Dual-Portion Cleaning Unit for Light Transmission Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for light transmission members in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses have a low cleaning frequency, leading to potential staining due to foreign matter like toner and dust, and increasing the frequency is hindered by the risk of re-adhesion and operational burdens on users or servicemen.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a movable cleaning unit that contacts the transmission member in both directions, utilizing a first and second cleaning portion to alternately clean and avoid re-adhesion, allowing for increased cleaning frequency without re-depositing foreign matter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cleaning member is configured to clean the transmission member solely on the forward way (insertion of cartridge), then the foreign matter adhering to the cleaning member is prevented from adhering to the transmission member again, but the cleaning frequency is low and the transmission member may not be sufficiently cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from re-adhesionVSAvoidcleaning frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning member is divided into a first cleaning portion and a second cleaning portion, where the first cleaning portion cleans the transmission member during forward movement (insertion) and the second cleaning portion cleans during backward movement (extraction). This segmentation allows cleaning operations in both directions while preventing re-adhesion by ensuring each portion operates only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning member is designed to dynamically switch between contacting and non-contacting the transmission member based on movement direction. During forward movement, the first cleaning portion contacts the transmission member; during backward movement, the second cleaning portion contacts the transmission member. This dynamic configuration enables high cleaning frequency while maintaining protection from re-adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the cleaning member is brought into contact with the transmission member in both forward and backward ways to increase cleaning frequency, then the cleaning frequency increases, but the foreign matter adhering to the cleaning member on the forward way is allowed to adhere to the transmission member again on the backward way

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning frequencyVSAvoidre-adhesion of foreign matter

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cleaning member are assigned different functions: the first cleaning portion is optimized for cleaning during forward movement, while the second cleaning portion is optimized for cleaning during backward movement. This local differentiation ensures that each portion performs its specific cleaning function without causing re-adhesion issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the number of times the cleaning member is moved is increased to increase cleaning frequency, then the cleaning frequency increases, but the time period in which image formation cannot be executed increases and the burden on users or servicemen increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning frequencyVSAvoidimage formation downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning operations are merged with the cartridge insertion and extraction operations. The cleaning member automatically performs cleaning during the natural movement of cartridge insertion and extraction, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations. This integration increases cleaning frequency without adding additional time loss or operational burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning member performs cleaning automatically during cartridge insertion and extraction without requiring separate user or serviceman operations. The system self-services the cleaning function by utilizing the existing mechanical movement of cartridge handling, thereby increasing cleaning frequency without increasing operational burden or time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9239534B2Cleaning device and image forming apparatus equipped with the same

Publication Date: 2016.01.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A cleaning device includes a cleaning unit configured to perform cleaning while in contact with a light transmission member, the cleaning unit being movable with respect to the transmission member in a first direction and a second direction differing in orientation. The cleaning unit includes a first cleaning portion and a second cleaning portion capable of coming into contact with the transmission member, moves in the first direction while keeping the first cleaning portion in contact with the transmission member and keeping the second cleaning portion away from the transmission member, and moves in the second direction while keeping the first cleaning portion away from the transmission member and keeping the second cleaning portion in contact with the transmission member.