Cleaning means for image transfer unit in electrophotographic copying machines
US4183655A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/1652
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image transfer unit provided with cleaning means for use in an electrophotographic copying machine comprising an electrically conductive transfer roller disposed in abutting relationship with a photosensitive member, an electrically conductive, rotatable cleaning means disposed in abutting relationship with the transfer roller, and electrical bias means connected with the cleaning means and having a switchable polarity. During a transfer step, a bias voltage of opposite polarity to that of the toner is applied to the transfer roller through the cleaning means. At this time, toner attaching to the transfer roller is electrostatically transferred onto the cleaning means. During a cleaning step, a bias voltage of the same polarity as the toner is applied to the cleaning means, whereby the toner attaching thereto is transferred back to the photosensitive member through the transfer roller. The toner which is transferred back to the photosensitive member is removed by separate cleaning means.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.