Spiral Wing Developing Device for Developer Stagnation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the insufficient lifting of a two-component developer between the stirring and carrying units results in developer stagnation, hindering mixing and stirring, and consequently affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a stirring and carrying unit featuring a rotational shaft with first, second, and third spiral wings, where the second and third spiral wings are double-spiral and opposite in direction, positioned downstream of the first spiral wing, facilitating efficient developer lifting and transfer to a supplying and carrying unit, reducing developer stay and enhancing mixing and stirring performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a carrying screw carries developer to the end of the stirring and carrying unit, then the developer is lifted upward by carrying pressure, but the amount of developer lifted is not sufficiently secured, resulting in developer stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying screw is divided into multiple spiral wings (first, second, and third spiral wings) positioned at different locations along the axial direction. Each spiral wing independently carries developer, with the second and third spiral wings specifically positioned to lift developer effectively at the end portion, preventing stagnation while maintaining efficient transport.
2Ease of operation
If the supplying and carrying unit is disposed above the stirring and carrying unit, then developer transfer is simplified, but the amount of developer lifted by carrying pressure or magnetic force is not sufficiently secured
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spiral wings are arranged at different axial positions on the carrying screw. The second and third spiral wings are positioned at the end portion of the stirring and carrying unit to provide additional lifting capability, ensuring sufficient developer amount is transferred to the supplying and carrying unit while maintaining the vertical arrangement for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying screw rotates in the opposite direction to the stirring direction, creating a three-dimensional carrying path that combines axial movement with rotational motion. This opposite-direction rotation enhances the lifting effect at the end portion where the second and third spiral wings are positioned, solving the insufficient lifting problem while maintaining the vertical disposal arrangement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If developer stays in the stirring and carrying unit, then mixing and stirring may be hindered, but increasing stirring time may reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying screw with multiple spiral wings efficiently removes developer from the stirring and carrying unit by providing enhanced lifting at the end portion. This prevents developer stagnation and ensures continuous fresh developer supply to the developing unit, maintaining both mixing quality and high productivity without requiring extended stirring times.
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
The solution ensures smooth developer flow, reduces developer stay in the stirring unit, and improves carrying efficiency, leading to enhanced image quality by maintaining a stable developer flow and preventing heat generation and agglomeration.
Implementation Method 1
a first spiral wing formed on the rotational shaft to carry the developer in the first carrying direction; a second spiral wing positioned on the more downstream side in the first carrying direction than the first spiral wing and formed in a multi-spiral to carry the developer in the first carrying direction
Implementation Method 2
the second and third spiral wings are equal in number of spiral lines and lead, and are also equal in position of adjacent ends in a rotational direction, and the communication portion is installed at a position corresponding to the second and third spiral wings of the stirring and carrying unit
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes spiral wings, a forward double spiral wing, clearance portion, backward double spiral wing, and short lead backward spiral wing installed on the rotational shaft of a stirring and carrying unit. The forward and backward double spiral wings have spiral directions opposite to each other, and together are formed to have an equal lead to the spiral wings. The supplying and carrying unit is disposed above the stirring and carrying unit, and the supplying and carrying unit and the stirring and carrying unit are divided by a partition having a communication portion installed at a position corresponding to the forward and backward double spiral wings.