Image forming apparatus having cleaner-less developer system
US9835973B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2016 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G21/0064
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member on which a latent image is formed, a developer carrying member for developing the latent image, and an electroconductive regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of the developer in contact with the developer carrying member. A voltage source applies, to the electroconductive regulating member, a voltage of the same polarity as a polarity of the developer on a surface of the developer carrying member at least during a developing operation. The developer remaining on the surface of the image bearing member, after a developer image formed on the image bearing member is transferred, is collected by the developer carrying member. At a time when the developer carrying member is driven in a period other than during the developing operation, a potential difference between the electroconductive regulating member and the developer carrying member is made zero or a voltage which is different toward a side of a polarity opposite the polarity of the developer from a voltage applied to the developer carrying member is applied to the electroconductive regulating member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.