JP2004086059A - Developing device, image forming device, and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to realize a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and a computer system that do not cause a shift in a relative position of a layer thickness regulating member with respect to a developer carrier.
A developer carrying member having a rotating shaft and rotatable around the rotating shaft for carrying a developer, and a bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrying member. And a layer thickness regulating unit comprising a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein the layer thickness regulating unit comprises: It is characterized by being positioned by a member.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a developing device, an image forming device, and a computer system.
[0002]
[Background Art]
This type of image forming apparatus includes, for example, a plurality of developing devices that develop a latent image formed on a photoreceptor with toner as an example of a developer, and these developing devices are radially arranged around a rotation axis. There is known an image forming apparatus provided with a rotary type developing unit arranged in the image forming apparatus. In these image forming apparatuses, when an image signal is transmitted from an external device such as a host computer, one of the plurality of developing devices is moved to a developing position facing the photoconductor by rotating the developing unit about a rotation axis. Position. Then, the latent image formed on the photoconductor is developed to form a toner image, and is transferred onto the intermediate medium. At this time, while sequentially switching a plurality of developing devices, development and transfer are repeated in the same manner, and a plurality of toner images are superimposed to form a color image.
[0003]
In order to realize the above-described function of developing a latent image formed on a photoconductor, the above-described developing device includes a developing roller as a developer carrier, a toner storage unit, a toner supply roller, and a layer thickness control unit. It has a regulating blade or the like as a member. The regulating blade is attached to the developing device via a supporting member for supporting the regulating blade, and contacts the developing roller to regulate the layer thickness of the toner carried on the developing roller.
[0004]
Incidentally, the relative position of the regulating blade with respect to the developing roller needs to be kept constant. If the relative position is shifted, the layer thickness of the toner may be non-uniform. Further, the non-uniformity of the layer thickness may cause a problem that the chargeability of the toner becomes non-uniform.
Therefore, in order to prevent these problems from occurring, it is desired to take measures to prevent the displacement of the relative position of the regulating blade with respect to the developing roller.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and a computer system that do not cause a shift in a relative position of a layer thickness regulating member with respect to a developer carrier. It is to realize.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A main aspect of the present invention is a developer carrier having a rotating shaft, rotatable around the rotating shaft, for carrying a developer, and a bearing for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrier. A layer thickness regulating unit comprising a member and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier, wherein the layer thickness regulating unit comprises: A developing device characterized by being positioned by a bearing member.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
=== Disclosure Overview ===
At least the following matters will be made clear by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.
A developer carrying member having a rotating shaft and rotatable around the rotating shaft for carrying the developer; a bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrying member; A layer thickness regulating unit having a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier, and the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member. A developing device.
Since the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the relative position of the layer thickness regulating member with respect to the developer carrier.
[0008]
The layer thickness regulating member may be in contact with the developer carrier to regulate the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier.
In such a case, the layer thickness of the developer tends to be non-uniform due to the reaction force that the layer thickness regulating member receives from the developer carrier, so that the above effect is more effectively exhibited.
[0009]
Further, the layer thickness regulating unit may have a hole, the bearing member may have a convex portion, and the layer thickness regulating unit may be positioned by fitting the convex portion into the hole. Good.
With this configuration, the layer thickness regulating unit can be positioned by a simple method.
[0010]
Further, the layer thickness regulating unit has a plurality of holes, the bearing member has a plurality of protrusions, each of the protrusions is fitted into each of the holes corresponding to the protrusions, The first projection of the plurality of projections may have a bearing hole for receiving the rotation shaft.
This makes it possible to more reliably position the layer thickness regulating unit.
[0011]
In addition, the first hole into which the first convex portion is fitted out of the plurality of holes may be circular.
As described above, if the first hole is formed in a circular shape, the shape can be easily formed. On the other hand, in such a situation, the layer thickness regulating unit is moved around the center of the first protrusion with respect to the bearing member. Therefore, the role of preventing the rotation by another projection different from the first projection is more effectively exerted.
[0012]
Further, the first protrusion may be fitted in the first hole.
This makes it possible to more reliably position the layer thickness regulating unit.
[0013]
The second convex portion different from the first convex portion is fitted into a second hole portion different from the first hole portion, and a direction from a center of the first hole portion to a center of the second hole portion is When the layer thickness regulating member contacts the developer carrier, the layer thickness regulating member may cross the direction of the reaction force received from the developer carrier.
According to this configuration, the role of the second protrusion that prevents the layer thickness regulating unit from rotating around the center of the first protrusion with respect to the bearing member is more effectively exerted.
