Patent · US Expired

Developing unit having an opening allowing toner to fall directly onto a developing member and supplying member contact area

US6560430B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
3References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 25, 2001
Grant dateMay 6, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 25, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03G15/0812
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A developing unit is disposed substantially directly under a toner chamber and receives toner through an opening formed in the toner chamber, and includes a developing roller, a supplying roller, and a developing blade. The developing roller supplies toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing body. The supplying roller rotates in contact with the developing roller to supply the toner to the developing roller. The developing blade is in pressure contact with the developing roller to form a thin layer of toner on the developing roller. The developing blade is in contact with the developing roller at a first position spaced at least 5.84 mm from a second position at which the supplying roller is in contact with the developing roller. An agitating member may be added over the developing roller and supplying roller and between the first position and the second position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.