Stripper Blade Counter-Bending Prevention in Cleaning Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning apparatuses for electrophotographic image forming systems face issues with counter-bending of the stripper blade, leading to inconsistent toner removal and potential operation impairments, due to variations in the protruding length of the stripper blade and frictional forces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a separate counter-bending prevention member and securing section, where the stripper blade is secured first, and then the counter-bending prevention member is assembled, preventing bending by maintaining a uniform pressing force and precise control over the stripper blade's angle and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stripper blade is secured to the housing using an integrated counter-bending preventer, then the blade can be held in position, but the blade may still experience counter-bending due to frictional forces and positional errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the securing section into two separate functional components: a securing portion that holds the stripper blade and a counter-bending prevention member that prevents blade deformation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the complexities of an integrated design, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus size is reduced, then the image forming apparatus becomes more compact, but the curvature radius of the circulating surface decreases, increasing variation in the stripper blade set angle
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-bending prevention member is installed beforehand to prevent blade deformation before the blade is secured to the housing. This preliminary action ensures that the blade maintains its correct angle and position, compensating for the increased angle variation that occurs in compact apparatus designs with smaller curvature radii.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stripper blade protruding length varies, then the blade can accommodate different positions, but the pressing force becomes non-uniform, causing toner removal failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the protruding length of the stripper blade as a critical parameter by using a securing section with a predetermined securement position. This precise parameter control ensures uniform pressing force across the blade width, preventing toner removal failures while maintaining adaptability through proper positioning.
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 reliably prevents counter-bending of the stripper blade, ensuring consistent toner removal and reducing the likelihood of removal failures, thereby maintaining the apparatus's operational efficiency and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional force between the stripper blade and the circulating surface causes deformation of the one end portion of the stripper blade bending toward the downstream side
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a cleaning apparatus capable of preventing counter-bending of a stripper blade in a more reliable manner. The cleaning apparatus removes toner from a circulation mechanism having a circulating surface that circulates in a two-dimensional manner around one pivotal shaft or two or more pivotal shafts parallel to each other in a housing, the toner attaching to the circulating surface. The cleaning apparatus includes a stripper blade, a securing section, and a counter-bending prevention member. The counter-bending prevention member is formed separately from the securing section and disposed on a downstream side of the stripper blade in the circulation direction of the circulating surface. The counter-bending prevention member prevents bending of the one end portion of the stripper blade on the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulating surface.