部に、所定電圧が印加され
たブレード９の先端部が位置しているので、感光体１と
ブレード９先端部との間の交番電界によってブレード９
側に引き戻され、更に現像ローラ９表面に戻される。特
に現像ローラ８が感光体１に下方から対向しているので
トナーの自重によっても現像ローラ８表面に戻される。
無論潜像の地肌部と現像ローラ９との間には現像ローラ
８側にトナーを移動させる電界が形成されている。In the above configuration, the toner on the surface of the developing roller 8 which is conveyed to the contact portion between the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 by the rotation of the developing roller 8 is supplied to the entrance wedge by the entrance wedge.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, it receives the electrostatic force of the alternating electric field E and penetrates into the contact portion while vibrating. here,
Since the toner vibrates, aggregation of the toner at the entrance wedge portion can be prevented. Further, the toner is caused by this vibration to cause the developing roller 8 to move.
When the surface is used for frictional charging of toner, a good amount of toner charge can be obtained. In particular, as shown,
When the blade 9 is resting on the stomach, the developing roller 8
The toner of the toner layer having a predetermined thickness at the contact portion between the toner and the blade 9 vibrates even at the outlet wedge portion and collides with the surface of the developing roller 8 and the blade 9 many times, so that the toner charging property is further stabilized. Can be. Therefore, it is possible to supply a uniform toner layer made of the sufficiently charged toner T to the photoreceptor 1 and prevent the toner from sticking to the blade 9. Then, in the developing area where the surface of the developing roller 8 directly faces the photoconductor 1, the toner on the developing roller 8 is transferred to the image portion of the latent image on the photoconductor 1. In this development area, unnecessary toner that does not adhere to the image portion floats away from the development roller 8 due to an alternating electric field formed between the blade 9 and the development roller 8 or due to the development electric field. May be scattered. However, in this embodiment, since the tip of the blade 9 to which the predetermined voltage is applied is located at the opposing portion between the photosensitive member 1 and the developing roller 8, the distance between the photosensitive member 1 and the tip of the blade 9 is large. Blade 9 by the alternating electric field of
Side, and is further returned to the surface of the developing roller 9. In particular, since the developing roller 8 is opposed to the photoreceptor 1 from below, the toner is returned to the surface of the developing roller 8 by its own weight.
Of course, an electric field for moving the toner toward the developing roller 8 is formed between the background portion of the latent image and the developing roller 9.
【００４７】以上のように本実施例においては、現像ロ
ーラ８表面からトナー飛散を有効に防止できる。なお、
感光体１を線速１２０mm／秒で駆動しながら、マイナス
８００Ｖの一様帯電を行った領域にネガ潜像を書き込
み、マイナス６００Ｖの現像バイアスを現像ローラ８に
印加しながら反転現像を行った。このとき、ブレード９
として時定数が約１．７×１０4秒（上記絶縁層９ｂ
が、抵抗値１０17Ωcm、厚み０．１mm、静電容量０．１
８μＦ）を用い、これにマイナス６００Ｖが重畳された
周波数０．５乃至１．５ＫＨｚ、ピーク・ツウ・ピーク
電圧１．５ＫＶの交番電圧を印加した。これによれば、
十分なブレードの耐圧が得られた。なお、上記絶縁層９
ｂ材料としては、Ｓｉのシート、ナイロン６（商標）、
ナイロン６６（商標）が好適であった。As described above, in this embodiment, toner scattering from the surface of the developing roller 8 can be effectively prevented. In addition,
While the photosensitive member 1 was driven at a linear speed of 120 mm / sec, a negative latent image was written in a region where uniform charging was performed at −800 V, and reversal development was performed while applying a developing bias of −600 V to the developing roller 8. At this time, blade 9
And the time constant is about 1.7 × 10 4 seconds (the insulating layer 9b
Has a resistance value of 10 17 Ωcm, a thickness of 0.1 mm, and a capacitance of 0.1
8 .mu.F), and an alternating voltage having a frequency of 0.5 to 1.5 KHz and a peak-to-peak voltage of 1.5 KV with -600 V superimposed thereon was applied thereto. According to this,
Sufficient pressure resistance of the blade was obtained. The insulating layer 9
As the material b, Si sheet, nylon 6 (trademark),
Nylon 66 ™ was preferred.
