Abstract: Provided are a charging member capable of maintaining excellent wear resistance even after repeated use, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each having the charging member. The charging member is characterized in that its surface layer has a polysiloxane to which a silsesquioxane is bonded.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus including: a photoconductor provided with a charge generation layer and an overcoat layer; a first charging unit charging the photoconductor when an image is formed; an exposure unit irradiating the photoconductor with light having a wavelength to which a relative sensitivity of the charge generation layer is larger than a relative sensitivity of the overcoat layer; a development unit developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor by the first charging unit and the exposure unit with toner; a transfer unit transferring an image developed on the photoconductor to a medium; a light irradiation unit irradiating the photoconductor with light having a wavelength to which the relative sensitivity of the overcoat layer is larger than the relative sensitivity of the charge generation layer; and an erasing unit erasing a charge from the photoconductor irradiated with light by the light irradiation unit.

Abstract: A charging device (10) includes electrospray means for inducing electrospraying through application of a voltage to an incoming liquid (11), in order to produce charged liquid droplets (13). The device (10) charges a photoreceptor drum (1) by means of the liquid droplets (13). Hence, the invention provides a charging device capable of reducing ozone production while preventing the charging device and the electrostatic latent image carrier from degrading or wearing out from friction between the device and the carrier and provides also an image forming device incorporating the charging device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member and a charging device configured to charge the image bearing member. The charging device includes a magnetic particle carrier and a magnetic particle regulating member configured to regulate magnetic particles carried by the magnetic particle carrier. The charging device causes the magnetic particles carried by the magnetic particle carrier to contact the image bearing member, and applies a voltage to the magnetic particle carrier to charge the image bearing member. An electrode has a contact area via which the electrode can contact magnetic particles stored in a particle pool defined by the magnetic particle carrier and the magnetic particle regulating member. The contact area is variable according to an amount of the magnetic particles stored in the particle pool. A current detection device detects a value of current flowing from the magnetic particle carrier to the electrode via the magnetic particles.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus detachably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus, includes a rotatable image bearing member on which a latent image is to be formed; charging means for contacting said image bearing member to charge a surface of said image bearing member; a frame supporting said image bearing member and said charging means; a covering member, demountably mounted to said frame, for protecting the surface of said image bearing member; and a spacer member including a spacing portion, movably provided on said covering member, for entering between said image bearing member and said charging means to space them therebetween, and a retaining portion, contacting said covering member when said spacing portion is not between said image bearing member and said charging means, for preventing said spacer member from disengaging from said covering member.

Abstract: A charging device has a stainless steel sheet electrode for charging an image bearing member, and a cleaner for cleaning the stainless steel sheet electrode. The stainless steel sheet electrode has a thickness within a range from 50 ?m to 60 ?m and comprises aligned triangular pins. Each of the triangular pins has a vertex angle within a range from 10 degrees to 30 degrees. The cleaner has two grinding members comprising abrasive grains having an average diameter within a range from 2 ?m to 9 ?m, and the two grinding members are in contact with, respectively, both main surfaces of the sheet electrode. The cleaner and the sheet electrode are moved relative to each other at a constant speed by a force equal to or less than 2N.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for charging a member to be charged by contacting magnetic particles to the member to be charged, includes a magnetic particle carrying member for magnetically carrying the magnetic particles, wherein the magnetic particle carrying member is provided at a longitudinal end portion of the magnetic particle carrying member with an insulative portion for electrically insulating from the magnetic particles carried by the magnetic particle carrying member; and an electroconductive member disposed for contacting the magnetic particles carried on the insulative portion, wherein an absolute value of a potential of the electroconductive member is lower than an absolute value of a voltage applied to the magnetic particle carrying member.

Abstract: A developing unit and an image forming apparatus having the same. The developing unit includes a controlling unit to restrict a contact position between the charging roller and a photosensitive body, thereby preventing deformation of the charging roller caused when the developing unit is not used for a long period of time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a charging member which charges the image carrier and is arranged to provide an interval between itself and the image carrier, a power source to apply a voltage to the charging member, a measuring section to measure a voltage or a current between the image carrier and the charging member, and a gap adjustment section to adjust a gap between the image carrier and the charging member based on a measurement result of the voltage or the current.

Abstract: A charging brush unit includes a brush and a conductive holder. The brush includes a plurality of flexible conductive fibers. The plurality of flexible conductive fibers is supplied with a charging bias to generate electrical discharge between a top of the plurality of conductive fibers and a latent image carrier across a gap formed between the top of the plurality of conductive fibers and the latent image carrier. The gap is provided with an electrode. The electrode includes a plurality of openings opposing the top of the plurality of conductive fibers and is supplied with a bias different from the charging bias applied to the plurality of conductive fibers. The conductive holder holds the brush.

