Cleaning blade and cleaning device

Abstract

The cleaning blade is a plate-like member having a front end portion, and includes a first surface configured to be bonded to a support member, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface and connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the front end portion is a portion where the second surface intersects the third surface, and wherein a first angle between the first surface and the fourth surface is an obtuse angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cleaning scraper for electrophotographic image formation. Background Technology

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a cleaning device is provided to remove toner residues on the surface of a photosensitive drum. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a flat elastic member (cleaning scraper) is fixed to a support member.

[0003] Related technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: WO2022 / 138076 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem the invention aims to solve When the front end of the cleaning blade is pressed by the photosensitive drum, stress may concentrate at the rear end of the cleaning blade, resulting in breakage such as peeling between the cleaning blade and the support member. It should be noted that although the above description focuses on the photosensitive drum for convenience, similar problems can occur in any structure where a component rotates while in contact with the cleaning blade. In view of the above, one aspect of this disclosure aims to reduce breakage between the support member and the cleaning blade through a simple construction.

[0005] Problem-solving methods To address the aforementioned problems, a cleaning scraper according to one aspect of this disclosure is a plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end portion. The cleaning scraper includes a first surface configured to be bonded to a support member, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface and connecting the first and second surfaces. The front end portion is the portion where the second and third surfaces intersect, and the first angle between the first and fourth surfaces is an obtuse angle.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a cleaning scraper is a plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end portion. The cleaning scraper includes a first surface configured to be bonded to a support member, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface and connecting the first and second surfaces. The front end portion is the portion where the second and third surfaces intersect. The first surface has an edge opposite to the second surface in a first direction, and the fourth surface has a portion relative to the edge in the first direction, the portion of the fourth surface being spaced apart from the extended plane of the second and first surfaces.

[0007] A cleaning apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end portion; a support member including a support surface facing the cleaning scraper; and an adhesive for bonding the cleaning scraper to the support member, wherein the cleaning scraper includes a first surface facing the support surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface and connecting the first and second surfaces, wherein the front end portion is the portion where the second and third surfaces intersect, wherein a first angle between the first and fourth surfaces is an obtuse angle, and wherein the adhesive has a first portion located between the support surface and the first surface, and a second portion located between the support surface and the fourth surface. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram related to the measurement of peel strength.

[0011] Figure 4 The results of the peel strength measurement are shown.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram related to the angles of the front and rear ends.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing method of a cleaning scraper.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the process of attaching the cleaning scraper to the support member 20.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device based on the modified example (aspect A).

[0017] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device based on the modified example (aspect B).

[0018] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device based on a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the dimensions and proportions of the elements in the various drawings may differ from those of the actual product. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are exemplary embodiments contemplated for the implementation of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0020] A: First Embodiment A-1: Image forming apparatus Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer (e.g., a multifunction peripheral device) for forming images on a sheet recording medium 200 such as printing paper, and includes a photosensitive drum 11, a charging roller 12, an exposure device 13, a supply roller 14, a developing roller 15, a transfer roller 16, a fixing roller 17, and a cleaning device 18.

[0021] The photosensitive drum 11 is a cylindrical photosensitive body with an outer peripheral surface formed of photosensitive material. The charging roller 12 is a conductive roller configured to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The exposure device 13 forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing the photosensitive drum 11. The supply roller 14 supplies toner in a charged state to the surface of the developing roller 15. The developing roller 15 causes the toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The transfer roller 16 transfers the toner adhered to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to the recording medium 200. The fixing roller 17 fixes the toner transferred to the surface of the recording medium 200. The cleaning device 18 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0022] A-2: Cleaning device 18 Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 18. It should be noted that in the following description, three mutually perpendicular axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) are assumed. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is referred to as the X2 direction. Similarly, the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Y1 direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Z-axis is, for example, an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0023] The cleaning device 18 is a slender structure in the Z-axis direction. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning device 18 according to the first embodiment includes a support member 20, a cleaning scraper 30, and an adhesive 40.

