CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Disclosure
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to electrophotographic imaging devices such
as a printer or multifunction device having printing capability, and in particular,
to a cleaner unit assembly used for cleaning a photoconductive drum.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Image forming devices such as copiers, laser printers, facsimile machines, and the
like, include a photoconductive drum having a rigid cylindrical surface that is coated
along a defined length of its outer surface. The surface of the photoconductive drum
is charged to a uniform electrical potential and then selectively exposed to light
in a pattern corresponding to an original image. Those areas of the photoconductive
surface exposed to light are electrically discharged thereby forming a latent electrostatic
image on the photoconductive surface. A charged developer material, such as toner,
is brought into contact with the photoconductive drum's surface by a developer roller
such that the charged toner attaches to the discharged areas of the photoconductive
surface. The toner on the photoconductive drum is then transferred onto a recording
medium, such as a media sheet or a transfer belt for subsequent transfer to a media
sheet.
[0006] During transfer of the toner to the recording medium, some of the toner may not be
transferred and may remain on the photoconductive drum. If not removed, such residual
toner may contaminate the charge roll or inadvertently transfer to a subsequent media
sheet resulting in print defects. Accordingly, removal of the residual toner is necessary
prior to preparing the photoconductive drum to receive a new image in order to prevent
or reduce the likelihood of print defects.
[0007] In preparation for a next imaging forming cycle, the photoconductive surface may
be optionally discharged and cleaned by a cleaner blade. The cleaner blade may be
positioned in proximity to the photoconductive drum such that its edge contacts the
photoconductive surface to wipe off residual toner therefrom. However, the cleaner
blade pressed against the photoconductive drum may become damaged when operated under
low lubrication. Toner acts as a lubricant which prevents friction at the cleaner
blade edge from getting too high. If there is no lubrication at the cleaner blade
edge, the frictional forces acting on the cleaner blade may cause the cleaner blade
to flip.
[0008] The cleaner blade may extend well across the entire length of the photoconductive
drum including an imaging region at a central portion and the non-imaging regions
at end portions thereof. Since the non-imaging end regions of the photoconductive
drum typically receive little or no toner, the end sections of the cleaner blade are
more prone to low lubrication. In addition, the end sections of the cleaner blade
lack stiffness relative to central portions thereof and end seals that prevent leaks
at the ends of the cleaner blade press against the back side of the cleaner blade
which increases the frictional force at the cleaner blade ends. As a result, cleaner
blade flip typically starts at the cleaner blade ends and progresses across the full
length of the cleaner blade.
[0009] Some approaches to solving cleaner blade flip problems include minimizing the length
of the blade, applying lubricants to the cleaning blade itself or the photoconductive
drum surface, modifying blade end sealing designs, and reducing forces applied at
the ends of the cleaner blade by modifying blade support bracket designs. These methods,
however, may have drawbacks in terms of cost and reliability. For example, minimizing
blade width requires tight tolerances of the cleaner unit assembly which may still
result in at least some level of blade end lubrication problems. Meanwhile, lubricants
are typically not reliable as they are removed over the course of operation and can
be subject to assembly variation when applied by human operators. End sealing design
modifications, on the other hand, can act to reduce blade end forces but come at the
cost of a compromise to sealing performance. Furthermore, modifying cleaner blade
bracket designs to vary a load gradient across the cleaner blade adds cost and complexity
to the cleaner unit assembly.
[0010] Based upon the foregoing, there is a need for a simple and a low cost solution for
preventing cleaner blade failures. The disclosures of
US 2010/028045 A1 and
US 2009/154950 A1 may be helpful for understanding the present invention.
SUMMARY
[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cleaning device that mitigates cleaner
blade failures by reducing or substantially eliminating friction at the ends of the
cleaner blade. The invention is defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments,
and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood
by reference to the following description of the disclosed embodiments in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example imaging system utilizing the imaging unit
of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an imaging unit and toner cartridge of Fig. 1 in accordance
with an example embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a simplified sectional view of a portion of the imaging unit of Fig. 2 according
to an example embodiment;
Fig. 4 illustrates a cleaning unit assembly of the imaging unit of Fig. 3 according
to an example embodiment;
Fig. 5 illustrates a fragmented view of the lower seal in Fig. 4 taken along line
5-5 therein, in conjunction with a photoconductive drum, a charge roller and an end
seal;
Fig. 6 illustrates a lower seal of the cleaning unit assembly in Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 is a simplified sectional view of a portion of the imaging unit of Fig. 2 according
to another example embodiment;
Fig. 8 illustrates a fragmented view of a lower seal according to another example
embodiment taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4, in conjunction with a photoconductive
drum, a charge roller and an end seal;
Fig. 9 illustrates a fragmented view of a lower seal according to another example
embodiment taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4, in conjunction with a photoconductive
drum, a charge roller and an end seal;
Fig. 10 illustrates a fragmented view of another example embodiment of a lower seal
for the cleaning unit assembly of Fig. 4 taken along line 8-8 therein, in conjunction
with a photoconductive drum, a cleaner blade and an end seal;
Figs. 11A-11C illustrate other example embodiments of the lower seal in Fig. 10; and
Fig. 12 illustrates another example embodiment of the lower seal in Fig. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application
to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the
items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless
limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations
thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings,
and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof
are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
[0014] Terms such as "first", "second", and the like, are used to describe various elements,
regions, sections, etc. and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the terms "a"
and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence
of at least one of the referenced item.