【００４８】[0048]
【００４９】[0049]
【００５０】[0050]
【００５１】[0051]
【００５２】[0052]
【００５３】[0053]
【００５４】[0054]
【００５５】[0055]
【００５６】[0056]
【発明の効果】請求項１の発明によれば、現像剤担持体According to the first aspect of the present invention, the developer carrier
に層厚規制部材が接触しているので、両部材の対向部をSince the layer thickness regulating member is in contact with the
介して現像剤が外部に飛散するのを防止できる。また、The developer can be prevented from being scattered to the outside. Also,
両部材の間に交番電界を形成して対向部を通過する現像Development in which an alternating electric field is formed between the two members and passes through the opposite part
剤を振動させるので、該対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留をThe developer vibrates, so that the developer stays near the facing portion.
防止して、層厚規制部材への現像剤の固着を防止できるTo prevent the developer from sticking to the layer thickness regulating member.
とともに、現像剤担持体表面や層厚規制部材表面を現像At the same time, develops the surface of the developer carrier and the surface of the layer thickness regulating member.
剤の摩擦帯電用に利用する場合の摩擦帯電効果を向上でTo improve the triboelectric effect when used for triboelectric charging of agents
きる。更に、該電圧として、定極性に帯電した現像剤をWear. Further, as the voltage, a developer charged to a constant polarity is used.
該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体側へ向かわせる向The direction from the layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrier.
きの電界を形成する直流成分が重畳された交番電界を形An alternating electric field on which the DC component that forms the electric field
成するものを用いるので、層厚規制部材で現像剤を電気Is used, the developer is electrically charged by the layer thickness regulating member.
的に直接帯電さることを可能になる。また、請求項２のIt becomes possible to charge directly directly. In addition, claim 2
発明によれば、現像剤担持体に層厚規制部材が接触してAccording to the invention, when the layer thickness regulating member comes into contact with the developer carrier,
いるので、両部材の対向部を介して現像剤が外部に飛散The developer scatters outside through the opposing part of both members
するのを防止できる。また、両部材の間に交番電界を形Can be prevented. An alternating electric field is formed between both members.
成する電圧を印加して、両部材の対向部を通過する現像Applying the resulting voltage, the development passes through the opposite part of both members
剤を振動させるので、該対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留をThe developer vibrates, so that the developer stays near the facing portion.
防止して、層厚規制部材への現像剤の固着を防止できるTo prevent the developer from sticking to the layer thickness regulating member.
とともに、現像剤担持体表面や層厚規制部材表面を現像At the same time, develops the surface of the developer carrier and the surface of the layer thickness regulating member.
剤の摩擦帯電用に利用する場合の摩擦帯電効果を向上でTo improve the triboelectric effect when used for triboelectric charging of agents
きる。更に、該電圧として、直流成分が重畳された交番Wear. Further, as the voltage, an alternating
電界を形成するものを用い、かつ、該直流成分を可変にUse an electric field generator and variably change the DC component
しているので、該直流成分の調整で現像剤の帯電量や現Adjustment of the DC component, the charge amount of the developer and the current
像剤を調整できる。そして、請求項１あるいは２の発明The image agent can be adjusted. And the invention of claim 1 or 2
によれば、上記現像剤担持体表面に対向する上記層厚規According to the above, the layer thickness rule facing the developer carrier surface
制部材の表面又は該現像剤担持体表面の少なくとも一部At least a part of the surface of the control member or the surface of the developer carrier
が、導電性である請求項１又は２の現像装置において、Is a conductive device according to claim 1 or 2,
該層厚規制部材の上記電圧印加回路内における時定数Time constant of the layer thickness regulating member in the voltage application circuit
が、１／（２πｆ）よりも十分大きくなるように、該層Is sufficiently larger than 1 / (2πf).
