US4426151A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cleaning device for cleaning an image bearing member with developer
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1981-12-11
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Granted: 1984-01-17
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Expires: 2001-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A cleaning device for removing excess developer which remains on the image bearing member of an image formation apparatus after transfer of a developed image has a conveyor for conveying developer to a position which faces the image bearing member, and a device for bringing the conveyed developer into contact with the surface of the image bearing member to effect cleaning.
Inventors
- 👤 Yoshinori Aguro
- 👤 Akiyoshi Torigai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:38
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/0005; G03G21/0011; G03G21/0017; G03G21/0047; G03G2221/00; G03G2221/0005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
An image formation apparatus comprising: a movable image bearing member; means for forming a developed image on said image bearing member with a dry developer; means for transferring the developed image to a transfer material; and a cleaning device, provided downstream of said transfer means with respect to the moving direction of said image bearing member, for removing developer remaining on the surface of said image bearing member, said cleaning device including means for conveying dry developer toward said image bearing member and means for bringing the developer on said conveying means into contact with the surface of said image bearing member to effect cleaning.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
An image formation apparatus comprising: a movable image bearing member; means for forming a developed image on said image bearing member with a dry developer; means for transferring the developed image to a transfer material; and a cleaning device, provided downstream of said transfer means with respect to the moving direction of said image bearing member, for removing developer remaining on the surface of said image bearing member, said cleaning device including means for conveying dry developer toward said image bearing member and means for bringing the developer on said conveying means into contact with the surface of said image bearing member to effect cleaning.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said conveying means is a magnet roller for conveying dry magnetic developer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for bringing the developer into contact with the surface of said image bearing member has a scraper member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said conveying means has a developer layer thickness regulating member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said developer layer thickness regulating member sets the developer layer thickness t to a value smaller than the minimum clearance W between said conveying means and said image bearing member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said scraper member has one end supported and the other end is a free end in proximity or in contact with said conveying means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
A cleaning device for removing dry developer remaining on the surface of a movable image bearing member of an image formation apparatus after a developed image thereon is transferred, comprising; cleaning means for engaging the surface of the image bearing member; developer conveying means for conveying dry developer and disposed upstream of the engaging portion of said cleaning means with respect to the direction of movement of the image bearing member; and means for bringing the developer on said conveying means into contact with the surface of the image bearing member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
A cleaning device for removing dry developer remaining on the surface of a movable image bearing member of an image formation apparatus after a developed image thereon is transferred, comprising; cleaning means for engaging the surface of the image bearing member; developer conveying means for conveying dry developer and disposed upstream of the engaging portion of said cleaning means with respect to the direction of movement of the image bearing member; and means for bringing the developer on said conveying means into contact with the surface of the image bearing member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein said conveying means is a magnet roller for conveying magnetic developer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
A cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein said means for bringing the developer into contact with the surface of the image bearing member has a scraper member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein said conveying means has a developer layer thickness regulating member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
A cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein said developer layer thickness regulating member sets the developer layer thickness t to a value smaller than the minimum clearance between said means and the image bearing member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
A cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein said scraper member has one end supported and the other end is a free end and is brought into proximity or contact with said conveying means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein said cleaning means is an elastic blade.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein said means for bringing the developer into contact with the surface of the image bearing member has a scraper member connected to said elastic blade.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
A cleaning device according to claim 14, wherein said scraper member has a plurality of openings therein.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
A cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein said scraper member brings the developer into contact with the surface of the image bearing member at a position after it has passed the minimum clearance between said conveying means and said image bearing member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-16 | 1987-07-18 | 1988-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-16 | 1991-07-18 | 1992-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-16 | 1995-07-18 | 1996-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |