Cleaning Device for Resist Roller with Axial Web Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively cleaning the resist rollers, leading to reduced cleaning ability due to toner components and ink adhesion, which affects the quality of printed images.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a rotating cleaning unit that includes a web and a pressing roller, which moves between a cleaning position to contact the resist roller, removing dust and ink by changing the web's contact surface, and a movement mechanism to position the cleaning unit for efficient cleaning and easy mounting/removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a web is continuously pressed against the resist roller to remove paper dust, then the cleaning function is maintained, but the cleaning ability degrades due to toner components and ink adhesion on the used web portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by periodically renewing the web contact surface before significant contamination occurs. The web is fed in the axial direction of the resist roller to bring a new, clean web surface into contact with the roller, preventing toner and ink buildup that would degrade cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding by removing the used web portion that has accumulated toner components and ink through axial feeding. The contaminated web section is discarded and replaced with a fresh web surface, maintaining cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex regeneration systems.
2Reliability
If the cleaning unit is designed with a pressing roller and web mechanism, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning function with the existing web handling system. The web that is already part of the image forming apparatus is utilized for cleaning purposes, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding a separate complex cleaning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The web serves multiple functions: it conveys sheets through the image forming process and simultaneously cleans the resist roller surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cleaning components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the web is fed in the axial direction of the resist roller to renew the contact surface, then cleaning performance is maintained, but the mechanical complexity of the feeding mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The web feeding mechanism is designed to be self-driven by the rotation of the resist roller itself. As the resist roller rotates, it automatically feeds the web in the axial direction through friction or engagement, eliminating the need for separate motors or complex feeding mechanisms while maintaining consistent cleaning performance.
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
The cleaning device stabilizes the resist roller surface, reducing ink adhesion and toner components, thereby improving image quality and extending the cleaning web's lifespan, while allowing for compact design and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing roller which presses the web to the surface of the resist roller
Implementation Method 2
paper dust adhering to a surface of each resist roller
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning device includes a cleaning unit, a movement mechanism, and a positioning portion. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning part that has a contact surface extending along an axial direction of a conveyance roller and cleans the conveyance roller, and a cleaning housing that supports the cleaning part. The movement mechanism moves the cleaning unit between a cleaning position and a mounting and removing position. The movement mechanism allows the cleaning part to be brought into contact with the conveyance roller at the cleaning position, allows the cleaning part to be disposed below the conveyance roller in a separated manner at the mounting and removing position and allows the cleaning unit to be mounted on or removed from the apparatus body. The positioning portion restricts a relative position between the cleaning part and the conveyance roller by being brought into contact with the cleaning unit.