[0014]
Further, the second convex portion different from the first convex portion is fitted into a second hole portion different from the first hole portion, and the second convex portion abuts on the second hole portion at two places. The direction of the straight line connecting the two contact points is along the direction of the reaction force that the layer thickness regulating member receives from the developer carrier when the layer thickness regulating member contacts the developer carrier. It may be good.
According to this configuration, the role of the second protrusion that prevents the layer thickness regulating unit from rotating around the center of the first protrusion with respect to the bearing member is more effectively exerted.
[0015]
In addition, a housing having a developer accommodated therein may be provided, and the protrusion may be fitted into the hole with the housing interposed therebetween.
With this configuration, the layer thickness regulating member and the developer carrier are appropriately fixed to the housing.
[0016]
Further, a developer carrier having a rotation axis and rotatable around the rotation axis, for carrying a developer, and a bearing member for receiving the rotation shaft of the developer carrier, A layer thickness regulating unit having a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier by contacting the developer carrier. The regulating unit has a plurality of holes, the bearing member has a plurality of protrusions, and each of the protrusions is fitted into each of the holes corresponding to the protrusions, whereby the layer thickness is increased. The regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member, and the first projection of the plurality of projections has a bearing hole for receiving the rotation shaft, and the first of the plurality of holes is the first projection. The first hole into which the projection is fitted is circular, and the first projection is fitted into the first hole, The second protrusion different from the one protrusion is fitted into a second hole different from the first hole, and the direction from the center of the first hole to the center of the second hole is the layer thickness. When the regulating member abuts on the developer carrier, the layer thickness regulating member intersects in the direction of the reaction force received from the developer carrier, and the second convex portion is formed with the second hole. The direction of the straight line connecting the two contact points and the direction of the straight line connecting the two contact points is opposite to the direction of the layer thickness regulating member received from the developer carrier by the contact of the layer thickness regulating member with the developer carrier. It is also feasible to realize a developing device having a housing along the direction of force and accommodating a developer, wherein the protrusion is fitted in the hole with the housing interposed therebetween. .
[0017]
Next, a developer carrying member having a rotating shaft and rotatable around the rotating shaft, for carrying the developer, and a bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrying member, A layer-thickness regulating unit having a layer-thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer-carrying member. The image forming apparatus, wherein the unit is positioned by the bearing member.
With this configuration, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus having the above-described effects.
[0018]
Also, a computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and an image forming apparatus connectable to the computer main body, which have a rotation axis and carry a developer rotatable around the rotation axis Carrying member, a bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrying member, and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member. And a layer thickness regulating unit comprising: a developing device having the layer thickness regulating unit, wherein the layer thickness regulating unit comprises an image forming apparatus positioned by the bearing member. A computer system that implements this function is also feasible.
The computer system implemented in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole.
[0019]
=== Example of Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus ===
Next, an outline of a laser beam printer (hereinafter, also referred to as a printer) 10 as an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing main components constituting the printer 10. In FIG. 1, the vertical direction is indicated by an arrow. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is disposed at the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is disposed at the upper part of the printer 10.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes a charging unit 30, an exposure unit 40, a YMCK developing unit 50, a primary transfer unit 60, an intermediate transfer body 70, A cleaning unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a display unit 95 comprising a liquid crystal panel serving as a means for informing the user, and a control for controlling these units and the like to operate as a printer Unit (FIG. 2).
[0021]
The photoconductor 20 has a cylindrical conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable about a central axis. In the present embodiment, the photoconductor 20 is indicated by an arrow in FIG. Rotate clockwise as shown.
[0022]
The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20, and the exposure unit 40 is a device for forming a latent image on the charged photoconductor 20 by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 has a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like, and charges a modulated laser based on an image signal input from a host computer (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor. Irradiation is performed on the photoreceptor 20 that has been irradiated.
[0023]
The YMCK developing unit 50 converts the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 into a black (K) toner as an example of a developer housed in a black developing device 51 and a magenta (magenta) housed in a magenta developing device 52. This is an apparatus for developing using M) toner, cyan (C) toner stored in cyan developing device 53, and yellow (Y) toner stored in yellow developing device 54.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, the YMCK developing unit 50 can move the positions of the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 by rotating. That is, the YMCK developing unit 50 holds the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 by four holding portions 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, and the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, Numerals 54 are rotatable about a central axis 50a while maintaining their relative positions.
[0025]
The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 is selectively opposed to the photoconductor 20 each time the photoconductor 20 rotates once, and the toner stored in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54. Develop. The details of each developing device will be described later.
