Agitator Vibration for Toner Conveyance Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the increased temperature leads to deteriorated toner fluidity, causing toner clogging and leakage, which is exacerbated by deformation of the agitator's plate-shaped piece, reducing vibration and enhancing the likelihood of toner bridge formation.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with an agitator featuring a bent portion that contacts the toner conveyance, ensuring sufficient vibration to prevent toner clogging and leakage, and includes a reinforcing member to maintain the bending angle and positioning, allowing effective toner agitation and conveyance even during reverse rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is made smaller, then the compactness is improved, but the temperature increases which deteriorates toner fluidity and causes clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the agitator to prevent toner clogging in the conveyance path. The vibration causes the toner to agitate and flow more freely, counteracting the deteriorated fluidity caused by increased temperature in compact apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the toner through vibration, transforming it from a static, clogged state to a dynamic, flowing state. This parameter change in toner behavior enables reliable conveyance despite temperature-induced fluidity deterioration.
2Device complexity
If the agitator uses a plate-shaped piece, then the structure is simple, but the vibration is insufficient and toner clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mechanical vibration to the agitator structure, transforming it from a simple static plate-shaped piece into a dynamically vibrating component. This vibration is essential for preventing toner clogging while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the agitator from a static structure to a dynamic one by introducing vibration. This dynamic behavior enables the agitator to effectively prevent toner clogging without requiring a complex structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the agitator is deformed, then the manufacturing is easier, but the vibration is reduced and toner leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the agitator, specifically the bending angle θ, to balance manufacturing ease with functional performance. The bending angle is set within a specific range (30° to 150°) to maintain sufficient vibration while facilitating easier manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by specifically designing the bent portion of the agitator with optimized geometry. The bending angle θ is carefully controlled in the range of 30° to 150° to ensure adequate vibration amplitude while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, addressing the local region where vibration is most critical.
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
The solution effectively reduces toner clogging and leakage, enhances toner conveyance efficiency, and prevents damage to the photoconductor surface by maintaining agitator vibration and positioning, thereby improving the overall performance of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator that vibrate due to rotation of the toner conveyance, the agitator including a bent portion which is to contact to the toner conveyance
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device in accordance with the present disclosure includes a cleaning member to clean toner on an image bearer, a toner conveyor that rotates to convey toner cleaned by the cleaning member, and an agitator that includes a bent portion that is in contact with the toner conveyor, and the agitator vibrates due to the rotation of the toner conveyor. The agitator includes a plurality of arm members, and a first end of a first arm member of the plurality of arm members is attached to a second end of a second arm member of the plurality of arm members.