Electrophotographic apparatus
US5440376A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0844
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention, carrier is gradually supplied to a developing device and a developer is gradually discharged from the developing device through a developer discharge opening. The upper body of a copying machine is free to move upward round a supporting point. The developer discharge opening is formed in a portion of the developing device remotest from the supporting point. This arrangement prevents the developer from spilling from the developer discharge opening when the upper body of the copying machine is opened. Moreover, the developer discharge opening is provided with a shutter device which closes the developer discharge opening (1) when opening the upper body of the copying machine, (2) when removing the developing device from the copying machine, (3) when removing a waste container from the developing device, or (4) for a predetermined period during a copying operation. Consequently, there is no need to concern about spilling the developer from the developer discharge opening, and the developer is easily maintained and handled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.