Developer unit of electrophotographic image forming apparatus
US6836634B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0812
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A developer unit of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a blocking blade having a magnetic fluid and a magnet. The magnetic fluid contacts a developer roller and the metering blade to prevent a developer from flowing to both ends of the metering blade. The magnetic fluid is fixed to the magnet which applies a pressure to the magnetic fluid so that the magnetic fluid contacts the developer roller and the metering blade. Since the magnetic fluid contacts the developer, wear of elements of the developer unit can be reduced, thereby securing durability of the developer unit. Also, a wrap-around phenomenon of the developer can be prevented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.