[0024] The support member 20 is a plate-like structure (holder, bracket) that supports the cleaning scraper 30. The material of the support member 20 is appropriately selected; for example, a high-rigidity metal material such as galvanized steel sheet can be used as the main material of the support member 20. The support member 20 includes a surface facing the Y2 direction (hereinafter referred to as "support surface 21"). The support surface 21 is a flat surface parallel to the XZ plane.

[0025] The cleaning blade 30 is a plate-shaped elastic member having a front end 36. Specifically, the cleaning blade 30 is a plate-shaped member having a predetermined thickness (e.g., about 2 mm) and being formed into an elongated rectangular shape extending along the Z-axis direction. The material of the cleaning blade 30 is suitably selected; for example, an elastic material resistant to plastic deformation and having high abrasion resistance, such as a thermosetting polyurethane elastomer, can be used as the main material of the cleaning blade 30. The front end 36 is an edge configured to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning scraper 30 includes a first surface 31, a second surface 32, a third surface 33, and a fourth surface 34. The first surface 31 and the second surface 32 are the main surfaces of the cleaning scraper 30 and are flat surfaces parallel to the XZ plane. The third surface 33 and the fourth surface 34 are the side surfaces of the cleaning scraper 30.

[0027] The first surface 31 is the surface facing the support surface 21 of the support member 20. Specifically, the first surface 31 is a flat surface of the cleaning scraper 30 facing the Y1 direction. In other words, the support surface 21 of the support member 20 faces the cleaning scraper 30.

[0028] The first surface 31 includes a region (hereinafter referred to as "adhesive region B") facing the support surface 21 of the support member 20. Adhesive region B is an elongated region extending along the Z-axis direction from the edge b2 located in the X2 direction of the first surface 31. Adhesive region B is bonded to the support surface 21 of the support member 20. By bonding the first surface 31 to the support surface 21, the cleaning scraper 30 is secured to the support member 20.

[0029] The portion of the cleaning scraper 30 located in the X1 direction relative to the bonding area B (hereinafter referred to as "protrusion 35") protrudes from the edge 22 of the support member 20 in the X1 direction. Therefore, when pressed by the photosensitive drum 11, the protrusion 35 undergoes elastic deformation.

[0030] The second surface 32 is the surface opposite to the first surface 31. Specifically, the second surface 32 is a flat surface of the cleaning blade 30 facing the Y2 direction. In other words, the second surface 32 faces the photosensitive drum 11.

[0031] The third surface 33 is the side surface connecting the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. Specifically, the third surface 33 is the front end face of the cleaning blade 30 in the X1 direction. The front end portion 36 configured to contact the photosensitive drum 11 is the portion where the second surface 32 and the third surface 33 intersect.

[0032] The fourth surface 34 is the side surface connecting the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. Specifically, the fourth surface 34 is the rear end face of the cleaning scraper 30 in the X2 direction. In other words, the fourth surface 34 is opposite to the third surface 33 and connects the first surface 31 and the second surface 32.

[0033] Figure 2 The angle θ1 of the portion where the first surface 31 intersects the fourth surface 34 (hereinafter referred to as the "rear end 37") is shown. Angle θ1 is the angle formed between the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34. It should be noted that angle θ1 is an example of a "first angle".

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, angle θ1 is an obtuse angle (90° < θ1 < 180°). In other words, the edge 342 of the fourth surface 34 connecting to the second surface 32 is located in the X2 direction relative to the edge b2 of the first surface 31, and is spaced apart from the extension plane V of the first surface 31 towards the second surface 32 (along the Y2 direction). It should be noted that the extension plane V of the first surface 31 is an imaginary plane obtained by extending the first surface 31 along the X2 direction. When focusing on the edges 341 of the fourth surface 34 near the first surface 31 and the edges 342 of the second surface 32, the fourth surface 34 is an inclined surface in which the distance from the support surface 21 of the support member 20 (or the extension plane V of the first surface 31) increases from edge 341 towards edge 342. Therefore, a space S is formed between the fourth surface 34 and the support surface 21. The space S is a space with a triangular cross-sectional shape and extends along the Z-axis.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the angle θ2 formed between the second surface 32 and the third surface 33 is also an obtuse angle (90° < θ2 < 180°). Angle θ2 is the angle of the front end portion 36. Specifically, the angle θ2 of the front end portion 36 is equal to the angle θ1 between the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning scraper 30 (a cross-section parallel to the XY plane) is a parallelogram with angle θ1 equal to angle θ2. In other words, the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 are parallel to each other, and the third surface 33 and the fourth surface 34 are parallel to each other. It should be noted that angle θ2 is an example of a "second angle".

