Developing Apparatus Air Vent Partition for Toner Scattering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner scattering in developing apparatuses, particularly during replenishment, leads to image defects and contamination within the image forming apparatus, as existing solutions like filters struggle to manage short-term pressure fluctuations and collect scattered toner effectively.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus design featuring a partition wall with a slit that vents air between chambers, allowing airflow to generate a path for toner dispersion and reduction of pressure loss, thereby minimizing toner scattering by directing airflow to the downstream side where toner can mix with the developer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is used to reduce internal pressure of the developing apparatus, then toner scattering through gaps is prevented, but the apparatus cannot correspond to short-term pressure fluctuation and pressure is stabilized slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is divided into multiple sections: a lower sealed portion and an upper vent portion with air vents. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - the lower portion maintains pressure differential to prevent toner leakage, while the upper portion with vents enables rapid pressure equalization during fluctuations, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing toner scattering and responding quickly to pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vents in the upper portion of the partition wall change the pressure parameter dynamically. During normal operation, the sealed lower portion maintains a pressure differential. During short-term pressure fluctuations, the vents in the upper portion open to equalize pressure rapidly, then close again. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to handle both steady-state and transient conditions effectively.
2Speed
If a rough filter that generates small pressure loss is used, then short-term pressure fluctuation is corresponded, but scattered toner cannot be collected sufficiently and may leak to the exterior
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is segmented into a lower sealed portion and an upper vent portion. The lower sealed portion prevents toner leakage by maintaining pressure differential, while the upper vent portion with air vents handles pressure fluctuations. This spatial segmentation of functions resolves the contradiction between rapid pressure response and toner containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vents act as intermediaries that selectively allow air passage while blocking toner. The vent structure with its specific opening size and positioning allows rapid pressure equalization during fluctuations but prevents toner from passing through to the exterior, thus mediating between pressure response requirements and toner containment.
3Quantity of substance
If replenished toner is discharged from container to developing apparatus, then developer is replenished, but toner scatters when falling in air and causes contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The air vents in the upper portion of the partition wall act as intermediaries that control airflow during replenishment. The vents create a controlled air current that guides falling toner particles along a defined path, preventing uncontrolled scattering. The airflow mediates between the need to discharge replenished toner and the need to prevent contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing air vents to create controlled airflow patterns during toner replenishment. The airflow generated through the vents directs falling toner particles toward the developer surface in a controlled manner, reducing scattering and contamination while ensuring effective replenishment.
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
The solution effectively reduces toner scattering and contamination, maintaining image quality by ensuring that scattered toner falls and mixes with the developer, preventing external leakage and maintaining apparatus cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
an air vent portion provided on the wall portion at a position higher than a height of the first conveyance member and a height of the second conveyance member in a vertical direction, and configured to vent air between the first and second chambers
Implementation Method 2
scattered toner falls and mixes with the developer
Data Source
AI summary
A developing apparatus includes a developer bearing member to bear developer containing toner and carrier to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member, a first chamber to supply developer to the developer bearing member, a second chamber to communicate with the first chamber to circulate developer, and a partition wall to separate the first and second chambers. An opening portion, through which an airflow from the second chamber toward the first chamber passes, is provided to the partition wall, and a length of the opening portion is equal to or longer than a length of a plurality of pitches of blades of a conveyance screw provided in the second chamber. A length, in the vertical direction, of the opening portion at a first position is longer than a length, in the vertical direction, of the opening portion at a second position.