Developing Device Cleaning Mode for Developer Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of developer discharge from a developing device is reduced when transport units operate together with the developer holder during the removal process, leading to adherence of developer to the holder and reduced discharge efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a developer holder, removing member, transport unit, and drive mechanism that operates in a first mode for image formation and a second mode for cleaning, allowing individual operation of the developer holder and transport unit to enhance discharge efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transport unit operates together with the developer holder to supply developer, then the developer can be continuously supplied to the image carrier, but the developer adheres to the developer holder and discharge efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first operation mode where the transport unit and developer holder operate together for continuous developer supply during image formation, and a second operation mode where they operate individually for efficient developer discharge and cleaning. This dynamic operational switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to different functional requirements.
2Device complexity
If the transport unit and developer holder operate together during developer removal, then the system maintains operational simplicity, but developer adheres to the holder reducing discharge efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism implements dynamic operational modes that switch between simplified joint operation and optimized individual operation. In the second operation mode, the transport unit operates individually to efficiently discharge developer through reverse rotation, while the developer holder remains stationary or operates separately, maximizing discharge efficiency without permanently increasing system complexity.
3Loss of substance
If the transport unit uses reverse rotation to discharge developer, then accumulated developer can be removed, but developer supplied during this process adheres to the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary separation of functions by operating the transport unit and developer holder individually during the discharge process. Before the transport unit performs reverse rotation to discharge developer, the developer holder is positioned or stopped to prevent developer supply, ensuring that discharged developer is efficiently removed without adherence issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational mode dynamically changes during the discharge process, switching from joint operation to individual operation. This allows the transport unit to focus solely on discharge efficiency through reverse rotation without the conflicting action of developer supply from the holder, resolving the adherence problem while maintaining complete developer removal.
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 improves developer discharge efficiency by individually operating the developer holder and transport unit in the second mode, effectively removing developer from the holder and cleaning the accommodating unit.
Implementation Method 1
a transport unit that includes a helical rotating body, the transport unit rotating the rotating body to transport the developer and supply the developer to the developer holder
Implementation Method 2
a drive mechanism that operates the developer holder and the transport unit together in a first operation mode for image formation and operates the developer holder and the transport unit individually in a second operation mode for cleaning an inside of the accommodating unit by removing the developer
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a developer holder that supplies developer to an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device further includes a removing member that removes the developer that has not been supplied to the image carrier and remains on the developer holder and a transport unit that includes a helical rotating body, the transport unit rotating the rotating body to transport the developer and supply the developer to the developer holder. The developing device further includes an accommodating unit that accommodates the developer holder, the removing member, and the transport unit; and a drive mechanism that operates the developer holder and the transport unit together in a first operation mode for image formation and operates the developer holder and the transport unit individually in a second operation mode for cleaning an inside of the accommodating unit by removing the developer.