Cleaning unit, process cartridge incorporating same, and image forming apparatus incorporating the cleaning unit
US8315535B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1621
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cleaning unit, which can be incorporated in a process cartridge removably installable in an image forming apparatus, includes a lubricant applicator to apply lubricant to an image carrier, a first blade disposed upstream from the lubricant applicator in a direction of rotation of the image carrier with its distal end held in contact with the image carrier to remove residual toner remaining on the image carrier, a second blade disposed downstream from the lubricant applicator in the direction of rotation of the image carrier with its distal end held in contact with the image carrier to regulate the amount of lubricant applied to the image carrier, a temperature measuring member to measure a temperature of or near the second blade, a heater, and a temperature controller to control the heater to heat the second blade so that the measured temperature falls within a given set temperature range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.