Developing Device Vibration Prevents Toner Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the reduction in toner particle size leads to increased risk of toner scattering from the developing device, causing image quality issues due to toner accumulation on the photoconductor and developing roller, and existing solutions like scattering prevention sheets are inadequate in preventing toner scattering during image formation.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a casing, a developer bearer, and a vibrator that vibrates the developer contact portion during non-image formation periods to prevent toner scattering by dissolving accumulated toner on the scattering prevention sheet, ensuring it falls back into the device and does not affect image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a scattering prevention sheet is used to close the gap between photoconductor and casing, then toner scattering is prevented, but toner accumulates on the sheet and causes image failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration to the scattering prevention sheet to prevent toner accumulation. A vibration source is attached to the sheet or its support structure, generating mechanical vibrations that continuously prevent toner from adhering to the sheet surface, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of toner accumulation while maintaining the scattering prevention function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic vibration cycles on the scattering prevention sheet. The vibration source operates in periodic intervals or continuously during non-image formation periods, creating periodic mechanical action that prevents toner accumulation without interfering with the image formation process, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing scattering and avoiding accumulation
2Manufacturing precision
If toner particle size is reduced to enhance image quality, then image resolution is improved, but toner separation from carrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration on the scattering prevention sheet to counteract the increased toner separation caused by reduced particle size. The vibration creates dynamic forces that keep fine toner particles attached to the carrier, preventing separation and scattering while allowing the use of smaller particles for better image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or operational parameters of the scattering prevention sheet by introducing vibration. This parameter change (from static to dynamic state) affects toner behavior, enabling the system to handle smaller toner particles effectively by modifying the interaction between toner, carrier, and prevention sheet through vibrational energy
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 toner scattering and image failures by ensuring toner does not accumulate on the photoconductor or developing roller, maintaining image quality and reducing the occurrence of banding and other density unevenness issues.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator to give vibration to the developer contact portion in a non-image formation period
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a casing to contain developer, a developer bearer disposed in the casing and opposite a latent image bearer in a developing range, at least one developer contact face to which the developer adheres in image formation, and a vibrator to give vibration to the developer contact face in a non-image formation period. The developer bearer is to rotate to supply the developer to the latent image bearer in the developing range.