Cleaning Blade Spring Phase Regulation for Uniform Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning apparatuses using compression springs in image forming systems experience variations in pressurizing force due to differing phases of the springs in the circumferential direction, leading to inconsistent cleaning pressures.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with symmetrically positioned spring members and a regulating portion that ensures all compression springs are attached at a coordinated phase, maintaining uniform phases and consistent pressurizing forces in the longitudinal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple compression springs are used in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning blade, then the pressurizing force is improved, but variation in pressurizing force occurs due to phase differences of the springs in the circumferential direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing the spring arrangement to be asymmetric with respect to the blade center in the longitudinal direction, while maintaining phase symmetry in the circumferential direction. This asymmetric longitudinal positioning combined with regulated circumferential phases allows the springs to work together to provide stable pressurizing force without the variation caused by circumferential phase differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of the compression springs by regulating them to have the same circumferential phase position. This parameter regulation ensures that the distal ends of the springs maintain consistent angular positions relative to the blade, preventing the pressurizing force variation that would otherwise occur due to phase differences in the circumferential direction.
2Measurement precision
If compression springs are used instead of tension springs, then more precise pressurizing force is achieved, but phase differences cause variation in pressurizing force in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent regulates the phase parameter of the compression springs to be identical in the circumferential direction. By controlling this angular parameter, the springs maintain consistent pressurizing characteristics throughout rotation, preserving the precision advantage of compression springs while eliminating the consistency problem caused by phase variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotential conditions by ensuring all compression springs have the same circumferential phase. This means that at any given rotational position, all springs exert equivalent pressurizing forces, eliminating the potential differences in force distribution that would otherwise occur due to phase misalignment.
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 pressurizing force applied to the image bearing member, ensuring consistent cleaning performance and preventing variations in cleaning pressure, thereby enhancing the cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of spring members which are substantially symmetrically provided with respect to a center position of the blade in a longitudinal direction, and which are compressed to pressurize the blade against the image bearing member
Data Source
AI summary
Representative configurations of a cleaning apparatus, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a cleaning blade which abuts on a photosensitive drum which bears a toner image, and which removes toner which remains on the photosensitive drum; compression springs which are compressed to pressurize the cleaning blade against the photosensitive drum; and spring attaching portions which regulate phases of compression springs such that positions of the compression springs in a circumferential direction are at predetermined phase positions when the compression springs are attached.