Inclined Conveyance Fin for Developer Circulation in Developing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In developing devices, the conveyance speed of developers is not significantly increased at communication sections, leading to developer accumulation and adherence to the container walls, which hampers image formation efficiency and increases the risk of image defects.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a plurality of stirring conveyance members with conveyance fins that protrude at an acute angle to direct developers towards communication sections, enhancing conveyance efficiency and reducing accumulation, while also using helical blades to stir and convey developers in parallel paths within the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the rotational speed of stirring conveyance members is increased to increase developer conveyance speed, then the conveyance speed in axial direction is improved, but the conveyance speed at communication sections is not significantly increased and developer accumulation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper conveyance speedVSAvoidconveyance uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing inclined conveyance fins at specific locations (downstream ends opposite to communication sections) rather than uniformly across the entire stirring conveyance member. These fins are strategically positioned to address the local problem of developer accumulation at communication sections, while the rest of the helical blade continues its axial conveyance function. This localized modification optimizes conveyance at critical points without compromising overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Speed

If the helical pitch of helical blades is widened to increase developer conveyance speed, then the conveyance speed in axial direction is improved, but the conveyance speed at communication sections remains insufficient and developer adhesion to walls occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper conveyance speedVSAvoiddeveloper adhesion and accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the stirring conveyance member into two functional parts: helical blades for axial conveyance and inclined conveyance fins for radial conveyance at communication sections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the helical blades maintain axial flow while the inclined fins specifically address developer transfer at communication sections, preventing accumulation and adhesion through targeted radial conveyance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If plate-like paddling fins are disposed at downstream ends opposite to developer transfer sections to reduce developer concentration, then developer accumulation is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper transfer efficiencyVSAvoidstirring conveyance member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inclined conveyance fins directly onto the stirring conveyance member, integrating the radial conveyance function into the existing axial conveyance structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate plate-like paddling fins as distinct components, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while achieving the same effect of reducing developer concentration and preventing accumulation at communication sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improves developer circulation, reduces torque requirements for conveyance, prevents leakage, and ensures uniform developer distribution, thereby enhancing image formation speed and reducing the need for high-torque motors and costly seals.

Implementation Method 1

The conveyance fin is inclined at a specified angle to a direction of a rotational shaft of the stirring conveyance member so that the developer being conveyed is turned by the conveyance fin in a direction at an acute angle to the developer conveyance direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction control:

Implementation Method 2

Each of the stirring conveyance members is located within the corresponding developer conveyance path and conveys the developer in a longitudinal direction of the developer conveyance path while stirring the developer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical conveyance: Archimedes Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9348263B2Developing device and image forming apparatus comprising downstream inclined conveyance fin

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A developing device includes a developer container, a developer bearing member, and a plurality of stirring conveyance members. The developer container includes a plurality of developer conveyance paths and communication sections. At least one of the stirring conveyance members includes a conveyance fin configured to convey the developer toward one of the communication portions. The conveyance fin protrudes from a portion of the stirring conveyance member, the portion being located at a downstream end of the developer conveyance path in terms of a developer conveyance direction in the developer conveyance path. The conveyance fin is inclined at a specified angle to a direction of a rotational shaft of the at least one of the stirring conveyance members so that the developer being conveyed is turned by the conveyance fin in a direction at an acute angle to the developer conveyance direction in the developer conveyance path.