Integrated Blade Pressing Spring for Stable Cleaning Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cleaning devices for image forming apparatuses, particularly those using electrophotographic technology, face challenges in maintaining stable contact pressure and assembly complexity due to the use of multiple compression coil springs, which increases the number of components and complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device design featuring a blade pressing spring with a first coil portion and a second coil portion, connected by a connecting portion, which are disposed side by side across the center axis direction, to stabilize the pressing force and simplify assembly by reducing the number of components and minimizing fluctuations in pressing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple compression coil springs are used to press the cleaning blade, then the pressing force stability is improved, but the number of component parts increases and assembling property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple compression coil springs into a single integrated blade pressing spring structure. This spring includes a first coil portion, a second coil portion, and a connecting portion that integrates both coil portions, eliminating the need for separate springs while maintaining the pressing force stability that would otherwise require multiple springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade pressing spring is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first coil portion, a second coil portion, and a connecting portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific functions while being manufactured as a single integrated component, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple springs.
2Reliability
If multiple compression coil springs are used to press the cleaning blade, then the pressing force stability is improved, but the assembling property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spring functions into a single blade pressing spring component, reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled. The integrated structure with connecting portion eliminates the assembly steps required for multiple separate springs, thereby improving assembling property while maintaining pressing force stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single compression coil spring is used, then the assembling property is improved, but the pressing force stability deteriorates due to tolerance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The blade pressing spring is divided into a first coil portion and a second coil portion connected by a connecting portion. This segmentation allows the spring to have multiple active zones that distribute the pressing force, compensating for tolerance variations in the overall spring structure while maintaining ease of assembly as a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the blade pressing spring have different local characteristics: the first coil portion, second coil portion, and connecting portion are designed with specific local properties optimized for their respective functions. This local quality differentiation allows the single spring to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require multiple springs, improving both assembly property and pressing force stability.
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 solution provides a stable pressing force for the cleaning blade, reducing assembly complexity and maintaining consistent contact pressure, thus enhancing the reliability and ease of assembly of the cleaning device.
Implementation Method 1
a blade pressing spring provided between the supporting portion and the housing and pressing the supporting portion so as to press the cleaning blade against the rotatable member
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes a cleaning blade, a supporting portion, a housing, and a blade pressing spring. The blade pressing spring includes a first coil portion formed of a single wire material and provided between the supporting portion and the housing so as to capable of being expanded and contracted, a second coil portion provided between the supporting portion and the housing so as to be capable of being expanded and contracted, and a connecting portion connecting the first coil portion and the second coil portion. The first coil portion and the second coil portion are disposed side by side with respect to a direction crossing a center axis direction of the first coil portion.