[0015] Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations
illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the disclosure
and that other alternative configurations are possible.
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the example embodiments, as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0017] In Fig. 1, there is shown a diagrammatic depiction of an imaging system 20 embodying
the present disclosure. As shown, imaging system 20 may include an imaging apparatus
22 and a computer 24. Imaging apparatus 22 communicates with computer 24 via a communications
link 26. As used herein, the term "communications link" is used to generally refer
to any structure that facilitates electronic communication between multiple components,
and may operate using wired or wireless technology and may include communications
over the Internet.
[0018] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, imaging apparatus 22 is shown as a multifunction
machine that includes a controller 28, a print engine 30, a laser scan unit (LSU)
31, an imaging unit 32, a developer unit 34, a toner cartridge 35, a user interface
36, a media feed system 38 and media input tray 39, and a scanner system 40. Imaging
apparatus 22 may communicate with computer 24 via a standard communication protocol,
such as for example, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or IEEE 802.xx. A multifunction
machine is also sometimes referred to in the art as an all-in-one (AIO) unit. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that imaging apparatus 22 may be, for example, an
electrophotographic printer/copier including an integrated scanner system 40 or a
standalone scanner system 40.
[0019] Controller 28 includes a processor unit and associated memory 29, and may be implemented
as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Memory 29 may be
any volatile and/or non-volatile memory such as, for example, random access memory
(RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Alternatively,
memory 29 may be in the form of a separate electronic memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, and/or
NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any memory device convenient for use with
controller 28. Controller 28 may be, for example, a combined printer and scanner controller.
[0020] In the present embodiment, controller 28 communicates with print engine 30 via a
communications link 50. Controller 28 communicates with imaging unit 32 and processing
circuitry 44 thereon via a communications link 51. Controller 28 communicates with
toner cartridge 35 and processing circuitry 45 therein via a communications link 52.
Controller 28 communicates with media feed system 38 via a communications link 53.
Controller 28 communicates with scanner system 40 via a communications link 54. User
interface 36 is communicatively coupled to controller 28 via a communications link
55. Processing circuit 44, 45 may provide authentication functions, safety and operational
interlocks, operating parameters and usage information related to imaging unit 32
and toner cartridge 35, respectively. Controller 28 serves to process print data and
to operate print engine 30 during printing, as well as to operate scanner system 40
and process data obtained via scanner system 40.
[0021] Computer 24, which may be optional, may be, for example, a personal computer, electronic
tablet, smartphone or other hand-held electronic device, including memory 60, such
as volatile and/or non-volatile memory, an input device 62, such as a keyboard or
keypad, and a display monitor 64. Computer 24 further includes a processor, input/output
(I/O) interfaces, and may include at least one mass data storage device, such as a
hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVD unit (not shown).
[0022] Computer 24 includes in its memory a software program including program instructions
that function as an imaging driver 66, e.g., printer/scanner driver software, for
imaging apparatus 22. Imaging driver 66 is in communication with controller 28 of
imaging apparatus 22 via communications link 26. Imaging driver 66 facilitates communication
between imaging apparatus 22 and computer 24. One aspect of imaging driver 66 may
be, for example, to provide formatted print data to imaging apparatus 22, and more
particularly, to print engine 30, to print an image. Another aspect of imaging driver
66 may be, for example, to facilitate collection of scanned data.
[0023] In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate imaging apparatus 22 in a standalone
mode. In the standalone mode, imaging apparatus 22 is capable of functioning without
computer 24. Accordingly, all or a portion of imaging driver 66, or a similar driver,
may be located in controller 28 of imaging apparatus 22 so as to accommodate printing
and scanning functionality when operating in the standalone mode.
[0024] Print engine 30 may include laser scan unit (LSU) 31, imaging unit 32, and a fuser
37, all mounted within imaging apparatus 22. The imaging unit 32 further includes
a cleaner unit 33 housing a waste toner removal system and a photoconductive drum
and developer unit 34 which is removably mounted within print engine 30 of imaging
apparatus 32. In one embodiment, the cleaner unit 33 and developer unit 34 are assembled
together and installed onto a frame of the imaging unit 32. The toner cartridge 35
is then installed on or in proximity with the frame in a mating relation with the
developer unit 34. Laser scan unit 31 creates a latent image on the photoconductive
drum in the cleaner unit 33. The developer unit 34 has a toner sump containing toner
which is transferred to the latent image on the photoconductive drum to create a toned
image. The toned image is subsequently transferred to a media sheet received in the
imaging unit 32 from media input tray 39 for printing. Toner remnants are removed
from the photoconductive drum by the waste toner removal system. The toner image is
bonded to the media sheet in the fuser 37 and then sent to an output location or to
one or more finishing options such as a duplexer, a stapler or hole punch.