[0036] Adhesive 40 bonds the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 to each other. Adhesive 40 is formed of an adhesive between the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30. The material of adhesive 40 is appropriately selected; for example, a hot melt adhesive that melts when heated can be used as the main material of adhesive 40.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the adhesive 40 includes a first portion 41 and a second portion 42. The first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are continuous with each other. The first portion 41 is a film-like portion between the support surface 21 of the support member 20 and the first surface 31 (adhesion area B). Specifically, the first portion 41 extends continuously over the entire adhesion area B of the first surface 31 facing the support surface 21. The support surface 21 and the first surface 31 are bonded to each other by the first portion 41 of the adhesive 40. It should be noted that the first portion 41 is not formed on the protrusion 35.

[0038] The second portion 42 is located between the support surface 21 and the fourth surface 34 of the support member 20. In other words, the second portion 42 is arranged in the space S between the support surface 21 and the fourth surface 34. The support surface 21 and the fourth surface 34 are bonded to each other by the second portion 42 of the adhesive 40. As described above, the rear end 37 at the intersection of the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34 is covered by the adhesive 40. It should be noted that the second portion 42 of the adhesive 40 does not reach the edge 342 of the fourth surface 34 near the second surface 32. Therefore, the adhesive 40 is not present on the second surface 32.

[0039] As described above, in the first embodiment, the angle θ1 formed between the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34 of the cleaning scraper 30 is an obtuse angle; therefore, a space S is formed between the support surface 21 of the support member 20 facing the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34 of the cleaning scraper 30. The adhesive 40 is disposed not only between the first surface 31 and the support surface 21, but also in the space S between the support surface 21 and the fourth surface 34, thereby firmly fixing the portion of the first surface 31 near the edge b2 in the X2 direction to the support surface 21. Therefore, breakage between the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 can be reduced through a simple construction.

[0040] A-3: Measurement The bonding strength between the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 will be described. Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram showing the method for measuring the required strength (hereinafter referred to as "peel strength") to detach the cleaning scraper 30 from the support member 20. Figure 3As shown, peel strength was measured using test sample 300, in which a cleaning scraper 30 (thickness: 2 mm) was bonded to a support member 20. The bonding width W (width of the bonding area B) between the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 was approximately 3 mm.

[0041] The cleaning scraper 30 used for testing is divided into a support portion 51, a support portion 52, and a test portion 53 by forming two slits extending in the width direction. For example, the cleaning scraper 30 and the adhesive layer used to bond the cleaning scraper 30 to the support member 20 are cut off by a cutter. The support portions 51 and 52 are held by a retainer 54. The test portion 53 is, for example, a portion with a width of about 10 mm.

[0042] exist Figure 3 In this design, the load measuring device 55 is a push-pull force gauge capable of measuring the load acting on the measuring shaft 56. The measured portion 53, which is engaged with the tip of the measuring shaft 56, is pulled upward by the load measuring device 55, causing elastic deformation of the measured portion 53 disposed between the slits. The measurement value of the load measuring device 55 when the measured portion 53 is peeled off from the support member 20 is defined as the peel strength. The pulling speed of the load measuring device 55 is 20 mm / min.

[0043] Figure 4 It shows the way Figure 3 The peel strength was measured using the method shown. Peel strength was measured on multiple test samples 300 with varying angles θ1 at the rear end 37 of the cleaning scraper 30. In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the angles θ1 of the test samples 300 were less than 90°, while in Examples 1 to 7, the angles θ1 of the test samples 300 were greater than 90°.