厚規制部材を構成し、これにより、該層厚規制部材からForming a thickness regulating member, whereby the thickness regulating member
の放電によっても該層厚規制部材と現像剤担持体との間Between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier
で直接リークしないようにするので、安定した現像剤層To prevent direct leakage, so a stable developer layer
の形成ができる。また、放電による現像剤の帯電を安定Can be formed. Also, stable charging of developer due to discharge
して行うことができる。You can do it.
【００５７】請求項３の発明によれば、現像剤担持体に
層厚規制部材が接触しているので、両部材の対向部を介
して現像剤が外部に飛散するのを防止できる。また、両
部材の間に交番電界を形成して対向部を通過する現像剤
を振動させるので、該対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留を防
止して、層厚規制部材への現像剤の固着を防止できると
ともに、現像剤担持体表面や層厚規制部材表面を現像剤
の摩擦帯電用に利用する場合の摩擦帯電効果を向上でき
る。更に、該電圧として、定極性に帯電した現像剤を該
層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体側へ向かわせる向き
の電界を形成する直流成分が重畳された交番電界を形成
するものを用いるので、層厚規制部材で現像剤を電気的
に直接帯電さることを可能になる。また、請求項４発明
によれば、現像剤担持体に層厚規制部材が接触している
ので、両部材の対向部を介して現像剤が外部に飛散する
のを防止できる。また、両部材の間に交番電界を形成す
る電圧を印加して、両部材の対向部を通過する現像剤を
振動させるので、該対向部近傍での現像剤の滞留を防止
して、層厚規制部材への現像剤の固着を防止できるとと
もに、現像剤担持体表面や層厚規制部材表面を現像剤の
摩擦帯電用に利用する場合の摩擦帯電効果を向上でき
る。更に、該電圧として、直流成分が重畳された交番電
界を形成するものを用い、かつ、該直流成分を可変にし
ているので、該直流成分の調整で現像剤の帯電量や現像
剤を調整できる。 そして、請求項３あるいは４の発明に
よれば、上記現像剤担持体の軸線方向において、該現像
剤担持体上の現像剤を担持させる領域よりも外側の領域
に対向する、上記層厚規制部材部分を、該現像剤を担持
させる領域に対向する部分よりも大きな電気抵抗になる
ように構成しているので、現像剤が担持されている領域
に比してリークが生じやすい現像剤が担持されていない
領域においても確実にリークを防止できる。 According to the third aspect of the present invention, the developer carrier
Since the layer thickness regulating member is in contact,
As a result, the developer can be prevented from scattering outside. Also, both
A developer that forms an alternating electric field between the members and passes through the opposite part
Vibrates to prevent the developer from staying near the facing portion.
To prevent the developer from sticking to the layer thickness regulating member.
In both cases, the surface of the developer carrier and the surface of the layer thickness regulating member
Can improve the triboelectric effect when used for triboelectric charging
You. Furthermore, a developer charged to a constant polarity is used as the voltage.
Direction from the layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrier side
Forms an alternating electric field with a DC component superimposed on it
The developer is electrically charged with a layer thickness regulating member.
It becomes possible to be directly charged to The invention of claim 4
According to the above, the layer thickness regulating member is in contact with the developer carrier.
Therefore, the developer is scattered to the outside through the facing portion of both members.
Can be prevented. Also, an alternating electric field is formed between the two members.
Voltage to apply the developer passing through the opposite part of the two members.
Vibration prevents developer from staying in the vicinity of the facing part
To prevent the developer from sticking to the layer thickness regulating member.