[0025] Referring now to Fig. 2, an example embodiment of imaging unit 32 is shown. Imaging
unit 32, as illustrated, includes developer unit 34, cleaner unit 33 and a frame 200.
Developer unit 34 and cleaner unit 33 are assembled onto or otherwise secured to frame
200. The imaging unit 32 without toner cartridge 35 is initially slidably received
into imaging apparatus 22. The toner cartridge 35 is then slidingly inserted along
frame 200 until it is operatively coupled to developer unit 34. This arrangement allows
toner cartridge 35 to be separately removed and reinserted easily when replacing an
empty toner cartridge or during media jam removal. The developer unit 34, cleaning
unit 33 and frame 200 may also be readily slidingly removed and reinserted as a single
unit when required. However, this would normally occur with less frequency than the
removal and reinsertion of toner cartridge 35.
[0026] As mentioned, the toner cartridge 35 removably mates with the developer unit 34 of
imaging unit 32. An exit port (not shown) on the toner cartridge 35 communicates with
an inlet port 205 on the developer unit 34 allowing toner to be periodically transferred
from the toner cartridge 35 to resupply the toner sump in the developer unit 34.
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a simplified sectional view of at least a portion of imaging unit
32 according to an example embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, imaging unit 32 includes
a charge roller 301, developer roller 303, and photoconductive drum 305. The charge
roller 301 forms a nip 307 with the photoconductive drum 305 and charges the surface
thereof to a specified voltage. A laser beam from the LSU 31 strikes the surface of
the photoconductive drum 305 and discharges those areas it illuminates to form a latent
image. The developer roller 303, which also forms a nip 309 with the photoconductive
drum 305, transfers toner particles from a toner reservoir or sump (not shown) to
areas of the photoconductive drum 305 surface discharged by the laser beam to form
a toner image. The toner image on the photoconductive drum 305 may then be transferred
to a media sheet that is moved to be in contact with the surface of the photoconductive
drum 305. Alternatively, a transfer belt (not shown) may be used to collect the toner
image from the photoconductive drum 305 at a first transfer area and convey the toner
image to a media sheet at a second transfer area.
[0028] Cleaner unit 33 of imaging unit 32 may include a cleaning assembly 320 for removing
residual toner that remains on the photoconductive drum 305 after the transfer of
the toner image to the media sheet or transfer belt. Cleaning assembly 320 may be
positioned to contact the surface of the photoconductive drum 305 to remove residual
toner therefrom.
[0029] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, cleaning assembly 320 may include a cleaner blade 400,
a lower seal 402, and end seals 404. The cleaner blade 400 generally extends from
a first end portion 305A to a second end portion 305B of the photoconductive drum
305 and has front surface 400A, a back surface 400B, a bottom surface 400C and a cleaning
edge 400D that abuts against the surface of the photoconductive drum 305. The ends
of the cleaner blade 400 may be offset from the first end portion 305A and the second
end portion 305B of the photoconductive drum 305, such as by about 10 mm. The cleaner
blade 400 may be made from any suitable resilient material, such as urethane or polyurethane.
The cleaner blade 400 may be held in place by a bracket (not shown) mounted to the
housing of the imaging unit 32, or by any means known in the art. Lower seal 402 may
extend across the length of the photoconductive drum 305 and may be disposed adjacent
the cleaning edge 400D such that a rectangular opening 410 is formed between the lower
seal 402 and the cleaner blade 400 for capturing residual toner removed from the surface
of the photoconductive drum 305 by the cleaning edge 400D. The opening 410 may lead
into a waste toner reservoir (not shown) in cleaner unit 33 for storing the waste
toner. The end seals 404 may be disposed proximate the respective end portions 305A
and 305B of the photoconductive drum and may contact at least a portion of each of
the front surface 400A, bottom surface 400C, and lower seal 402 to prevent toner escape
around the ends of the photoconductive drum 305.
[0030] As described above, respective longitudinal end sections 401 of the cleaning edge
400D are more susceptible to blade flips because of lack of lubrication and increased
friction due to additional forces introduced by the ends seals 404 that may cause
the end sections 401 of the cleaning edge 400D to catch onto the rotating photoconductive
drum 305 and follow same, thereby flipping the blade end sections 401. Once a blade
flip starts at the end sections 401 of the cleaning edge 400D, the blade flip may
then progress across the full length of the cleaner blade 400 until the cleaner blade
400 is fully flipped.
[0031] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, blade flips may be mitigated
by at least partially eliminating friction between the cleaner blade 400 and the photoconductive
drum 305 at their respective ends. According to the example embodiment shown in Figs.
3 and 4, a thin strip, flap or tab 500 may be disposed between the cleaner blade 400
and the photoconductive drum 305 at each of their respective ends to prevent the end
sections 401 of the cleaning edge 400D from contacting the surface of the photoconductive
drum 305 proximate the end portions 305A and 305B. Each of the tabs 500 may be about
4 mm to about 5 mm wide and may nominally cover at least about 3 mm of the cleaning
edge 400D end sections 401. Tabs 500 may be made of any relatively firm low friction
material, such as Mylar. In this way, substantially no friction is created at the
end sections 401 of cleaning edge 400D since there is no relative motion between the
cleaning edge 400D end sections 401 and the tabs 500 such that likelihood for a blade
flip to occur may be decreased.
[0032] Fig. 5 illustrates the lower seal 402 relative to the photoconductive drum 305, end
seals 404, and charge roller 301 as viewed facing the front surface 400A of the cleaner
blade 400 in Fig. 4. As shown, the end seals 404 overlap with at least portions of
the widths of the tabs 500 and the cleaner blade 400. In one embodiment, inside edges
512 of the tabs 500, relative to a central portion of the photoconductive drum 305,
may be positioned slightly outside inner edges 514 of the end seals 404 relative to
the longitudinal center of the photoconductive drum 305. The arrangement may enable
the pressure of the end seals 404 against the cleaner blade 400 to reduce the tendency
for leaks at the holes or gaps formed where the cleaning edge 400D goes over the tabs
500 and to restrict toner leak at the inside edges 512 of the tabs 500. In one embodiment,
the inside edges 512 of the tabs 500 may be offset by about 1.3 mm from the inner
edges 514 of the end seals 404. In an alternative embodiment, the inside edges 512
of the tabs 500 may substantially align with the inner edges 514 of the end seals
404. In another alternative embodiment, the inside edges 512 may be positioned inside
the inner edges 514 of the end seals 404 relative to the longitudinal center of the
photoconductive drum 305.
[0033] As the photoconductive drum 305 rotates, the inside edges 512 of the tabs 500 may
create relatively deep scratches or form wear rings on the surface coating of the
photoconductive drum 305 that may extend around its entire circumference. If the charge
roller 301 contacts the wear rings, a short circuit may occur. To prevent a short
circuit from occurring, the inside edges 512 of the tabs 500 may be positioned outside
the surface of the photoconductive drum 305 that contacts and is charged by the charge
roller 301. As shown in Fig. 5, the inside edges 512 of the tabs 500 are spaced apart
from the ends of the charge roller by a distance D.
[0034] Fig. 6 shows the tabs 500 in Fig. 4 being rectangular in shape and integrally formed
as a unitary piece with the lower seal 402 so as to form a substantially U-shaped
structure. As shown, tabs 500 extend from elongated section 502 at longitudinal ends
thereof. The tabs 500 project from the lower seal 402 and extend between the cleaner
blade 400 and the photoconductive drum 305.
[0035] In another example embodiment, the tabs 500 may be separate strips or tabs that are
coupled and/or attached to the ends of the lower seal 402 and/or end seals 404. In
other example embodiments, tabs 500 may be integrally formed as a unitary piece with
the end seals 404. As shown for example in Fig. 7, tabs 500A may be disposed below
lower seal 402 and arranged to prevent contact between end sections 401 of the cleaning
edge 400D and the surface of the photoconductive drum 305 proximate the end portions
thereof. End seals 404 may contact at least portions of tabs 500A between the cleaning
edge 400D and the lower seal 402 to prevent toner escape around the ends of the photoconductive
drum 305.
[0036] In another example embodiment, tabs 500 may have a different form or shape. For example,
Fig. 8 illustrates tabs 500 extending from lower seal 402 and including an inner edge
512 that is angled. Inner edge 512 may form an obtuse angle α with a trailing edge
402A of lower seal 402. In an example embodiment, angle α is not orthogonal with trailing
edge 402A and may be greater than about 90 degrees and less than about 140 degrees.
Inner edge 512 may also be seen as forming a non-zero angle with a direction of rotation
306 of the photoconductive drum 305. As shown in Fig. 8, inner edge 512 of tab 500
may appear wholly inside the inner edge of end seal 404. Alternatively, it is understood
that at least a portion of inner edge 512 may be located under end seal 404. With
tension existing between the photoconductive drum 305 and lower seal 402, the angled
inner edge 512 of tabs 500 results in a substantially continuous seal between lower
seal 402, tabs 500 and photoconductive drum 305. The angled inner edge 512 also advantageously
allows for a wider distribution of wear along photoconductive drum 305 due to contact
with lower seal 402 and tabs 500.
[0037] The example embodiment of Fig. 8 illustrates inner edge 512 being substantially linear.