[0044] Figure 4 The angle θ1 of the rear end 37, the cross-sectional area of ​​the space S, the peel strength, and the peel strength ratio are shown for each of the plurality of test samples 300. The cross-sectional area of ​​the space S is the area of ​​the triangular cross section of the space S located between the fourth surface 34 and the support surface 21. Furthermore, the peel strength ratio is a value obtained by normalizing the peel strength of each of the plurality of test samples 300 when the peel strength at an angle θ1 of 90° is defined as a reference value (=1).

[0045] As peel strength increases, the adhesion durability of the cleaning scraper 30 to the support member 20 can be evaluated as higher. For example... Figure 4 As shown, as the angle θ1 at the rear end 37 increases, the cross-sectional area of ​​space S increases, and the volume of adhesive contained in space S also increases. Due to the increase in adhesive volume, as from... Figure 4As the lieutenant general understands, the peel strength increases with the increase of the angle θ1 of the rear end 37. In other words, as the angle θ1 of the rear end 37 increases, the adhesive durability of the cleaning scraper 30 to the support member 20 is improved.

[0046] Specifically, such as from Figure 4 As understood by the Lieutenant General, a trend was confirmed whereby the peel strength in Examples 1 to 7, where the angle θ1 is 90.5° or higher and 130° or lower, is higher than that in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, where the angle θ1 is 90° or lower. Therefore, a configuration where the angle θ1 between the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34 is 90.5° or higher and 130° or lower is preferred. According to the above configuration, the space S to be filled by the adhesive 40 between the support surface 21 and the fourth surface 34 can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, the cleaning scraper 30 can be firmly bonded to the support member 20. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, angle θ1 is equal to angle θ2; therefore, angle θ2 is also set to a value within the range of 90.5° or higher and 130° or lower.

[0047] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram related to angles θ1 and θ2. Figure 5 The angle θ between surfaces Fa and Fb is shown. When surface Fa is considered as the first surface 31 and surface Fb is considered as the fourth surface 34, angle θ is the angle θ1 of the rear end 37. Similarly, when surface Fa is considered as the second surface 32 and surface Fb is considered as the third surface 33, angle θ is the angle θ2 of the front end 36.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the angle θ between surfaces Fa and Fb is the angle between line segment La along surface Fa and line segment Lb along surface Fb in the cross section. Line segments La and Lb are line segments with predetermined lengths (e.g., 100 μm). Line segment La is an imaginary line segment in the cross section that approximates surface Fa, and line segment Lb is an imaginary line segment in the cross section that approximates surface Fb.

[0049] A-4: Manufacturing Method Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing method of the cleaning scraper 30. (See diagram for example.) Figure 6 As shown, multiple cleaning scrapers 30 are manufactured sequentially by repeatedly cutting the elastic substrate 60 (raw material sheet) that elongates in the X-axis direction using a cutter 61.

[0050] While the cutter 61 is held at an angle α relative to the upper surface of the elastic substrate 60, which will become the first surface 31 of the cleaning scraper 30, it can move across the entire width (the entire range in the Z-axis direction) of the elastic substrate 60. Angle α is the entry angle of the cutter 61 into the elastic substrate 60, and is expressed as (180°). θ1).

[0051] The elastic substrate 60 moves intermittently by a predetermined unit amount in the X-axis direction. This unit amount of movement corresponds to a distance equal to the width of the cleaning scraper 30. By moving the elastic substrate 60 by this unit amount and cutting the elastic substrate 60 using the movement of the cutter 61 (e.g., movement in a single direction), a single cleaning scraper 30 is manufactured. By repeating the above process, multiple cleaning scrapers 30 are manufactured from the elastic substrate 60.

