Separator; Cleaning - Oki LP-1040 Maintenance Manual

12.5.6

Separator

After the transfer process, the diffuse process consists of using both a standard discharge
separation and a separating claw.
(1) Separator unit functions
(a) Paper discharge function
This discharges electricity so that no reverse polarity electrical charge is left on the paper
separator and photoconductor drum.
(2) Outline of the AC discharge separation method
In order to perform paper separation well, a discharge needle or AC charger unit is used after
the transfer process has completed, and the paper is discharged. This method is what is known
as the AC discharge separation method.
When an OPC photoconductor is used, the paper is charged positively via a transfer, sticking to
the surface of the photoconductor drum through the electrostatic force generated. Therefore,
an AC corona discharge is released by the separator charger unit to remove the electrostatic
force from the paper and the drum in order to separate the paper from the drum.
Generally, thin, flexible paper often causes separation problems. Thus, you must decide on a
range for the AC discharge voltage value and the allowed value based on the image quality and
separation ability.
The separator guide protects the paper from entering into the separator unit. Also, the surface
of the separator guide is covered with a conductive coating so that the electric potential of the
paper surface and the paper will be the same, preventing toner from scattering.
12.5.7

Cleaning

If there is leftover toner that was not transferred particles of paper left on the photoconductor,
those can cause problems for the next process, or get into the developer unit and cause
problems there. Cleaning is the process of removing those deposits left behind on the
photoconductor.
This Printer uses a mechanical peeling blade cleaning system.
(1) Cleaning functions
(a) Removal of leftover toner on the photoconductor drum surface
Uses a blade to remove leftover toner, paper particles, and other foreign particles on the
surface of the photoconductor drum.
(b) Photoconductor surface polishing function
Applies the blade to the photoconductor drum surface to polish it and prevent deterioration
of the drum surface due to toner filming, etc.
(c) Toner transport function
Transports waste toner using an auger screw.
(d) Splash protection function
A film is used to prevent toner splashing.
(2) Blade cleaning outline (blade cleaning method)
A wear resistant blade made of polyurethane is used to clean leftover toner off the drum
surface.
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