Developing Device Guide Member Reflux Channel Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing devices face issues with stress accumulation and increased rotation torque due to high pressure applied by regulating members, leading to developer deterioration and instability in toner image formation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a guide member with a reflux channel and a communication channel, positioned downstream of the supply space, creates a guide channel that regulates the developer flow, reducing stress on the developer and minimizing accumulation, while a shear force applying unit enhances frictional charging, thereby reducing stress and maintaining developer stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a regulating member is used to regulate the amount of developer, then the amount of developer can be controlled, but stress accumulates on the developer causing deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the supply space and the regulating member. The guide member includes a guide channel that directs developer flow and a reflux channel that returns excess developer to the supply space, thereby mediating the interaction between developer supply and regulation to reduce stress accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is divided into multiple functional channels: a guide channel for directing developer flow toward the regulating member, and a reflux channel for returning excess developer. This segmentation allows different portions of the developer to be handled differently, reducing overall stress while maintaining control
2Productivity
If high pressure is applied by the regulating member, then developer flow is controlled, but rotation torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member performs preliminary actions on the developer before it reaches the regulating member: the guide channel pre-directs the developer flow path, and the reflux channel pre-returns excess developer to the supply space. This preliminary action reduces the burden on the regulating member, lowering the pressure and rotation torque required for final regulation
3Quantity of substance
If the regulating member is positioned close to the developing area, then regulation is effective, but stress on developer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a mediator that positions itself between the supply space and the regulating member, creating additional flow paths (guide channel and reflux channel) that allow developer to be regulated with reduced stress before reaching the developing area
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
This configuration reduces stress on the developer, lowers rotation torque, and maintains developer stability, resulting in improved toner image formation and extended developer lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the catch pole is opposed to the supply space so as to, attract the developer from the supply space onto the developer support
Implementation Method 2
the stirring screw 82 rotates in the housing 81, thereby frictionally charging the carrier and the toner in the developer D
Implementation Method 3
Rotation of the developing roller 84 causes the developer D supported on the outer circumferential surface to eventually reach the regulating member 85
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device having: a guide member creating a guide channel for guiding the developer being fed thereto while being supported on the developer support; and a regulating member regulating the amount of the developer that has passed through the guide channel, the guide member further creates a reflux channel in a gap from an inner surface of the housing, the reflux channel is connected to the guide channel via a communication channel such that the developer regulated by the regulating member returns toward an upstream end of the guide member, the upstream end of the guide member is disposed in a position opposed to the position where the magnetic flux density of the catch pole peaks, and the magnet assembly further includes a feeding pole that is disposed downstream of the catch pole and upstream of the developing pole, so as to be opposed to the guide channel.