Trickle-Type Developing Device Reverse Flow Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trickle-type developing devices face instability in discharging developer due to system speed increases, leading to inconsistent developer supply and image quality issues, especially when the system speed exceeds 200 mm/second, as the developer jumps downflow openings due to inertia forces, making it difficult to stabilize the amount of discharged developer.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a stirring and conveying tank and a hollow cylindrical discharge member featuring a reverse flow generating screw, where the inner radius of a reduced-radius part is smaller than the remaining part, located in the lower part of the discharge member, enhances the power to push back developer, stabilizing the discharge regardless of system speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the system speed is increased to improve productivity, then the output increases, but the developer jumps downflow openings due to inertia forces causing instability in the amount of discharged developer
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge member is designed with a reduced-radius part at its lower portion, creating a localized change in geometry. This reduced radius section generates stronger reverse flow that counteracts the inertia forces of developer at high system speeds, preventing developer from jumping the downflow openings and stabilizing the discharged amount
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension variation in the discharge member by creating a reduced-radius part. This radial change affects the reverse flow generation in the axial direction, using a dimensional change to control the developer flow stability against inertia forces at high speeds
2Reliability
If the inner radius of the discharge member is reduced to enhance reverse flow power, then the stability of discharged developer amount improves, but the discharge path becomes narrower affecting developer flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the radius throughout the entire discharge member, the invention applies a localized reduced-radius part only at the lower portion. This local modification generates the necessary reverse flow power to stabilize discharged amount without excessively narrowing the discharge path, maintaining adequate developer flow while improving reliability
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 stabilizes the amount of discharged developer across varying system speeds, ensuring consistent developer supply and superior image quality by reducing the radius of the discharge path and optimizing the reverse flow generating mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse flow generating screw provided inside a portion of the discharge member, sharing one of rotation shafts of the stirring and conveying screws, and pushing back a part of the developer in a direction from the discharge opening toward the stirring and conveying tank
Implementation Method 2
the portion has a reduced-radius part and in a cross section thereof perpendicular to an axial direction of the one of rotation shafts of the stirring and conveying screws, an inner radius of the portion is smaller in the reduced-radius part than in the remaining part of the portion
Implementation Method 3
a stirring and conveying tank provided with stirring and conveying screws that stir, convey and circulate the developer
Data Source
AI summary
A trickle-type developing device comprising: a stirring and conveying tank provided with stirring and conveying screws that circulate the developer; a discharge member via which a part of the developer is conveyed from the tank to a discharge opening through which the developer is discharged, the discharge opening being provided in the discharge member; and a reverse flow generating screw provided inside a portion of the discharge member, sharing one of rotation shafts of the stirring and conveying screws, and pushing back a part of the developer, wherein the portion has a reduced-radius part and in a cross section thereof perpendicular to an axial direction of the one of rotation shafts, an inner radius of the portion is smaller in the reduced-radius part than in the remaining part, the reduced-radius part being located in a lower part of the portion with respect to a vertical direction of the portion.