Developing Device Holder Projections for Stable Doctor Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a stable and precise doctor gap between the developing roller and the developer regulator, leading to fluctuations in the amount of developer carried, which affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a round-bar-shaped developer regulator held by a holder featuring projections in the holes, ensuring precise positioning and stability of the developer regulator relative to the developing roller, thereby maintaining a consistent doctor gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a push-back member made of elastic material is stuck to an inner circumferential surface of a support hole, then the developer regulator can be held in position, but the positioning precision and stability are insufficient leading to doctor gap fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the support hole by adding protrusions on its inner circumferential surface. These protrusions create specific engagement points with grooves on the developer regulator, transforming the support mechanism from a simple elastic push-back to a precision geometric fit that maintains consistent doctor gap
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions and grooves act as intermediary elements between the support hole and the developer regulator. This intermediary mechanism provides precise positioning and stable support, eliminating the need for elastic materials while achieving both positioning reliability and manufacturing precision
2Device complexity
If the developer regulator is held without precise positioning features, then the device structure remains simple, but the amount of developer carried fluctuates affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the geometric parameters of both the holder and developer regulator by adding protrusions and grooves. This creates a precision-fit mechanism that ensures consistent positioning and stable developer carry without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The holder's support hole is segmented into multiple engagement points through the protrusions, each providing specific positioning function. This segmentation allows precise control of the developer regulator position while keeping the overall holder structure relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device of developing a latent image formed on an image bearer includes a developing roller, a developer regulator of a round-bar shape, and a holder. The developing roller carries developer. The developer regulator faces the developing roller to regulate an amount of the developer carried on a surface of the developing roller. The holder has a first hole, a second hole, and a projection. An end of the developer regulator is inserted in the first hole. A shaft at an end of the developing roller is inserted in the second hole. The projection protrudes toward an inside of the at least one of the first hole or the second hole and holds the end of the developer regulator and the shaft.