Abstract: A printer cartridge is provided that allows a charge roller to be separated from a photoconductive drum when the printer cartridge is not used within an image forming device. The printer cartridge includes the photoconductive drum, the charge roller, and a separating member having a resilient member disposed thereon with the separating member being disposed on the charge roller. The separating member engages and disengages the photoconductive drum in a first position and in a second position. The first position provides a spaced relationship between the charge roller and the photoconductive drum and the second position provides an engaged relationship between the charge roller and the photoconductive drum. The printer cartridge also includes the photoconductive drum disposed adjacent to the charge roller in an offset orientation that includes a centerline of a charge roller shaft offset by a predetermined distance from a centerline of a photoconductive drum shaft.

Abstract: A charging member is provided which can inhibit defective images due to poor charging and adhering substances from occurring even after being repeatedly used for a long time, and can inhibit deformation and defective images due to the C set, caused by a change in rotational speed accompanying such deformation even after being left standing in a stopping state for a long time. The charging member includes a conductive support and a surface layer. The surface layer includes a binder and resin particles dispersed in the binder, each resin particle having a depressed portion on its surface. Protrusions resulting from the resin particles are formed on the surface of the surface layer. The protrusions each have a depressed portion resulting from the depressed portion of the resin particle, and the surface of the resin particle is covered with the binder.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including: an image carrier carrying an image; a charging roll charging the image carrier; a cleaning member configured to be brought into contact with the charging roll for cleaning the charging roll; a first holding portion detachably provided in an apparatus main body for holding the image carrier; and a second holding portion provided within the apparatus main body independently from the first holding portion, for holding the cleaning member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member; a corona charger provided with a discharging wire for electrically charging the photosensitive member; an exposure device for exposing to light the photosensitive member charged by the corona charger to form an electrostatic image on the photosensitive member; a developing device for developing the electrostatic image with toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive member; a transfer device for transferring the toner image from the photosensitive member onto a sheet; an adjusting device for adjusting a distance from the discharging wire to the photosensitive member; a detecting device for detecting information corresponding to a surface potential of the photosensitive member at least two points, along a longitudinal direction of the corona charger, in an area in which the photosensitive member is charged by the corona charger; and an executing device for executing an adjusting mode in which a reference mark for positioning the sheet at a refe

Abstract: Imaging methods, imaging member charging methods, and image engines are described. According to one embodiment, an imaging method includes providing an imaging member having an outer surface comprising a plurality of portions having a plurality of different radii, rotating the portions of the outer surface of the imaging member adjacent to a charge device configured to provide an electrical charge to the imaging member which is usable for imaging, first controlling a position of the charge device with respect to one of the portions of the outer surface of the imaging member using the one of the portions of the outer surface at one moment in time, second controlling a position of the charge device with respect to an other of the portions of the outer surface of the imaging member using a positioning control system at an other moment in time, and using the charge device, providing the electrical charge to the one of the portions of the imaging member at the one moment in time.

Abstract: In this invention, the charging units are in the separate construction for the main chargers and for the ozone ducts. When installing the process units, the ozone ducts are placed on the elastic sheets of the duct cases that are fixed to the main frame. The process units are slid while slanting the ozone ducts to the duct cases by the main chargers against the bias force of the elastic sheets. Fluctuation in manufacturing accuracy is absorbed by the elastic sheets and the maintenance efficiency when installing/removing the process units is improved by sliding the process units smoothly. Further, the charging units are supported certainly by the main frame.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a photosensitive member and a charger for charging the photosensitive member. The photosensitive member has a photosensitive surface that moves in a moving direction and that is configured to form a latent electrostatic image thereon. The charger opposes the photosensitive surface and includes a wire electrode, a grid electrode and a shield electrode. The wire electrode is applied with a voltage for charging the photosensitive surface. The grid electrode is disposed between the wire electrode and the photosensitive surface.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image carrier, a cleaning device, a charging device and a shielding member. The image carrier carries a toner image thereon. The cleaning device removes a toner on the image carrier. The charging device charges the image carrier. The shielding member is disposed between the cleaning device and the charging device. The shielding member is in contact with the image carrier in an area where the image carrier is charged.