[0026]
The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring a single-color toner image formed on the photoreceptor 20 to the intermediate transfer member 70. An image is formed. The intermediate transfer member 70 is an endless belt, and is driven to rotate at substantially the same peripheral speed as the photoconductor 20. The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring a single color toner image or a full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a recording medium such as paper, film, cloth, and the like.
[0027]
The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing a single-color toner image or a full-color toner image transferred onto a recording medium to a recording medium such as paper to form a permanent image.
[0028]
The cleaning unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the charging unit 30 and has a rubber cleaning blade 76 in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 20. After the toner image is transferred to the photoconductor 20, the cleaning blade 76 removes the toner remaining on the photoconductor 20.
[0029]
The control unit 100 is composed of a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102 as shown in FIG. 2. An image signal is input to the main controller 101, and the unit controller 102 An image is formed by controlling units and the like.
[0030]
Next, the operation of the printer 10 thus configured will be described with reference to other components.
First, when an image signal from a host computer (not shown) is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive device is controlled by the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. The body 20, a developing roller provided as an example of a developer carrier provided in the developing device, and the intermediate transfer body 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.
[0031]
The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches an exposure position with the rotation of the photoconductor 20, and a latent image corresponding to the first color, for example, yellow Y image information is formed in the area by the exposure unit 40. . In the YMCK developing unit 50, a yellow developing device 54 containing yellow (Y) toner is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.
[0032]
The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches a development position with the rotation of the photoconductor 20, and is developed by the yellow developing device 54 with yellow toner. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoconductor 20.
[0033]
The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer body 70.
[0034]
By repeating the above processing for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, the four color toner images corresponding to the respective image signals are transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 70 in an overlapping manner. . As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.
[0035]
The full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer member 70 rotates, and is transferred to a recording medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The recording medium is conveyed from a paper feed tray 92 to a secondary transfer unit 80 via a paper feed roller 94 and a registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.
The full-color toner image transferred to the recording medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the recording medium.
[0036]
On the other hand, after passing the primary transfer position, the toner adhered to the surface of the photoconductor 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75, and the photoconductor 20 is charged to form the next latent image. Prepare. The scraped-off toner is collected in a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.
[0037]
=== Overview of control unit ===
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 101 of the control unit 100 is connected to a host computer via an interface 112, and includes an image memory 113 for storing an image signal input from the host computer. The unit controller 102 electrically connects each unit of the apparatus main body (charging unit 30, exposure unit 40, YMCK developing unit 50, primary transfer unit 60, cleaning unit 75, secondary transfer unit 80, fixing unit 90, display unit 95). And controls the respective units based on signals input from the main controller 101 while detecting the state of each unit by receiving signals from sensors included in the units.
[0038]
=== Configuration Example of Developing Device ===
Next, a configuration example of the developing device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developing device, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing main components of the developing device. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the developing device taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, as in FIG. 1, the vertical direction is indicated by an arrow. For example, the center axis of the developing roller 510 is lower than the center axis of the photoconductor 20. Also, FIG. 4 shows a state in which the yellow developing device 54 is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.
[0039]
The YMCK developing unit 50 includes a black developing device 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing device 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing device 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and yellow ( Y) Although a yellow developing device 54 containing toner is provided, since the configuration of each developing device is the same, the yellow developing device 54 will be described below.
[0040]
The yellow developing device 54 includes a developing roller 510, a seal member 520, a toner container 530, a housing 540, a toner supply roller 550, a regulating blade 560 as an example of a layer thickness regulating member, and the like.
[0041]
The developing roller 510 carries the toner T and transports it to a developing position facing the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 is made of an aluminum alloy such as 5056 aluminum alloy or 6063 aluminum alloy, or an iron alloy such as STKM, and is subjected to nickel plating, chromium plating, or the like as necessary. The developing roller 510 has a toner carrying portion 510a (FIG. 12) and a rotating shaft 510b (FIG. 12) as an example of a rotating shaft, and is rotatable around the rotating shaft, as shown in FIG. As described above, the photoconductor 20 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction (clockwise in FIG. 4) (counterclockwise in FIG. 4). The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the yellow developing device 54 faces the photoconductor 20, a gap exists between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. That is, the yellow developing device 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, an alternating electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 will be described later in more detail.
[0042]
The seal member 520 prevents the toner T in the yellow developing device 54 from leaking out of the device, and collects the toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position into the developing device without scraping it. This seal member 520 is a seal made of a polyethylene film or the like. The seal member 520 is supported by a seal supporting metal plate 522, and is attached to the housing 540 via the seal supporting metal plate 522. On the opposite side of the seal member 520 from the developing roller 510 side, a seal urging member 524 made of a malt plane or the like is provided. The seal member 520 is formed by the elastic force of the seal urging member 524. 510. The contact position where the seal member 520 contacts the developing roller 510 is above the central axis of the developing roller 510.