It is understood that inner edge 512 may have a nonlinear shape, such as a curved
contour. Fig. 9 illustrates another example embodiment in which inner edge 512 of
tabs 500 is curved. Fig. 9 further illustrates that inner edge 512 of tabs 500 may
be located substantially entirely under end seal 402.
[0038] In another example embodiment, tabs 500 may have a different form or shape. For example,
Fig. 10 shows another example embodiment of tabs 500 for the cleaning unit assembly
of Fig. 4 taken along line 8-8 therein. As shown, lower seal 402 may include each
tab 500A having an upper inside edge section 512A that is substantially perpendicular
to the cleaning edge 400D (as well as the edge 500B of tab 500A), and an angled inside
edge section 512B that is sloped from the lower end of upper inside edge section 512A
towards edge 500C of tab 500A. The upper inside edge section 512A may be located along
photoconductor drum 305 substantially downstream from the cleaning edge 400D while
the angled inside edge section 512B may be located along photoconductor drum 305 substantially
upstream from the cleaning edge 400D, relative to the direction of rotation 306 of
the photoconductive drum 305. The angled inside edge section 512B may be sloped in
a direction that encourages toner near the end of the photoconductive drum 305 to
move towards the cleaning edge 400D. As such, angled inside edge sections 512B at
opposed ends of the lower seal 402 may be sloped in opposite directions. The angled
inside edge section 512B may direct toner that escapes the cleaning edge 400D in the
area of end seal 404, such as toner particles within the vicinity of ending 520 of
tab 500A, towards the cleaning edge 400D contacting photoconductive drum 305 as the
photoconductive drum 305 rotates, and prevent toner rings from forming at the ends
of the photoconductive drum 305 as a result. In an example embodiment, angled inside
edge section 512B may form an angle θ with the lower seal 402 that is less than 90°,
such as between about 35° and about 65°.
[0039] In other alternative embodiments, tab 500A may include features that may direct toner
to the photoconductive drum 305, such as toner particles that pass directly underneath
the bottom surface of the tab 500A facing and abutting against the surface of the
photoconductive drum 305, towards a cleaning region where they may be redirected by
the angled inside edge section 512B towards the cleaning edge 400D for removal from
the surface of the photoconductive drum 305, as shown in Figs. 11A-11C.
[0040] In Fig. 11A, the bottom surface of tab 500A adjacent photoconductive drum 305 includes
a plurality of ridges or scores 540 that capture toner near the end of the lower seal
402 and dislodge the captured toner at areas of the photoconductive drum 305 adjacent
the angled inside edge section 512B or upper inside edge section 512A. Toner particles
dislodged at the angled inside edge section 512B may be directed towards the cleaning
edge 400D by the angled inside edge section 512B via the rotation of photoconductive
drum 305. On the other hand, toner particles dislodged at the upper inside edge section
512A may be deposited downstream from the cleaning edge 400D and thus may have to
rotate around the circumference of the photoconductive drum 305 before being removed
by cleaning edge 400D. It is also understood that toner particles may not necessarily
return to the cleaning edge 400D after one revolution of the photoconductive drum
305 and instead may be moved incrementally towards cleaning edge 400D with each subsequent
rotation of the photoconductive drum 305.
[0041] In another alternative embodiment, tab 500A may include one or more cutout sections
or slots extending through tab 500A that may create passageways for escaped toner
to move back into the cleaning region. In Fig. 11B, each tab 500A may include a first
slot 551 and a second slot 553. First and second slots 551 and 553 may be sloped in
a direction substantially parallel to the angled inside edge section 512B. An upper
segment of the first slot 551 may overlap with a lower segment of an adjacent second
slot 553 while an upper segment of the second slot 553 may overlap with a lower segment
of angled inside edge section 512B. Toner particles that are moved to the upper segment
of the first slot 551 upon rotation of the photoconductive drum 305 may be picked
up by the surface of the photoconductive drum 305 and then later enter the lower segment
of the second slot 553 after at least one revolution of the photoconductive drum 305.
During continued rotation of photoconductive drum 305, the toner particles that subsequently
enter the lower segment of the second slot 553 may then move to an upper segment of
the second slot 553, subsequently engage with the lower segment of angled inside edge
section 512B and thereby move towards the cleaning edge 400D for removal. It is understood
that such toner movement from slot 551 to cleaning edge 400D via slot 553 and angled
inside edge section 512B may occur incrementally during a number of revolutions of
photoconductive drum 305.
[0042] Though Fig. 11B illustrates two slots 551, 553, it is understood that tab 500A may
include more than two slots.
[0043] Alternatively, each tab 500A may include slits 560 extending through the tab 500A,
as shown in Fig. 11C. Unlike first and second slots 551 and 553 in Fig. 11B, slits
560 are formed without creating waste material, such as punched chads, during a punching
process. Slits 560 may have similar lengths, angular positioning and functional purpose
as those of the first and second slots 551 and 553 in Fig. 11B. It is understood that
tab 500A may include more than two slits.
