Electroconductive Cleaning Blade for Static Dissipation in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-forming devices face the challenge of discharge breakdown due to static electricity generated during the removal of residual toner, which can damage the photoconductive layer or surface layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor.
Innovation Solution
An image-forming device incorporating an electrophotographic photoreceptor with a photosensitive layer and an electroconductive pressing member that eliminates static electricity by coming into contact with the deposit on the photosensitive layer, using either an electrically conductive cleaning blade or a photoirradiation member to discharge static electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cleaning blade is used to remove residual toner from the electrophotographic photoreceptor, then the deposit is removed effectively, but static electricity is generated which can cause discharge breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
An electroconductive rubber layer is introduced as an intermediary between the cleaning blade and the photoreceptor surface. This rubber layer serves dual functions: it maintains contact pressure for effective cleaning while simultaneously conducting static electricity away, preventing discharge breakdown without compromising cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning component is constructed as a composite structure combining a cleaning blade with an electroconductive rubber layer. This composite design integrates the mechanical cleaning function with the electrostatic dissipation function, allowing effective deposit removal while preventing static-induced discharge breakdown
2Productivity
If the cleaning blade presses against the photoreceptor surface, then deposit removal is effective, but friction generates static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The electroconductive rubber layer acts as a mediator between the cleaning blade and photoreceptor surface. It transmits the necessary contact pressure for efficient deposit removal while simultaneously providing a conductive path that dissipates static electricity generated during the friction process
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductivity parameter of the cleaning component is changed by introducing the electroconductive rubber layer. This parameter change allows the system to maintain mechanical contact for cleaning while providing electrostatic dissipation, transforming the harmful static electricity into a controlled electrical flow
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
Prevents discharge breakdown by effectively eliminating static electricity, ensuring the reliability and quality of the image-forming process while protecting the photoreceptor layers.
Implementation Method 1
The pressing member is pressed against the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to remove a deposit from the photosensitive layer. The static eliminating unit eliminates the static electricity of the deposit to be removed by the pressing member.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming device according to the present invention includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor including a photosensitive layer, a pressing member pressed against the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to remove a deposit from the photosensitive layer, and a static eliminating unit for eliminating the static electricity of the deposit to be removed by the pressing member. Another image-forming device according to the present invention includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor including a photosensitive layer and an electroconductive pressing member that comes into contact with a deposit on the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to eliminate the static electricity of the deposit.