Electrode Roller Separating Device for Liquid Developer Toner Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently separating toner and carrier liquid from liquid developers, leading to reduced reuse efficiency of the carrier liquid due to toner stagnation and poor collection properties.
Innovation Solution
A separating device utilizing an electroconductive electrode roller and a collecting roller, both capable of generating electric fields, along with a blade member, to separate toner and carrier liquid, with specific positioning and orientation to enhance the separation efficiency, including an upstream gap for developer supply and a downstream collecting portion for carrier liquid collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the blade contact position is in the 6 o'clock position or later to directly scrape off toner, then the toner collection is improved, but the toner flows back onto the electrode roller along the blade reducing collection property
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the blade at the 6 o'clock position or later to scrape toner directly, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the blade upstream at the 2 o'clock position or earlier. This upstream positioning prevents toner from flowing back onto the electrode roller along the blade, thereby maintaining collection property while still achieving effective toner removal through the electric field and blade action combination.
2Reliability
If the blade contact position is restricted to prevent toner flowback, then toner collection property is maintained, but the inclination angle of the blade becomes small causing toner stagnation on the blade
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the blade inclination angle problem by introducing a vertical height difference dimension. The upstream end of the blade is positioned higher than the downstream end, creating a downward slope that facilitates toner flow off the blade. This height difference compensates for the smaller horizontal inclination angle, preventing toner stagnation while maintaining the upstream contact position needed for collection property.
3Productivity
If the carrier liquid C layer is divided into portions on damming roller and electrode roller sides, then the carrier liquid reuse efficiency is enhanced, but the toner T layer passes through between electrode roller and damming roller requiring additional collection
Solution Approach 1:
The blade member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a toner collection device and a carrier liquid management component. By positioning the blade upstream on the electrode roller, it effectively collects the toner T layer while allowing the carrier liquid C layer to be divided and directed appropriately. This multi-functionality enhances carrier liquid reuse efficiency without requiring separate complex collection mechanisms for toner.
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
Improves the separation property between toner and carrier liquid, increasing the reuse efficiency of the carrier liquid by effectively collecting and separating the toner, thereby enhancing the recycling process.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode member provided with a gap between itself and an outer peripheral surface of the electrode roller, wherein the electrode member is capable of applying a voltage for generating an electric field for moving the toner toward the electrode roller
Implementation Method 2
the toner is attracted toward the electrode roller 942... generating an electric field for moving the toner toward the electrode roller
Data Source
AI summary
A separating device includes an electrode roller, an electrode member, a liquid developer supplying portion, a carrier liquid collecting portion, a collecting roller and a blade member. When a line passing through a center and a top of the electrode roller with respect to a gravitational direction is 0°, an upstream end portion of a gap between the electrode roller and the electrode member is positioned in a range of 0° or more and less than 180° with respect to an electrode roller rotational direction. When a line passing through a center and a top of the collecting roller with respect to the gravitational direction is 0°, a contact position of the blade member with the collecting roller is in a range of 35° or more in an upstream side of a contact position between the collecting and electrode rollers with respect to a collecting roller rotational direction.