Developer Sealing Member Slides Along Rotating Mixer Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with toner leakage through the mixer ends, leading to rotational failures due to adhered toner on moving parts, which affects the device's operation and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sealing member that slides along the outer surface of the rotating mixer and a dropping hole structure to collect any leaked toner, preventing it from adhering to the mixer's gear and bearing, thus reducing the risk of rotation failure and maintaining device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mixer is rotatably supported at the end portions to enable developer circulation, then the mixing function is improved, but developer leakage occurs through the end portions causing rotational failure
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary between the mixer and the casing to prevent developer leakage. The sealing member contacts the outer surface of the mixer at the end portions, creating a barrier that stops developer from leaking through the rotational interface while allowing the mixer to continue rotating for developer circulation.
2Reliability
If the sealing member contacts the rotating mixer surface, then developer leakage is prevented, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed as a flexible ring-shaped structure that can deform and conform to the rotating mixer surface. This flexibility allows the sealing member to maintain contact with the mixer for leakage prevention while accommodating the rotational motion, reducing friction and wear compared to a rigid sealing structure.
3Reliability
If a dropping hole is added to collect leaked developer, then rotational failure is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dropping hole is created in the casing to extract and remove leaked developer from the mixing chamber. This simple opening allows developer that penetrates the sealing member to fall out of the casing, preventing accumulation and subsequent rotational failure of the mixer without requiring complex additional components.
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 solution effectively prevents toner leakage from causing rotation failures in the mixer, ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance needs by collecting and containing the leaked toner within a developer receiver.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member in contact with an outer surface of the rotating body and configured to slide along the outer surface of the rotating body
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a developing device includes a casing for accommodating a developer, the casing extending in a first direction and including a first insertion portion and a first through-hole that extends from the first insertion portion in a second direction, a first sealing member inside the first insertion portion, and a first rotating body extending in the first direction through the first insertion portion and configured to transport and agitate the developer in the casing. The first sealing member is in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body and configured to slide along the outer surface of the first rotating body.