Developing Device Duct Portion Inversion to Suppress Developer Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices face issues with developer discharge from one end of the duct portion, leading to potential clogging and maintainability problems, particularly due to the increase in internal pressure and miniaturization challenges.
Innovation Solution
A developing device configuration that includes a holding body, an agitating unit, a supply unit, a filling portion, a closing portion, and a duct portion, where the filling portion is designed to drop developer into the agitating unit when the closing portion is removed, and the duct portion connects the filling portion to the holding body, preventing developer discharge from the duct end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the duct portion opens at the upper part of the supply unit, then the developer can be supplied efficiently, but the developer discharges from the duct end causing clogging and maintainability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional duct opening position from the supply unit side to the holding body side. The duct portion now opens at the upper part of the holding body instead of the supply unit, reversing the flow direction and preventing developer discharge at the duct end while maintaining supply efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a air flow control mechanism that acts as an intermediary to regulate the internal pressure and air flow within the developing device. This controls the developer flow through the duct portion, preventing discharge while maintaining efficient supply
2Volume of moving object
If the developing device is miniaturized and unitized, then the device size is reduced, but the internal pressure increases causing developer discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes the duct portion in a different spatial dimension within the miniaturized device. By opening the duct at the holding body side and configuring it to extend in a specific direction, the patent achieves effective developer supply while managing internal pressure within the compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the duct portion by adjusting its opening position and orientation. This modifies the pressure distribution and air flow patterns within the miniaturized device, preventing developer discharge while maintaining compact dimensions
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 effectively suppresses developer discharge from the duct end, enhancing maintainability and reducing internal pressure, thereby improving the miniaturization and unitization of the developing device.
Implementation Method 1
a closing portion that closes a lower portion of the filling portion, and causes the developer to drop from the filling portion into the agitating unit in a case where the closing portion is removed
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device including a holding body, a supply unit, a filling portion, a closing portion, and a duct portion is provided. The holding body holds a developer. The agitating unit agitates the developer. The supply unit supplies the developer that flows in from the agitating unit to the holding body. The filling portion is provided above the agitating unit and filled with the developer. The closing portion closes a lower portion of the filling portion, and causes the developer to drop from the filling portion into the agitating unit in a case where the closing portion is removed. The duct portion connects a space in the filling portion and a portion above the holding body.