Arranging Unit for Flake Toner Orientation in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of flake shape toner particles with tabular metal pigments in image forming apparatuses often results in cleaning failure due to the particles entering the nip portion between the cleaning blade and the image holding member, leading to ineffective toner removal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an arranging unit that causes transfer residual toner to rise from the image holding member, preventing the toner particles from entering the nip portion and allowing the cleaning blade to effectively scrape off the toner, thereby preventing cleaning failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If flake shape toner particles with tabular metal pigments are used, then metallic color reproduction is improved, but cleaning reliability deteriorates due to particles entering the nip portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing an arranging unit that positions toner particles in a predetermined orientation (standing upright with major axis substantially perpendicular to the image holding member surface) before the cleaning process. This preliminary arrangement prevents flake shape toner particles with tabular metal pigments from entering the nip portion between the cleaning blade and image holding member, thereby maintaining cleaning reliability while preserving metallic color reproduction capabilities
2Manufacturing precision
If flake shape toner particles are used, then image quality is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to ineffective toner removal
Solution Approach 1:
The arranging unit performs preliminary action by orienting toner particles upright on the image holding member surface before cleaning. This preliminary orientation arrangement ensures that flake shape toner particles do not enter the cleaning nip portion, allowing the cleaning blade to effectively remove transfer residual toner while preserving the high-quality image characteristics provided by the metallic pigment particles
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 solution ensures reliable toner removal without cleaning failure, maintaining the apparatus's performance and preventing toner particles from passing through or causing blade deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a charging unit that charges a surface of the image holding member
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic charge image forming unit that forms an electrostatic charge image on a charged surface of the image holding member
Implementation Method 3
a developing unit that accommodates an electrostatic charge image developer containing flake shape toner particles and develops the electrostatic charge image, which is formed on the surface of the image holding member, using the electrostatic charge image developer to form a toner image
Implementation Method 4
a transfer unit that transfers the toner image, which is formed on the surface of the image holding member, onto a surface of a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a charging unit, an electrostatic charge image forming unit, a developing unit that accommodates an electrostatic charge image developer containing flake shape toner particles, a transfer unit, an arranging unit that causes transfer residual toner to rise from the surface of the image holding member, a cleaning unit, and a fixing unit.