Developing Device Toner Supply Port Partition Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining optimal developer supply due to uneven developer distribution and aggregation issues, particularly when the developer storage container is attached at an inclined angle, leading to reduced print density and supply path blockages.
Innovation Solution
The developing device incorporates a housing with a partition plate and a developer conveyance path system that includes a first and second conveyance path, where the developer is circulated and supplied through an obliquely opened developer supply port, using a conveying member with a conveying ability suppressing portion to manage developer flow and prevent aggregation, ensuring smooth replenishment and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the developer storage container is attached at an inclined angle to improve user operability, then ease of operation is improved, but developer aggregation occurs in the supply path leading to reduced print density and supply path blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The developer conveyance path is divided into a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path separated by a partition plate. The first conveyance path receives developer from the storage container and the second conveyance path supplies developer to the developing roller, preventing aggregation in the supply path while maintaining inclined attachment for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A reservoir is introduced as an intermediary component between the developer storage container and the developing roller. The reservoir accumulates developer and ensures stable supply to the developing roller even when the storage container is attached at an inclined angle, preventing direct aggregation in the supply path.
2Device complexity
If the developer supply port is open horizontally to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but developer aggregation occurs leading to supply path blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The developer supply port is opened obliquely rather than horizontally, changing the orientation dimension. This oblique opening allows developer to flow into the first conveyance path at an angle, preventing aggregation while maintaining relatively simple structural configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance path is segmented into first and second paths with different functions. The first path handles developer intake from the storage container with the oblique supply port, while the second path handles supply to the developing roller, preventing aggregation in the critical supply path.
3Device complexity
If the developer conveyance path is designed with a single path to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but developer distribution becomes uneven leading to aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The developer conveyance path is segmented into a first conveyance path for receiving developer from the storage container and a second conveyance path for supplying developer to the developing roller. The partition plate separates these paths, ensuring uniform developer distribution and preventing aggregation while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the conveyance system are given different qualities and functions. The first conveyance path is designed for bulk developer reception with the oblique supply port, while the second conveyance path is optimized for controlled supply to the developing roller, ensuring uniform distribution and preventing aggregation in the supply path.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a housing, a developing roller, a developer conveyance path, a partition plate, a developer supply port and a developer conveying member. The developer conveying member rotates such that an outer peripheral part thereof moves from top to bottom in a first area between a second shaft portion and the partition plate and moves from bottom to top in a second area between the second shaft portion and the side wall. The developer supply port is obliquely open above the second area. The housing includes a first space formed above the second area of the first conveyance path and a second space formed up to a position higher than the partition plate to communicate with the first conveyance path above the first area of the first conveyance path and communicating with the first space in a horizontal direction.