[0044] It is contemplated that the tabs 500 and 500A may be of other various geometrical
shapes or profiles and may be of different lengths and/or dimensions or angular orientations
as would occur to those skilled in the art. For example, Fig. 12 shows tab 500A having
a contoured inside edge section 512C. Further, it is also understood that the angled
inside edge section 512B, contoured inside edge section 512C, scores 540, slots 551
and 553, and slits 560 may be implemented for the tabs 500 individually or in various
combinations.
[0045] It is understood that the cleaner assembly as described above can be utilized to
remove residual waste toner from a photoconductive drum of an imaging device irrespective
of the particular architecture selected for the toner cartridge, developer unit and
photoconductive unit. For example, the cleaner assembly may be used in a removable
imaging unit, such as imaging unit 32, as well as a removable toner cartridge unit
that includes a charge roll and photoconductive drum.
[0046] The description of the details of the example embodiments have been described using
the cleaning unit assembly for the photoconductive drum. However, it will be appreciated
that the teachings and concepts provided herein are applicable to other residual and/or
waste toner removal systems as well.
[0047] The foregoing description of several methods and example embodiments has been presented
for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the
scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.
1. A removable unit (320) for an imaging device, comprising:
a photoconductive member (305) having respective end portions (305A, 305B);
a cleaner blade (400) extending across the photoconductive member (305) and having
an edge (400D) contacting a surface of the photoconductive member (305) to remove
toner therefrom; and
a lower seal (402) disposed adjacent the cleaner blade (400) and extending across
a length of the cleaner blade (400) such that an opening (410) for capturing removed
toner is formed between the cleaner blade (400) and the lower seal (402), the lower
seal (402) including first and second tabs (500) integrally formed with the lower
seal (402) as a unitary piece, projecting at opposite ends thereof and extending between
the cleaner blade (400) and the photoconductive member (305) such that longitudinal
end sections of the cleaner blade (400) are prevented by the first and second tabs
(500) from contacting the surface of the photoconductive member (305) at the respective
end portions (305A, 305B) thereof
characterized by
the removable unit (320) further comprising first and second end seals (404) disposed
at the respective end portions (305A, 305B) of the photoconductive member (305) and
biased to contact the cleaner blade (400) and the lower seal (402) to prevent toner
escape, the first and second end seals (404) overlapping a portion of the first and
second tabs (500), respectively.
2. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein the first and second tabs (500) have
inside edges (512) and the first and second end seals (404) have inner edges (514),
the inside edges (512) of the first and second tabs (500) disposed outside of the
inner edges (514) of the first and second end seals (404), relative to a longitudinal
center of the photoconductive member (305).
3. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein the first and second tabs (500) have
inside edges (512) and the first and second end seals (404) have inner edges (514),
the inside edges (512) of the first and second tabs (500) being substantially aligned
with the inner edges (514) of the first and second end seals (404).
4. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein the first and second tabs (500) have
inside edges (512) and the first and second end seals (404) have inner edges (514),
the inside edges (512) of the first and second tabs (500) located offset from the
inner edges (514) of the first and second end seals (404).
5. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second
tabs (500) includes an angled inside edge (512B) located upstream from the edge (400D)
of the cleaner blade (400) relative to a direction of rotation of the photoconductive
member (305), the angled inside edge (512B) being at one of an acute angle, an obtuse
angle and an orthogonal angle relative to a trailing edge of the lower seal (402).
6. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second
tabs (500) includes a contoured inside edge portion (512C) located upstream from the
edge (400D) of the cleaner blade (400), relative to a direction of rotation of the
photoconductive member (305).
7. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first and second
tabs (500) includes a plurality of ridges (540) formed at respective bottom surfaces
thereof contacting the photoconductive member (305), the plurality of ridges (540)
capturing toner particles near an end portion of the photoconductive member (305)
and dislodging the toner particles at areas of the surface of the photoconductive
member (305) contacted by the edge (400D) of the cleaner blade (400).
8. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first and second
tabs (500) includes one or more cut sections (551, 553, 560) extending through the
tab (500), the one or more cut sections (551, 553, 560) creating passageways for the
toner particles near an end portion (305A, 305B) of the photoconductive member (305)
to move toward the edge (400D) of the cleaner blade (400) contacting the photoconductive
member (305).
9. The removable unit (320) of claim 8, wherein the one or more cut sections consist
of slots (551, 553).
10. The removable unit (320) of claim 8, wherein the one or more cut sections consist
of slits (560).
11. The removable unit (320) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second
tabs (500) includes a nonlinear inside edge.
