Developing Apparatus Second Mixing Member Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing apparatuses face issues with maintaining a consistent developer height in the second developer area, leading to image density deviations and reduced developer replaceability, especially when printing speed changes, resulting in auger marks and decreased image density.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus with a second mixing member featuring a shaft with a spiral wing part and ribs, where the number and height of ribs are optimized to maintain a constant developer height, improving mixability and stability, and including a developer discharge and supply system to manage toner and carrier effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the diameter of the shaft of the second mixing member is increased to maintain high developer height, then the developer height is maintained, but the mixability of the developer is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The second mixing member is segmented into a shaft and multiple spiral wings arranged at different radial distances. This segmentation allows different parts of the mixing member to perform different functions: the shaft provides structural support and rotational motion, while the spiral wings at various radii create complex mixing patterns that maintain both developer height and mixability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing mechanism transitions from a simple radial arrangement to a three-dimensional spiral configuration. The spiral wings are arranged along the axial direction of the shaft, creating a helical mixing path that enhances mixing effectiveness while maintaining the necessary developer height through the vertical dimension.
2Quantity of substance
If the rotational speed of the mixing member is increased to maintain developer height, then the developer height is maintained, but the amount of developer decreases and discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the mixing member, specifically the pitch and angle of the spiral wings, to optimize the relationship between rotational speed and developer height. This allows the system to maintain stable developer height at lower rotational speeds, reducing unnecessary developer discharge while still achieving effective mixing.
3Reliability
If the second mixing member is optimized for mixability, then the developer is well mixed, but the developer height may become unstable leading to auger marks
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges multiple mixing elements (spiral wings at different radii) onto a single rotating shaft, combining their mixing effects to achieve both excellent mixability and stable developer height. The combined action of multiple spiral wings creates a more stable developer bed while maintaining thorough mixing.
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 ensures stable developer supply to the developing roller, preventing image defects like auger marks and maintaining consistent image density across varying printing speeds by optimizing the number and configuration of ribs on the second mixing member and the developer management system.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral wing part formed along the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of ribs formed so as to protrude from a surface of the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7b
AI summary
A developing apparatus for an image forming apparatus comprises: a developing roller; a developing housing which rotatably supports the developing roller and receives a two-component developer; a first mixing member installed in the developing housing to mix the developer; and a second mixing member installed in the developing housing to be parallel to the first mixing member and adjacent to the developing roller, wherein the second mixing member comprises: a shaft; a spiral wing part formed along the shaft; and a plurality of ribs formed so as to protrude from the surface of the shaft.