Developing Device Restraining Member Reduces Cloud Toner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices generate excessive cloud toner due to the collision of developers between the rotating member and the supply member, leading to reduced toner concentration and image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a restraining member above the supply member, which is tilted to redirect and contain the developer released from the rotating member, preventing it from colliding with the supply member and thus reducing cloud toner formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rotating member and supply member are disposed close to each other for compact structure, then device complexity is reduced, but cloud toner is generated due to developer collision
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the rotating member and supply member is segmented into two regions by the restraining member: a first space for developer transport and a second space for developer release. This segmentation prevents direct collision between developers while maintaining compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining member acts as an intermediary structure that redirects the developer released from the rotating member. It intercepts the centrifugal flow of developer and guides it into the supply member, preventing direct collision with the supply member's developer.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the restraining member is positioned far above the supply member to effectively contain developer, then cloud toner is reduced, but device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining member is positioned diagonally above the supply member rather than directly above, utilizing diagonal spatial arrangement. This three-dimensional positioning allows effective developer containment while minimizing the vertical height requirement of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining member is positioned to intercept and redirect developer before it can escape into the harmful collision zone. By performing this redirection action in advance, the member prevents cloud toner formation without requiring excessive distance from the supply member.
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 restraining member effectively reduces cloud toner generation, maintaining higher toner concentration and improving image quality by preventing developer collision and adherence to the supply member.
Implementation Method 1
The developer that is not delivered to the image holding body and remains on the rotating member returns to the supply member side, is released from the rotating member, and scatters to the supply member side by a centrifugal force of the rotating member.
Implementation Method 2
a supply member that extends in an axial direction of the rotating member and is disposed diagonally below the rotating member as viewed from the axial direction, transports the developer while rotating
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes: a rotating member that delivers a developer to a latent image of an image holding body while rotating; a supply member that extends in an axial direction of the rotating member and is disposed diagonally below the rotating member as viewed from the axial direction, transports the developer while rotating, and supplies the developer to the rotating member; and an upper member disposed on an opposite side of the rotating member with respect to a tangent line extending in an upward-downward direction in contact with a portion of the rotating member on a supply member side and above the supply member, as viewed from the axial direction.