1. Eine entfernbare Einheit (320) für eine Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung, beinhaltend:
ein photoleitendes Element (305), das jeweilige Endabschnitte (305A, 305B) aufweist;
ein Reinigungsblatt (400), das sich über das photoleitende Element (305) erstreckt
und eine Kante (400D) aufweist, die eine Oberfläche des photoleitenden Elements (305)
berührt, um Toner davon zu entfernen; und
eine untere Abdichtung (402), die neben dem Reinigungsblatt (400) angeordnet ist und
sich über eine Länge des Reinigungsblatts (400) erstreckt, sodass zwischen dem Reinigungsblatt
(400) und der unteren Abdichtung (402) eine Öffnung (410) zum Erfassen von entferntem
Toner gebildet wird, wobei die untere Abdichtung (402) eine erste und zweite Zunge
(500) umfasst, die mit der unteren Abdichtung (402) als ein einheitliches Stück integral
gebildet sind, an entgegengesetzten Enden davon vorstehen und sich zwischen dem Reinigungsblatt
(400) und dem photoleitenden Element (305) erstrecken, sodass durch die erste und
zweite Zunge (500) verhindert wird, dass Längsendsektionen des Reinigungsblatts (400)
die Oberfläche des photoleitenden Elements (305) an den jeweiligen Endabschnitten
(305A, 305B) davon berühren,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die entfernbare Einheit (320) ferner eine erste und zweite Endabdichtung (404) beinhaltet,
die an den jeweiligen Endabschnitten (305A, 305B) des photoleitenden Elements (305)
angeordnet sind und vorgespannt sind, um das Reinigungsblatt (400) und die untere
Abdichtung (402) zur Verhinderung des Entweichens von Toner zu berühren, wobei die
erste und zweite Endabdichtung (404) einen Abschnitt der ersten bzw. zweiten Zunge
(500) überlappen.
2. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die erste und zweite Zunge (500)
Innenkanten (512) aufweisen und die erste und zweite Endabdichtung (404) Innenkanten
(514) aufweisen, wobei die Innenkanten (512) der ersten und zweiten Zunge (500) relativ
zu einer Längsmitte des photoleitenden Elements (305) außerhalb der Innenkanten (514)
der ersten und zweiten Endabdichtung (404) angeordnet sind.
3. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die erste und zweite Zunge (500)
Innenkanten (512) aufweisen und die erste und zweite Endabdichtung (404) Innenkanten
(514) aufweisen, wobei die Innenkanten (512) der ersten und zweiten Zunge (500) im
Wesentlichen nach den Innenkanten (514) der ersten und zweiten Endabdichtung (404)
ausgerichtet sind.
4. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die erste und zweite Zunge (500)
Innenkanten (512) aufweisen und die erste und zweite Endabdichtung (404) Innenkanten
(514) aufweisen, wobei die Innenkanten (512) der ersten und zweiten Zunge (500) von
den Innenkanten (514) der ersten und zweiten Endabdichtung (404) versetzt sind.
5. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens eine von der ersten und
zweiten Zunge (500) eine abgewinkelte Innenkante (512B) umfasst, die relativ zu einer
Drehrichtung des photoleitenden Elements (305) der Kante (400D) des Reinigungsblatts
(400) vorgelagert ist, wobei die abgewinkelte Innenkante (512B) relativ zu einer hinteren
Kante der unteren Abdichtung (402) eines von einem spitzen Winkel, einem stumpfen
Winkel und einem rechten Winkel aufweist.
6. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens eine von der ersten und
zweiten Zunge (500) einen konturierten Innenkantenabschnitt (512C) umfasst, der relativ
zu einer Drehrichtung des photoleitenden Elements (305) der Kante (400D) des Reinigungsblatts
(400) vorgelagert ist.
7. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens eine von der ersten
und zweiten Zunge (500) eine Vielzahl von Erhöhungen (540) umfasst, die an jeweiligen
unteren Oberflächen davon, welche das photoleitende Element (305) berühren, gebildet
sind, wobei die Vielzahl von Erhöhungen (540) Tonerpartikel nahe einem Endabschnitt
des photoleitenden Elements (305) erfassen und die Tonerpartikel in Bereiche der Oberfläche
des photoleitenden Elements (305), die durch die Kante (400D) des Reinigungsblatts
(400) berührt werden, verdrängen.
8. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens eine von der ersten
und zweiten Zunge (500) eine oder mehrere Schnittsektionen (551, 553, 560) umfasst,
die sich durch die Zunge (500) erstrecken, wobei die eine oder die mehreren Schnittsektionen
(551, 553, 560) Durchgänge für eine Bewegung der Tonerpartikel nahe einem Endabschnitt
(305A, 305B) des photoleitenden Elements (305) in Richtung der Kante (400D) des Reinigungsblatts
(400), die das photoleitende Element (305) berührt, erzeugen.
9. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei die eine oder die mehreren Schnittsektionen
aus Aussparungen (551, 553) bestehen.
10. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei die eine oder die mehreren Schnittsektionen
aus Schlitzen (560) bestehen.
11. Entfernbare Einheit (320) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens eine von der ersten und
zweiten Zunge (500) eine nichtlineare Innenkante umfasst.
