Rotating Developing Device Arc Port Toner Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently rotating and positioning developing devices between developing and retracted positions, leading to potential interference and increased size and cost due to complex mechanisms for rotation and installation/removal processes.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus incorporates a developing device with a rotatable developing device main portion around a rotation shaft, allowing it to transition between developing and retracted positions while maintaining a non-rotating base and face plates for stability, and utilizing a cam mechanism for smooth rotation and easy installation/removal, along with a supply portion that communicates replenishment and supply ports through arc-shaped surfaces to prevent toner leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the developing device main portion is made rotatable between developing and retracted positions, then the device size and complexity are reduced, but the risk of interference and toner leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation mechanism complexityVSAvoidtoner leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The replenishment port and supply port are designed with arc-shaped opposite surfaces that conform to the rotational path around the rotation shaft. This curved geometry ensures continuous alignment and communication between ports during rotation, preventing toner leakage while maintaining a simple rotation mechanism without additional shutters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If the developing device main portion rotates around a rotation shaft, then installation and removal become easier, but the requirement for precise port alignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and removal easeVSAvoidport alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The arc-shaped opposite surfaces of the replenishment and supply ports are designed to automatically align during rotation around the rotation shaft. The curved geometry compensates for minor positioning variations, maintaining continuous port communication throughout the rotation range while preserving ease of installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static alignment requirement to a dynamic alignment solution where the arc-shaped ports naturally maintain communication during rotation. This dynamic design allows the ports to self-align throughout the rotational movement, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the opposite surfaces of the replenishment and supply ports are formed by arcs drawn around the rotation shaft, then toner leakage is prevented during rotation, but the manufacturing complexity of the ports increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner leakage preventionVSAvoidport manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The arc-shaped opposite surfaces of the replenishment and supply ports follow the rotational path around the rotation shaft, ensuring continuous alignment and preventing toner leakage during rotation. This curved geometry is integrated into the port design itself, eliminating the need for additional shutters or complex sealing mechanisms, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving reliable toner containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11275325B2Image forming apparatus including a process cartridge that includes a developing device

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a rotation shaft, a developing device, and a supply portion. The developing device includes a developing device main portion that rotates around the rotation shaft between a developing position and a retracted position and includes a developer, a developer bearer to face or be away from the image bearer depending on whether the developing device main portion is at the developing position or the retracted position, a replenishment portion having a replenishment port with an opposite surface formed by an arc drawn around the rotation shaft to replenish the developer, and a non-rotating portion. The supply portion has a supply port with an opposite surface formed by an arc drawn around the rotation shaft and facing the opposite surface of the replenishment port. The supply port communicates the replenishment port and supplies the developer to the developing device through the replenishment port.