Removable Sheet Seal for Developer Bearer in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the vertical arrangement of multiple developer conveyance members makes it challenging to provide an effective seal to prevent developer from scattering or adhering to the development roller during transport or storage, especially due to the large area where the developer bearer faces the developer containing chamber.
Innovation Solution
A development device with a sheet member that can be removably installed inside the casing, covering the surface of the developer bearer and conveyance channels, and a retainer to secure the sheet member, which seals the area facing the developer regulator and conveyance channels, preventing developer leakage and adherence during transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple developer conveyance members are arranged vertically, then the development device becomes horizontally compact and developer circulation is improved, but the area where the developer bearer faces the developer containing chamber increases making sealing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sheet member made of elastic material is used to seal the large area where the developer bearer faces the developer containing chamber. The sheet member can elastically deform to fit the contours of the development roller and conveyance members while maintaining sealing effectiveness, preventing developer scattering during transport and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member is designed with through holes positioned at specific locations to accommodate the conveyance members, dividing the sealing surface into functional zones. This segmentation allows the sheet member to seal around multiple components while maintaining structural integrity and preventing developer leakage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal member is provided to separate the development roller from the developer containing chamber, then developer scattering is prevented, but the seal member occupies space and complicates the already compact vertical arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the developer containing chamber, covers the development roller surface, provides structural support, and guides the conveyance members through its through holes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member is designed to be removable and installable by the user, transforming the sealing system from a fixed complex structure to a dynamic, user-serviceable component. The elastic material allows the sheet member to be easily deformed during installation and removal while maintaining sealing effectiveness during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A development device includes a development casing for containing two-component developer, a developer bearer, a developer regulator to adjust an amount of developer carried on the developer bearer, a first developer conveyance member to supply developer to the developer bearer, a second developer conveyance member to transport axially developer separated from the developer bearer, first and second conveyance channels divided by a partition, in which the first and second developer conveyance members are respectively provided, and a removable sheet member to cover the developer bearer in an area facing the developer regulator, the first and second conveyance channels, and the partition. A first end portion of the sheet member extends from the second conveyance channel outside the development casing through a through hole formed in the development casing, and a second end portion thereof is retained by a retainer at a position outside the developer regulator.