Developing device for an image forming apparatus
US6643486B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0634
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A developing device for an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier performing endless movement while carrying a developer in the form of a layer thereon, and a regulating member for regulating the thickness of the layer Toner stored in the developing device is covered with an additive whose particle size is less than 2 &mgr;m. The regulating member is implemented as a doctor roller having a surface roughness Rz equal to or greater than the above particle size, but smaller than 2 &mgr;m. The doctor roller is pressed against a developing roller or developer carrier by a preselected pressure, forming a nip for development The developing device reduces irregular development ascribable to impurities caught at a regulating position assigned to the doctor roller more than a conventional developing device using a doctor blade as a regulating member. In addition, the developing device obviates irregular development in the form of fine stripes ascribable to stripe-like irregularities formed in the developer layer existing on the developing roller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.