[0043]
The toner storage portion 530 is a portion that stores the toner T, and is configured by a part of the housing 540. In addition, a stirring member for stirring the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 may be provided. However, in the present embodiment, each developing device (black developing device 51, magenta The developing device 52, the cyan developing device 53, and the yellow developing device 54) rotate, and thereby the toner T in each developing device is agitated. Therefore, no agitating member is provided in the toner container 530.
[0044]
The toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and contacts the developing roller 510 in an elastically deformed state. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the toner storage section 530, and the toner T stored in the toner storage section 530 is supplied to the developing roller 510 by the toner supply member 530 below the toner storage section 530. You. The toner supply roller 550 is rotatable about a central axis, and the central axis is lower than the rotational central axis of the developing roller 510. Further, the toner supply roller 550 rotates in a direction (clockwise in FIG. 4) opposite to the rotation direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) of the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 has a function of supplying the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 to the developing roller 510, and peels off the toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 after the development from the developing roller 510. It also has functions.
[0045]
The regulating blade 560 regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510, and also gives a charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. The configuration of the regulating blade 560 and its surroundings will be described later in detail.
[0046]
The housing 540 is manufactured by joining a plurality of integrally molded frames (upper frame, lower frame, etc.). As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 540 has an opening at a lower portion, and a developing roller 510 is arranged in this opening with a part thereof being exposed. Note that the housing 540 includes the above-described toner storage unit 530 and the like.
[0047]
In the yellow developing device 54 thus configured, the toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 with the rotation of the developing roller 510, and when passing through the contact position, the layer thickness is regulated and charge is applied. Is done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose thickness is regulated reaches the developing position facing the photoconductor 20 by further rotation of the developing roller 510, and is formed on the photoconductor 20 under the alternating electric field at the developing position. The latent image is developed. The toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position by the further rotation of the developing roller 510 passes through the seal member 520 and is collected in the developing device without being scraped off by the seal member 520. Further, the toner still remaining on the developing roller 510 can be peeled off by the toner supply roller 550.
[0048]
=== Restriction blade and its surrounding configuration ===
Next, the configuration of the regulating blade 560 and its surroundings will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the regulating blade 560. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the regulating blade 560 is fixed to the blade supporting metal plate 562. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blade supporting metal plate 562. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the regulating blade 560 in which the end seal 527 is fixed to the rubber supporting portion 560b is fixed to the blade supporting metal plate 562. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the regulating blade 560 in which the end seal 527 is fixed to the rubber supporting portion 560b is fixed to the blade supporting metal plate 562 as viewed from the back side of the rubber portion 560a. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the layer thickness regulating unit 563. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the layer thickness regulating unit 563 is mounted on the housing 540. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing roller 510 is supported by the bearing member 580. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the bearing member 580. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the layer thickness regulating unit 563 is positioned by the bearing member 580, as viewed from the toner holding unit 510a side. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 16 will be described later.
[0049]
As described above, the regulating blade 560 regulates the layer thickness of the toner T as the developer carried on the developing roller 510 as the developer carrying member, and also gives a charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. I do.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 5, the regulating blade 560 has a rubber part 560a and a rubber support part 560b. The rubber portion 560a is made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber or the like having a thickness of about 2 mm, and the rubber support portion 560b is a thin plate having a spring property such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel and having a thickness of 1 mm or less.
[0051]
The rubber portion 560a is supported by a rubber support portion 560b as shown in FIG. 5, and the surface thereof contacts the surface of the developing roller 510 as shown in FIG. The above function is exerted on the used toner T.
[0052]
The rubber supporting portion 560b presses the rubber portion 560a against the developing roller 510 by the urging force. As shown in FIG. 6, one end of the rubber support 560b is fixed to the blade support metal plate 562. The blade supporting metal plate 562 is, for example, a steel plate having a galvanized layer. The fixing is realized by performing spot welding by laser welding. 6A is a front view of a contact surface of the rubber portion 560a with the developing roller 510, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the rubber portion 560a is in contact with the developing roller 510. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the back surface of the contact surface of FIG.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 7, the blade supporting metal plate 562 has a first bent portion 562a, a supporting portion 562b, and a second bent portion formed by bending a rectangular member having a thickness of 1.8 mm or more along the longitudinal direction. It has a bent portion 562c. The bending directions of the first bent portion 562a and the second bent portion 562b are opposite directions, and as shown in FIG. 4, the cross section is formed in a so-called Z-shape. In this embodiment, of the first bent portion 562a and the second bent portion 562b, the one closer to the rubber portion 560a is the first bent portion 562a. 4 and 6, the support portion 562b supports the regulating blade 510 with the rubber support portion 560b fixed to the support portion 562b.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 8, end seals 527 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the regulating blade 560. The end seal 527 is formed of a nonwoven fabric, and has a function of preventing leakage of the toner T from between the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 and the housing 540 at the axial end. The thickness of the end seal 527 is larger than the thickness of the rubber portion 560a of the regulating blade 560 described above, and the thickness is about 2.6 mm.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 9, the end seal 527 is fixed to the rubber support 560b of the regulating blade 560. In the present embodiment, the end seal 527 and the rubber support 560b are bonded to each other with a double-sided tape at a rectangular bonding portion 528. That is, the rubber portion 560a and the end seal 527 are fixed alongside the rubber support portion 562b.
