Developing Device Exhaust Duct with Expanding Flow Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing developing devices, developer scattering from the development tank tends to adhere to filters with little reduction in force, causing filter clogging, reduced exhaust performance, and potential developer leakage due to increased pressure.

Innovation Solution

A developing device with a development tank, an exhaust duct, and a flow-path forming portion featuring connection flow paths with increasing cross-sectional areas, which reduces developer adherence to filters by generating upward and spiral air flows, and ensures sufficient exhaust and extended filter life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter is installed at the intake port of the exhaust duct to capture scattered developer, then the exhaust performance is improved, but the filter clogs quickly due to developer adherence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust performanceVSAvoidfilter life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust system is segmented into multiple independent flow paths (first, second, and third connection flow paths) with different cross-sectional area expansion ratios. This segmentation allows each path to handle exhaust flow differently, reducing overall developer adherence to the filter while maintaining effective exhaust performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different connection flow paths are designed with different local qualities in terms of cross-sectional area expansion ratios. The first connection flow path has a larger expansion ratio to reduce developer adherence, while other paths have different ratios to balance exhaust efficiency. This local differentiation optimizes both filter protection and exhaust performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the cross-sectional area of connection flow paths is increased to reduce developer adherence, then filter life is extended, but exhaust efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter lifeVSAvoidexhaust efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust system is divided into multiple connection flow paths with different cross-sectional area expansion ratios. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve reduced developer adherence (extending filter life) and maintained exhaust efficiency by distributing exhaust flow across paths with optimized characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-sectional area expansion ratio is used as a key parameter to control developer airflow characteristics. By changing this parameter across different connection flow paths, the system optimizes the balance between reducing developer adherence to the filter and maintaining sufficient exhaust efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple connection flow paths with different cross-sectional area expansion ratios are implemented, then developer scattering is reduced and filter adherence is minimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper scatteringVSAvoidexhaust duct structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust duct is segmented into multiple connection flow paths, each with specific cross-sectional area expansion ratios. This segmentation effectively reduces developer scattering by creating controlled airflow patterns, while the modular nature of the segmentation keeps the structural complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces filter clogging, maintains sufficient exhaust from the development tank, and extends the life of the filter by minimizing developer adherence to the filter surface and ensuring efficient air flow.

Implementation Method 1

generating upward and spiral air flows

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpiral air flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

generating upward and spiral air flows

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10551794B2Developing device including exhaust duct and filter and image forming apparatus including developing device

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 SHARP KK

AI summary

A developing device includes a developer vessel, a flow-path forming portion, and an exhaust duct. The developer vessel accommodates developer composed of toner and carrier. The flow-path forming portion includes a plurality of connection flow paths. The exhaust duct has an intake port communicating with the plurality of connection flow paths, and a filter that covers the intake port is disposed at the intake port of the exhaust duct. Each of the plurality of connection flow paths has an inlet communicating with an internal space of the developer vessel, an outlet communicating with an internal space of the exhaust duct, and a cross-sectional area increasing 5 to 20 times from the inlet toward the outlet.