Toner Supply Port Positioning for Developer Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional development devices face challenges in effectively mixing toner with existing developers due to differences in specific gravity, leading to inefficient agitation and prolonged mixing times, which complicates the device structure and potentially worsens toner concentration performance.
Innovation Solution
A development device design where the toner supply port is positioned below the surface of the developer in the developer housing room, allowing toner to be supplied laterally and ensuring effective agitation and mixing without floating, using a toner supply unit with a dispensing mechanism that increases internal pressure and transporting power to facilitate efficient toner distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If supply developer is supplied onto existing developer in developer housing room, then developer replenishment is achieved, but supply developer floats on existing developer due to specific gravity differences causing insufficient mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial dimension of toner supply by positioning the toner supply port at the lower end of the developer housing room rather than supplying from above. This dimensional change allows toner to be supplied horizontally at the bottom level, preventing floating and ensuring thorough mixing with existing developer.
2Ease of operation
If supply port is positioned at higher position to avoid pressure from developer, then smooth toner supply is achieved, but toner mixing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by positioning the toner supply port at the lower end rather than the upper end of the developer housing room. This inversion allows toner to be supplied horizontally at bottom level, simultaneously achieving smooth supply and efficient mixing by eliminating the floating problem.
3Reliability
If conventional developer supply mechanism is used, then developer supply function is maintained, but device structure becomes complex and mixing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of developer supply by using a simple horizontal supply port at the bottom end, eliminating the need for complex vertical supply mechanisms with multiple ports and pressure regulation systems. This simplification maintains supply reliability while reducing structural complexity.
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 design enhances the agitation and mixing power of toner with existing developers, simplifying the device structure and reducing mixing time, thereby improving toner concentration performance and stability in the development process.
Implementation Method 1
can supply the developer in the supply container 521 by dropping by gravity to the upside of the developer G housed in the developer housing room 512
Implementation Method 2
agitation-transportation augers 514 and 515 by which the developer G is agitated and transported are provided in the developer housing room 512
Implementation Method 3
a development device which includes a development unit that makes an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing member visible
Data Source
AI summary
A development device includes: a development unit which includes a developer housing room in which developer composed of toner and carrier is housed, sets a developer agitating and transporting member in the developer housing room, and sets a developer bearing member which can bear and transport the developer agitated and transported by the developer agitating and transporting member; and a toner supply unit which includes a toner supply room in which at least supply toner is housed, sets a toner transporting member in the toner supply room, and communicates the toner supply room with the developer housing room of the development unit through a toner supply port, wherein the toner supply port of the toner supply unit opens so that its lower end is located in the lower position than the surface position of the developer housed in the developer housing room.