Developing Device Toner Trapping for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face the issue of toner scattering from the development container, leading to contamination within the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The developing device incorporates a development container with a first and second conveyance chamber, a developer carrier, and a toner trapping mechanism, including a duct, air inlet port, trapping filter, and fan, to circulate and trap toner effectively, preventing its scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If toner-containing developer is circulated and stirred in the development container, then uniform images can be formed continuously, but toner may scatter from inside to outside of the development container causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure to separate the first conveyance chamber (where toner is circulated) from the second conveyance chamber (where toner is supplied to the image carrier). This partition wall prevents toner scattering from reaching the image carrier while maintaining the circulation function, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous uniform image formation and toner contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The development container is segmented into two distinct chambers: the first conveyance chamber for circulating toner-containing developer, and the second conveyance chamber for supplying toner to the image carrier. This segmentation isolates the circulation process from the image carrier area, preventing toner scattering contamination while preserving continuous image formation capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a partition wall is provided between first and second conveyance chambers, then toner scattering is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates the two conveyance chambers to prevent toner scattering, provides structural support for the development container, and facilitates the independent operation of each chamber. By making the partition wall multi-functional, the structure complexity increase is minimized while achieving effective toner scattering prevention.
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 stabilizes toner trapping, reduces contamination, and ensures continuous formation of uniform images by effectively containing toner within the device.
Implementation Method 1
The duct is connected to the second conveyance chamber and allows air present in the second conveyance chamber to flow therethrough. The fan allows air present in the second conveyance chamber to be sucked into the duct and let to flow outside.
Implementation Method 2
The trapping filter traps the toner contained in air flowing through the duct.
Data Source
AI summary
The developing device includes a development container, a developer carrier, and a toner trapping mechanism. The development container includes a first conveyance chamber and a second conveyance chamber placed in parallel juxtaposition and communicated with each other at their longitudinal both end portions, and the development container contains a toner-containing developer to be fed to an image carrier. The toner trapping mechanism includes a duct, an air inlet port, a trapping filter, and a fan. The duct is connected to the second conveyance chamber, and allows air present in the second conveyance chamber to flow therethrough. The development container has an air vent opened in the first conveyance chamber and communicated with outside of the development container.