In addition, the surface of the developer carrier and the surface of the layer thickness regulating member
Can improve the triboelectric effect when used for triboelectric charging
You. Further, as the voltage, an alternating current
That form an electric field and make the DC component variable
Adjustment of the DC component, the charge amount of the developer and the development
The agent can be adjusted. Then, according to the invention of claim 3 or 4, in the axial direction of the developer carrying member, opposed to a region outside the region for carrying a developer on the developer carrying member, the layer thickness regulating member Since the portion is configured so as to have a higher electrical resistance than the portion facing the region where the developer is carried, the developer which is more likely to leak than the region where the developer is carried is carried. Leakage can be reliably prevented even in an area where no leakage occurs.
【００５８】[0058]
【００５９】[0059]
【００６０】[0060]
【００６１】請求項５の発明によれば、流出防止部材に
よりケーシング内の現像剤が潜像担持体に向いたケーシ
ングの開口から外部に流出するのを防止できる。また、
該流出防止部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持との接触部分
を、現像剤の所定の帯電極性とは逆の極性に該誘電体材
料を摩擦帯電し得る材料で形成し、流下防止部材と現像
剤担持体の誘電体材料表面との摩擦によって、該誘電体
材料表面を現像剤の所定の帯電極性とは逆の極性に摩擦
帯電するので、該誘電体材料表面の初期帯電を該流下防
止部材によって行なうことができる。 そして、電圧印加
手段で、上記流出防止部材と現像剤担持体との間に、交
番電界を形成し、現像剤担持体上の未現像の現像剤を、
該流下防止部材と現像剤担持体との間で、この交番電界
により振動させて現像剤担持体から剥離し易くさせるの
で、新しい現像剤との入れ替えを促進できる。 そして、
上記流出防止部材の、固定端側の絶縁性材料部分を記現
像剤担持体に接触させているので、ケーシング内の現像
剤がケーシングの開口から外部に流出するのを防止でき
る。また、該流下防止部材の現像剤担持体との接触部よ
りも上記ケーシング内奥側に延在する、ケーシング内奥
側に位置する導電性材料部分と現像剤担持体との対向部
で、交番電界により現像剤担持体上の未現像の現像剤を
振動させ、その現像剤担持体からの剥離を促進させるの
で、現像剤担持体上での現像剤の入れ替えを一層促進で
きる。 According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the outflow preventing member is
Case in which the developer in the casing is more suitable for the latent image carrier
It can be prevented from flowing out from the opening of the ring. Also,
At least a contact portion of the outflow prevention member with the developer carrier
The dielectric material to a polarity opposite to the predetermined charging polarity of the developer.
Material is made of a material that can be triboelectrically charged,
The friction between the agent carrier and the dielectric material surface
Friction of the material surface to the polarity opposite to the specified charging polarity of the developer
Charge, preventing the initial charge of the dielectric material surface from flowing down.
This can be done by a stop member. And voltage application
Means, between the outflow prevention member and the developer carrying member.
A second electric field is formed, and the undeveloped developer on the developer carrier is
The alternating electric field is applied between the falling prevention member and the developer carrier.
To make it easy to separate from the developer carrier
Thus, replacement with a new developer can be promoted. And
Shows the insulating material part on the fixed end side of the outflow prevention member.
Because it is in contact with the image carrier,
Agent can be prevented from flowing out through the casing opening.
You. In addition, the contact portion between the flow-down preventing member and the developer carrying member is located at
Extending inside the casing,
Of the conductive material located on the side and the developer carrier
Then, the undeveloped developer on the developer carrier is removed by the alternating electric field.
Vibrates to accelerate its release from the developer carrier.
In this way, the replacement of the developer on the developer carrier is further promoted.
Wear.