[0052] In the first embodiment, angle θ1 is equal to angle θ2. In other words, the third surface 33 and the fourth surface 34 are parallel to each other. Therefore, by cutting the elastic substrate 60 with a cutter 61 held at angle α, the fourth surface 34 of a single cleaning blade 30 and the third surface 33 of the subsequently manufactured cleaning blade 30 are formed. In other words, according to the first embodiment, compared to a configuration where angles θ1 and θ2 are different from each other, multiple cleaning blades 30 can be manufactured efficiently without changing the angle α of the cutter 61 relative to the elastic substrate 60.

[0053] It should be noted that in configurations where the angles θ1 and θ2 of the cleaning scraper 30 are too large (configuration where the angle α is too small), the area of ​​the cut surfaces (third surface 33 and fourth surface 34) of the elastic substrate 60 formed by the cutter 61 increases. Therefore, it is difficult to precisely form the third surface 33 and fourth surface 34 as a whole into a flat surface. In the first embodiment, the angle θ1 of the rear end 37 is limited to below 130°; therefore, there is an advantage that the third surface 33 and fourth surface 34 can be easily formed into a precisely flat surface.

[0054] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of bonding the cleaning scraper 30 to the support member 20. First, a heated and melted adhesive 45 is applied to the support surface 21 of the support member 20. With the adhesive 45 molten, the cleaning scraper 30 is arranged relative to the support member 20 such that its first surface 31 is in line contact with the edge 22 of the support surface 21 in the X1 direction. Specifically, the edge 22 of the support member 20 is in contact with the edge b1 of the bonding area B in the X1 direction. It should be noted that the adhesive 45 can also be applied to the first surface 31 of the cleaning scraper 30.

[0055] like Figure 7As shown by the dashed arrow, the cleaning scraper 30 rotates around the position (edge ​​22) where it contacts the support member 20, thereby bringing the bonding area B of the first surface 31 close to the support surface 21. The cleaning scraper 30 is rotated until the first surface 31 and the support surface 21 are parallel to each other, and the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 are compressed in the Y-axis direction. The adhesive 45 is cured in the above state, thereby forming the adhesive 40, and the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 are bonded by the adhesive 40.

[0056] During the rotation of the cleaning scraper 30 relative to the support member 20, the liquid adhesive 45 flows along the X2 direction due to the decrease in the angle between the first surface 31 and the support surface 21, thereby spreading to the outside of the bonding area B. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, with the first surface 31 and the supporting surface 21 bonded together, the second part 42 is formed in the space S by the adhesive 45 flowing from the bonding area B along the X2 direction.

[0057] On the other hand, the flow of adhesive 45 is limited by the line contact between the edge b1 of the bonding area B in the X1 direction and the edge 22 of the support member 20. As a result, the amount of adhesive 45 leaking to the first surface 31 in the region of the bonding area B in the X1 direction is minute (e.g., at most about 0.6 mm from the bonding area B in the X1 direction) or zero. In other words, adhesive 45 is essentially not adhered to the protrusion 35 of the cleaning scraper 30 protruding from the support member 20 in the X1 direction. Therefore, the possibility of deformation of the protrusion 35 due to adhesion of adhesive 45 can be reduced.

[0058] B: Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described. It should be noted that in the various embodiments described below, elements having similar functions to those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0059] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 18 according to the second embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, in the cleaning device 18 according to the second embodiment, the angle θ2 of the front end portion 36 is different from the angle θ1 between the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34. Specifically, the angle θ1 is an obtuse angle similar to that in the first embodiment, while the angle θ2 of the front end portion 36 is 90° or less (i.e., a right angle or an acute angle). Figure 8 The case where angle θ2 is 90° is shown.

[0060] Similarly, in the second embodiment, the angle θ1 between the first surface 31 and the fourth surface 34 is an obtuse angle; therefore, a space S for accommodating the second portion 42 of the adhesive 40 is formed between the fourth surface 34 and the support surface 21. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, compared to a construction where the angle θ1 is less than 90°, the portion of the first surface 31 near the edge b2 in the X2 direction is firmly fixed to the support surface 21, resulting in a reduction in breakage between the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 through a simple construction.

