Abstract
The trickle development method in two-component development system of electrophotography is described. This method was invented for reducing maintenance costs reduction. It has been applied to many electrophotographic commercial products of Fuji Xerox, starting by Color Laser Wind 3310. The reason why this method has been used widely in Fuji Xerox is considered that it provides great effects on the developer life with a simple configuration. In this method, steady charging level of developer is obtained by discharging of excess developer and at the same time an amount of carrier beads is provided in a “trickle” with dispensing toner. Mechanism of discharging excess developer has to be designed appropriately considering various restrictions required to make compact development unit. This report introduces typical discharging systems of excess developer, model of developer charging and concept of developer charge maintainability together with some examples.
