Developer Supply Structure With Isolated Gas Path in Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the discharge of gas from the developing device to the supplying device can be obstructed by developers, leading to uneven gas flow and potential accumulation, which affects the smooth operation of the gas flow path.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a gas flow path connected to a non-flow-path section of the supplying device, separate from the developer flow path, ensuring smooth gas flow and reducing developer accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gas flow path is connected to the developer flow path in the supplying device, then the structure is simplified, but developer accumulates in the gas flow path and obstructs gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The supplying device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a developer flow path section and a gas flow path section. The gas flow path is connected to a non-flow-path section of the supplying device, separating gas flow from developer flow. This segmentation prevents developer accumulation in the gas flow path while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Reliability
If a movement member is added to the gas flow path to move developer, then developer obstruction is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The function of moving developer is extracted from the gas flow path and assigned to the developer flow path section. By connecting the gas flow path to a non-flow-path section, the harmful factor (developer accumulation) is eliminated without requiring additional movement members in the gas flow path, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
3Reliability
If the gas flow path is separated from the developer flow path, then gas flow smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplying device structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it handles both developer flow and gas flow through different sections. The non-flow-path section of the supplying device is utilized for gas flow connection, making the structure multi-functional without requiring completely separate independent systems, thus minimizing complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier; a developing device that applies a developer to the image carrier; and a supplying device that supplies a developer to the developing device, the supplying device having a developer flow path along which a developer passes, the image forming apparatus having a gas flow path along which a gas discharged from the developing device passes, the gas flow path being connected to the supplying, in which the gas flow path is connected to a non-flow-path section of the supplying device, the non-flow-path section being a section that is not the developer flow path.