Protective Agent Block for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing protective agent blocks for image forming apparatuses face issues with non-uniform boron nitride distribution, leading to defective images with streaks and reduced durability of components due to varying boron nitride content and particle size, which affects the lubrication and charging performance.
Innovation Solution
A protective agent block with a controlled weight ratio of boron nitride to metal soap, calculated using Raman spectroscopy, and manufactured with particulated metal soap and boron nitride particles of specific diameters to ensure uniform distribution and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber blade is pressed against the image bearing member to remove attached material, then cleaning performance is improved, but mechanical stress and friction cause attrition of the rubber blade and image bearing member surface layer, shortening working life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metal soap particles as an intermediary substance between the rubber cleaning blade and the image bearing member surface. These particles are supplied to the surface and form a protective layer that reduces direct friction and mechanical stress, allowing the cleaning blade to remove contaminants without causing significant attrition to either the blade or the photoconductor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the image bearing member by applying metal soap particles that modify the friction characteristics. This creates a low-friction surface layer that reduces the mechanical stress during cleaning operations, thereby extending the working life of both the cleaning blade and the image bearing member.
2Manufacturing precision
If toner particle diameter is reduced to improve image quality, then image resolution is improved, but the ratio of residual toner slipping through the cleaning blade edge increases, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The metal soap particles act as an intermediary that fills and seals the gaps between the cleaning blade edge and the image bearing member surface. This prevents small toner particles from slipping through the clearance, ensuring that all residual toner is effectively removed while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous or granular structure of metal soap particles to fill the micro-gaps at the cleaning interface. These particles create a sealing effect that blocks the passage of fine toner particles, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness without compromising image resolution.
3Productivity
If AC charging system is used to satisfy size reduction needs and reduce oxidized gases, then charging efficiency is improved, but the image bearing member is repetitively charged several hundreds to thousands of times per second, causing heavy damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies metal soap particles to the image bearing member surface before AC charging operations begin. This creates a protective cushioning layer that absorbs and distributes the repetitive electrical stress and mechanical impact from high-frequency charging, preventing damage to the photoconductor surface while maintaining efficient AC charging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface structure by combining the image bearing member material with metal soap particles. This composite surface layer has enhanced properties that resist the harmful effects of repetitive AC charging, including electrical stress and mechanical wear, while maintaining the functional properties needed for efficient charging.
4Reliability
If brush is pressed against block of metal soap to obtain fine powder, then lubrication property is improved, but large particles of metal soap are produced that slip through the cleaning blade and cause non-uniform application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameters of metal soap to a specific range that balances lubrication effectiveness with uniform application. By controlling particle dimensions, the system achieves sufficient fineness for good lubrication while preventing particles from being so fine that they slip through the cleaning blade and cause non-uniform distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective agent block including metal soap; and boron nitride, wherein the weight ratio Mr of boron nitride to the metal soap is calculated from the relationship 1 based on Raman spectrum measured at each of multiple places on the protective agent block and the average of the measured weight ratios Mr ranges from 0.050 to 0.330 with a variation coefficient of 0.075 or less:Mr=(log(ABN/ASP)+1.3588)/7.7374 Relationship 1where ABN represents a peak area in a range of from a wavenumber of 1377.837 cm−1 to 1354.695 cm−1 and ASP represents a peak area in a range of from a wavenumber of 1481.012 cm−1 to 1420.264 cm−1.