Developing Device Removable Sheet Barrier for Developer Leakage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with developer leakage during transportation and installation, which can lead to contamination and damage to internal components.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a detachable sheet-shaped member that intersects with the rotation centers of the developing roller and developer supply rotator at 90±10 degrees, forming a sealed pre-storage space to contain developer and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sheet-shaped member is installed to isolate the developer storage space, then developer leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The developing device is divided into distinct functional zones using the sheet-shaped member: a developer storage space and a developing area. This segmentation isolates the developer to prevent leakage while maintaining operational functionality, resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet-shaped member acts as an intermediary barrier between the developer storage space and the developing area. It provides a simple yet effective isolation mechanism that prevents developer contact with external components without requiring complex sealing systems.
2Reliability
If the sheet-shaped member is positioned to separate developing roller and developer supply rotator, then developer leakage is prevented, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-shaped member is positioned asymmetrically at 90±10 degrees relative to the virtual line connecting rotation centers. This asymmetric positioning optimizes the separation of developing roller and developer supply rotator while minimizing the overall device footprint, effectively preventing leakage without excessive size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet-shaped member extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shafts, utilizing a different spatial dimension for separation. This dimensional approach allows effective isolation of components without increasing the radial or axial dimensions of the device.
3Ease of operation
If the sheet-shaped member is made removable, then ease of operation is improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-shaped member transitions from a static sealing element to a dynamic, removable component. It can be installed to provide sealing during storage and transport, then removed or adjusted during operation to facilitate maintenance and developer replenishment, balancing sealing effectiveness with operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a developing roller, a developer supply rotator, and a removable sheet-shaped member. The developing roller bears developer and develops a latent image on a surface of an image bearer. The developer supply rotator is disposed opposite the developing roller to rotate in a specified direction to supply the developer to the developing roller. The removable sheet-shaped member separates the developing roller and the developer supply rotator to form a developer pre-storage portion storing the developer in an inner space in which the developer supply rotator is disposed in the developing device. The sheet-shaped member intersects with a virtual line connecting a rotation center of the developing roller and a rotation center of the developer supply rotator at 90±10 degrees when viewed in a cross section orthogonal to a rotation shaft of the developing roller or the developer supply rotator.