Obtuse-Angled Cleaning Blade for Toner Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a stable leading edge of the cleaning blade, leading to insufficient toner removal due to deformation, and increased torque that overloads driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a cleaning blade featuring an obtuse-angled leading edge that is curved outward when not in contact, preventing deformation and maintaining high surface pressure for effective toner removal, manufactured by fixing an elastic sheet between support surfaces and cutting it to form a circular arc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a right-angled leading edge is used for manufacturability, then the cleaning blade is easy to manufacture, but the leading edge deforms under friction causing reduced surface pressure and insufficient cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The leading surface of the cleaning blade is configured to be curved outward, creating an obtuse-angled leading edge between the lower and leading surfaces. This curvature prevents the leading edge from deforming under friction during operation, maintaining high surface pressure for effective toner removal while still allowing for practical manufacturing through controlled cutting of an elastic sheet at an angle.
2Stress or pressure
If the load applied by the cleaning blade is increased to increase surface pressure, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but torque increases overloading driving systems
Solution Approach 1:
The curved outward leading surface creates an obtuse-angled leading edge that resists deformation under friction. This geometric configuration allows the cleaning blade to maintain high surface pressure on the photoconductor without requiring increased load, thereby achieving effective toner removal while keeping the driving torque within acceptable limits.
3Reliability
If the leading edge is made obtuse-angled to prevent deformation, then surface pressure is maintained for effective cleaning, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leading surface is configured with a simple outward curvature that can be achieved by cutting the elastic sheet at a predetermined angle during manufacturing. This geometric approach maintains the leading edge stability needed for high surface pressure while avoiding complex multi-step manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the leading edge from a right angle to an obtuse angle through controlled cutting. This parameter modification achieves deformation prevention and maintains surface pressure while using a straightforward manufacturing method that does not significantly increase complexity.
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 ensures reliable removal of toner particles with reduced abrasion and increased surface pressure, preventing toner particles from slipping through and minimizing the risk of overloading driving systems.
Implementation Method 1
A cleaning blade is made of an elastic material such as polyurethane rubber
Implementation Method 2
the leading edge 21′ may be stretched in the direction indicated by arrow D due to friction between it and the photoconductor 1
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device including a cleaning blade configured to clean a surface of a cleaning target that is moving. A leading edge which is formed between lower and leading surfaces of the cleaning blade is obtuse-angled with respect to the lower surface and is in contact with the surface of the cleaning target during use. The leading surface of the cleaning blade is curved outward when the cleaning blade is not in contact with the cleaning target.