Compact Development Device Horizontal Discharge Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pre-mixed-type development devices in tandem-type image forming apparatuses require additional space due to protruding discharge conveyance paths, increasing the size of the device and the apparatus, and pose height challenges when installing near intermediate transfer belts.
Innovation Solution
The development device incorporates a discharge conveyance path within the horizontal plane of the circulation path, allowing surplus developer to be discharged externally without protruding, thus reducing the device's size and avoiding interference with lower components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a discharge conveyance path is provided near the bottom of the development device to discharge surplus developer, then the developer can be effectively removed, but the device height increases to prevent interference with the intermediate transfer belt
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge conveyance path is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (near the bottom) to a horizontal arrangement (within the horizontal plane of the circulation path). This dimensional change allows the discharge function to be achieved without increasing device height, as the conveyance path now extends horizontally rather than vertically, avoiding interference with the intermediate transfer belt while maintaining effective developer discharge capability
2Productivity
If the discharge conveyance path protrudes from the side of the development device, then surplus developer can be discharged externally, but the device size increases in the short direction
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge conveyance path is nested within the horizontal plane occupied by the circulation path rather than protruding externally. The discharge path is positioned to utilize the existing horizontal space within the device boundaries, allowing surplus developer to be conveyed and discharged without increasing the overall device footprint area in the short direction
Data Source
AI summary
In a development device for containing a developer and developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier, a supplier supplies fresh developer to the development device. A developer carrier carries the developer to be supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier. A plurality of conveyance members conveys the developer contained in the development device in an axial direction of the development device to form a circulation path. An outlet is provided in a wall of a conveyance path formed by one of the plurality of conveyance members and discharges the developer to an outside of the conveyance path. A discharge conveyance member forms a discharge conveyance path to convey the developer discharged from the outlet in the axial direction of the development device and to discharge the developer to an outside of the development device.