Developing Apparatus Return Port Mechanism for Developer Fluidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In developing apparatuses, developers with small electric charge amounts accumulate in the developing unit due to lack of return mechanism, leading to inefficient usage and potential solidification.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus with a return port and an opening/closing member that allows developers to be returned from the developing unit to the developer accommodating unit, along with a transport member for agitation to regain electric charge and prevent solidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-way supply port is used to supply developer from the accommodating unit to the developing unit, then developer supply is simplified, but developer cannot be returned to the accommodating unit causing accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The port structure is segmented into two distinct ports: a supply port for one-way developer supply from the accommodating unit to the developing unit, and a return port for returning developer from the developing unit to the accommodating unit. This segmentation allows independent control of developer flow directions, resolving the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while enabling developer return functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single port that only allows one-way flow, the invention introduces a return port that enables reverse flow of developer from the developing unit back to the accommodating unit. This inversion of the conventional one-way supply approach allows unused developer to be recovered, preventing accumulation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If developer with small electric charge remains in the developing unit, then development efficiency decreases, but without a return mechanism, the developer accumulates and may solidify
Solution Approach 1:
The return port creates a feedback loop where unused developer with small electric charge is returned from the developing unit to the accommodating unit. This feedback mechanism prevents accumulation and solidification in the developing unit, maintaining developer fluidity and reliability, while also improving development efficiency by removing depleted developer that would otherwise occupy space in the developing unit.
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
Reduces developer accumulation in the developing unit, ensures sufficient electric charge, and prevents solidification by returning unused developers and agitating them, enhancing the developer's usability and maintaining fluidity.
Implementation Method 1
a transport member provided in the developer accommodating unit and configured so that the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating unit is supplied to the developing unit via the supply port in accordance with rotation
Implementation Method 2
a return port formed at a portion corresponding to the bottom of the developing unit constructed by the partition wall and configured so that the developer contained in the developing unit is permitted to fall into the developer accommodating unit
Implementation Method 3
The developer, which is returned to the developer accommodating unit, is agitated in accordance with the rotation of the transport member. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a sufficient amount of electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
A developing apparatus is provided, including a developing unit including a developing roller; a developer accommodating unit; a partition wall partitioning the developing unit and the developer accommodating unit; a supply port which makes communication between the developing unit and the developer accommodating unit; a transport member configured so that the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating unit is supplied to the developing unit via the supply port in accordance with rotation; a return port configured so that the developer contained in the developing unit is permitted to fall into the developer accommodating unit; an opening/closing member configured to be movable between an open position for opening the return port and a closed position for closing the return port; and a driving mechanism configured so that the opening/closing member is moved to the closed position and the open position.