Developing Roller Groove Support for Uniform Contact Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with uneven image density and image loss due to non-uniform contact pressure between the developing roller and the image carrier, which can be exacerbated by eccentricities or misalignment, leading to high image density at certain areas and inability to maintain contact at others.
Innovation Solution
The developing device is supported by a pair of supporting members that allow for movement in a first direction towards and away from the image carrier, with grooves and bearings enabling movement in a second direction intersecting the first, preventing tilt and ensuring uniform contact pressure through adjustable biasing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the developing roller is pressed against the image carrier at high pressure to maintain contact, then image loss is prevented, but image density becomes uneven and excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The developing roller is made movable in the radial direction relative to the image carrier through a groove structure that allows the roller to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic configuration enables the roller to maintain optimal contact pressure uniformly across its surface, preventing both image loss and excessive density variations while adapting to minor misalignments or eccentricities automatically.
2Reliability
If the distance between the image carrier and developing roller is reduced to improve contact, then image loss is prevented, but contact pressure becomes non-uniform due to eccentricity
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure enables the developing roller to move dynamically in the radial direction, allowing it to self-adjust and maintain uniform contact pressure across its surface even when the distance to the image carrier is reduced. This dynamic adjustment compensates for eccentricity and misalignment, ensuring consistent contact without creating pressure non-uniformity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the developing roller is allowed to move freely to accommodate misalignment, then contact uniformity is maintained, but assembly stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into fixed portions (the supporting members themselves) and movable portions (the developing roller within the groove). This segmentation allows the roller to move independently within the constrained groove path to accommodate misalignment and maintain contact uniformity, while the overall assembly remains stable due to the fixed supporting members providing structural foundation.
Solution Approach 2:
The developing roller is configured to move dynamically within the groove structure, allowing it to adapt to misalignment while maintaining stable assembly. The groove provides constrained movement paths that enable necessary adjustments without compromising the overall structural stability of the assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration maintains uniform contact pressure between the developing roller and the image carrier, preventing uneven image density and image loss, while allowing for stable assembly and operation even with potential misalignment or twist between supporting members.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing 34 is attached to each end of the rotation axis of the developing roller 5
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a main body that is arranged between a pair of supporting members and includes a developing roller. Both end portions of the developing roller are supported by the supporting members in a first direction in which the developing roller is movable toward and away from an image carrier. A groove is formed on each of the supporting members. Either one of an end portion of the developing roller and a bearing that supports the end portion is inserted into the groove. Either one of at least one of the end portions of the developing roller and at least one of the bearings is movable in the groove in a second direction that intersects the first direction.