Photoreceptor Cleaning Blade Interface to Prevent Surface Filming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with abrasion resistance of the photoreceptor and cleaning blade, leading to filming on the photoreceptor surface due to insufficient frictional forces between the photoreceptor and the cleaning blade.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a photoreceptor with an inorganic surface layer containing a Group 13 element and oxygen, and a cleaning blade with an impregnated cured layer of an isocyanate compound and silicone-modified acrylic polymer, along with specific modulus, tip angle, and action angle controls to optimize frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning blades and photoreceptors are used, then the cleaning function is provided, but the abrasion resistance of the photoreceptor and cleaning blade is insufficient, leading to filming on the photoreceptor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning blade uses a composite structure with a polyurethane base material and an impregnated cured layer containing isocyanate compound and silicone-modified acrylic polymer. The photoreceptor uses an inorganic surface layer containing Group 13 element oxide. These composite materials provide both cleaning functionality and enhanced abrasion resistance, preventing filming while maintaining effective toner removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific parameters: the 100% modulus of the cleaning blade is controlled at 13-22 MPa, the tip angle at 60-87 degrees, and the action angle at 8-30 degrees. These parameter changes ensure sufficient frictional force for cleaning while preventing excessive wear that would cause filming and reduce component lifespan.
2Ease of operation
If the frictional force between cleaning blade and photoreceptor is insufficient, then the cleaning function is maintained, but the abrasion resistance decreases and filming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully balances the frictional force by controlling the cleaning blade parameters (100% modulus: 13-22 MPa, tip angle: 60-87 degrees, action angle: 8-30 degrees). This optimized parameter range provides sufficient friction for effective cleaning while preventing excessive friction that would cause wear and filming, thus maintaining both cleaning function and abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The impregnated cured layer containing isocyanate compound and silicone-modified acrylic polymer on the cleaning blade surface, combined with the inorganic surface layer on the photoreceptor, creates an optimal friction interface. This composite material combination provides the right balance of friction for cleaning while minimizing wear and preventing filming.
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 configuration enhances the abrasion resistance of both the photoreceptor and cleaning blade, reducing the likelihood of filming on the photoreceptor surface by stabilizing the cleaning function and extending the lifespan of both components.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning blade has an impregnated cured layer of an isocyanate compound and a silicone-modified acrylic polymer at a contact portion in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor
Implementation Method 2
the photoreceptor has an inorganic surface layer containing a Group 13 element and an oxygen element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor; a charging device that charges a surface of the photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor; a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor to form a toner image; a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium; and a cleaning device that has a cleaning blade coming into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor to clean the surface of the photoreceptor, in which the photoreceptor has an inorganic surface layer containing a Group 13 element and an oxygen element, the cleaning blade has an impregnated cured layer of an isocyanate compound and a silicone-modified acrylic polymer at a contact portion in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor, a 100% modulus of the cleaning blade is 13 MPa or more and 22 MPa or less, a tip angle of the cleaning blade is 60 degrees or more and 87 degrees or less, and an action angle of the cleaning blade with respect to the surface of the photoreceptor is 8 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less.