[0056]
Although FIGS. 8 and 9 show only one end in the longitudinal direction of the regulating blade and the like, the same applies to the other end.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 10, the blade supporting metal plate 562 has screw holes 564 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the supporting portion 562b for fixing the blade supporting metal plate 562 to the developing device. The blade supporting metal plate 562 is fixed to the frame 526 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the supporting portion 562b by screws 566.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the unit shown in FIG. 10 in which the regulating blade 560, the blade supporting metal plate 562 to which the regulating blade 560 is fixed, and the frame 526 are called a layer thickness regulating unit 563. .
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 11, the thickness regulation unit 563 is configured to be detachable from the housing 540 described above. As is clear from FIG. 11, the housing 540 has an end seal 527 at a portion of the housing 540 formed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 in a state where the layer thickness regulating unit 563 is mounted on the housing 540. It is configured to be along.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 12, the layer thickness regulating unit 563 is positioned by a bearing member 580 for receiving the rotating shaft 510b of the developing roller 510 in a state of being mounted on the housing 540.
[0061]
That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the bearing member 580 includes a first convex portion 582 having a bearing hole 586, a second convex portion 584, two screw holes 588 and 589, a toner supply roller support portion 592, and the like. 12, 14 and 15, the first convex portion 582 of the bearing member 580 has first housing portions provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating unit 563 with the housing 540 interposed therebetween. It is fitted in a developing roller passage hole 568 (FIG. 10) as an example of the hole. In addition, the second convex portion 584 of the bearing member 580 is also fitted in second hole portions 594 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating unit 563 with the housing 540 interposed therebetween.
[0062]
The first protrusion 582 and the developing roller passage hole 568 into which the first protrusion 582 is fitted are both circular, and the first protrusion 582 is fitted into the development roller passage hole 568. Further, while the second convex portion 584 is circular, the second hole portion 594 is substantially elliptical, and the second convex portion 584 has two contact portions 596 and 597 with the second hole portion 594 (FIG. 14). That is, the second convex portion 584 serves to prevent the layer thickness regulating unit 563 from rotating around the center of the first convex portion 582 with respect to the bearing member 580. As described above, the two convex portions are fitted into the two hole portions, whereby the layer thickness regulating unit 563 is positioned by the bearing member 580.
[0063]
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the layer thickness regulating unit 563 is screwed with the bearing member 580 and screws 590 and 591 with the housing 540 interposed therebetween.
[0064]
Next, the relative positional relationship between the regulating blade 560 and the protrusion (or the hole) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relative positional relationship between the regulating blade 560 and the protrusion (or the hole). FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the components of the developing device similarly to FIG. 4, but in order to make the following description easier to understand, in FIG. Only the roller 550, the regulating blade 560, and the blade supporting metal plate 562 are represented by solid lines. On the other hand, the relative positions of the above-described first convex portion 582 (or the developing roller passage hole 568 as the first hole portion) and the second convex portion 584 (or the second hole portion 594) with respect to the component are shown in FIG. The position indicated by a dotted line at 16 is obtained.
[0065]
That is, a direction from the center of the first protrusion 582 (or the developing roller passage hole 568 as the first hole) to the center of the second protrusion 584 (or the second hole 594) (see FIG. 16). , Intersect with the direction of the reaction force (indicated by X in FIG. 16) that the regulating blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 when the regulating blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510. Further, the direction of the straight line (shown by Z in FIG. 16) connecting the contact portion 596 and the contact portion 597 is along the direction of the reaction force (shown by X in FIG. 16). .
