Cleaning Device Sheet Member Work Function Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of external additive supply to the nip portion in image forming apparatuses is insufficient, leading to blade chatter and suboptimal cleaning performance, especially at higher process speeds.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a flexible sheet member and a cleaning frame, where the external additive is an inorganic salt with positive charging polarity, and the work functions of the sheet member, external additive, and developer satisfy specific conditions to enhance the supply efficiency of the external additive to the nip portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the process speed is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the blade chatter occurs more frequently leading to deteriorated cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by supplying external additive to the image bearing member before the cleaning blade contact point. This pre-supply ensures that sufficient external additive is present in the nip portion between the cleaning blade and image bearing member even at high process speeds, preventing blade chatter and maintaining reliable cleaning performance.
2Quantity of substance
If the amount of external additive is increased, then the supply efficiency to nip portion is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the printing process itself to supply external additive to the image bearing member. During normal printing operations, developer containing external additive is transferred to the image bearing member, and the excess external additive naturally migrates to the nip portion. This self-supply mechanism achieves efficient external additive distribution without requiring separate supply systems or excessive amounts of external additive.
3Device complexity
If the printing process is used to supply external additive, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time occurs due to forced printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the printing process serve dual functions: (1) forming the desired image on the image bearing member, and (2) simultaneously supplying external additive to the image bearing member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external additive supply mechanisms and ensures that external additive is available whenever printing occurs, without adding device complexity or causing time loss.
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 improves cleaning performance by reducing blade chatter and ensuring efficient external additive supply, resulting in better image formation and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the external additive is an inorganic salt having a charging polarity on the positive side with respect to the developer; and wherein a work function Φ(S) of the sheet member, a work function Φ(A) of the external additive and a work function Φ(T) of the developer satisfy Expressions (1) and (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device has: a cleaning frame; a cleaning member which, after transfer through contact with an image bearing member, removes a developer remaining on the image bearing member; and a sheet member having flexibility and coming into contact with the image bearing member at an upstream side of a contact position between the cleaning member and the image bearing member in the rotation direction of the image bearing member. An external additive is an inorganic salt having a charging polarity on the positive side with respect to the developer, and work functions Φ(S), Φ(A), Φ(T) of the sheet member, the external additive and the developer satisfy 0≤|Φ(A)−Φ(S)|<0.57; and Φ(A)<Φ(T).