Developer Conveying Unit Pressure Venting and Filter Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, internal pressure within the developing unit tends to rise due to factors like increased toner conveying speed and toner supply, leading to toner leakage through seals and filter clogging, which diminishes the effectiveness of pressure suppression mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A detachable unit configuration with a deformable conveying member and a frame that includes separate chambers and ventilation openings, along with a filter that allows air passage while restricting toner, allows for adjustable positioning to manage internal pressure and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotation speed of the toner conveying member is increased to supply more toner to the developing chamber, then the productivity is improved, but the internal pressure of the developing chamber increases causing toner leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful factor (excess internal pressure) by providing a vent hole in the frame that allows pressure relief. The vent hole is positioned to allow air to escape from the developing chamber while preventing toner leakage, thus resolving the contradiction between high productivity and pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the vent hole with specific positioning and sealing arrangement) that mediates between the high-speed toner conveying system and the pressure control requirement. The vent hole allows pressure equalization without compromising the sealing integrity against toner leakage.
2Productivity
If the thickness of the conveying unit is increased to supply more toner, then the productivity is improved, but the internal pressure of the developing chamber increases causing toner leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful factor (excess internal pressure generated by thick conveying unit operation) through the vent hole mechanism. The vent hole provides a pressure relief pathway that operates independently of the conveying unit thickness, allowing the system to maintain high productivity without pressure-related toner leakage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the printer is used in a certain position for a long time, then the stability is improved, but toner adheres to the filter member causing it to clog and diminish ventilation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveying unit rotatable relative to the frame. This rotational capability allows the system to change its operational orientation periodically, preventing toner from continuously adhering to the same area of the filter member. The dynamic adjustment maintains filter ventilation capability while preserving operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling periodic rotation of the conveying unit to different positions. This periodic repositioning prevents continuous toner adhesion to the filter member, thereby maintaining the filter's ventilation capability over extended operational periods while preserving system stability.
4Reliability
If a sheet member is installed to prevent toner leakage, then the reliability is improved, but the internal pressure increases causing toner to leak through the sheet member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful factor (excess internal pressure that causes toner to leak through the sheet member) by providing a vent hole. The vent hole allows pressure to be released while the sheet member maintains its sealing function, thus preserving toner containment reliability without suffering from pressure-induced leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the vent hole as an intermediary pressure relief mechanism that works in conjunction with the sheet member. The vent hole mediates between the sealed developing chamber and the external environment, allowing pressure equalization while the sheet member continues to prevent toner leakage, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and pressure control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively suppresses internal pressure increases, reducing toner leakage and maintaining filter ventilation capability, even during prolonged use or high-speed operations.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that allows air to pass the second opening and restricts the developer from passing the second opening
Implementation Method 2
a conveying member for conveying developer that is deformable and conveys developer when being rotated and released from deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A unit includes: a conveying member that conveys developer; a frame that stores the developer and includes a first chamber storing the conveying member, a second chamber, a first opening connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, and through which the developer is passed, and a second opening connecting the interior of the second chamber and the exterior of the frame in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to a direction of a rotation axis line of the conveying member; and a filter that allows air to pass the second opening and restricts the developer from passing the second opening, and is fixed to the frame, wherein the frame is displaceable with respect to an apparatus main body in a state where the unit is attached to the apparatus main body, and the filter is displaced with respect to the apparatus main body by the displacement of the frame.