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 12, the developing roller 510 is configured such that the rotating shaft 510b passes through the developing roller passage hole 568 (FIG. 10) and the hole provided in the housing 540, and the developing roller passage hole 568 (FIG. 10). It is supported by a bearing member 580 provided on the outside in the longitudinal direction from 568. In this state, the rubber portion 560a and the end seal 527 contact the toner carrying area and the non-toner carrying area on the surface of the developing roller 510, respectively, and perform the above-described functions of the respective members.
[0067]
Further, the end of the regulating blade 560 on the opposite side to the side supported by the blade supporting metal plate 562, that is, the free end is a portion that is not in contact with the developing roller 510 and is separated from the free end by a predetermined distance. Are in contact with the developing roller 510 with a certain width. That is, the regulating blade 560 is not in contact with the developing roller 510 at the edge but in contact with the antinode. The regulating blade 560 is disposed so that its free end faces upstream in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in contact with a so-called counter. The contact position where the regulating blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the developing roller 510 and below the central axis of the toner supply roller 550.
[0068]
Further, a blade back member 570 (FIG. 4) made of a malt plane or the like is provided on the opposite side of the regulating blade 560 from the developing roller 510 side. The blade back member 570 prevents toner from entering between the regulating blade 560 and the housing 540, prevents the toner T from leaking from between the regulating blade 560 and the housing 540, and reduces the elastic force of the rubber supporting portion 560b of the regulating blade 560. Stabilize. Further, the blade back member 570 presses the rubber portion 560a against the developing roller 510 by urging the rubber portion 560a toward the developing roller 510 from directly behind the rubber portion 560a. Therefore, the blade back member 570 improves the uniform contact of the rubber portion 560a with the developing roller 510.
[0069]
Although FIGS. 10 to 12 show only one axial end of the developing roller 510, the same applies to the other end.
[0070]
As described above, if the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member, it is possible to prevent the relative position of the regulating blade from the developing roller from being shifted.
That is, as described in the section of the background art, when the relative position shifts, the layer thickness of the toner may be uneven. Further, the non-uniformity of the layer thickness may cause a problem that the chargeability of the toner becomes non-uniform.
[0071]
If the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member, the position of the regulating blade is determined by the layer thickness regulating unit, and the position of the developing roller is determined by the bearing member. , The displacement of the relative position of the regulating blade with respect to the developing roller is reduced. This makes it possible to prevent the inconvenience that the layer thickness of the toner becomes uniform and the charging of the toner becomes uneven.
[0072]
=== Other Embodiments ===
As described above, the layer thickness regulating unit and the like according to the present invention have been described based on the above embodiments. However, the embodiments of the present invention are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and limit the present invention. is not. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.
[0073]
In the above embodiment, an intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer has been described as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to an intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome laser beam printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, and the like. The present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses.
[0074]
Also, the photoconductor is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate, but is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the surface of a belt-shaped conductive substrate. , A so-called photosensitive belt.
[0075]
In the above embodiment, the regulating blade is in contact with the developing roller to regulate the layer thickness of the toner carried on the developing roller. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the regulating blade may regulate the layer thickness of the toner carried on the developing roller in a non-contact state with the developing roller.
However, when the regulating blade regulates the layer thickness of the toner by contacting the developing roller, the layer thickness of the toner tends to be non-uniform due to the reaction force received by the regulating blade from the developing roller. Therefore, the above-described effects are more effectively exhibited, and in this regard, the above-described embodiment is more effective.
[0076]
Further, in the above embodiment, the layer thickness regulating unit has a hole, the bearing member has a convex portion, and the convex portion is fitted into the hole, whereby the layer thickness regulating unit is Although the positioning has been described, the positioning is not limited to this, and the positioning may be performed in any form as long as the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member.
However, the above embodiment is more preferable in that the layer thickness regulating unit can be positioned by a simple method.
[0077]
Further, in the above embodiment, the layer thickness regulating unit has a plurality of holes, the bearing member has a plurality of protrusions, and each of the protrusions corresponds to each of the protrusions. The first protrusion of the plurality of protrusions fitted into the hole has a bearing hole for receiving the rotation shaft, but is not limited thereto. For example, the number of holes provided in the layer thickness regulating unit and the number of protrusions of the bearing member fitted in the holes may be one.
However, the above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the layer thickness regulating unit can be more reliably positioned.
[0078]
In the above-described embodiment, the first hole into which the first convex portion is fitted out of the plurality of holes is circular, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first hole may be elliptical or rectangular.
[0079]
If the first hole is circular, the shape can be easily formed. On the other hand, in such a situation, the layer thickness regulating unit can easily rotate around the center of the first projection with respect to the bearing member. Therefore, the above-described embodiment is more effective in that the role of preventing the rotation by another protrusion different from the first protrusion is more effectively exerted.
