Development Device Toner Replenishment Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional development devices face instability in toner replenishment regulation due to developer accumulation near the connecting passage of the developer conveyance passage, especially when the toner replenishment port is disposed in the vicinity of the connecting passage, leading to uneven toner supply and potential image quality defects.
Innovation Solution
The development device incorporates a first paddle and a conveyance ability suppressing portion arranged such that the first paddle faces the connecting passage, preventing toner backflow and ensuring stable accumulation, while an upstream side accumulation portion is formed to regulate the toner supply by adjusting the rotation speed of the stirring screw, thereby maintaining consistent toner replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the toner replenishment port is disposed in the end portion of the outward conveyance passage to connect the toner container to the development housing, then the layout efficiency is improved, but developer accumulation occurs near the connecting passage causing unstable toner replenishment regulation
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyance ability suppressing portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the connecting passage and the toner replenishment port. This portion acts as a mediator that prevents developer accumulation from affecting the replenishment regulation, allowing the toner replenishment port to be positioned at the end portion for layout efficiency while maintaining stable toner supply control
2Quantity of substance
If a conveyance ability suppressing portion is provided on the stirring screw to form a toner accumulation portion, then the toner replenishment amount is regulated, but developer accumulation near the connecting passage causes unstable regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The outward conveyance passage is segmented into distinct functional zones: a connecting passage for developer circulation, a conveyance ability suppressing portion that creates a controlled accumulation portion for toner replenishment regulation, and a toner replenishment port positioned at the end portion. This segmentation isolates the accumulation portion from the connecting passage, preventing harmful developer accumulation while maintaining stable toner supply 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
This configuration stabilizes toner accumulation and regulates the amount of replenishment toner, preventing toner blockages and ensuring consistent toner supply, thereby enhancing image quality and reducing the risk of toner-related defects in the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A stirring screw in which a spiral vane is disposed around a rotary shaft is mounted in each circulatory conveyance passage. The toner is conveyed in circulatory fashion between the outward conveyance passage and the return conveyance passage by the respective stirring screws.
Implementation Method 2
a conveyance ability suppressing portion may be provided on the stirring screw provided in the outward conveyance passage on a downstream side of the toner replenishment port in order to reduce a conveyance ability locally. A toner accumulation portion is formed by the conveyance ability suppressing portion in the vicinity of the toner replenishment port on an upstream side of the conveyance ability suppressing portion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A development device includes a developer introduction port, a developer conveyance portion, a first conveyance ability suppressing portion, and a connecting conveyance portion. The conveyance ability suppressing portion is disposed on a downstream side of the developer introduction port in a first direction in which the developer is conveyed in order to partially suppress a developer conveyance ability of the developer conveyance portion such that a developer accumulation portion is formed in a position opposing the developer introduction port. A first direction downstream side of the first conveyance ability suppressing portion opposes a first connecting passage in a third direction that intersects the first direction. The connecting conveyance portion is joined to the first direction downstream side of the conveyance ability suppressing portion and opposes the first connecting passage in the third direction in order to pass the developer from a first conveyance passage to a second conveyance passage.