Vertical Development Device Layout for Compact Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in size reduction, particularly in color-printing models with multiple development devices, due to the horizontal arrangement of conveyance chambers, which occupy significant space.
Innovation Solution
A development device design featuring a first conveyance chamber and a second conveyance chamber arranged vertically, with stirring conveyance members that circulate developer efficiently, reducing horizontal space requirements and preventing toner scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the first and second conveyance chambers are arranged horizontally, then the developer can be conveyed effectively, but the development device occupies significant horizontal space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of conveyance chambers to a vertical arrangement where the first conveyance chamber is positioned below the second conveyance chamber. This dimensional change allows the development device to occupy less horizontal space while maintaining effective developer conveyance through gravity-assisted flow and controlled stirring mechanisms in each chamber.
2Area of stationary object
If the conveyance chambers are arranged vertically, then the horizontal space is reduced, but the developer may scatter during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a regulation blade as an intermediary element between the conveyance chambers and the developer carrying member. This regulation blade controls and regulates the developer flow, preventing scattering while maintaining the vertical chamber arrangement. The blade ensures that developer is delivered in a controlled manner to the development roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs stirring conveyance members that use rotational motion to convey developer instead of relying solely on gravity or mechanical pushing. This substitution of conveyance mechanism prevents developer scattering while maintaining compact vertical chamber arrangement, as the stirring action provides controlled, directed flow.
3Volume of moving object
If the development device is made compact, then the image forming apparatus size is reduced, but the developer collection may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the development components within each other in a compact vertical configuration. The developer carrying member is positioned within the second conveyance chamber, and the regulation blade is integrated into the chamber structure. This nested arrangement maximizes developer collection efficiency while maintaining a compact overall device volume suitable for space-constrained image forming apparatus.
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 allows for a compact development device and image forming apparatus by minimizing horizontal and vertical dimensions, while effectively collecting developer without scattering, thus enhancing space utilization and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The first stirring conveyance member is rotatably supported in the first conveyance chamber and conveys, while stirring, the developer in the first conveyance chamber in the first direction. The second stirring conveyance member is rotatably supported in the second conveyance chamber parallel to the first stirring conveyance member and conveys, while stirring, the developer in the second conveyance chamber in the second direction opposite to the first direction.
Implementation Method 2
The regulation blade is arranged opposite the developer carrying member and regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the developer carrying member.
Implementation Method 3
The second conveyance chamber has an opening at its lower end, and the lower end of the first conveyance chamber is opened toward the second conveyance chamber. The developer in the second conveyance chamber falls into the first conveyance chamber through the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A development device includes a development container having a first conveyance chamber and a second conveyance chamber above it, first and second stirring conveyance members that stir developer in the first and second conveyance chambers and convey it in the opposite directions, a developer carrying member that carries on its surface the developer in the second conveyance chamber, and a regulation blade. Feeding of the developer to the developer carrying member and collection of the developer from the developer carrying member are performed in the second conveyance chamber. A horizontal straight line L1 through the center of the rotation shaft of the second stirring conveyance member is above a horizontal straight line L2 through the center of the rotation shaft of the developer carrying member and the straight line L2 is above a horizontal straight line L3 through the center of the rotation shaft of the first stirring conveyance member.