Developing Device Dual-Chamber Developer Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing developing devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transporting and supplying developers across different chambers while maintaining optimal developer levels and preventing developer from accumulating at the ends of rotating members, leading to inefficiencies in image formation processes.

Innovation Solution

The developing device incorporates a first chamber and a second chamber with rotating transporting and supply members, where the transporting member rotates in one direction and the supply member rotates in the opposite direction, ensuring developer circulation and supply to the development roller without excessive accumulation, with the lower ends of both members at the same level and the developer surfaces maintained within specific height ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single transporting member is used to transport developer in one direction, then the structure is simple, but developer accumulates at the end of the transporting member causing uneven distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddeveloper distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transporting function is divided into two separate members: a first transporting member that transports developer from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a second transporting member that transports developer from the second chamber back to the first chamber. This segmentation prevents developer accumulation by creating bidirectional flow paths, thereby improving developer distribution uniformity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single member transporting in one direction, the system employs a second transporting member that moves in the opposite direction to the first transporting member. This inversion of the transporting direction creates a circular flow pattern that prevents accumulation and ensures even developer distribution across both chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If transporting member and supply member have the same outer diameter, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but developer levels become uncontrolled and accumulate excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural symmetryVSAvoiddeveloper level control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The second transporting member is designed with a smaller outer diameter than the first transporting member. This asymmetric design allows the second member to supply developer to the development roller while preventing excessive accumulation, as the smaller diameter limits the volume of developer it can hold and transport, thereby achieving controlled developer levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If developer is transported rapidly between chambers, then productivity is improved, but developer distribution becomes uneven and accumulation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper circulation speedVSAvoiddeveloper distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes continuous circular transportation of developer through the coordinated operation of the first and second transporting members. The first member continuously transports developer from the first chamber to the second chamber, while the second member simultaneously transports developer back to the first chamber, creating an uninterrupted flow that maintains both high productivity and uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 configuration enhances the efficient circulation and supply of developers, preventing accumulation and ensuring consistent developer levels, thereby improving the image formation process by maintaining optimal developer distribution and reducing operational complexities.

Implementation Method 1

a lower end position of the supply member and a lower end position of the transporting member in the gravitational direction are at the same level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9285711B2Developing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A developing device includes a developer container including a first chamber and a second chamber arranged along a lateral direction, which crosses a gravitational direction, developer circulating through the first chamber and the second chamber; a transporting member rotatably disposed in the first chamber; and a supply member rotatably disposed in the second chamber. A lower end position of the supply member and a lower end position of the transporting member in the gravitational direction are at the same level. While the supply member and the transporting member are rotating, an upper surface of developer contained in the first chamber and an upper surface of developer contained in the second chamber are at levels not higher than an upper end position of the transporting member but not lower than an upper end position of the supply member in the gravitational direction.