Developing unit and image forming apparatus including the same
US7796920B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0838
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A developing unit circulates a developer unidirectionally and includes a developer carrier having a magnetic field generator therein. The developing unit further includes a supply part housing a supply screw, a collecting part housing a collecting screw, an agitation part housing an agitation screw, a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The developer is transported by the supply screw, the collecting screw, and the agitation screw from the collecting screw to the agitation screw through the first opening, from the agitation screw to the supply screw through the second opening, and from the supply screw to the collecting screw though the third opening in a developer circulation. A height of a bottom surface of the downstream part of the agitation screw is higher than a height of a bottom surface of the supply screw.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.