Cleaning Device Collection Vane Protrusion Toner Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning devices for image forming apparatuses are inefficient in collecting toner from the surface of photoconductors and intermediate transfer belts, as toner often flies back onto the cleaned surface instead of being properly conveyed to waste toner containers.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a rotatable collection vane that conveys toner towards a partitioning member, which guides the toner to a conveying coil for efficient collection, using a combination of vanes and protrusions to ensure toner is directed into the coil, enhancing collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional cleaning device with cleaning blade, brush roller, and conveying coil is used, then the device structure is relatively simple, but toner collection efficiency is poor because toner flies away to directions other than the waste toner conveying coil
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into distinct functional zones: cleaning blade zone, collection vane zone with multiple protrusions, partitioning member zone, and conveying coil zone. Each segment performs a specific function in the toner removal and collection process, improving overall efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A partitioning member is introduced as an intermediary element between the collection vane and the conveying coil. This partitioning member guides toner from the collection vane into the conveying coil, preventing toner from flying away to other directions and significantly improving collection efficiency
2Productivity
If the collection vane rotates to convey toner, then toner can be carried toward the conveying member, but toner may still scatter without proper guidance structure
Solution Approach 1:
The collection vane is equipped with multiple protrusions that protrude toward the upstream side of the conveying portion in the rotating direction. These protrusions perform preliminary action by guiding and directing toner onto the partitioning member before the toner reaches the conveying coil, ensuring efficient collection
Solution Approach 2:
The collection vane is configured to rotate, adding a rotational dimension to the toner conveyance process. This rotational movement allows the collection vane to sweep across the cleaned body surface and carry toner in a controlled manner toward the partitioning member and conveying coil
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device comprises: a to-be-cleaned member; a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the to-be-cleaned member; a conveying member that conveys a substance removed from the surface of the to-be-cleaned member to outside of the device; a rotatable collecting member that conveys with its surface the substance toward the conveying member; and a partitioning member that guides the substance from the collecting member to the conveying member. The collecting member comprises a conveying portion that carries and conveys the substance; and a protrusion that protrudes toward an upstream side of the conveying portion in a rotating direction of the collecting member. One end of the partitioning member faces the rotating collecting member, and the other end faces the conveying member. The conveying portion and the protrusion are brought into contact with the partitioning member by the rotation of the collecting member.