Cleaning Device Fixing Member for Image Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently removing developer from the surface of intermediate transfer bodies, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential image quality issues due to the balance between cleaning performance and resistance against the transfer body.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a cleaning member and a fixing member is integrated into the image forming apparatus, where the cleaning member is in contact with the intermediate transfer body to remove developer, and the fixing member secures the cleaning device to the apparatus frame, optimizing the cleaning process by adjusting the pressing force and reducing apparatus size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cleaning member is pressed against the intermediate transfer body to remove developer, then cleaning performance is improved, but resistance against the transfer body increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidresistance against transfer body

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force of the cleaning member is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing optimization of the balance between cleaning performance and resistance against the intermediate transfer body. This enables dynamic parameter adjustment to achieve effective developer removal while minimizing harmful resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the cleaning device is integrated into the apparatus frame, then apparatus size is reduced, but installation space is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is positioned to utilize the width direction (lateral space) of the apparatus rather than only the longitudinal direction, effectively using previously unused space. This dimensional approach allows integration without increasing the main body size while accommodating the cleaning device within the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the cleaning member contacts the intermediate transfer body, then developer removal is achieved, but image quality may deteriorate due to excessive resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper removal effectivenessVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force parameter is optimized to achieve effective developer removal while maintaining it below the threshold that would cause damage to the intermediate transfer body or affect image quality. This precise parameter control ensures beneficial cleaning effect without harmful side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9116469B2Cleaning device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A cleaning device includes a cleaning device body including a cleaning member, the cleaning member being in contact with a surface of an image carrier so as to remove developer retained on the surface of the image carrier; and a fixing member that fixes an end of the cleaning device body in a longitudinal direction to a side surface of a frame that supports the image carrier and corresponds to the end of the cleaning device body in the longitudinal direction.