Developing device
AssigneeMatsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
InventorYasutaka Tamai
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A developer is carried to a developing region by a developer carrier and develops a static latent image formed on a latent image carrier. The developer to be supplied to the developer carrier is circulated in a first circulating path while being stirred. The developer also is circulated in a second circulating path. Here, at least a part of the first circulating path and at least a part of the second circulating path are common, intersect or contact each other. In a portion where both of the circulating paths are common, intersect or contact each other, a part of the developers in both of these paths are interchanged. In this manner, an image whose image density is uniform and stable can be obtained. Further, it is possible to achieve a small developing device that includes a long-life developer.
Claims7
A developing device comprising:
- a developer carrier that supports and carries a developer to a developing region for developing a static latent image on a latent image carrier;
- a first circulating path for carrying and supplying the developer to the developer carrier;
- and
- a second circulating path for carrying the developer;
- wherein at least a part of the first circulating path and at least a part of the second circulating path are common, intersect or contact each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.