Double Layer Cleaning Blade for Electrophotographic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning blades for electrophotographic devices face challenges in achieving both sufficient abrasion resistance and cleaning ability, particularly under low-temperature and low-humidity conditions, when using polymerized toner with small particle diameters, as they either have short lifespan due to high hardness or decreased cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning blade with a double layer structure, comprising an edge layer with JIS-A hardness of 65° to 72° and rebound resilience of 10 to 35%, and a base layer with JIS-A hardness of 70° to 80° and rebound resilience of 40 to 70%, made of polyurethane materials derived from polycaprolactone or polyester polyols, is used, along with a centrifugal molding method to produce the blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic rubber member has high hardness and high rebound resilience, then the cleaning ability is improved, but the abrasion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rubber member is divided into two distinct layers: an edge layer with lower hardness (65° to 72° JIS-A) and lower rebound resilience (10 to 35%) for abrasion resistance, and a base layer with higher hardness (70° to 80° JIS-A) and higher rebound resilience (40 to 70%) for cleaning ability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the elastic rubber member are assigned different material properties tailored to their functional requirements. The edge layer, which contacts the photoreceptor surface, has softer properties for durability, while the base layer has harder properties for effective toner removal, creating local quality optimization throughout the structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the elastic rubber member has high hardness, then the abrasion resistance is improved, but the cleaning ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rubber member is divided into two distinct layers: an edge layer with lower hardness (65° to 72° JIS-A) and lower rebound resilience (10 to 35%) for abrasion resistance, and a base layer with higher hardness (70° to 80° JIS-A) and higher rebound resilience (40 to 70%) for cleaning ability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the elastic rubber member are assigned different material properties tailored to their functional requirements. The edge layer, which contacts the photoreceptor surface, has softer properties for durability, while the base layer has harder properties for effective toner removal, creating local quality optimization throughout the structure.
3Device complexity
If a single layer structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve both abrasion resistance and cleaning ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rubber member is divided into two distinct layers: an edge layer with lower hardness (65° to 72° JIS-A) and lower rebound resilience (10 to 35%) for abrasion resistance, and a base layer with higher hardness (70° to 80° JIS-A) and higher rebound resilience (40 to 70%) for cleaning ability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning blade uses a composite structure combining two different rubber materials with distinct properties. The edge layer material is optimized for durability while the base layer material is optimized for cleaning performance, creating a composite system that achieves both abrasion resistance and effective toner removal under various environmental conditions.
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 double layer structure effectively disperses stress and maintains rubber elasticity, enhancing both abrasion resistance and cleaning ability under challenging conditions, allowing for prolonged blade life and efficient toner removal.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal molding method to produce the blade
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a cleaning blade for an electrophotographic device, which, even when spherical (perfectly spherical or irregularly shaped), polymerized toner with a small particle diameter is used, can achieve sufficient abrasion resistance and sufficient cleaning ability (particularly cleaning ability under low-temperature and low-humidity conditions). The cleaning blade for an electrophotographic device includes an elastic rubber member; and a supporting member. The elastic rubber member has a double layer structure including an edge layer and a base layer. The edge layer is made of a material with a JIS-A hardness of 65° to 72° at 23° C. and a rebound resilience of 10 to 35%. The base layer is made of a material with a JIS-A hardness of 70° to 80° at 23° C. and a rebound resilience of 40 to 70%, the JIS-A hardness value being larger than the value of hardness of the edge layer.