Developer Container Segmentation for Toner Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing trickle type image forming apparatuses, the replenishing portion for developers is often positioned near the discharge portion, leading to unnecessary discharge of new developer and potential over-discharge of developer due to its tendency to stay in regions with inverse winding blades, resulting in improper toner density regulation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a developer accommodating container with separate feeding and discharge portions, where the replenishing portion is positioned downstream of the discharge portion in the feeding direction, allowing for controlled mixing of new developer with existing developer to maintain appropriate toner density, and features a conveyance inhibiting portion and opening degree regulating member to prevent excessive discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the replenishing portion is positioned near the discharge portion within the second accommodating portion, then the structure is simplified, but the replenished developer is discharged unnecessarily and toner density cannot be regulated appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodating portion is divided into a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion, with the replenishing portion placed in the first and the discharge portion in the second. This segmentation prevents replenished developer from being immediately discharged, allowing proper mixing and toner density regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by creating separate zones (first and second accommodating portions) along the feeding direction. The replenishing portion is positioned upstream in the first accommodating portion while the discharge portion is positioned downstream in the second accommodating portion, establishing a directional flow path that prevents short-circuiting of replenished developer.
2Device complexity
If the discharge portion is provided in the region where the inverse winding blade is arranged, then the developer discharge structure is simplified, but the developer is apt to stay and is discharged more than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge portion is positioned in a specific local region of the second accommodating portion that is optimized for discharge function. This local positioning ensures that developer flows properly to the discharge portion without excessive stagnation, balancing the discharge efficiency with prevention of over-discharge.
3Ease of operation
If the replenishing portion is positioned upstream to facilitate replenishment, then the replenishment process is improved, but the replenished developer may be discharged before proper mixing
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the accommodating portion into first and second zones with distinct functions (replenishment zone and discharge zone), the patent ensures that replenished developer has sufficient path length and mixing opportunity before reaching the discharge portion, maintaining toner density uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The replenished developer is introduced upstream in the first accommodating portion and undergoes preliminary mixing with existing developer before reaching the discharge portion in the second accommodating portion. This preliminary action ensures proper blending and toner density regulation before any discharge occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer accommodating container is provided with a first accommodating portion in which a first feeding member is arranged, a second accommodating portion in which a second feeding member is arranged, a first communication portion communicating the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion in their one end sides, a second communication portion and a third communication portion communicating the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion at two positions in the other end sides so as to be shifted their positions in a feeding direction of the developer, a discharge portion arranged between the second communication portion and the third communication portion in the second accommodating portion, and provided for discharging the developer, and a replenishing portion arranged in a downstream side in the feeding direction of the developer than the third communication portion in the first accommodating portion, and provided for replenishing the developer.