Cleaning Blade Reciprocation for Compact Developing Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing the size of the developing cartridge due to limitations in the design of the cleaning blade and bracket, which restricts the reduction of the cartridge height and makes it difficult to adjust the line pressure within a predetermined range, leading to potential abrasion of the photosensitive medium.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cleaning apparatus with a cleaning blade that is guided by a guide member and elastically biased by an elastic member, allowing for adjustable line pressure and reduced free length of the cleaning blade, enabling a more compact configuration and improved cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the free length of the cleaning blade is shortened to reduce the height of the developing cartridge, then the cartridge height is reduced, but the line pressure increases causing abrasion of the photosensitive medium
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning blade is designed with a movable supporting body that can reciprocate linearly within the guide member, transforming the static cleaning structure into a dynamic one. This allows the blade to adjust its position and distribute pressure over time through reciprocating motion, reducing localized abrasion while maintaining effective cleaning pressure in a compact height
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the cleaning blade by introducing reciprocating motion and controlling line pressure within a specific range (15-35 g/cm²). The elastic member and spring mechanism allow dynamic adjustment of pressure parameters, enabling the system to maintain effective cleaning pressure without excessive force that would cause abrasion
2Reliability
If the cleaning blade and bracket are disposed in the height direction to ensure cleaning function, then cleaning performance is maintained, but the height of the developing cartridge cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces linear reciprocating motion as a new dimensional aspect to the cleaning blade's operation. Instead of relying solely on the vertical height direction for cleaning effectiveness, the blade utilizes horizontal reciprocating movement within the guide member, adding a temporal and spatial dimension to the cleaning action that compensates for the reduced height
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting body is designed to move back and forth linearly within the guide member, creating a dynamic cleaning mechanism. This reciprocating motion ensures that the cleaning blade maintains effective contact with the photosensitive medium throughout its travel, preserving cleaning reliability despite the compact vertical space
3Reliability
If the line pressure of the cleaning blade is increased to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the photosensitive medium is abraded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention precisely controls the line pressure parameter within the optimal range of 15-35 g/cm² using the elastic member and spring mechanism. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient cleaning pressure while preventing excessive force that would cause abrasion, achieving the balance between cleaning effectiveness and medium protection
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reciprocating motion of the cleaning blade distributes the cleaning action over time and space. By moving back and forth, the blade reduces the cumulative pressure on any single point of the photosensitive medium, preventing abrasion while maintaining effective cleaning through continuous motion
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 minimizes abrasions of the photosensitive medium and allows for a reduced height of the developing cartridge, enhancing cleaning performance while enabling a more compact design of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which elastically biases the cleaning blade toward the photosensitive medium
Data Source
AI summary
A developing apparatus and develops a developer with respect to a photosensitive medium, the and includes a developing cartridge which accommodates the developer therein; a cleaning blade which contacts the photosensitive medium by an end part thereof to clean the photosensitive medium, a guide member which guides the cleaning blade to linearly reciprocate, and an elastic member which elastically biases the cleaning blade toward the photosensitive medium.