Developing Device Segmented Storage for Ghost Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing devices in electrophotography systems experience image density unevenness and ghost development due to uneven developer supply, particularly when the developer amount increases, leading to insufficient replacement and peeling ability issues.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a first storage chamber, a first conveyor, a developer supporter, a second storage chamber, and a third storage chamber to manage developer overflow, ensuring consistent developer supply and peeling ability by communicating developer between chambers and preventing bulkiness in the second storage chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the amount of developer in the developing device is increased, then the developer supply to the developing roller is improved, but the peeling ability deteriorates and ghost development occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is divided into a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber separated by a partition wall. The first storage chamber stores developer with a first conveyor, while the second storage chamber stores overflowed developer with a second conveyor. This segmentation prevents the increased developer amount from disturbing the flow in the developing region, maintaining peeling ability while allowing increased developer supply.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication opening is provided in the partition wall to allow developer to flow from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber. This intermediary structure enables overflow control, preventing bulkiness in the first storage chamber while maintaining consistent developer supply to the developing roller, thus preventing ghost development.
2Quantity of substance
If the amount of developer increases, then the developer supply is improved, but image density uniformity deteriorates due to ghost development
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage chamber into two separate chambers with distinct conveyor systems, the patent ensures that increased developer amount does not disrupt the controlled flow to the developing roller. The second chamber acts as an overflow reservoir that prevents bulkiness, maintaining consistent developer supply and preventing image density unevenness.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication opening between chambers provides a feedback mechanism where excess developer automatically flows to the second chamber when the first chamber reaches a certain level. This self-regulating system maintains optimal developer levels and flow conditions, ensuring consistent image density without ghost development.
3Device complexity
If a single storage chamber is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control over developer flow and peeling ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is segmented into two chambers separated by a partition wall with a communication opening. This segmentation provides independent control over developer flow through two separate conveyors, enabling precise control of developer supply to the developing roller while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage chamber is equipped with its own conveyor system optimized for its specific function. The first conveyor in the first chamber controls primary developer supply, while the second conveyor in the second chamber manages overflow. This local optimization ensures reliable developer flow control without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device, includes a first storage chamber that stores developer; a first conveyor that is disposed in the first storage chamber and conveys developer; a developer supporter that is disposed so as to face an image supporter, supports developer conveyed from the first conveyor, and conveys the supported developer to a developing position where an electrostatic latent image formed on the image supporter is developed; a second storage chamber that stores developer conveyed via the developing position and communicates with the first storage chamber at a confluent opening; a second conveyor that is disposed in the second storage chamber and conveys developer conveyed via the developing position toward the confluent opening; and a third storage chamber that stores developer overflowing in a case where an amount of developer in the second storage chamber becomes a predetermined amount or more.