【００６２】請求項６の発明によれば、流出防止部材に
よりケーシング内の現像剤が潜像担持体に向いたケーシ
ングの開口から外部に流出するのを防止できる。また、
該流出防止部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持との接触部分
を、現像剤の所定の帯電極性とは逆の極性に該誘電体材
料を摩擦帯電し得る材料で形成し、流下防止部材と現像
剤担持体の誘電体材料表面との摩擦によって、該誘電体
材料表面を現像剤の所定の帯電極性とは逆の極性に摩擦
帯電するので、該誘電体材料表面の初期帯電を該流下防
止部材によって行なうことができる。 そして、電圧印加
手段で、上記流出防止部材と現像剤担持体との間に、交
番電界を形成し、現像剤担持体上の未現像の現像剤を、
該流下防止部材と現像剤担持体との間で、この交番電界
により振動させて現像剤担持体から剥離し易くさせるの
で、新しい現像剤との入れ替えを促進できる。そして、
上記流出防止部材を板状部材で構成し、該流出防止部材
を上記現像剤担持体に押圧して湾曲させた状態で取り付
けるので、この湾曲度合いに応じて、上記交番電界の作
用範囲を規制できる。 According to the invention of claim 6 , the outflow preventing member is
Case in which the developer in the casing is more suitable for the latent image carrier
It can be prevented from flowing out from the opening of the ring. Also,
At least a contact portion of the outflow prevention member with the developer carrier
The dielectric material to a polarity opposite to the predetermined charging polarity of the developer.
Material is made of a material that can be triboelectrically charged,
The friction between the agent carrier and the dielectric material surface
Friction of the material surface to the polarity opposite to the specified charging polarity of the developer
Charge, preventing the initial charge of the dielectric material surface from flowing down.
This can be done by a stop member. And voltage application
Means, between the outflow prevention member and the developer carrying member.
A second electric field is formed, and the undeveloped developer on the developer carrier is
The alternating electric field is applied between the falling prevention member and the developer carrier.
To make it easy to separate from the developer carrier
Thus, replacement with a new developer can be promoted. And
The outflow prevention member is formed of a plate-shaped member, and the outflow prevention member is provided.
Is pressed against the developer carrier and attached in a curved state.
Therefore, the alternating electric field
The range of use can be regulated.
【００６３】[0063]
【００６４】[0064]
【００６５】請求項５の発明によれば、請求項１につい
て上述した効果に加えて次の効果を奏する。すなわち、
交番電界を形成する電圧が印加された該層厚規制部材の
自由端部を、現像剤担持体と該潜像担持体との対向部に
位置させて、該対向部における、該自由端部と該潜像担
持体との間にも交番電界を形成しているので、仮に現像
剤担持体上から不必要な現像剤が飛散しても、この交番
電界によって層厚規制部材側に引き戻し、更に現像剤担
持体上に戻すこができる。ここで、現像剤担持体を下方
から潜像担持体表面に対向するように配設しているの
で、このような不必要な現像剤の現像剤担持体への回収
に、現像剤の自重落下も利用できる。すなわち、現像剤
担持体からの不必要な現像剤の飛散を有効に防止でき
る。従って、潜像担持体との対向部において、上記交番
電界により現像剤担持体上の現像剤をパウダクラウド化
し、現像剤担持体と潜像担持体との間に形成された例え
ば直流電界で、飛翔現像させる場合にも、現像剤の飛散
を防止するとともに現像性能の経時安定性を図ることが
できる。そして、上記現像剤担持体の少なくとも上記対
向部に位置する箇所を、中抵抗材と絶縁材を積層して構
成し、かつ、該絶縁材の表面が上記潜像担持体に対向す
るように配設し、該潜像担持体と該潜像担持体との間に
放電が起きにくいようにしているので、層厚規制部材に
所定の電圧を印加しながらも該放電による潜像担持体上
の潜像乱れを軽減乃至防止できる。According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect
The following effects are obtained in addition to the effects described above. That is,
A free end of the layer thickness regulating member to which a voltage for forming an alternating electric field is applied is located at a portion where the developer carrier and the latent image carrier are opposed to each other. Since an alternating electric field is also formed between the latent image carrier and the developer, even if unnecessary developer is scattered from the developer carrier, the developer is returned to the layer thickness regulating member by the alternating electric field. It can be returned on the developer carrier. Here, since the developer carrier is disposed so as to be opposed to the surface of the latent image carrier from below, it is necessary to collect the unnecessary developer into the developer carrier by dropping the developer under its own weight. Also available. That is, unnecessary scattering of the developer from the developer carrier can be effectively prevented. Therefore, in the portion facing the latent image carrier, the developer on the developer carrier is powder-clouded by the alternating electric field, and, for example, by a DC electric field formed between the developer carrier and the latent image carrier, Also in the case of flying development, it is possible to prevent the scattering of the developer and to achieve the stability over time of the developing performance. At least a portion of the developer carrier that is located at the facing portion is formed by laminating a medium resistance material and an insulating material, and is arranged such that the surface of the insulating material faces the latent image carrier. Is provided so that a discharge is unlikely to occur between the latent image carrier and the latent image carrier. The disturbance of the latent image can be reduced or prevented.
