Developing Apparatus End Members for Compact Electrophotographic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing the size of the developing apparatus due to the space required by the second frame, which hinders miniaturization efforts.
Innovation Solution
The developing apparatus is designed with a configuration where the first and second end portion members are independently rotatable, eliminating the need for a connecting member, allowing for a more compact structure by optimizing the positioning and rotation of the developing unit relative to these members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a second frame is provided to support both end portions of the first frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second frame is divided into two separate end portion members (first end portion member and second end portion member) that independently support each end of the first frame. This segmentation eliminates the need for a continuous second frame structure, reducing the overall space required while maintaining support functionality at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portions of the second frame that would extend between the end portions are removed. The end portion members are positioned and configured to provide necessary support and stability without requiring a complete second frame structure, thereby extracting only the essential supporting elements needed for structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the second frame extends from one end portion to the other end portion, then the positional accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented between two independent end portion members rather than requiring a continuous second frame. Each end portion member is positioned to provide accurate localization for its respective end of the first frame, achieving overall positional accuracy through coordinated placement of discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a continuous second frame to define positions, the invention uses discrete end portion members whose positions are determined by their interaction with the first frame and developing roller. The positioning is achieved through the functional relationship between components rather than through a rigid continuous structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
At ends of a frame in an axial direction of a developing roller, a first end portion member and a second end portion member are provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction, and at least one of them has one side in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis on which a force receiving portion is provided, and another side in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis on which a regulating portion is provided. The force receiving portion receives biasing force in a mounting direction of the developing apparatus to the apparatus main body from a biasing member. The regulating portion is brought into contact with the apparatus main body to regulate movement of the other side relative to the apparatus main body in a direction opposite to the mounting direction, with a fulcrum being the rotation axis.