Cleaning device and image forming apparatus including the cleaning device that controls occurrences of background fouling and abnormal image
US7277657B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/168
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cleaning device is used in an image forming apparatus to remove residual attachments including toner and paper powders from a surface of a movable intermediate transfer element onto which toner images are transferred from an image carrier. The cleaning device includes a cleaning brush that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer element to apply a bias having a predetermined polarity to the toner adhered onto the surface of the intermediate transfer element so as to make uniform a polarity of the toner. The cleaning device further includes a pressing member that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer element with a predetermined pressure. The pressing member is disposed at a position upstream of the cleaning brush in a direction of movement of the intermediate transfer element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.