Cleaning Device Partition Eliminates Toner Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with toner scattering and contamination due to residual toner dropping between cleaners in the belt cleaning device, leading to abnormal images and internal contamination.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cleaning device with multiple cleaners, a partition, and a holder, where the cleaners include a cleaning roller and a housing with an opening to collect toner, and a partition that eliminates gaps between adjacent cleaners, reducing toner scattering and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple cleaners are arranged adjacent to each other without partitions, then the cleaning coverage is increased, but toner scattering and contamination occur between cleaners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverage areaVSAvoidtoner scattering and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is segmented into multiple independent cleaner units (first cleaner, second cleaner, etc.), each with its own housing and collection chamber. This segmentation allows each cleaner to operate independently while maintaining complete coverage, preventing toner from scattering between cleaning zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Partitions are introduced as intermediary structures between adjacent cleaners. These partitions act as barriers that prevent toner from moving between cleaner zones, eliminating the harmful scattering effect while allowing the cleaners to remain adjacent for comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If cleaners are positioned close together to maximize space utilization, then device compactness is improved, but gaps between cleaners allow toner to drop and cause contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidtoner contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaners are merged into a single integrated cleaning device with a common holder structure. The housings of adjacent cleaners are positioned so closely that they substantially contact each other, combining their volume efficiency while the internal partitions prevent toner contamination between zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Partitions serve as intermediary barriers within the compact cleaner assembly, preventing toner from crossing between adjacent cleaning zones even when cleaners are positioned closely together for space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a partition is added between adjacent cleaners to prevent toner scattering, then contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner contaminationVSAvoidcleaning device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition structure is merged with the housing of the cleaners themselves. The housing of each cleaner incorporates partition walls that also serve as boundaries for adjacent cleaners, combining multiple functions into a single structural element rather than adding separate partition components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the cleaning mechanism, collects toner debris, and provides partition walls between adjacent cleaners. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate partition components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If cleaners are arranged in a compact configuration, then space utilization is improved, but toner may scatter between cleaners causing abnormal images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compact cleaner arrangement is segmented into independent collection zones by partitions, ensuring that toner removed by one cleaner cannot scatter into adjacent cleaning zones. This maintains image quality reliability while preserving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Partitions act as intermediary barriers in the compact cleaner configuration, preventing toner from traveling between adjacent cleaners and thus preventing the formation of abnormal images, while allowing the cleaners to remain in a space-efficient arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12181808B2Cleaning device and image forming apparatus incorporating same

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A cleaning device includes multiple cleaners, a partition, and a holder. The multiple cleaners include a first cleaner and a second cleaner adjacent to the first cleaner. The multiple cleaners each include a cleaning roller to remove a substance adhering to a surface of an object and a housing having an opening to collect the substance. The partition partitions the first cleaner and the second cleaner and defines a part of a wall of each of the first cleaner and the second cleaner. The holder holds the multiple cleaners.