Cleaning Blade Contact Dynamics for Toner Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning blades for image holding members in electrophotographic devices suffer from abrasion, leading to degraded cleaning performance over time, as they are not effectively designed to manage contact region length and frictional forces during image holding member movement.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning blade with a contact member that maintains a controlled movement distance of 10 μm to 30 μm when the image holding member is driven, utilizing specific materials and structural features such as Young's modulus, frictional force adjustments, and a two-layer structure to minimize abrasion and optimize cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning blade contacts the image holding member surface during movement, then cleaning function is maintained, but abrasion increases leading to degraded cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning blade is designed to dynamically adjust its contact state with the image holding member. During image holding member movement, the blade transitions from a stationary contact position to a controlled movement state, reducing continuous friction and abrasion while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through periodic contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter control including movement distance (10-30 μm), contact angle (15-45 degrees), and pressing force (0.03-0.08 N/mm). These parameter optimizations balance the cleaning contact pressure to prevent excessive abrasion while ensuring sufficient cleaning performance.
2Reliability
If the cleaning blade maintains continuous contact with the image holding member, then cleaning effectiveness is ensured, but the contact region length increases causing excessive friction
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning blade implements partial contact action by limiting the contact region length to 1-3 mm and controlling the movement distance to 10-30 μm. This partial contact approach provides sufficient cleaning effectiveness for the critical corner portion while minimizing the overall frictional force and contact region length.
3Loss of substance
If the cleaning blade is designed for minimal contact, then abrasion is reduced, but cleaning performance at the corner portion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning blade features a specifically designed corner portion with optimized geometry and material properties. The contact member at the corner has a radius of curvature (R1) of 0.1-0.5 mm, different from the main blade body, providing enhanced cleaning capability for the corner portion while the overall blade maintains minimal contact characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning blade is positioned and pre-adjusted during installation to achieve optimal contact at the corner portion before operation. The blade angle and position are preliminarily set to ensure that the corner portion effectively cleans the image holding member surface while minimizing unnecessary contact and abrasion.
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 controlled movement distance and material properties of the cleaning blade reduce abrasion and maintain effective cleaning performance by managing contact region length and frictional forces, enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a movement distance of the cleaning blade to the position of the corner portion in a state where the image holding member is driven is from 10 μm to 30 μm
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cleaning blade for cleaning a surface of an image holding member, including a contact member that contacts the surface of the image holding member at a corner portion of a tip end of the cleaning blade, wherein, when the position of the corner portion in a state where the image holding member is stopped is set to be a standard, a movement distance of the cleaning blade to the position of the corner portion in a state where the image holding member is driven is from 10 μm to 30 μm.