【００６６】[0066]
【図１】実施例に係る複写機の主要部の概略構成図。FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a copying machine according to an embodiment.
【図２】（ａ）は同複写機の現像装置におけるブレード
当接の一例の説明図。（ｂ）は同ブレード当接の他の例
の説明図。FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a blade contact in a developing device of the copying machine. (B) is an explanatory view of another example of the blade contact.
【図３】（ａ）は図２（ａ）の例におけるトナー挙動の
説明図。（ｂ）は図２（ｂ）の例におけるトナー挙動の
説明図。FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of toner behavior in the example of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the behavior of the toner in the example of FIG.
【図４】（ａ）他の実施例に係る現像装置の主要部の概
略構成図。（ｂ）は同現像装置の部分拡大図。FIG. 4A is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a developing device according to another embodiment. (B) is a partially enlarged view of the developing device.
【図５】同現像装置のシールブレード近傍のトナー挙動
の説明図。FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a toner behavior near a seal blade of the developing device.
【図６】（ａ）は更に他の実施例に係る現像装置の部分
斜視図。（ｂ）は同現像装置の現像ローラ表面の部分断
面図。FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of a developing device according to still another embodiment. FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of a developing roller surface of the developing device.
【図７】（ａ）は他の実施例に係る複写機の主要部の概
略構成図。（ｂ）は同複写機の現像装置におけるトナー
挙動の説明図。FIG. 7A is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a copying machine according to another embodiment. 3B is an explanatory diagram of a behavior of the toner in the developing device of the copying machine.
１ 感光体 ３ 現像装置 ７ ケーシング ８ 現像ローラ ９ ブレード ９ａ 導電層 ９ｂ 絶縁層 １０ アジテータ １１ 現像バイアス電源 １２ ブレードバイアス電源 １３ シールブレード １３ａ 絶縁体部 １３ｂ 導電体部 １４ シールブレードバイアス電源 １５ 誘電体部 Ｅ 交番電界 Ｅ0 微小閉電界 Ｉ 入り口楔部 Ｘ 出口楔部DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor 3 Developing device 7 Casing 8 Developing roller 9 Blade 9a Conductive layer 9b Insulating layer 10 Agitator 11 Developing bias power supply 12 Blade bias power supply 13 Seal blade 13a Insulator section 13b Conductor section 14 Seal blade bias power supply 15 Dielectric section E Alternating electric field E 0 Micro-closed electric field I Entrance wedge X Exit wedge
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 特開 昭56−78845（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭59−174861（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭58−153972（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭54−111358（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭62−242975（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平３−125169（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平５−127510（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭63−144373（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平４−156569（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平３−260676（ＪＰ，Ａ) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) G03G 13/08 - 13/095 G03G 15/08 - 15/095 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-56-78845 (JP, A) JP-A-59-177481 (JP, A) JP-A-58-15972 (JP, A) JP-A 54-78 111358 (JP, A) JP-A-62-242975 (JP, A) JP-A-3-125169 (JP, A) JP-A-5-127510 (JP, A) JP-A-63-144373 (JP, A) JP-A-4-156569 (JP, A) JP-A-3-260676 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. 7 , DB name) G03G 13/08-13/095 G03G 15/08 -15/095
Claims (5)
る一成分現像剤の層厚を規制する層厚規制部材とを有す
る現像装置において、 該層厚規制部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶
縁性材料で構成し、 該 層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間に、所定極性に
帯電した現像剤を該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体
側へ向かわせる向きの電界を形成する直流成分が重畳さ
れた、交番電界を形成する電圧を印加する電圧印加手段
を設け、 上記現像剤担持体表面に対向する上記層厚規制部材の表
面又は該現像剤担持体表面の少なくとも一部を導電性に
し、 該 層厚規制部材の上記電圧印加回路内における時定数
が、１／（２πｆ）よりも十分大きくなるように、該層
厚規制部材を構成したことを特徴とする現像装置。但
し、ここでπは円周率、ｆは上記交番電界の周波数であ
る。1. A developing device having a developer carrier and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a one-component developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein at least the developer of the layer thickness regulating member is provided. the carrier contacting portion composed of insulating material, between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member, a developer charged to a predetermined polarity from said layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrying member side direction A voltage application unit for applying a voltage for forming an alternating electric field, on which a direct current component for forming an electric field in the direction of the superposition is superimposed, wherein the surface of the layer thickness regulating member facing the surface of the developer carrier or the developer carrying surface; a conductive at least a portion of the body surface
And, the time constant in the above voltage application circuit of the layer thickness regulating member, 1 / (2 [pi] f) so as to be sufficiently larger than the developing apparatus is characterized by being configured the layer thickness regulating member. Here, π is the pi, and f is the frequency of the alternating electric field.
る一成分現像剤の層厚を規制する層厚規制部材とを有す
る現像装置において、 該層厚規制部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶
縁性材料で構成し、 該 層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間に、直流成分が
重畳された交番電界を形成する電圧を印加する電圧印加
手段と、該直流成分を可変する直流可変手段とを設け、 上記現像剤担持体表面に対向する上記層厚規制部材の表
面又は該現像剤担持体表面の少なくとも一部を導電性に
し、 該 層厚規制部材の上記電圧印加回路内における時定数
が、１／（２πｆ）よりも十分大きくなるように、該層
厚規制部材を構成したことを特徴とする現像装置。但
し、ここでπは円周率、ｆは上記交番電界の周波数であ
る。2. A developing device comprising a developer carrier and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a one-component developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein at least the developer of the layer thickness regulating member is provided. the carrier contacting portion composed of insulating material, between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member, and a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to form an alternating electric field direct current component is superimposed, the DC provided a DC varying means for varying the ingredients, the conductive at least a portion of the surface or the developer carrying member surface of the layer thickness regulating member facing the developer carrying member surface
And, the time constant in the above voltage application circuit of the layer thickness regulating member, 1 / (2 [pi] f) so as to be sufficiently larger than the developing apparatus is characterized by being configured the layer thickness regulating member. Here, π is the pi, and f is the frequency of the alternating electric field.
