Image forming apparatus with reduced image defects
US6684047B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0634
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus has a latent image carrier on which a latent image is formed. A developer carrier conveys a one-component non-magnetic developer and develops the latent image either in close proximity to or in contact with the latent image carrier. A voltage application unit applies an AC-superimposed bias voltage to the developer carrier. A regulating member abuts against the developer carrier to regulate the thickness of the developer layer on the developer carrier. The regulating member has a semiconductive member provided at the distal end thereof to produce an electric potential difference between the semiconductive member and the developer carrier, to which the AC-superimposed bias voltage is applied, when regulating the thickness of the developer layer on the developer carrier, thereby forming a line-shaped uneven conveying surface. Thus, the occurrence of banding and longitudinal unevenness and stripes is prevented, and fogging and scattering are also prevented. Further, the occurrence of filming is prevented, thereby allowing formation of a uniform image free from density unevenness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.