Developing Device Screw Transport with Height-Difference Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining smooth developer circulation when the developer tank is tilted, leading to impaired transportation of developer in the turn-back zone due to unconsidered height differences.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a two-component developer tank featuring parallel rotary screws and compartments with varying bottom face heights, along with protrusions in the circulation zones to prevent backflow and ensure smooth circulation, even when the tank bottom face has a height difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the storage tank is tilted to adjust the outlet area, then the fluctuation in powder amount is suppressed, but the smooth transportation of developer in the turn-back zone is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom face of the storage tank is designed with different heights in different regions: a first region with a first height and a second region with a second height lower than the first height. This local differentiation allows the tank to maintain a tilted configuration for stable powder supply while creating a dedicated turn-back zone that facilitates smooth developer circulation without requiring the entire tank to be tilted.
2Productivity
If the bottom face of the developer tank has a height difference, then the circulation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank bottom face is segmented into distinct regions with different heights: a first region (with protrusions) and a second region, separated by a partition wall. This segmentation creates functional zones that improve circulation efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall tank structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes.
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 prevents backflow and ensures stable circulation of the developer, maintaining efficient transportation and distribution within the tank despite height differences in the tank's bottom face.
Implementation Method 1
a first screw comprising a first rotary shaft having a first spiral blade disposed on an outer circumferential face of the first rotary shaft, and a second screw comprising a second rotary shaft having a second spiral blade disposed on an outer circumferential face of the second rotary shaft
Implementation Method 2
the first compartment and the second compartment having bottom faces at different heights, and a protrusion being formed on a bottom face in the circulation zone
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a developer tank holding a developer, and a transporting member stirring and transporting the developer. The transporting member includes first and second screws each provided with a rotary shaft having a spiral blade disposed on an outer circumferential face of the rotary shaft. The first and second screws are disposed such that the rotary shafts are parallel to each other. The developer tank includes a first compartment accommodating the first screw, a second compartment accommodating the second screw, a partition separating the first compartment and the second compartment, and a circulation zone. The circulation zone includes an opening in the partition that allows the developer to flow through. The first and second compartments have bottom faces at different heights. A protrusion is formed on a bottom face in the circulation zone.