Image Bearing Member Protective Agent Torque Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing toner filming and efficient cleaning with small consumption of protective agents, especially when using foam layer-based protective agent supplying members, due to issues like abrasion and adhesion problems with toner particles.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a protective layer forming unit that includes a foam layer on a core material, where the drive torque of the image bearing member and the protective agent supplying member are optimized to satisfy a specific torque ratio, ensuring effective toner removal and prevention of filming with minimal protective agent consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rubbing power of the cleaning member is increased to remove small diameter toner particles, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but abrasion of the image bearing member and cleaning member significantly advances
Solution Approach 1:
A protective agent block is introduced as an intermediary substance between the cleaning member and the image bearing member. This protective agent (containing zinc stearate and boron nitride) reduces the direct abrasive contact, allowing effective toner removal while protecting both the image bearing member and cleaning member from excessive wear
Solution Approach 2:
The protective agent changes the friction and adhesion parameters at the contact interface. By applying zinc stearate and boron nitride, the coefficient of friction is modified and the surface properties are altered to reduce abrasion while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Device complexity
If AC superimposed charging is used to downsize the apparatus and suppress contact degradation, then device complexity is reduced, but resin chains are cut and mechanical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective agent is applied to the image bearing member surface before the AC superimposed charging process. This preliminary protective layer prevents the high-voltage AC charging from directly cutting the resin chains, thereby maintaining mechanical strength while still enabling the downsized apparatus design
Solution Approach 2:
The protective agent block acts as a mediator between the AC charging system and the image bearing member. It provides a protective barrier that reduces the harmful effects of AC charging on the resin structure while allowing the charging function to operate effectively
3Manufacturing precision
If AC superimposed charging is used to maintain uniform charge without contact, then charging uniformity is improved, but adhesive force between surface and toner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective agent is applied to the image bearing member surface before the charging and toner application processes. This preliminary coating creates a barrier that prevents excessive toner adhesion while maintaining the uniform charging characteristics provided by the AC superimposed charging system
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 optimized drive torque ratio allows for efficient toner removal and prevention of filming on the image bearing member, even with small protective agent consumption, enhancing the durability and cleanliness of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a protective agent supplying member which rotatably contacts a surface of the image bearing member
Implementation Method 2
factors of the adhesion of the toner to the image bearing member also include the charging step
Implementation Method 3
drive torque of the image bearing member and drive torque of the protective agent supplying member satisfy Formula (1) below
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is disclosed, including an image bearing member and a protective layer forming unit. In an embodiment, the protective layer forming unit includes a protective agent supplying member which rotatably contacts a surface of the image bearing member and an image bearing member protective agent. The image bearing member protective agent includes at least a metal salt of a fatty acid and an inorganic lubricant. The protective agent supplying member includes a core material and a foam layer formed on an outer periphery of the core material and including a plurality of cells. Finally, a drive torque of the image bearing member and a drive torque of the protective agent supplying member satisfy a formula.