[0061] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the pressure exerted by the photosensitive drum 11 on the front end portion 36 propagates within an angle θ2 of less than 90°. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the pressure exerted by the photosensitive drum 11 on the front end portion 36 diffuses within an angle θ2 of greater than 90°. In other words, according to the first embodiment, compared to the second embodiment, the pressure exerted by the photosensitive drum 11 on the cleaning blade 30 is distributed over a wider range, thus limiting excessive deformation of the cleaning blade 30. Therefore, according to the first embodiment where angle θ2 is an obtuse angle, compared to the second embodiment, there is an advantage in reducing wear on the front end portion 36 caused by contact with the photosensitive drum 11.

[0062] C: Variation Specific variations to the above embodiments will now be described. As long as no conflict arises from such combinations, two or more aspects chosen arbitrarily from the following variations can be appropriately combined.

[0063] (1) The shape of the fourth surface 34 is not limited to the examples in the above embodiments. For example, although the fourth surface 34 is described as a flat surface in the above embodiments, the fourth surface 34 may also be a curved surface. Alternatively, the fourth surface 34 may be a combination of multiple flat surfaces with different angles, or a combination of flat and curved surfaces. Furthermore, pattern A or pattern B shown below are also conceivable.

[0064] Mode A Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 18 according to Mode A. For example... Figure 9 As shown, according to pattern A, the fourth surface 34 is a stepped surface composed of wall surface 345, wall surface 346, and bottom surface 347. Wall surface 345 and wall surface 346 are flat surfaces parallel to the YZ plane. Bottom surface 347 is a flat surface parallel to the XZ plane. Wall surface 345 is connected to the first surface 31, and wall surface 346 is connected to the second surface 32. Wall surface 346 is located in the X2 direction relative to wall surface 345. Bottom surface 347 connects wall surface 345 and wall surface 346. In pattern A, the second portion 42 of adhesive 40 is accommodated in the space S surrounded by wall surface 345, bottom surface 347, and support surface 21.

[0065] As described above, in mode A, the portion 38 at the intersection of the wall 346 and the bottom 347 of the fourth surface 34 is located in the X2 direction relative to the edge b2 of the first surface 31 in the X2 direction, and is spaced apart from the extension plane V of the first surface 31 toward the second surface 32.

[0066] Mode B Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 18 according to Mode B. For example... Figure 10 As shown, according to Mode B, the fourth surface 34 consists of an inclined surface 348 and a wall surface 349. The inclined surface 348 is a flat surface inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first surface 31 and is connected to the first surface 31. The wall surface 349 connects the inclined surface 348 and the second surface 32. In Mode B, the second portion 42 of the adhesive 40 is accommodated in the space S between the inclined surface 348 and the support surface 21. The shape of the cleaning scraper 30 according to Mode B can be represented as a shape in which the rear end 37 is chamfered.

[0067] As described above, in mode B, the portion 39 at the intersection of the inclined surface 348 of the fourth surface 34 and the wall surface 349 is located in the X2 direction relative to the edge b2 of the first surface 31 and is spaced apart from the extension plane V of the first surface 31 toward the second surface 32.

[0068] As described above, the fourth surface 34 only needs to be a surface having the following portion: the edge b2 of this portion relative to the first surface 31 in the X2 direction is located in the X2 direction and is spaced apart from the extending plane V of the first surface 31 toward the second surface 32. This portion includes the edge 342 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the portion 38 in mode A, and the portion 39 in mode B. It should be noted that in modes A and B, a construction in which the angle θ2 of the front end portion 36 is an obtuse angle is described; however, similar to the second embodiment, the angle θ2 of the front end portion 36 can also be 90° or less.

[0069] (2) In the above embodiments, the space S is formed by the fourth surface 34 of the cleaning scraper 30; however, the shape of the space S accommodating the second portion 42 of the adhesive 40 is not limited to the above example. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, space S can be formed by a groove 23 formed in the support surface 21 of the support member 20. Figure 11 In the illustrated configuration, the groove 23 is formed within the area of ​​the edge b2 in the X2 direction, including the adhesive region B, and the second portion 42 of the adhesive 40 is accommodated in the space S within the groove 23. Figure 11In the configuration shown, space S is ensured to accommodate the adhesive 40, resulting in the portion of the first surface 31 near the edge b2 in the X2 direction being firmly fixed to the support surface 21. Therefore, similar to the embodiment described above, breakage between the support member 20 and the cleaning scraper 30 can be reduced through a simple configuration.