1. Une unité amovible (320) pour un dispositif de formation d'image, comprenant :
un élément photoconducteur (305) ayant des portions d'extrémité respectives (305A,
305B) ;
une lame de nettoyage (400) s'étendant sur l'élément photoconducteur (305) et ayant
un bord (400D) se mettant au contact d'une surface de l'élément photoconducteur (305)
afin de retirer du toner de celle-ci ; et
un joint d'étanchéité inférieur (402) disposé adjacent à la lame de nettoyage (400)
et s'étendant sur une longueur de la lame de nettoyage (400) de telle sorte qu'une
ouverture (410) pour capturer du toner retiré est formée entre la lame de nettoyage
(400) et le joint d'étanchéité inférieur (402), le joint d'étanchéité inférieur (402)
incluant des première et deuxième pattes (500) formées de manière solidaire avec le
joint d'étanchéité inférieur (402) en tant que pièce unitaire, faisant saillie au
niveau d'extrémités opposées de celui-ci et s'étendant entre la lame de nettoyage
(400) et l'élément photoconducteur (305) de telle sorte que les première et deuxième
pattes (500) empêchent des sections d'extrémité longitudinale de la lame de nettoyage
(400) de se mettre au contact de la surface de l'élément photoconducteur (305) au
niveau des portions d'extrémité respectives (305A, 305B) de celui-ci
caractérisée par le fait que
l'unité amovible (320) comprend en sus des premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité
d'extrémité (404) disposés au niveau des portions d'extrémité respectives (305A, 305B)
de l'élément photoconducteur (305) et sollicités afin de se mettre au contact de la
lame de nettoyage (400) et du joint d'étanchéité inférieur (402) pour empêcher que
du toner ne s'échappe, les premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité d'extrémité (404)
chevauchant une portion des première et deuxième pattes (500), respectivement.
2. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle les première et deuxième
pattes (500) ont des bords intérieurs (512) et les premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité
d'extrémité (404) ont des bords internes (514), les bords intérieurs (512) des première
et deuxième pattes (500) étant disposés à l'extérieur des bords internes (514) des
premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité d'extrémité (404), relativement à un centre
longitudinal de l'élément photoconducteur (305).
3. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle les première et deuxième
pattes (500) ont des bords intérieurs (512) et les premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité
d'extrémité (404) ont des bords internes (514), les bords intérieurs (512) des première
et deuxième pattes (500) étant substantiellement alignés avec les bords internes (514)
des premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité d'extrémité (404).
4. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle les première et deuxième
pattes (500) ont des bords intérieurs (512) et les premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité
d'extrémité (404) ont des bords internes (514), les bords intérieurs (512) des première
et deuxième pattes (500) étant placés en décalé par rapport aux bords internes (514)
des premier et deuxième joints d'étanchéité d'extrémité (404).
5. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle au moins une des première
et deuxième pattes (500) inclut un bord intérieur en biais (512B) placé en amont par
rapport au bord (400D) de la lame de nettoyage (400) relativement à une direction
de rotation de l'élément photoconducteur (305), le bord intérieur en biais (512B)
étant ou bien à un angle aigu, ou bien à un angle obtus, ou bien à un angle orthogonal
relativement à un bord de fuite du joint d'étanchéité inférieur (402).
6. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle au moins une des première
et deuxième pattes (500) inclut une portion de bord intérieur profilée (512C) placée
en amont par rapport au bord (400D) de la lame de nettoyage (400), relativement à
une direction de rotation de l'élément photoconducteur (305).
7. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'au moins une des première
et deuxième pattes (500) inclut une pluralité d'arêtes (540) formées au niveau de
surfaces de dessous respectives de celles-ci se mettant au contact de l'élément photoconducteur
(305), la pluralité d'arêtes (540) capturant des particules de toner près d'une portion
d'extrémité de l'élément photoconducteur (305) et délogeant les particules de toner
au niveau de zones de la surface de l'élément photoconducteur (305) au contact desquelles
se met le bord (400D) de la lame de nettoyage (400).
8. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'au moins une des première
et deuxième pattes (500) inclut une ou plusieurs sections découpées (551, 553, 560)
s'étendant à travers la patte (500), les une ou plusieurs sections découpées (551,
553, 560) créant des voies de passage pour que les particules de toner près d'une
portion d'extrémité (305A, 305B) de l'élément photoconducteur (305) se déplacent vers
le bord (400D) de la lame de nettoyage (400) se mettant au contact de l'élément photoconducteur
(305).
9. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 8, dans laquelle les une ou plusieurs sections
découpées consistent en des fentes (551, 553).
10. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 8, dans laquelle les une ou plusieurs sections
découpées consistent en des fissures (560).
11. L'unité amovible (320) de la revendication 1, dans laquelle au moins une des première
et deuxième pattes (500) inclut un bord intérieur non linéaire.