[0080]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first protrusion is fitted in the first hole, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first convex portion may be fitted into the first hole portion in a state where the shape does not match.
However, the above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the layer thickness regulating unit can be more reliably positioned.
[0081]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the second convex portion different from the first convex portion is fitted into a second hole portion different from the first hole portion, and the second hole portion is positioned from the center of the first hole portion. The direction toward the center of the control blade crosses the direction of the reaction force received from the developing roller when the restricting blade contacts the developing roller, but is not limited thereto. is not. For example, a direction from the center of the first hole to the center of the second hole may be along the direction of the reaction force.
However, in such a case, the role of the second protrusion, which prevents the layer thickness regulating unit from rotating around the center of the first protrusion with respect to the bearing member, is more effectively exhibited. Is more effective.
[0082]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a second convex portion different from the first convex portion is fitted into a second hole portion different from the first hole portion, and the second convex portion is provided with the second hole portion. The direction of the straight line connecting the two contact points and connecting the two contact points is along the direction of the reaction force received by the regulating blade from the developing roller when the regulating blade contacts the developing roller. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0083]
For example, the direction of a straight line connecting the two contact points may intersect with the direction of the reaction force.
However, in such a case, the role of the second protrusion, which prevents the layer thickness regulating unit from rotating around the center of the first protrusion with respect to the bearing member, is more effectively exhibited. Is more effective.
[0084]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the housing has the housing in which the toner is accommodated, and the protrusion is fitted into the hole with the housing interposed therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the convex portion may be fitted into the hole portion without sandwiching the housing.
However, the above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the layer thickness regulating unit and the bearing member, and in turn, the regulating blade and the developing roller are appropriately fixed to the housing.
[0085]
=== Configuration of Computer System, etc. ===
Next, an embodiment of a computer system which is an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0086]
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the computer system. The computer system 1000 includes a computer main body 1102, a display device 1104, a printer 1106, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. In the present embodiment, the computer main body 1102 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited to this. The display device 1104 generally uses a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 1106, the printer described above is used. In the present embodiment, the input device 1108 uses the keyboard 1108A and the mouse 1108B, but is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the reading device 1110 uses the flexible disk drive device 1110A and the CD-ROM drive device 1110B, but is not limited thereto. For example, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device or a DVD (Digital Versatile) is used. Disk).
[0087]
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 1204 are further provided in a housing in which the computer main body 1102 is stored.
[0088]
In the above description, an example in which the printer 1106 is connected to the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110 to form a computer system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the computer system may include the computer main body 1102 and the printer 1106, and the computer system does not need to include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110.
[0089]
Further, for example, the printer 1106 may have some of the functions or mechanisms of the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110. As an example, the printer 1106 includes an image processing unit for performing image processing, a display unit for performing various displays, and a recording medium attaching / detaching unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium for recording image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as composition which has.
[0090]
The computer system implemented in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole.
[0091]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and a computer system that do not cause a shift in the relative position of the layer thickness regulating member with respect to the developer carrier.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing main components constituting an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing device.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating main components of the developing device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a regulating blade 560.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a regulating blade 560 is fixed to a blade supporting metal plate 562.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a blade supporting metal plate 562.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a regulating blade 560 in which an end seal 527 is fixed to a rubber supporting portion 560b is fixed to a blade supporting metal plate 562.
FIG. 9 is a view of a state in which a regulating blade 560 in which an end seal 527 is fixed to a rubber supporting portion 560b is fixed to a blade supporting metal plate 562 as viewed from the back side of the rubber portion 560a.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a layer thickness regulating unit 563.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a layer thickness regulating unit 563 is mounted on a housing 540.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a developing roller 510 is supported by a bearing member 580.
FIG. 13 is a view showing a bearing member 580.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the layer thickness regulating unit 563 is positioned by a bearing member 580, as viewed from the toner carrying unit 510a side.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relative positional relationship between a regulating blade 560 and a protrusion (or a hole).
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system.