[0070] (3) In the above embodiments, a cleaning blade 30 for removing toner residue on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 was described; however, the application of the cleaning blade 30 according to this disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, a cleaning blade 30 (cleaning device 18) having a similar structure to that in the above embodiments can be applied to the cleaning of the surfaces of other components such as the transfer roller 16 or the transfer belt. The components in contact with the cleaning blade 30 are collectively referred to as “target objects”. A “target object” can be represented as an object to be cleaned by the cleaning blade 30. The photosensitive drum 11 in the various embodiments above is an example of a “target object”. In addition, a transfer member (e.g., the transfer roller 16 or the transfer belt) configured to transfer toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 onto the recording medium 200 is also an example of a “target object”.

[0071] (4) In this application, the expression “nth” (where n is a natural number) is used only as a formal and convenient identifier (label) to distinguish the various elements in terms of expression, and has no substantive meaning. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position, manufacturing order, etc. of the various elements by the expression “nth”.

[0072] D: Supplementary Notes For example, the following construction can be derived from the foregoing embodiments.

[0073] According to one aspect of this disclosure (aspect 1), a cleaning scraper is a plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end portion, the cleaning scraper including a first surface configured to be bonded to a support member, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface and connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the front end portion is the portion where the second surface and the third surface intersect, and wherein the first angle between the first surface and the fourth surface is an obtuse angle.

[0074] In the aforementioned respect, the first angle between the first and fourth surfaces of the cleaning scraper is an obtuse angle; therefore, a space is formed between the support surface of the support member facing the first surface and the fourth surface of the cleaning scraper. By providing an adhesive not only between the first and support surfaces but also in the space between the support surface and the fourth surface, the portion of the first surface near its edge in the first direction is firmly fixed to the support surface. Therefore, breakage between the support member and the cleaning scraper can be reduced through a simple construction.

[0075] In a specific example of aspect 1 (aspect 2), the first angle is 90.5° or more and 130° or less. According to the above aspect, sufficient space for filling the adhesive can be ensured between the supporting surface and the fourth surface. Therefore, the cleaning scraper can be firmly bonded to the supporting member.

[0076] In a specific example of aspect 1 or aspect 2 (aspect 3), the second angle between the second surface and the third surface is an obtuse angle. According to the above aspects, compared to a construction where the second angle (i.e., the angle at the front end) is an acute or right angle, the pressure exerted by the photosensitive drum on the cleaning blade is distributed over a wider range, thus limiting excessive deformation of the cleaning blade. Therefore, wear at the front end caused by contact with the photosensitive drum can be reduced.

[0077] In a specific example of aspect 3 (aspect 4), the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning scraper is a parallelogram with a first angle equal to a second angle. The cleaning scraper is manufactured by cutting an elastic substrate with a cutter. Based on the configuration where the first and second angles are equal, multiple cleaning scrapers can be efficiently manufactured by cutting the elastic substrate with the cutter while maintaining the angle of the cutter relative to the elastic substrate, allowing the elastic substrate to move intermittently in a predetermined direction.

[0078] According to one aspect (aspect 5) of the present disclosure, a cleaning scraper is a plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end portion, the cleaning scraper including a first surface configured to be bonded to a support member, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface and connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the front end portion is the portion where the second surface and the third surface intersect, wherein the first surface has an edge opposite to the second surface in a first direction, and wherein the fourth surface has a portion relative to the edge in the first direction, the portion of the fourth surface being spaced apart from the extended plane of the second surface and the first surface.

