Development Roller Sealing via Segmented Frame and Resin Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the deformation of supporting portions for sealing members due to pressure from development rollers reduces the sealing performance, leading to toner leakage.
Innovation Solution
A development apparatus with a frame member having a through hole and a supporting portion, where a first sealing member seals the gap between the development roller and frame member, and a second sealing member made of resin, such as polystyrene, is used to seal the through hole, arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the axis direction, preventing deformation of the supporting portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a through hole is provided in the frame member to allow insertion of the supply roller, then the supply roller can be mounted to the frame member, but the supporting portion for the sealing member may deform due to pressure from the development roller
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member is divided into distinct functional regions: a through hole for supply roller insertion and a supporting portion for the sealing member. This segmentation allows the supply roller to be mounted independently through the through hole while the supporting portion maintains its structural integrity to support the sealing member without deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame member is designed with different local properties: the through hole area allows insertion while the supporting portion is structured to provide rigid support for the sealing member. The supporting portion is specifically designed to resist deformation under pressure from the development roller, while the through hole remains open for supply roller mounting.
2Reliability
If a sealing member is provided between the development roller and frame member to prevent toner leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but the supporting portion may deform under pressure reducing sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion is pre-designed and pre-positioned in the frame member to provide adequate support for the sealing member before the development roller applies pressure. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the sealing member is installed and pressure is applied during operation, the supporting portion maintains its shape and position, preventing toner leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting portion acts as an intermediary between the frame member and the sealing member. It provides a stable, deformation-resistant interface that supports the sealing member uniformly under pressure from the development roller, ensuring consistent sealing performance without the supporting structure itself deforming.
3Reliability
If the first sealing member and supporting portion are located between the development roller and through hole, then the sealing member can seal the gap, but the supporting portion is subjected to pressure and may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member geometry is designed in three dimensions to distribute the pressure from the development roller. The supporting portion is positioned and dimensioned to span across the pressure zone, using its geometric configuration to resist deformation while still allowing the sealing member to effectively seal the gap between the development roller and frame member.
Data Source
AI summary
A development apparatus for an image forming apparatus includesa first sealing member provided in the supporting portion and configured to seal a gap between a peripheral surface of the development roller and the frame member at one end side of the frame member in the axis direction to prevent the developer from leaking from the frame member; and a second sealing member made of a resin and configured to seal the through hole, and the first sealing member, the supporting portion, and the second sealing member are arranged in this order on the same plane perpendicular to the axis direction.