Separate Gas Flow Path in Image Forming Apparatus Supplying Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, gas flowing from the developing device to the supplying device often faces difficulty in flowing due to the developer existing within the developer flow path in the supplying device.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a separate gas flow path that branches off from the developer flow path, allowing the gas to travel independently and facilitating its flow by connecting to an internal space of the supplying device in an area separate from the branch area where the gas flow path branches off from the developer flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gas travels along the developer flow path in the supplying device, then the structure is simple, but the gas flow is obstructed by developer existing in the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The supplying device is divided into two separate flow paths: a developer flow path for transporting developer and a gas flow path for transporting gas. This segmentation allows each flow path to be optimized for its specific function, with the gas flow path being configured to facilitate smooth gas flow while the developer flow path handles developer transport, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow path is extracted as a separate pathway from the developer flow path. By taking out the gas transport function from the shared flow path, the patent eliminates the interference between gas and developer flows, allowing gas to flow smoothly without being obstructed by developer particles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a separate gas flow path is provided, then gas flow is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow path and developer flow path are merged within the same supplying device housing and share common structural elements such as the container body and outlet regions. This combining approach allows the separate flow paths to coexist within a unified structure, facilitating smooth gas flow while avoiding excessive increase in device complexity through shared components and integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplying device is designed with multi-functionality, where the same device structure serves both developer supply and gas venting functions. The flow paths are configured to allow both developer and gas to pass through the supplying device, with the gas flow path utilizing portions of the existing structure (such as the container interior and outlet areas) to minimize additional complexity while achieving the dual function.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing member; a developing device that causes a developer to adhere onto the image bearing member; and a supplying device that supplies the developer to the developing device, the supplying device including a developer flow path along which the developer moving toward the developing device travels and a gas flow path serving as a path that is provided separately from the developer flow path and along which gas flowing from the developing device to the supplying device travels.