Developing Device Fixation Member for Roll Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with maintaining the correct alignment and position of the developing roll, leading to poor toner image formation due to the inclination of the roll and variations in developer layer thickness, which are exacerbated by the design of the housing's notch and fixation member configuration.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a fixation member that is fixed to the inner surface of the housing's wall, using a fitting mechanism with pins and holes to prevent the notch from opening and maintain the roll's alignment, thereby reducing the size of the device and minimizing toner leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the notch in the wall is made larger or more open to facilitate assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of the rotating member's position deteriorates due to increased inclination and variability in developer layer thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member is divided into multiple segments that can be independently assembled through the notch. This segmentation allows for easier assembly through the notch while the combined action of multiple segments provides sufficient constraint to maintain the rotating member's position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation member acts as an intermediary element between the wall and the rotating member. It transmits the constraint force from the wall to the rotating member through the notch, enabling assembly facilitation while maintaining position stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fixation member is designed to firmly constrain the rotating member, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the constraint element and the assembly guide through the notch. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining the rotating member's position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation member is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a structural support element and a positioning constraint. It simultaneously provides mechanical support and prevents rotation member inclination, reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the notch is made smaller or more restricted to maintain position accuracy, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member is segmented into parts that can be assembled through a small notch, making assembly feasible despite the restricted opening. The segmentation allows components to pass through the small notch and then lock into place, maintaining position accuracy while enabling assembly.
4Volume of moving object
If the overall size of the developing device is reduced, then the volume of the device is improved, but the stability of the rotating member's position deteriorates due to insufficient space for proper fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member is nested within the wall structure, utilizing the wall's thickness and internal space rather than requiring additional external space. This nesting approach maintains position stability while minimizing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting to a three-dimensional embedded structure within the wall. By utilizing the depth dimension of the wall, the design achieves stable fixation without increasing the device's external footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a developing device including a rotating member that faces a formation target member on which a toner image is formed, is rotated around a rotation shaft extruded from an end portion, and includes a holding portion having an outer circumference on which a toner is held, an accommodation member that accommodates the toner, includes a wall at which a notch is formed, and in which the rotating member is disposed in a state where the rotation shaft is extruded outwardly from an inner surface of the wall through the notch, and a fixation member that is fixed on both sides of an inner surface of the wall with interposing the notch.