Developing Apparatus Toner Removal via Resonant Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic technology, scattered toner adheres to the housing of the developing apparatus, leading to image defects due to incomplete removal of toner during operation, as existing vibration methods are inefficient in securely dropping toner from the housing.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus with a vibrator that adjusts the natural frequencies of vibrated portions within the housing to match a single vibration frequency, ensuring toner is securely dropped before image formation, using a hardware processor to control the vibrator and adjusters to resonate with the housing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the developing apparatus is vibrated by attachment and detachment operation, then toner adhered to the housing can be dropped, but image defects may still occur due to incomplete toner removal during image forming processing
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrator activates before image forming processing to drop accumulated toner from the housing in advance, preventing toner spillage during subsequent image formation operations
Solution Approach 2:
A vibrator is introduced to generate mechanical vibrations at specific frequencies that resonate with the housing structure, effectively dislodging and dropping accumulated toner from surfaces where it adheres
2Reliability
If the developing apparatus is vibrated by spring resilience, then toner can be dropped from the housing, but vibration is attenuated by frictional force reducing toner removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based mechanical vibration system is replaced with an electromagnetic vibrator that generates vibrations through electromagnetic forces, eliminating frictional losses associated with mechanical spring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration frequency is adjusted to match the natural frequency of the housing structure, maximizing vibration efficiency and toner removal effectiveness while minimizing energy loss
3Reliability
If multiple constituent parts are vibrated separately, then toner can be removed from various surfaces, but the system becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vibrators are synchronized to operate at a common frequency determined by the natural frequencies of various housing parts, achieving comprehensive toner removal while simplifying control through unified frequency management
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration system is designed to simultaneously address multiple housing surfaces and components through coordinated vibration at frequencies that resonate with each part, enabling one system to perform multiple toner removal functions
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 solution effectively prevents toner from adhering to the developing sleeve and photosensitive drum during image formation, reducing the occurrence of image defects caused by toner spillage and ensuring consistent image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an adjuster provided for at least one of the vibrated portions and the vibrator so as to adjust and match natural frequencies of the two or more of the vibrated portions
Data Source
AI summary
A developing apparatus includes: a housing that accommodates developer and has a plurality of constituent parts; a vibrator that vibrates parts, which are two or more of the plurality of the constituent parts and to which scattered toner may adhere, as vibrated portions; an adjuster provided for at least one of the vibrated portions and the vibrator so as to adjust and match natural frequencies of the two or more of the vibrated portions; and a hardware processor that controls the vibrator.