る一成分現像剤の層厚を規制する層厚規制部材とを有す
る現像装置において、 該層厚規制部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶
縁性材料で構成し、 該 層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間に、所定極性に
帯電した現像剤を該層厚規制部材側から該現像剤担持体
側へ向かわせる向きの電界を形成する直流成分が重畳さ
れた、交番電界を形成する電圧を印加する電圧印加手段
を設け、 上記現像剤担持体の軸線方向において、該現像剤担持体
上の現像剤を担持させる領域よりも外側の領域に対向す
る、上記層厚規制部材部分を、該現像剤を担持させる領
域に対向する部分よりも大きな電気抵抗になるように構
成したことを特徴とする現像装置。3. A developing device having a developer carrier and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a one-component developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein at least the developer of the layer thickness regulating member is provided. the carrier contacting portion composed of insulating material, between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member, a developer charged to a predetermined polarity from said layer thickness regulating member side to the developer carrying member side direction A voltage applying unit is provided for applying a voltage for forming an alternating electric field, on which a DC component for forming an electric field in an overturning direction is superimposed, and the developer on the developer carrier is supported in the axial direction of the developer carrier. A developing device, wherein the layer thickness regulating member facing the region outside the region to be formed has a higher electrical resistance than the portion facing the region carrying the developer.
る一成分現像剤の層厚を規制する層厚規制部材とを有す
る現像装置において、 該層厚規制部材の少なくとも該現像剤担持体接触部を絶
縁性材料で構成し、 該 層厚規制部材と該現像剤担持体との間に、直流成分が
重畳された交番電界を形成する電圧を印加する電圧印加
手段と、該直流成分を可変する直流可変手段とを設け、 上記現像剤担持体の軸線方向において、該現像剤担持体
上の現像剤を担持させる領域よりも外側の領域に対向す
る、上記層厚規制部材部分を、該現像剤を担持させる領
域に対向する部分よりも大きな電気抵抗になるように構
成したことを特徴とする現像装置。4. A developing device having a developer carrier and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a one-component developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein at least the developer of the layer thickness regulating member is provided. the carrier contacting portion composed of insulating material, between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrying member, and a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to form an alternating electric field direct current component is superimposed, the DC DC variable means for varying the components, wherein in the axial direction of the developer carrying member, the layer thickness regulating member portion is opposed to a region outside the region for carrying the developer on the developer carrying member. A developing device configured to have a higher electrical resistance than a portion facing the region for supporting the developer.
対向するように配設し、 上記層厚規制部材を、該現像剤担持体に接触する自由端
部が該現像剤担持体と該潜像担持体との対向部に位置す
るように配設し、 該現像剤担持体の少なくとも該対向部に位置する箇所
を、中抵抗材と絶縁材を積層して構成し、かつ、該絶縁
材の表面が上記潜像担持体に対向するように配設したこ
とを特徴とする請求項１の現像装置。 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer carrier is placed on the latent image carrier from below.
The layer thickness regulating member is disposed so as to face the free end of the developer carrying member.
Portion is located at a portion facing the developer carrier and the latent image carrier.
And at least a portion of the developer carrier that is located at the facing portion.
Is formed by laminating a medium resistance material and an insulating material, and
The surface of the material is arranged so as to face the latent image carrier.
2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein:
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11796193A JP3312955B2 (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1993-04-20 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP35670592 | 1992-12-22 | ||
| JP4-356705 | 1992-12-22 | ||
| JP11796193A JP3312955B2 (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1993-04-20 | Developing device |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001369520A Division JP3435642B2 (en) | 1992-12-22 | 2001-12-04 | Developing device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH06242673A JPH06242673A (en) | 1994-09-02 |
| JP3312955B2 true JP3312955B2 (en) | 2002-08-12 |
Family
ID=26455986
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11796193A Expired - Fee Related JP3312955B2 (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1993-04-20 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3312955B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4845659B2 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2011-12-28 | 三星電子株式会社 | Development device |
| JP5180270B2 (en) * | 2010-09-22 | 2013-04-10 | シャープ株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP5725889B2 (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2015-05-27 | シャープ株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP5766167B2 (en) * | 2012-10-15 | 2015-08-19 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus equipped with the same |
-
1993
- 1993-04-20 JP JP11796193A patent/JP3312955B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH06242673A (en) | 1994-09-02 |
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