Developing System Rotating Member Toner Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently replenishing toner in developing systems, leading to issues such as toner adhesion and excessive replenishment due to the design of the toner replenishing unit and connecting member configurations.
Innovation Solution
A developing system with a rotating member and connecting member configuration that controls the transport of toner through specific gaps and surfaces, preventing adhesion and excessive replenishment by managing the toner flow and pressure applied by the transport member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the replenishing unit directly replenishes toner into the accommodating portion, then the replenishment process is simple, but toner adhesion to internal walls occurs and excessive toner supply happens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting member with an internal space and a rotating member as an intermediary between the replenishing unit and the accommodating portion. The rotating member transports toner through the internal space, preventing direct contact between toner and the accommodating portion walls, thus eliminating toner adhesion and controlling toner supply precisely.
2Productivity
If the transport member applies high pressure to move toner, then the transport speed increases, but toner adhesion to internal walls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating member acts as a mediator that transports toner through the internal space of the connecting member. By using the rotating surface to carry and transport toner, the system achieves efficient transport without requiring high pressure, thereby preventing toner adhesion to the internal walls of the connecting member.
3Productivity
If the replenishing port remains open for toner supply, then the replenishment efficiency is high, but toner leakage and uncontrolled supply occur
Solution Approach 1:
The replenishing port is designed to be dynamically opened and closed based on the rotational position of the rotating member. The port is opened when the transport surface is positioned to receive toner, allowing efficient replenishment, and closed at other times to prevent toner leakage and uncontrolled supply, thus achieving both high efficiency and precise control.
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
Ensures efficient toner replenishment without adhesion to internal walls and prevents excessive toner supply, maintaining optimal toner concentration and preventing toner loss during the replenishment process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating member that is rotated in the internal space, and includes a blocking surface portion that closes the inlet and the outlet while passing over the inlet and the outlet, and a transport surface portion that receives or discharges the toner while passing over the inlet and the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a developing system including a developing device that includes a replenishing unit that replenishes toner into an accommodating portion of a developer including toner and a carrier, via a replenishing port, a receiving unit that includes a transport member that transports received toner to a discharge port, a connecting member that has an internal space that is formed with an inlet connected with the discharge port and an outlet connected with the replenishing port, and a rotating member that is rotated in the internal space, and includes a blocking surface portion that closes the inlet and the outlet while passing over the inlet and the outlet, and a transport surface portion that receives or discharges the toner while passing over the inlet and the outlet.