[0079] In the aforementioned aspect, the fourth surface has a portion of its edge in a first direction relative to the first surface, which is spaced apart from the extended plane of the first surface toward the second surface. In other words, a space is formed between the support surface of the support member facing the first surface and the fourth surface of the cleaning scraper. By providing an adhesive not only between the first surface and the support surface but also in the space between the support surface and the fourth surface, the portion of the first surface near its edge in the first direction is firmly fixed to the support surface. Therefore, breakage between the support member and the cleaning scraper can be reduced through a simple construction.

[0080] A cleaning apparatus according to one aspect (aspect 6) of the present disclosure includes: a plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end portion; a support member including a support surface facing the cleaning scraper; and an adhesive for bonding the cleaning scraper to the support member, wherein the cleaning scraper includes a first surface facing the support surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface and connecting the first and second surfaces, wherein the front end portion is the portion where the second and third surfaces intersect, wherein a first angle between the first and fourth surfaces is an obtuse angle, and wherein the adhesive has a first portion located between the support surface and the first surface, and a second portion located between the support surface and the fourth surface.

[0081] In the aforementioned respect, the first angle between the first and fourth surfaces of the cleaning scraper is an obtuse angle; therefore, a space is formed between the support surface of the support member facing the first surface and the fourth surface of the cleaning scraper. By providing an adhesive not only between the first and support surfaces but also in the space between the support surface and the fourth surface, the portion of the first surface near its edge in the first direction is firmly fixed to the support surface. Therefore, breakage between the support member and the cleaning scraper can be reduced through a simple construction.

[0082] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100…Image forming apparatus, 200…Recording medium, 300…Test sample, 11…Photosensitive drum, 12…Charging roller, 13…Exposure apparatus, 14…Feed roller, 15…Developing roller, 16…Transfer roller, 17…Fixing roller, 18…Cleaning apparatus, 20…Support member, 21…Support surface, 22…Edge, 23…Groove, 30…Cleaning scraper, 31…First surface, 32…Second surface, 33…Third surface, 34…Fourth surface, 35…Protrusion, 36…Front end, 37…Rear end, 40…Adhesive, 41…First part, 42…Second part, 45…Adhesive, 55…Load measuring device, 60…Flexible substrate, 61…Cutter.

Claims

1. A plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end, the cleaning scraper comprising: The first surface is configured to be bonded to the supporting member; A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; A third surface, which connects the first surface and the second surface; as well as A fourth surface, which is opposite to the third surface and connects the first surface and the second surface. The front end portion is the part where the second surface intersects the third surface, and The first angle between the first surface and the fourth surface is an obtuse angle.

2. The cleaning scraper according to claim 1, wherein, The first angle is greater than 90.5° and less than 130°.

3. The cleaning scraper according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The second angle between the second surface and the third surface is an obtuse angle.

4. The cleaning scraper according to claim 3, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the cleaning scraper is a parallelogram with the first angle equal to the second angle.

5. A plate-shaped cleaning scraper having a front end, the cleaning scraper comprising: The first surface is configured to be bonded to the supporting member; A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; A third surface, which connects the first surface and the second surface; as well as A fourth surface, which is opposite to the third surface and connects the first surface and the second surface. The front end portion is the part where the second surface intersects the third surface. The first surface has an edge in a first direction opposite to the second surface, and The fourth surface has a portion located in the first direction relative to the edge, and the portion of the fourth surface is spaced apart from the extended plane of the first surface toward the second surface.

6. A cleaning device comprising: A plate-shaped cleaning scraper with a front end; A support member, including a support surface facing the cleaning scraper; as well as An adhesive that bonds the cleaning scraper to the support member. The cleaning scraper includes: A first surface, which faces the supporting surface; A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; A third surface, which connects the first surface and the second surface; and A fourth surface, which is opposite to the third surface and connects the first surface and the second surface. The front end portion is the part where the second surface intersects the third surface. Wherein the first angle between the first surface and the fourth surface is an obtuse angle, and The adhesive described herein has: The first portion, which is located between the supporting surface and the first surface; and The second part is located between the supporting surface and the fourth surface.

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