Cleaning blade defect sensing arrangement
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorJoan R. Ewing
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An elastomeric cleaning blade supported in cleaning relationship with the imaging surface of an electrophotographic device, for removal of residual toner on the surface, is provided with a cleaning edge having predetermined and detectable characteristics of the cleaning blade. An electrical signal is applied to the cleaning edge, and variations in the electrical characteristics are monitored. Change in the electrical characteristics of the cleaning blade edge will be highly indicative of a cleaning blade failure, or impending failure. A signal based on the variation in electrical characteristics may be produced to create a warning indication or cause a corrective response to occur.
Claims27
A cleaning blade for use in removal of dry toner from a surface in an electrostatographic device, said cleaning blade comprising:
- a cleaning blade body formed from an elastomeric material;
- at least one cleaning edge formed on the blade body, and adapted for cleaning contact with the surface in an electrostatographic device;
- said at least one cleaning edge having predetermined and detectable electrical characteristics, variable with wear and damage.
In an electrostatographic imaging device providing a cleaning blade for removal of residual toner from a surface subsequent to the imaging process, the cleaning blade subject to wear and damage, a cleaning blade defect detecting arrangement comprising:
- a cleaning blade body formed from an elastomeric material;
- at least one cleaning edge formed on the cleaning blade body, and adapted for cleaning contact with a surface;
- said at least one cleaning edge having predetermined and detectable electrical characteristics, variable with wear and damage;
- means for monitoring the electrical characteristics of the cleaning edge;
- and
- means for detecting variations in the monitored electrical characteristics of the cleaning edge.
In an electrostatographic imaging device providing cleaning blade removal of residual toner from a surface subsequent to the imaging process, the cleaning blade subject to wear and damage, a cleaning blade defect detecting arrangement comprising:
- a cleaning blade support;
- a cleaning blade body formed from an elastomeric material;
- a cleaning edge formed on the cleaning blade body, and adapted for cleaning contact with a surface;
- the cleaning blade support receiving and supporting said cleaning body so that the cleaning edge is in cleaning contact with the surface;
- said cleaning edge having predetermined and detectable electrical characteristics, variable with wear and damage;
- a power supply for providing a current through the cleaning edge;
- means for monitoring the changes in the current through the cleaning edge;
- and
- means for detecting variations in the monitored current through the cleaning edge to produce a fault signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.