Developing unit with agitator and conveying sheet for toner
US6415126B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0822
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A toner reserve container provided with a toner replenishing roller and a replenishing port which constitute a toner replenishing portion is arranged adjacent to a developing hopper and is provided with a toner conveying unit. The conveying unit includes an agitator rotated about a rotary shaft and a conveying sheet fixed to the agitator and scooping up and conveying toner to the toner replenishing roller. The conveying sheet has a plurality of slits formed close to the end portion where it is fixed to the agitator and extending in the direction from the end portion to the tip end of the conveying sheet. When the conveying sheet is rotated and deformed, the plurality of slits absorb rotational load to keep toner conveyed by the conveying sheet stable for a long period of time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.