Developing Device Air Flow Path and Filter for Toner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing the accumulation of cloud toner in air flow paths and stabilizing internal pressure within developer containers, leading to inefficiencies and potential developer scattering.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a housing containing a developer, a cover member, a developer holder, a regulating member, and exit paths with filters to manage air flow and prevent toner passage, ensuring efficient toner supply and pressure stability by inclining exit paths beyond the toner's angle of repose and using surface treatments to prevent toner adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure relief opening is provided to prevent internal pressure increase, then air pressure stability is improved, but developer may escape through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
A filter member with porous structure is installed in the pressure relief opening. The porous material allows air to pass through while blocking developer particles, thus maintaining pressure relief function while preventing developer escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member acts as an intermediary element between the pressure relief opening and the external environment. It mediates the conflicting requirements by selectively allowing air passage while blocking developer, resolving the contradiction between pressure stability and substance loss prevention.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the exit path is inclined to prevent toner accumulation, then toner adherence is reduced, but space efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The exit path is designed with an inclination angle exceeding the angle of repose of toner. This dimensional change in the path geometry utilizes gravity and toner flow characteristics to prevent accumulation while maintaining compact space through optimized angular design.
3Loss of substance
If a filter member is provided to prevent developer passage, then developer loss is reduced, but air flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member utilizes porous material structure that balances filtration effectiveness with air permeability. The porous design allows air to pass through with minimal resistance while effectively blocking developer particles, resolving the contradiction between substance loss prevention and energy loss.
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 prevents cloud toner accumulation, stabilizes internal pressure, and reduces toner exit, enhancing the efficiency and assembly of the developing device while maintaining space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first exit path inclined toward an inside of the housing and configured to exit air from the inside of the housing to an outside of the cover member
Implementation Method 2
a filter member provided on the cover member, the filter member preventing passage of the developer and allowing passage of the air
Implementation Method 3
a first exit path inclined toward an inside of the housing... the first exit path is inclined at an angle that exceeds an angle of repose of the toner contained in the developer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A developing device includes: a housing in which a developer is contained; a cover member configured to cover an upper opening of the housing; a developer holder that is supported by the housing and holds the developer on an outer surface and rotates; a regulating member that faces the developer holder and configured to regulate an amount of the developer on the outer surface; a first exit path inclined toward an inside of the housing and configured to exit air from the inside of the housing to an outside of the cover member; and a second exit path that connects the first exit path and a filter member provided on the cover member, the filter member preventing passage of the developer and allowing passage of the air.