Developing Apparatus Seal Segmentation for Compact Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing devices face challenges in reducing size while maintaining effective sealing at the lengthwise ends of the developer bearing component to prevent developer leakage, with existing solutions either allowing gaps or increased seal pressure due to dimensional tolerances and overlapping seal sections.
Innovation Solution
The development unit employs a first and second sealing member configuration where the second sealing member is positioned outside the first sealing member in the rotational axis direction and overlaps with it in the circumferential direction, ensuring no overlap in the normal direction of the developer carrying member, allowing for a smaller device size without gaps or excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single seal is used at the lengthwise end of the development sleeve, then the structure is simple, but dimensional tolerances cause gaps or overlaps that compromise sealing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two separate sections: a first seal section attached to the main body and a second seal section attached to the cover. This segmentation allows each section to independently accommodate dimensional tolerances while maintaining continuous sealing coverage at the development sleeve end, eliminating gaps and overlaps that would occur with a single seal design.
2Volume of moving object
If the development unit size is reduced, then the apparatus becomes more compact, but the seal backing section interferes with further size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extended from a single-plane seal to a multi-dimensional sealing arrangement where the first and second seal sections are positioned at different locations along the development sleeve axis. This dimensional extension allows the seals to function effectively while minimizing the overall space required for seal backing structures, enabling compact development unit design.
3Reliability
If two seal sections are used to improve sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but the assembly process becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into first and second seal sections that can be independently attached to the main body and cover respectively. This segmentation enables parallel assembly operations where both seal sections can be installed simultaneously on different components, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliable sealing through the coordinated positioning of both sections.
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 effectively prevents developer leakage while reducing the size of the development unit, improving assembly efficiency and maintaining reliable sealing, even with positional deviations within tolerance limits.
Implementation Method 1
a first sealing member fixed to the container body and contacted to a peripheral surface of the developer carrying member to seal one end portion of the developer carrying member; and a second sealing member provided on the covering member and contacted to the peripheral surface of the developer carrying member
Data Source
AI summary
A developing apparatus includes a developer carrying sleeve, a container body accommodating a developer and rotatably supporting the sleeve, a cover mounted on the container body and configured to cover the sleeve, a first seal fixed to the container body and contacted to the sleeve to seal one end of the sleeve, and a second seal provided on the cover and contacted to the sleeve to seal the one end of the sleeve. The first second seals are disposed without overlapping with each other as seen in the direction of a normal line of the sleeve from a rotation axis of the sleeve. The second seal is disposed such that as seen in a rotational axis direction of the sleeve, it is outside the first seal and between the cover and the sleeve with respect to a circumferential direction of the sleeve and is overlapped with the first seal.