Regulation Blade Seal Integration for Toner Scattering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In developing devices, the scattering of toner outside the device due to gravity poses a challenge, particularly when the resin-based developer regulation member is mounted, as it can degrade the mountability and increase the number of components, especially when the distance between the regulation member and the seal mount portion is close.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a resin-based developer regulation member and frame, where the seal member is integrated with the regulation blade to prevent toner scattering without compromising mountability, using a configuration where the seal member is fixed to the regulation blade, which is mounted to the development frame, ensuring effective sealing without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the seal member is integrated with the development frame, then the number of components is reduced, but the mountability of the developer regulation member is degraded due to collision with the seal mount portion
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is integrated with the developer regulation member by providing a seal mount portion on the regulation blade, merging two separate components into one unified structure. This reduces the total number of components while avoiding collision issues that would occur if the seal were mounted on the development frame, since the regulation blade is positioned closer to the developing region where toner scattering occurs.
2Device complexity
If the seal member is integrated with the developer regulation member, then the number of components is reduced, but the positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal mount portion is designed with specific local geometric features including a mount surface, side surface, and bottom surface that provide precise positioning. The side surface and bottom surface define the positional relationship between the seal member and regulation blade, ensuring accurate sealing position while maintaining the integrated structure.
3Length of stationary object
If the developer regulation member is disposed vertically downward from the closest position to the image bearing member, then the distance to the seal mount portion is reduced, but the mountability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the seal member with the developer regulation member rather than keeping them separate, the patent resolves the mountability issue caused by close proximity. The seal mount portion is provided directly on the regulation blade, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and avoiding collision problems that would occur with frame-mounted seals.
Data Source
AI summary
In a state that a developing device is placed in a position for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member when the regulation blade has a mount portion for mounting a seal member, the regulation blade is fixed to a mount portion of the development frame for mounting the regulation blade, and a seal member is fixed to a mount portion of the regulation blade for mounting the seal member, the seal member is arranged to make contact with the image bearing member vertically under a position where the developer bearing member is closest to the image bearing member to seal at least a part of a space formed between the developing device and the image bearing member.