Variable Toner Supply for Cleaning Blade Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method, excessive friction between the image bearing member and the cleaning blade leads to wear, vibration, noise, and malfunctions due to inconsistent toner supply after image formation, causing either excessive friction or wasteful toner consumption.
Innovation Solution
An execution unit is implemented to supply toner to the cleaning blade after image formation, with the amount of toner adjusted based on the number of images formed, establishing a linear or stepwise relationship to maintain optimal friction and prevent malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed amount of toner is supplied to the contact portion between the image bearing member and the cleaning blade after completion of image formation, then the friction between the image bearing member and the cleaning blade is reduced, but the toner can run short to generate excessive friction or be too much and wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the toner supply amount variable rather than fixed. The execution unit dynamically adjusts the toner supply quantity based on the number of images formed during the current job, creating a dynamic relationship where toner supply adapts to actual usage patterns. This resolves the contradiction by preventing both toner shortage (which causes excessive friction) and toner waste, while maintaining optimal friction reduction throughout the cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of toner supply amount from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on the number of images formed. By establishing a linear or stepwise relationship between image count and toner supply quantity, the system optimizes the balance between friction reduction and toner consumption. This parameter change allows the system to adapt toner supply to actual operational needs, preventing both deficiency and excess.
2Reliability
If the cleaning blade is disposed in contact with the image bearing member in a direction counter to the direction of rotation, then the cleaning blade can remove residual toner effectively, but the friction becomes excessive causing wear, vibration, and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by supplying toner to the contact portion between the cleaning blade and image bearing member before the cleaning operation begins. This preliminary toner supply creates a lubricating layer that reduces friction and prevents the harmful effects of excessive contact friction. The toner is supplied in advance during the post-rotation period, preparing the contact surface for low-friction cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses toner as an intermediary substance between the cleaning blade and the image bearing member. This toner layer acts as a mediator that reduces direct contact friction between the cleaning blade and the photoconductive drum surface. By introducing this intermediate layer, the system maintains effective cleaning while significantly reducing wear, vibration, and noise associated with direct frictional contact.
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 solution stabilizes the cleaning blade's posture at startup, reduces wasteful toner consumption, and prevents malfunctions by maintaining consistent rotational torque, ensuring efficient image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable photoconductive member on which an electrostatic image is formed based on an image signal
Implementation Method 2
The developing unit is configured to apply toner to the electrostatic image formed on the photoconductive member
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning blade is in contact with the photoconductive member to form a nip portion and is configured to remove an adhering substance adhering to the photoconductive member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a cleaning blade that is in contact with the photoconductive member to form a nip portion and that is configured to remove an adhering substance adhering to the photoconductive member and an execution unit configured to execute a supply operation of forming a supply toner on the photoconductive member to supply the supply toner to the nip portion after completion of an image forming job of forming an image on one or a plurality of printing media in a series of operations and before the photoconductive member stops rotation. The execution unit sets the amount of supply toner such that the number of images formed at the image forming job and the amount of supply toner have a linear relationship.