Developing Device Frame Segmentation for Positioning Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing devices in electrophotographic systems face challenges in maintaining sufficient strength and precision in the relative positioning of the blade assembly and the developing roller due to offset or variation in frames during the welding process, which can lead to insufficient strength and accuracy in maintaining the positional relationship between the developer-carrying member and the thickness-regulating member.
Innovation Solution
A developing device design that includes a first frame with a pair of opposed walls and a second wall connecting them, a second frame with an opposed third wall, a developer-carrying member rotating between the first walls, and a thickness-regulating member fixed to the first frame's fixing part, with the third wall positioned between the second wall and the thickness-regulating member, enhancing the structural strength and precision of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the blade assembly is fixed to both the upper frame and the lower frame using screw-mounting holes, then the blade assembly can be securely mounted, but the offset between frames during welding or variation in frames may inhibit sufficient relative positioning precision between the blade assembly and the developing roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting structure into two independent parts: the lower frame supports the developing roller, and the upper frame supports the blade assembly. By separating these functions and fixing the blade assembly only to the upper frame, the patent eliminates the positioning errors that would occur if the blade assembly were fixed to both frames during welding.
2Ease of operation
If the opening defined by the beam-like part and side walls is made wide to accommodate the blade assembly, then the blade assembly can be installed, but the developing frame may have insufficient strength to maintain the relative positional relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame structure into an upper frame and a lower frame that are welded together. The upper frame provides the mounting surface for the blade assembly, while the lower frame supports the developing roller. This segmentation allows the opening to remain wide for easy installation while the welded joint between frames maintains overall structural strength.
3Manufacturing precision
If the blade assembly is fixed to screw-mounting holes adjacent to the front end of the beam-like part, then the blade assembly can be positioned, but the offset between upper and lower frames may inhibit sufficient relative positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blade assembly mounting function from the lower frame and relocates it to the upper frame. By taking out the mounting holes from the lower frame and placing them only in the upper frame, the patent simplifies the overall structure while improving positioning precision, eliminating the need to account for offset between two frames.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes: a first frame; a second frame; a developer-carrying member; and a thickness-regulating member. The first frame includes: a pair of first walls opposed with each other; and a second wall connecting the pair of first walls and having a first fixing part. The second frame includes a third wall opposed to the second wall and attached to the pair of first walls when assembled to the first frame. The developer-carrying member has an axis extending in a first direction, is configured to rotate about the axis, and is disposed between the pair of first walls. The thickness-regulating member is fixed to the first fixing part and is configured to regulate a thickness of developer carried on the developer-carrying member. The third wall is disposed between the second wall and the thickness-regulating member.