Lubricant Applicator for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in stabilizing the application of solid lubricant to photoreceptors, leading to fluctuations in lubricant supply, which can result in contamination of nearby devices or toner filming due to inadequate lubrication.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a lubricant applicator with a solid lubricant retainer, holder, application mechanism, and friction resistance reduction mechanism, where the lubricant retainer is pressed against the holder to ensure consistent lubricant supply and reduce friction, using a brush roller to apply lubricant in powder form and a bias mechanism to maintain contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brush or blade is used to scrape and apply solid lubricant to the photoreceptor surface, then the lubricant can be applied in powder form to reduce friction, but the amount of lubricant supplied fluctuates leading to contamination or inadequate lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the lubricant from solid block to powder form, and modifies the application mechanism from scraping to electrostatic attraction. This parameter change enables precise control of lubricant quantity while maintaining stable application to the photoreceptor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scraping system (brush or blade contacting solid lubricant) with an electrostatic field-based system. The electrified photoreceptor surface attracts lubricant powder without mechanical contact, eliminating the fluctuation in lubricant supply caused by mechanical scraping variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external lubricant is added to toner and supplied to the photoreceptor, then lubricant can be supplied based on output image area, but stable supply to the entire photoreceptor surface becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the lubricant supply function from the toner supply function. Instead of mixing lubricant with toner, the lubricant is supplied independently as powder to the photoreceptor surface through electrostatic attraction, ensuring uniform distribution across the entire surface regardless of image area variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoreceptor surface itself acts as an intermediary that is electrified to attract and hold the lubricant powder. This intermediary mechanism ensures uniform lubricant distribution across the entire photoreceptor surface, independent of the toner image area or other variable conditions.
3Force
If excessive lubricant is supplied to the photoreceptor surface to maintain lubricity, then friction is reduced and cleaning is enhanced, but nearby devices such as the developing unit become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electrified photoreceptor surface automatically attracts and holds only the amount of lubricant powder needed, preventing excess lubricant from being deposited. The electrostatic field strength and distribution naturally regulate the lubricant quantity to avoid contamination of nearby devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies lubricant locally and precisely to the photoreceptor surface through electrostatic attraction, rather than allowing excessive lubricant to spread to nearby devices. The electrified surface creates a localized lubricant retention zone that prevents harmful spread to the developing unit and other components.
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
This solution stabilizes the lubricant application, preventing contamination and toner filming by ensuring even lubricant distribution, extending photoreceptor life and improving cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a friction resistance reduction mechanism which reduces friction resistance between the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder
Implementation Method 2
a pressure mechanism which presses the lubricant retainer so as to push the solid lubricant from the lubricant holder
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a lubricant applicator and a process cartridge using the same. The lubricant applicator includes a solid lubricant, a lubricant retainer, a lubricant holder, a lubricant application mechanism, a pressure mechanism, a friction resistance reduction mechanism. The lubricant retainer holds the solid lubricant. The lubricant holder stores the solid lubricant and the lubricant retainer. The lubricant application mechanism applies the solid lubricant to an object. The pressure mechanism is provided between the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder, and presses the lubricant retainer to push the solid lubricant from the lubricant holder. The friction resistance reduction mechanism is disposed at a position where the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder come into contact in a frictionally sliding manner. The friction resistance reduction mechanism includes a protrusion provided on at least one of a surface of the lubricant retainer and an inner wall of the lubricant holder.