Inclined Opposing Face in Developing Device for Toner Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In developing devices for image forming apparatuses, the formation of an immobile layer of developer due to degraded flowability leads to insufficient developer thickness and image density issues, particularly when the difference between the retention gap and the regulation gap is too large, causing the developer to be retained and leading to image quality problems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an opposing member with an inclined opposing face adjacent to the developer regulator, where the opposing face is inclined relative to the orthogonal plane direction, progressively reducing the distance from the developer bearer to the opposing member as it rotates, and ensuring the difference between the retention gap and the regulation gap is not greater than 1.75 times the regulation gap, helps to prevent the creation of an immobile layer by guiding the developer into the regulation gap and promoting vortex motion to maintain flowability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the difference between the retention gap and regulation gap is increased to retain more developer, then the developer thickness increases, but the developer flowability deteriorates and an immobile layer forms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameter of gap difference between the retention gap and regulation gap, specifically setting it to not greater than 1.75 times the regulation gap. This parameter change prevents excessive developer retention while maintaining sufficient thickness, thereby avoiding the formation of immobile layers and preserving developer flowability.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposing member with the inclined opposing face is positioned upstream from the developer regulator to preemptively guide the developer flow before it reaches the regulation gap. This preliminary action prevents the developer from stagnating and forming immobile layers in the first place, rather than attempting to correct the problem after it occurs.
2Reliability
If the opposing face is made vertical (orthogonal) to prevent developer retention, then developer flowability is maintained, but insufficient developer is retained leading to inadequate developer thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The opposing face is designed with an asymmetric inclination rather than being vertical or symmetric. This asymmetric angle allows the developer to be guided smoothly into the regulation gap while retaining sufficient thickness, achieving a balance between flowability and developer quantity that a vertical configuration cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the opposing face is optimized to progressively reduce the distance from the developer bearer to the opposing face from upstream to downstream. This parameter optimization ensures adequate developer retention while preventing immobile layer formation.
3Quantity of substance
If the gap difference between retention gap and regulation gap is excessively large, then more developer is retained increasing thickness, but low-flow regions form causing image density issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific parameter limit for the gap difference (not greater than 1.75 times the regulation gap) to prevent the formation of low-flow regions. This parameter control ensures that sufficient developer is retained for adequate thickness while preventing excessive retention that would cause image density problems.
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 effectively inhibits the formation of an immobile layer, ensuring a sufficient developer thickness and maintaining image density by ensuring the developer moves smoothly through the regulation gap, with a reduction rate in scooping kept below 2% when the gap difference is within the specified limit, thus enhancing the developing capability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet body has a plurality of magnetic poles arranged in the direction in which the developing sleeve rotates. The magnet body exerts a magnetic force to attract developer including toner and magnetic carrier to the surface of the rotating developing sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a developer bearer, a developer regulator disposed opposite the developer bearer across a first gap, and an opposing member having an opposing face disposed opposing the developer bearer across a second gap wider than the first gap. The opposing face is disposed adjacent to and upstream from the developer regulator in a direction of rotation of the developer bearer. The opposing face is inclined relative to an orthogonal plane direction orthogonal to a side face of the developer regulator. The opposing face is inclined to progressively reduce a distance from the developer bearer to the opposing face in a direction of rotation of the developer bearer. A difference between the second gap and the first gap is not greater than 1.75 times as large as the first gap.