Developing Device Axial Passage Layout for Toner Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing developing devices face challenges in efficiently discharging air while simultaneously sucking scattered toner without increasing the device's size, particularly when exhaust and suction passages are positioned at the same location along the axial direction of the developer holding unit.

Innovation Solution

The developing device incorporates exhaust passages and suction passages at different positions along the axial direction of the developer holding unit, allowing for simultaneous air discharge and toner suction without enlarging the device's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If exhaust passages and suction passages are disposed at the same position along the axial direction of the developer holding unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassage configuration complexityVSAvoiddeveloping device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from disposing exhaust and suction passages at the same axial position (one-dimensional arrangement) to different axial positions (distributed one-dimensional arrangement). This dimensional reconfiguration allows both passages to be arranged along the axial direction of the developer holding unit without overlapping, thereby maintaining device compactness while achieving both exhaust and suction functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the passage functions by separating exhaust passages and suction passages into different axial regions of the developer holding unit. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each passage's position and function, enabling effective air discharge and toner suction simultaneously without requiring a larger device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If exhaust passages and suction passages are disposed at different positions along the axial direction of the developer holding unit, then the device size is reduced, but the effectiveness of air discharge and toner suction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloping device sizeVSAvoidair discharge and toner suction effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning exhaust passages and suction passages at different axial locations where specific local conditions prevail. The exhaust passages are positioned to effectively discharge air from specific regions, while suction passages are positioned to effectively capture scattered toner from different regions. This localized optimization ensures both functions remain effective despite the spatial separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the axial direction of the developer holding unit as an intermediary dimension to separate exhaust and suction passages. This intermediary arrangement allows both passages to access their respective target regions (air for exhaust, scattered toner for suction) effectively while maintaining a compact overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If exhaust passages are positioned to discharge air effectively, then internal pressure increases are prevented, but scattered toner cannot be suctioned effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal pressure controlVSAvoidtoner scattering

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the functional regions by placing exhaust passages in axial positions optimized for air discharge and suction passages in different axial positions optimized for toner capture. This segmentation allows each passage type to perform its specific function effectively without interfering with the other, preventing both internal pressure buildup and toner scattering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the axial dimension of the developer holding unit to separate exhaust and suction functions spatially. By distributing passages along the axial direction rather than concentrating them at a single position, the system achieves both effective air discharge and toner suction simultaneously through multi-point distributed processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250036066A1Developing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A developing device includes: a housing that stores a developer; a developer holding unit that is disposed at an opening portion of the housing that faces an image holding body and that rotates while holding the developer; an exhaust passage through which air in the housing is discharged to outside; and a suction passage through which the developer that leaks out from the opening portion of the housing is sucked. The exhaust passage and the suction passage are disposed at different positions along an axial direction of the developer holding unit.