Cleaning Device Toner Pile Smoothing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with uneven distribution of residual toner and external additives on cleaning blades, leading to localized load and potential damage, which affects cleaning ability and can result in image defects.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device comprising a removal member that forms piles of residual objects and a smoothing member that moves along the contact location to smooth out these piles, reducing localized load and maintaining cleaning blade effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning blade is used to remove residual toner from a photosensitive member, then cleaning ability is improved, but uneven distribution of residual toner and external additives causes localized load and abrasion, reducing blade lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of residual toner by applying heat and/or moisture to melt or soften it, transforming it from a solid particulate state to a more pliable state that can be evenly redistributed across the blade surface, preventing localized accumulation and abrasion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distribution mechanism that actively moves and redistributes residual toner along the blade surface, transforming the static accumulation problem into a dynamic redistribution process that prevents localized load concentration
2Reliability
If residual toner is removed by linear rubbing contact, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but piled bodies of residual objects form at contact location, causing localized load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (heat and/or moisture) between the cleaning blade and residual toner that facilitates more uniform distribution of the removed material, preventing direct localized accumulation at the contact point while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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 solution effectively reduces abrasion of the cleaning blade and maintains its cleaning ability by evenly distributing residual toner and additives, preventing image defects and extending blade lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a smoothing member that smooths out the piled bodies by moving along the contact location
Implementation Method 2
heating and/or moistening treatment; it is then excellent at suppressing abrasion of a cleaning blade
Implementation Method 3
a smoothing member that smooths out the piled bodies by moving along the contact location
Implementation Method 4
removal member that forms piled bodies of residual objects at a contact location and removes residual objects from a surface
Implementation Method 5
cleaners that clean residual toner using a cleaning blade
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes a removal member that forms piled bodies of residual objects at a contact location and removes residual objects from a surface of a target cleaning member by contacting with the surface in a linear manner and rubbing against the surface, and a smoothing member that smooths out the piled bodies by moving along the contact location.