Process Cartridge Cleaning Unit Axial Toner Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner leakage occurs when residual toner on a photosensitive drum broadens outward and enters the gap between the developing roller and seal member during toner collection, leading to inefficiencies in the process cartridge.
Innovation Solution
A process cartridge design incorporating a photosensitive drum, developing roller, frame, first and second seal members, and a cleaning member, where the flocked fabric of the cleaning member is positioned between the seal members to prevent toner broadening and leakage by ensuring the toner remains contained within the axial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressure member extends to the end portion of the developing roller to collect paper dust, then paper dust collection is improved, but toner leakage occurs due to toner broadening and entering the gap between the developing roller and seal member
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is divided into multiple cleaning elements arranged in the axial direction, with each element having a specific length that does not extend to the end portion of the developing roller. This segmentation allows effective paper dust collection while preventing toner broadening and leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member is designed with specific local properties: it has cleaning elements with controlled axial length positioned at specific locations, and the ends of these cleaning elements are positioned inward from the end portions of the developing roller. This local quality control ensures effective cleaning where needed while avoiding toner contamination issues at the ends.
2Productivity
If the cleaning member contacts the photosensitive drum to collect paper dust, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but toner may be broadened outward by the pressure member
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is segmented into multiple cleaning elements with controlled axial lengths. Each cleaning element contacts the photosensitive drum to collect paper dust, but the segmented structure with gaps between elements prevents excessive pressure concentration that would cause toner broadening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member applies localized cleaning action through specifically designed cleaning elements with controlled contact areas. The local quality of the cleaning action is optimized to effectively remove paper dust while the controlled axial length and positioning prevent harmful toner broadening effects.
3Productivity
If the cleaning member is positioned to effectively collect paper dust, then cleaning performance is improved, but toner may enter the gap between the developing roller and seal member
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is divided into multiple cleaning elements with specific axial positioning. This segmentation ensures that the cleaning action is effective for paper dust collection while the controlled positioning of each element prevents toner from being pushed into the gap between the developing roller and seal member.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member is designed with local quality control through specific positioning of cleaning elements relative to the seal members. The ends of the cleaning elements are positioned inward from the end portions of the developing roller, creating a local quality distinction that prevents toner leakage while maintaining effective paper dust collection.
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 design effectively prevents toner leakage by containing the toner within the axial direction, maintaining efficient toner collection and reducing contamination risks, while allowing paper dust to be collected without toner interference.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning unit is provided for collecting paper dust on the photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 2
The developing roller may be configured to supply developing agent to the peripheral surface
Implementation Method 3
a residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum is collected by the developing roller
Data Source
AI summary
A process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a frame, a first seal member, a second seal member, and a cleaning member. The developing roller is configured to supply developing agent to the photosensitive drum. The developing roller has a first end and a second end in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The first seal member is positioned between the frame and the first end of the developing roller. The first seal member has a first end inwardly in the axial direction. The second seal member is positioned between the frame and the second end of the developing roller. The second seal member has a second end inwardly in the axial direction. The cleaning member is positioned between the first end of the first seal member and the second end of the second seal member in the axial direction.