Feeding Device Toner Path Reduces Drum Cleaning Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeding devices for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining cleaning performance due to pressure applied by accumulated toner on the contact portion between the cleaning member and the photosensitive drum, which can lead to reduced effectiveness in toner collection and transfer.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device design where the wall surface of the accommodating portion is positioned on the same side as the sheet member with respect to the rectilinear line connecting the rotation centers of the image bearing member and the feeding member, and the feeding member is vertically positioned above the cleaning member, with a rotational direction matching that of the image bearing member, to minimize pressure on the contact portion and enhance toner feeding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the feeding member is positioned above the cleaning member to feed collected toner, then the toner feeding efficiency is improved, but the accumulated toner applies pressure to the contact portion between the cleaning member and the photosensitive drum, degrading cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodating portion is positioned in a different spatial dimension (laterally adjacent rather than vertically above) relative to the cleaning member, changing the toner feeding path from a vertical arrangement to a lateral arrangement. This dimensional change eliminates the pressure application to the cleaning contact portion while maintaining effective toner feeding through the lateral transfer path to the developing member.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If toner is accumulated in a cleaning frame for feeding to a remoter position, then the frequency of exchange is reduced, but the accumulated toner applies pressure to the contact portion between the cleaning member and the photosensitive drum, lowering cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodating portion is extracted from the traditional vertical position above the cleaning member and relocated to a lateral position adjacent to the cleaning member. This extraction removes the harmful effect of toner accumulation pressure on the cleaning contact portion while preserving the toner storage and feeding function, allowing the system to operate for extended periods without exchange.
3Volume of moving object
If the wall surface of the accommodating portion is positioned on the side where the sheet member is provided, then the structural compactness is improved, but the toner feeding path may interfere with the cleaning member operation
Solution Approach 1:
The wall surface of the accommodating portion is positioned specifically on the sheet member side, creating a localized structural arrangement that optimizes space utilization in that region. The feeding member is configured to feed toner through a path that locally adapts to this wall surface positioning, ensuring that the compact structure does not interfere with the cleaning member's operation on the opposite side.
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 enhances the feeding performance of the developer to a predetermined path while maintaining high cleaning performance by reducing pressure on the contact portion, ensuring efficient toner collection and transfer without degrading the cleaning member's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a feeding member for feeding the developer from the accommodating portion; wherein the feeding member is provided vertically above a position where the cleaning member contacts the image bearing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
A feeding device for feeding a developer includes a cleaning member, an accommodating portion, a feeding member, and a sheet member. A wall surface of the accommodating portion is positioned in a side where the sheet member is provided with respect to a rectilinear line connecting a rotation center of the image bearing member and a rotation center of the feeding member in a flat plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the image bearing member. The wall surface approaches the rectilinear line with an increasing level with respect to a vertical direction. The feeding member is provided vertically above a position where the cleaning member contacts the image bearing member. A rotational direction of the feeding member and a rotational direction of the image bearing member are the same.