Protective Agent Block for Image Bearing Member Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image quality and extending the life of image bearing members at high linear speeds due to increased friction and deterioration caused by AC charging, leading to issues with residual toner removal and protective agent coverage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a protective agent containing zinc stearate and zinc palmitate, applied in a ratio of 66:34 to 40:60 by weight, which is compactly molded and optionally includes boron nitride, to form a protective layer that enhances lubrication and durability, ensuring effective toner removal and image quality at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber blade is pressed against the image bearing member to remove residual toner, then the cleaning property is improved, but the rubber blade and image bearing member surface layer undergo attrition, shortening working life
Solution Approach 1:
A protective agent layer (metal soap film) is introduced as an intermediary between the cleaning blade and the image bearing member surface. This intermediate layer reduces direct friction and mechanical stress, allowing effective cleaning while protecting both the image bearing member surface and the cleaning blade from attrition
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the image bearing member are changed by applying a protective agent layer with specific lubrication characteristics. This alters the friction parameter between the cleaning blade and surface, enabling effective cleaning with reduced wear
2Reliability
If the cleaning blade is pressed against the image bearing member, then residual toner removal is improved, but friction increases causing deterioration of members
Solution Approach 1:
The protective agent layer serves as a mediator that reduces friction between the cleaning blade and image bearing member. It provides lubrication that maintains cleaning effectiveness while minimizing harmful friction and abrasion
Solution Approach 2:
The protective agent layer is designed to be replenished periodically rather than being a permanent protective layer. This disposable approach allows continuous operation with regular maintenance, replacing the protective layer before it fully degrades
3Productivity
If AC charging is applied to the image bearing member, then uniform charging and reduced ozone production are achieved, but the surface layer deteriorates due to repetitive positive and negative discharging
Solution Approach 1:
A protective agent layer is applied beforehand to cushion and absorb the deterioration-causing energy from AC charging discharges. This pre-applied protective layer prevents direct damage to the image bearing member surface during repetitive charging cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The protective agent layer acts as an intermediary that absorbs the mechanical and electrical stress from AC charging. It protects the image bearing member surface from direct exposure to the deteriorating effects of repetitive positive and negative discharging
4Reliability
If metal soap is applied to the image bearing member to improve lubrication and reduce abrasion, then cleaning property and member life are improved, but fatty acids are produced that increase friction and cause toner filming
Solution Approach 1:
The composition parameters of the protective agent are optimized by using specific metal soaps (zinc stearate, zinc palmitate) in controlled ratios. This changes the degradation characteristics to minimize harmful fatty acid production while maintaining lubrication benefits
Solution Approach 2:
A composite protective agent system is used, combining multiple metal soaps (zinc stearate and zinc palmitate) in specific ratios. This composite approach balances lubrication performance with reduced degradation to harmful products, leveraging the complementary properties of each metal soap
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member that bears a latent electrostatic image on the surface thereof, a charging device that uniformly charges the surface of the image bearing member, an irradiation device that irradiates the surface of the image bearing member to form the latent electrostatic image thereon, a development device that develops the latent electrostatic image on the surface of the image bearing member with toner to form a toner image thereon, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a transfer body, a cleaning device including a cleaning blade that removes residual toner remaining on the surface of the image bearing member with the cleaning blade, a protective agent application device that applies a protective agent containing zinc stearate and zinc palmitate to the surface of the image bearing member, wherein the ratio of the zinc stearate and the zinc palmitate is from 66:34 to 40:60 by weight.