Lubricant Application Device with Scattering Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant application methods in image forming apparatuses suffer from lubricant scattering, leading to inefficiencies and wear issues due to the restitution force of brush roller bristles, which causes the lubricant to adhere to internal components rather than being effectively applied to the photoconductor.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant application device featuring a solid lubricant and a rotating brush that contacts both the solid lubricant and the photoconductor, with strategically positioned lubricant scattering prevention members downstream and upstream from the contact points to prevent lubricant scattering by utilizing airflow and gravity to reapply the lubricant to the photoconductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rotating brush roller is used to scrape and apply solid lubricant to the photoconductor, then the lubricant application is effective in terms of cost and component count, but the restitution force of the bristles causes the lubricant to scatter and adhere to internal components instead of being properly applied
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the brush roller and the photoconductor. This guide member has a specific shape that guides the lubricant from the brush roller to the photoconductor surface, preventing the lubricant from scattering due to bristle restitution force while maintaining the simple and cost-effective brush roller application method
2Productivity
If the brush roller contacts the solid lubricant and photoconductor, then lubricant can be applied, but the restitution force of the bristles causes lubricant to scatter to the vicinity of the brush roller inside the image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as a mediator that captures the lubricant at the brush roller contact point and directs it along a controlled path to the photoconductor, preventing the lubricant from scattering to the vicinity of the brush roller while maintaining application efficiency
3Productivity
If silica is accumulated in the edge portion of the cleaning blade to aid toner removal, then toner removal is improved, but the lubricant must be applied to prevent filming of the photoconductor and abnormal wear of the cleaning blade
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of lubricant application precision by introducing the guide member, ensuring that lubricant is applied exactly where needed on the photoconductor surface. This precise application maintains the photoconductor and cleaning blade durability even when silica is present for improved toner removal
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 significantly reduces lubricant consumption and prevents contamination within the device, extending the life of the solid lubricant and maintaining efficient operation by ensuring the lubricant is effectively applied to the photoconductor, thereby reducing wear and improving the overall performance of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The brush is configured to rotate and contact both the solid lubricant and the rotating member
Implementation Method 2
utilizing airflow and gravity to reapply the lubricant to the photoconductor
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant application device including a solid lubricant, a brush, and a first lubricant scattering prevention member. The solid lubricant is in a non-contact state with a rotating member and provided below a horizontal line of an axis of the rotating member. The brush rotates and contacts both the solid lubricant and the rotating member. The first lubricant scattering prevention member is provided downstream from a first contact position at which the brush contacts the solid lubricant and upstream from a second contact position at which the brush contacts the rotating member in a direction of rotation of the brush.