Developing Device Toner Layer Regulation Compact Cartridge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing cartridges require space for a layer thickness regulating blade, making it impossible to reduce the size of the cartridges and printers, which is a current need.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a layer thickness regulating member that includes a blade, support member, and reinforcement member, where the blade is attached to the support member and reinforcement member, allowing for precise toner layer regulation without the need for a screw hole, thus reducing the overall size of the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a layer thickness regulating blade is provided in the developing cartridge, then toner layer thickness can be regulated, but the size of the developing cartridge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is nested within the developing cartridge structure by attaching it to the inner circumference of the housing. The support member extends along the axial direction and positions the blade internally, allowing the blade to be integrated into the existing cartridge volume without requiring additional external space. This nesting approach enables toner layer regulation while maintaining a compact cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is configured to extend primarily in the axial direction of the developing cartridge rather than radially or circumferentially. By utilizing the axial dimension for blade support, the design accommodates the blade within the existing radial and circumferential space constraints, effectively using another dimension to resolve the space conflict.
2Strength
If a screw hole is formed for attaching the blade, then the blade can be securely fixed, but polymerized toner may leak through the screw hole
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the attachment function from traditional screw holes and replaces it with adhesive bonding on the inner surface of the housing. By removing the screw hole entirely, the harmful pathway for toner leakage is eliminated while the blade remains securely attached through the adhesive's bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive bonding provides sufficient attachment strength for the blade's operational lifetime without requiring permanent mechanical fastening. The adhesive serves as a temporary but effective attachment method that prevents toner leakage throughout the cartridge's service life, after which the entire cartridge is replaced anyway.
3Volume of moving object
If the blade is made thin for compact design, then the cartridge size is reduced, but the blade may be damaged by external shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure provides protective cushioning around the blade before external shocks can reach it. The housing acts as a shock-absorbing barrier that protects the thin blade from direct impact, allowing the blade to remain thin for compact design while preventing shock damage through预先 protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves as a flexible protective shell that can absorb and distribute external shock forces. This shell protection allows the internal blade to remain thin and compact while the housing provides the necessary strength and shock resistance from the outside.
Data Source
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AI summary
A developing device and an image forming apparatus including the developing device are provided. The developing device includes a housing, a developer carrier which is rotatably supported by the housing, and which carries developer on a circumferential surface thereof, a layer thickness regulating member which includes, a blade contacting the circumferential surface of the developer carrier along a rotational axial direction of the developer carrier, and a support member supporting the blade, the layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of the developer on the circumferential surface of the developer carrier. The support member includes: a contact part which contacts the blade; and a pair of attachment parts which are attached to the housing. The attachment parts are provide at both sides of the contact part in the rotational axial direction and are further protruded than the contact part in a direction away from the developer carrier.