Filter Orientation for Toner Control in Developing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In developing devices, the filter used to close a vent opening can become clogged with toner, leading to contamination when detached, as toner adhering to the filter's inner surface may drop and spread due to vibration.
Innovation Solution
The developing device is designed such that the filter member is attached and detached with its inner surface facing upward initially, preventing toner from falling during detachment, and is then held in a second posture that allows for effective ventilation while preventing toner discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter member is detached with the inner surface facing downward, then the filter can be easily removed from the developing device body, but toner adhering to the inner surface drops and contaminates the periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by changing the orientation of the filter member during detachment from the conventional downward-facing inner surface to an upward-facing inner surface. This reverses the direction in which toner would fall, preventing contamination of the periphery while maintaining ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the filter member is held with the inner surface facing upward, then toner contamination is prevented, but the vent opening ventilation efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the filter member rotatable between different postures. The filter can be rotated to an upward-facing posture during detachment to prevent contamination, and then rotated to a downward-facing posture when installed to ensure proper ventilation efficiency. This dynamic adjustment allows both requirements to be satisfied at different times.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes: a developing device body including a vent opening that releases internal pressure, and a filter member including a filter that closes the vent opening, the filter member detachably attached to the developing device body; wherein the filter member is subjected to an attaching operation and a detaching operation, relative to the developing device body, in a state where an inner surface of the filter is in a predetermined first posture with the inner surface facing upward; and wherein the filter member is held on the developing device body in a state where the inner surface of the filter is in a predetermined second posture different from the first posture.