Developing Device Filter Holder for Toner Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing devices in image forming apparatuses face the issue of air leakage from the lateral sides of the filter, leading to toner scattering outside the device, as the filter's collection function is not fully exerted.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a filter holder that ensures the filter is disposed in an opening portion to prevent air leakage, using a two-layer structure with varying weight densities and compression to enhance adhesion, reducing toner scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is disposed in an opening portion to collect toner, then toner collection function is improved, but air leaks from lateral sides of the filter causing toner scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using an elastic member (elastomeric material) that forms a flexible seal between the filter assembly and the developing device housing. The elastic member deforms to conform to the opening portion, creating a tight seal that prevents air and toner leakage from lateral sides while maintaining the filter's toner collection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by introducing an elastic member as an intermediary element between the filter assembly and the housing. This intermediary component mediates the connection, providing both mechanical support and sealing functionality, thereby preventing air leakage without compromising the filter's ability to collect toner
2Reliability
If the filter is compressed to enhance adhesion, then sealing performance is improved, but filter structure may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by carefully controlling the compression parameter - the elastic member is designed to apply sufficient compressive force to achieve good sealing contact, while the compression amount is limited to within 1/4 of the elastic member's thickness, preventing excessive compression that would damage the filter structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by making the elastic member's physical properties non-uniform - specifically, the thickness varies in the width direction, being thicker at both ends and thinner in the intermediate portion. This local quality variation ensures uniform contact pressure distribution and prevents filter damage while maintaining sealing performance
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 filter effectively collects toner while preventing air leakage, maintaining internal pressure and enhancing toner collection performance, thus reducing toner scattering and clogging.
Implementation Method 1
a filter (26t) is disposed in the opening portion (26k1)
Implementation Method 2
the filter (26t) is compressed in a width direction by the elastic member (26k13)
Implementation Method 3
an elastic member (26k13) having a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the width direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
A filter holding device includes an opening portion and a filter. The opening portion communicates an inside of the filter holding device with an outside of the filter holding device, and has a rim that extends in a communication direction from the inside of the filter holding device toward the outside of the filter holding device. The filter is disposed in the opening portion, and has a first side and a second side. The first side faces the inside of the filter holding device. The second side faces the outside of the filter holding device. The filter has a larger weight density per unit volume at the second side facing the outside of the filter holding device than at the first side facing the inside of the filter holding device in a state in which the filter is disposed in the opening portion.