Image forming apparatus including a returning mechanism for returning excessive developing liquid
US6385421B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/017
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image forming mechanism for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member, and a developing device for supplying a developing liquid containing at least toner and a carrier liquid, to the photosensitive member on which the latent image is formed, thereby to develop the latent image. The image forming apparatus also includes a removing device for removing an excessive portion of the developing liquid supplied by the developing device, whereby the excessive portion of the developing liquid remains on the photosensitive member after development. The image forming apparatus further includes a returning mechanism for returning the excessive portion of the developing liquid, which is removed by the removing device, into a casing of a developing liquid supply unit for supplying the developing liquid to the developing device, and a reserve flow-in section. The reserve flow-in section has a float and is provided in front of a developing liquid container section in the casing of the developing liquid supply unit, thereby to return the developing liquid to the reserve flow-in section when the valve is opened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.