18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Laser beam printer (main unit)
Reference Signs List 20 photoconductor 30 charging unit 40 exposure unit 50 YMCK developing unit 50a rotating shaft 51 black developing device 52 magenta developing device 53 cyan developing device 54 yellow developing devices 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d holding unit 60 primary transfer unit 70 intermediate transfer body 75 Cleaning unit 76 Cleaning blade 80 Secondary transfer unit 90 Fixing unit 92 Paper feed tray 94 Paper feed roller 95 Display unit 96 Registration roller 100 Control unit 101 Main controller 102 Unit controller 112 Interface 113 Image memory 120 CPU
510 Developing roller 510a Toner carrying portion 510b Rotating shaft 520 Seal member 522 Seal support plate 524 Seal urging member 526 Frame 527 End seal 528 Adhesive portion 530 Toner housing portion 540 Housing 550 Toner supply roller 560 Regulator blade 560a Rubber portion 560b Rubber support Part 562 Blade support sheet metal 562a First bent part 562b Support part 562c Second bent part 563 Layer thickness regulating unit 564 Screw hole 566 Screw 568 Developing roller passage hole 570 Blade back member 580 Bearing member 582 First convex part 584 Second convex part 586 Bearing hole 588 Screw hole 589 Screw hole 590 Screw 591 Screw 592 Toner supply roller support portion 594 Second hole portion 596 Contact portion 597 Contact portion 1000 Computer system 1102 Computer body 1 04 display device 1106 printer 1108 input device 1108A keyboard 1108B mouse 1110 reader 1110A flexible disk drive device 1110B CD-ROM drive device 1202 internal memory 1204 hard disk drive unit T toner

Claims (12)

A developer carrier having a rotation axis and rotatable around the rotation axis, for carrying a developer,
A bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrier;
A layer thickness regulating unit comprising a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier,
In the developing device having
The developing device, wherein the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member. The developing device according to claim 1,
The developing device, wherein the layer thickness regulating member is in contact with the developer carrier to regulate the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier. The developing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The layer thickness regulation unit has a hole, the bearing member has a protrusion,
The developing device, wherein the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by fitting the convex portion into the hole portion. The developing device according to claim 3,
The layer thickness regulating unit has a plurality of holes, the bearing member has a plurality of protrusions, each of the protrusions is fitted into each of the holes corresponding to the protrusions,
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the first protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a bearing hole for receiving the rotation shaft. The developing device according to claim 4,
The developing device, wherein a first hole of the plurality of holes into which the first protrusion is fitted is circular. The developing device according to claim 5,
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the first protrusion is fitted into the first hole. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein
The second convex portion different from the first convex portion is fitted into a second hole portion different from the first hole portion,
The direction from the center of the first hole to the center of the second hole is such that the layer thickness regulating member contacts the developer carrier, so that the layer thickness regulating member is moved away from the developer carrier. A developing device, wherein the developing device intersects a direction of a reaction force to be received. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein
The second protrusion different from the first protrusion is fitted into a second hole different from the first hole, and the second protrusion contacts the second hole at two places,
The direction of the straight line connecting the two contact points is along the direction of the reaction force that the layer thickness regulating member receives from the developer carrier by the contact of the layer thickness regulating member with the developer carrier. A developing device. The developing device according to claim 3, wherein
Having a housing in which the developer is contained,
The developing device is characterized in that the projection is fitted into the hole with the housing interposed therebetween. A developer carrier having a rotation axis and rotatable around the rotation axis, for carrying a developer,
A bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrier;
A layer thickness regulating unit comprising a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier in contact with the developer carrier,
In the developing device having
The layer thickness regulating unit has a plurality of holes, the bearing member has a plurality of protrusions, and each of the protrusions is fitted into each of the holes corresponding to the protrusions, The layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member,
The first projection of the plurality of projections has a bearing hole for receiving the rotation shaft,
A first hole into which the first convex portion is fitted out of the plurality of holes is circular,
The first protrusion is fitted into the first hole,
The second convex portion different from the first convex portion is fitted into a second hole portion different from the first hole portion, and a direction from a center of the first hole portion to a center of the second hole portion is the When the layer thickness regulating member is in contact with the developer carrier, the layer thickness regulating member intersects in the direction of the reaction force received from the developer carrier,
The second convex portion abuts the second hole portion at two locations, and the direction of a straight line connecting the two abutting locations is such that the layer thickness regulating member abuts on the developer carrying member. The layer thickness regulating member is along the direction of the reaction force received from the developer carrier,
A developing device having a housing in which a developer is accommodated, wherein the convex portion is fitted in the hole with the housing interposed therebetween. A developer carrier having a rotation axis and rotatable around the rotation axis, for carrying a developer,
A bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrier;
A layer thickness regulating unit comprising a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier,
An image forming apparatus provided with a developing device having
The image forming apparatus, wherein the layer thickness regulating unit is positioned by the bearing member. A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and an image forming apparatus connectable to the computer main body, for holding a developer that has a rotation axis and is rotatable around the rotation axis. A bearing member for receiving the rotating shaft of the developer carrying member, and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member. An image forming apparatus comprising: a developing device having a layer thickness regulating unit provided with the image forming apparatus, wherein the layer thickness regulating unit includes an image forming apparatus positioned by the bearing member. system.

Images