Cleaning Blade Chatter Prevention in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, continuous high-volume image production can lead to chatter in the cleaning blade due to increased friction, causing vertical streaks and noise, and interrupting production to lubricate the photosensitive drum reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that supplies developer containing an external additive with opposite charging polarity to the toner during non-image formation periods, using the same voltage polarity as during image formation, to lubricate the cleaning member and maintain cleaning performance without productivity loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toner is supplied to the photosensitive drum as a lubricant during image formation interruption, then noise and tucking-up of the cleaning blade are prevented, but productivity is reduced due to interruption of image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies lubricant to the cleaning blade in advance during the image non-formation period before chatter occurs, ensuring the blade is pre-lubricated and ready for continuous operation without interruption for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic lubricant supply during the image non-formation period, utilizing the natural cycle between image formation operations to apply lubricant at regular intervals without stopping production
2Productivity
If continuous image formation is performed without lubricant supply, then productivity is maintained, but chatter occurs in the cleaning blade causing vertical streaks on images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention ensures continuous lubrication of the cleaning blade by supplying lubricant during the image non-formation period, maintaining uninterrupted protective action on the blade throughout continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its own operational cycles (image non-formation periods) to automatically supply lubricant without external intervention or production interruption, making the lubrication process self-integrated into the normal operation
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 approach prevents chatter and maintains superior cleaning performance of the photosensitive drum without reducing image formation productivity by ensuring continuous lubrication during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the external additive having an opposite charging polarity to a regular charging polarity of the toner particle
Implementation Method 2
serves as a lubrication operation for supplying a lubricant to the cleaning member
Implementation Method 3
the voltage application unit applies a voltage having an identical polarity to a voltage applied during the image formation operation for transferring the developer image onto the transfer subject material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charging member for charging the image bearing member, an exposure unit for exposing the charged surface of the image bearing member, a developing apparatus that supplies a developer containing a toner particle and an external additive having an opposite charging polarity to the regular charging polarity of the toner particle to the image bearing member, a cleaning member for removing the developer from the image bearing member, a transfer member for transferring a developer image on the image bearing member onto a transfer subject material, and a voltage application unit for applying a voltage to the transfer member. During an image non-formation period as a lubrication operation to the cleaning member, (i) the developer is supplied to the image bearing member, and (ii) a voltage having an identical polarity to a voltage applied during the image formation operation is applied.