Charging Device Cleaning Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the contact charging system faces issues with foreign matters like toner and paper dust adhering to the charging roller, leading to charging failures and affecting image quality, necessitating an effective cleaning mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An image carrier unit with a charging device that includes a cleaning member for contacting and cleaning the charging roller, supported by a frame and driven by a mechanism that reciprocally moves the cleaning member along the axial direction, ensuring periodic contact and efficient removal of foreign substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning member is added to clean the charging roller, then image quality is improved by preventing charging failures, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is integrated into the existing charging device assembly, sharing the same housing and support structure. The cleaning member's rotating shaft is supported by the same frame that supports the charging roller, merging multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it supports both the charging roller and the cleaning member, provides the reciprocating motion mechanism, and enables the fitting and removal of the entire charging device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Ease of repair
If the charging device is made removable from the unit housing, then ease of maintenance is improved, but reliability of connection may worsen due to potential disengagement issues
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member applies a preliminary engaging force to the engagement protrusion and recess, ensuring that the charging device remains securely connected during operation. This pre-applied force prevents accidental disengagement while still allowing intentional removal when needed for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism uses a dynamic spring-based biasing system rather than a rigid fixed connection. The biasing member can dynamically adjust to slight misalignments and maintains continuous engagement pressure, providing both secure connection during use and easy removal when the biasing force is overcome by intentional user action.
3Reliability
If a biasing member is used to retain the engagement state, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is integrated into the existing frame structure of the charging device. The frame serves as both the structural support and the housing for the biasing member, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated component for the biasing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure performs multiple roles: structural support, housing for the charging roller and cleaning member, and integration of the biasing member. This multi-functionality means the biasing mechanism is added to an already complex structure rather than creating entirely new complexity.
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 prevents charging failures by ensuring the charging roller remains clean, maintaining image quality and simplifying the fitting and removal of the charging device, reducing parts count and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member for biasing the rotating shaft of the cleaning member in a first direction extending along its axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning member for cleaning the charging member by making contact with the charging member
Implementation Method 3
a moving member for moving the rotating shaft of the cleaning member against biasing force of the biasing member with a constant periodicity in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image carrier unit of the present disclosure includes an image carrier, a charging device, a unit housing and a drive mechanism. The charging device is fittable to and removable from the unit housing in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, and has a charging member and a cleaning member for cleaning the charging member. The drive mechanism has a biasing member for biasing a rotating shaft of the cleaning member in a first direction extending along its axial direction, and a moving member for moving the rotating shaft of the cleaning member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. An engaging portion to engage with an engaged portion provided on the unit housing side is formed at one longitudinal end portion of the charging device, and an engagement state between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is retained by biasing force of the biasing member.