Cleaning Blade Pressing Force Stabilization in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with inconsistent pressing force of the cleaning blade on the photosensitive drum due to housing warpage, which affects cleaning efficiency and requires frequent adjustments to maintain uniformity.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a housing with a corrective pin that adjusts the position of the cleaning blade, ensuring a stable pressing force by contacting a standing wall within the housing, thereby maintaining consistent cleaning performance despite warpage and long-term use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the housing is formed by resin molding, then the housing can be manufactured efficiently, but the pressing force of the cleaning blade changes due to warp after molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning member with a specific shape that changes the geometric parameters of the housing assembly. This positioning member fits into a positioning groove to restrict warp of the housing in the axial direction, thereby maintaining stable pressing force of the cleaning blade while preserving the resin-molded housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the cleaning blade assembly. It mediates the warp issue by providing a mechanical constraint that prevents excessive axial displacement, thus stabilizing the pressing force without requiring changes to the housing material or manufacturing process
2Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning blade position is adjusted to uniformize pressing force, then cleaning uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member enables self-adjustment of the cleaning blade position during installation. By simply installing the positioning member with its specific shape, the system automatically achieves uniform pressing force distribution across the cleaning blade width, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms
3Reliability
If the housing warp is suppressed by modifying sheet metal member shape, then pressing force stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the warp suppression function into a separate positioning member that is distinct from the housing and cleaning blade components. This positioning member is independently manufactured and then assembled, simplifying the manufacturing of each individual component while achieving the overall warp suppression effect
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 configuration stabilizes the pressing force of the cleaning blade, ensuring effective toner removal and maintaining cleaning efficiency even when the housing warps, and reduces the need for frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The contact portion is disposed in the apparatus main body so as to oppose the housing. The contacted portion is disposed at a center portion, in the axial direction, of the housing and is contacted with by the contact portion. A position of the center portion, in the axial direction, of the housing is adjusted in a cross section intersecting the axial direction by the housing being inserted into the internal space and the contact portion coming into contact with the contacted portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a housing, a photosensitive drum, a cleaning blade, a contact portion, and a contacted portion. The housing and drum are disposed in an internal space of the main body. The blade is a plate-shaped elastic member extending in an axial direction of a rotational axis of the drum, is supported by the housing, and contacts a circumferential surface of the drum for cleaning. The contact portion is disposed opposite the housing in the main body. The contacted portion is disposed at a center portion, in the axial direction, of the housing and is contacted by the contact portion. A position of the center portion, in the axial direction, of the housing is adjusted in a cross section intersecting the axial direction by the housing being inserted into the internal space and the contact portion coming into contact with the contacted portion.