Developing Device Housing Joint for Adhesive Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesive overflow into the developer container interferes with the rotation of the stirring/conveying member in known developing devices, causing operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A developer container design with a depression and elevation structure on the edge portions of the housings, bonded with adhesive, ensures that excess adhesive is directed away from the container, preventing interference with the stirring/conveying member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper and lower housings are bonded together with adhesive, then the housing is securely assembled, but the adhesive can overflow into the developer container and interfere with the stirring/conveying member rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the protrusion on the upper housing that fits into a recess on the lower housing) between the two housing parts. This intermediary mechanism guides the adhesive application and prevents overflow into the developer container, while still achieving secure bonding of the housing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding interface is segmented into specific regions: a bonding area where adhesive is applied between the protrusion and recess, and a protected area where the stirring/conveying member rotates. This segmentation ensures adhesive remains confined to the bonding region and does not interfere with the operational area.
2Strength
If adhesive is applied generously to ensure strong bonding, then the housing assembly is more secure, but excess adhesive overflows into the developer container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized bonding structure where the protrusion and recess concentrate the adhesive application to a specific area. This allows sufficient adhesive to be used for strong bonding without spreading to areas where it would cause harm, as the geometric constraints of the protrusion-recess interface confine the adhesive locally.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a developer container, a developer carrier, and a stirring/conveying member. The developer container includes: a lower housing having a first accommodating portion and a first edge portion formed in a top end portion of it; and an upper housing having a second accommodating portion and a second edge portion formed in a bottom end portion of it. The first edge portion has a depression extending along the first edge portion, a first contact face formed inward of the depression, and a first opposite face formed outward of the depression. The second edge portion has an elevation inserted in the depression, a second contact face making contact with the first contact face, and a second opposite face facing the first opposite face. When the first and second contact faces are in contact, the first and second opposite faces face each other across a predetermined interval.