Developing Roller Resin Member for Toner Buildup Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing devices face issues with toner buildup in internal spaces, leading to aggregation and clogging, which can cause image smears and toner streaks.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a cylindrical developing roller, a regulation member, and a synthetic resin member, where the resin member's opposing surface is tilted at 40° to 60° relative to the roller's surface to prevent toner buildup, using a synthetic resin with a solubility parameter of 23 (J/cm3)1/2 to minimize toner adsorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional developing device is used, then the structure is simple, but toner builds up in the internal space causing aggregation and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synthetic resin member as an intermediary component between the regulation member and the developer storage. This member has specific solubility parameter characteristics that prevent toner adsorption, acting as a mediator that eliminates toner buildup without requiring complex structural changes to the overall device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a synthetic resin material with a solubility parameter of 23 (J/cm³)¹/² or more. This specific parameter range creates incompatibility with the toner particles, preventing adsorption and buildup. The angled configuration (40°-60°) of the opposing surface is also a parameter optimization to facilitate toner return flow
2Reliability
If the upstream space is occupied to prevent toner buildup, then toner aggregation is suppressed, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic resin member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it occupies the upstream space to prevent toner aggregation, provides a non-adsorbing surface due to its solubility parameter characteristics, and guides toner flow back into the storage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function
3Device complexity
If toner is allowed to build up in the internal space, then the device structure remains simple, but image quality deteriorates due to smears and streaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic toner buildup phenomenon by introducing the synthetic resin member that actively prevents toner accumulation. The member's surface properties and geometric configuration work together to extract or remove toner from the upstream space before it can aggregate and cause image defects
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
Suppresses the production of aggregated toner, maintaining consistent image density and preventing toner streaks even in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
The second opposing surface is tilted at 40° or more but 60° or less with respect to the first opposing surface to be increasingly distant from the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller toward the upstream side in the rotating direction
Implementation Method 2
The developing roller houses a magnetic-field generating member and rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a cylindrical developing roller, a regulation member, a magnetic member, and a synthetic resin member. The regulation member includes a first opposing surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the developing roller. The magnetic member is arranged on a side surface of the regulation member. The synthetic resin member is arranged on a side surface of the magnetic member. The synthetic member includes a second opposing surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller. The second opposing surface is tilted at 40° or more but 60° or less with respect to the first opposing surface to be increasingly distant from the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller toward an upstream side in a rotating direction of the developing roller. A solubility parameter of a material of the synthetic resin member is 23 (J/cm3)1/2 or more. Magnetic toner contains toner and resin fine particles.