One-Component Developing Apparatus for Residual Image Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming technologies face challenges in maintaining long-term high-quality image formation due to residual image (memory effect) and carrier deterioration, particularly in hybrid development systems, which lead to reduced image density and increased toner consumption.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus using a two-component developer with a toner, a carrier, and opposite polarity particles, where a DC voltage overlapped with an AC voltage is applied to both the developer and toner carrying members to create electric fields that separate and transfer toner effectively, reducing residual images and suppressing carrier deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-component development system using only toner is employed, then the apparatus structure is simplified and configuration is downsized, but toner surface is degenerated and charge receptivity is reduced due to heavy stress in the regulating section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the carrier from the development system, transitioning from a two-component system to a one-component system. This removes the source of mechanical stress and contamination that causes toner degradation, while maintaining effective development through direct toner application to the photoconductor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the development process into distinct functional areas: a regulating section for controlled toner application and a development section for image formation. This segmentation allows optimization of each section's function without the interfering effects of a carrier, improving both structure simplicity and toner performance.
2Strength
If a two-component development system using both toner and carrier is employed, then charging is caused by triboelectric charging and stress on toner is reduced, but the carrier surface is contaminated by toner and external additive agent all the same
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the carrier component entirely from the development system, eliminating the contamination problem at its source. The one-component system applies toner directly to the photoconductor without a carrier medium, preventing carrier surface contamination while maintaining effective triboelectric charging through controlled toner-regulating member interaction.
3Reliability
If the carrier is replaced by new one periodically, then the reduction in the amount of charging the toner is kept to a predetermined level, but the service life cannot be sufficient and fogging and toner splashing are caused
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the carrier entirely, the patent removes the component that accumulates contamination and loses charging ability over time. The one-component system maintains consistent toner charging performance throughout its service life without the degradation issues that plague two-component systems, thereby extending effective service life.
4Manufacturing precision
If toner is made to pass through the regulating section formed by a toner carrying member and a regulating plate, then the toner is charged and is formed into a desired thin toner layer, but the toner regulating member and toner carrying member surface are contaminated by deposition of the toner and external additive agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the toner carrying member from the system, replacing it with a direct toner application mechanism. This eliminates the large surface area of the carrying member that would otherwise accumulate contamination, while maintaining precise toner layer control through the regulating plate and controlled toner supply.
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 approach effectively reduces residual images and maintains stable carrier charging performance, ensuring long-term high-quality image formation by minimizing toner consumption and carrier deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
charging is caused by triboelectric charging due to mixture of toner and carrier
Implementation Method 2
a DC voltage overlapped with an AC voltage is applied to both the developer and toner carrying members to create electric fields that separate and transfer toner effectively
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a developing apparatus using a two-component developer, an image forming apparatus, and a method of forming an image capable of forming a high quality image characterized by stable suppression of carrier deterioration and absence of a residual image (memory effect) for a long period of time. The voltage formed by overlapping AD voltage to DC voltage is applied separately to each of the developer carrying member and the toner carrying member. The toner separation field made up of AC field is formed between the developer carrying member and the toner carrying member, and the development electric field made up AC field is formed between the toner carrying member and the image carrying member.