Abstract: A guide is used to protect a corona cartridge during shipping and during insertion into an electrostatic marking apparatus. The guide has dimensions that will permit the cartridge to fit therein and has a locking mechanism that securely holds the cartridge in place during shipment or movement. When the cartridge is to be removed from the guide and inserted into an electrostatic marking system, a handle attached to a latch is used to free the latch from a groove in the guide. The groove in the guide is located between two upwardly protruding ramps having a slidable side and a locking side that abuts the latch and holds it in place until activation when the latch handle frees it from the groove.

Abstract: A device that improves the effectiveness of a corona charging element cleaner by forcing it to travel to the end-limits of the outboard end of the corona charging element to ensure that the corona charging element is completely wiped clean. The device uses a pawl and rack to affect a ratchet-like motion, the direction of which permits travel in the opposite direction only after the limit of travel is reached.

Abstract: A cartridge may include a frame; a photosensitive member that is rotatably supported about a rotation axis inside the frame; a discharge induction electrode that is supported inside the frame and detachably attachable to the frame from outside the frame in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member; and a discharge electrode that is supported inside the frame opposite the discharge induction electrode and detachably attachable to the frame from outside the frame in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member. The discharge electrode may be detachably attachable to the frame independent of the discharge induction electrode when the discharge induction electrode is supported inside the frame.

Abstract: An ion generating device provided in an image forming apparatus of the present invention as a charging device for charging before a first transfer, a charging device for charging before a second transfer, or a charge device for charging an electrostatic latent image is arranged such that a discharge electrode can move with respect to a dielectric material and the relative positions of the discharge electrode and the dielectric material can be changed. This makes it possible to provide: a long-life ion generating device whose life has been extended by making effective use of a dielectric material; and an image forming apparatus including the ion generating device.

Abstract: A process cartridge in which before use, the separation of a predetermined distance between a charging roller and a photosensitive drum can be maintained, and in use, the separation state of the charging roller can be released without increasing the burden on a user. The process cartridge includes a charging roller separation member moveable between the first position to hold the separation of the charging roller from the photosensitive drum and the second position to abut the charging roller on the photosensitive drum. One of a photosensitive member unit and a developing unit includes a hook portion holding the separation member in the first position, and the other includes a hook portion that releases the separation member from the hook portion to move the separation member to the second position when the developing unit is pivoted.

Abstract: High torque causing machine failures and motor damage are corrected by the embodiments of this invention. Springs are put on both ends of the lead shaft and the windings around the lead shaft are reduced to substantially reduce the torque created during a power on-power off situation in addition to during normal operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging apparatus usable with an image forming apparatus that includes a body to be charged; a housing to rotatably support the body to be charged, a charging member to charge a surface of the body to be charged to a predetermined electric potential, a cleaning member to clean foreign materials remaining on the surface of the body to be charged, and a cleaning member supporting bracket disposed in the housing to support the cleaning member and the charging member.

Abstract: A conductive member including a conductive supporting body (1), an electric resistance adjusting layer (2) formed on the conductive supporting body (1), and space holding members (3, 3) provided on opposite ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer (2), at least one engaging projection (50, 60,70, 80) being provided on one of the electric resistance adjusting layer (2) and each of the space holding members (3, 3), and an engaging opening (51, 61, 71, 81) in which the engaging projection is inserted being provided in the other of the electric resistance adjusting layer (2) and each of the space holding members (3, 3).

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a main frame including a photosensitive medium, and a charging member frame including a charging member to charge the photosensitive medium and detachably disposed at the main frame. The main frame includes a plurality of frame reference grooves, and the charging member frame includes a plurality of frame reference projections to be inserted into the plurality of frame reference grooves of the main frame.

Abstract: An electrostatic charger according to the present invention includes a needle electrode, a support, and a cleaning member. The needle electrode has a linear array of needles. The support can move along the linear array. The cleaning member is supported by the support rotatably on an axis perpendicular to the linear array. While the support is moving with the cleaning member along the linear array, the cleaning member rotates, with the needles sinking in order into and subsequently coming in order out of the cleaning member. When the cleaning member makes each rotation while moving with the support, some of the needles sink in positions into the cleaning member where any other needles did not sink when the cleaning member made the previous rotation.

Abstract: A roller spacing apparatus and an image forming device including the same. The roller spacing apparatus includes a frame, a first rotatable roller member having a first shaft, a second rotatable roller member having a second shaft and being rotatable in a close contact with the first roller member under a predetermined pressure, and at least one spacing part to space apart the first and the second roller members from each other by a predetermined gap such that the first and the second roller members are not in contact with each other when the first and the second roller members are not in use.

Abstract: An image forming unit is provided with a regulating member placed in such a way as to surround a charging roller to regulate movement thereof. The regulating member has a pressing section inclined with respect to a straight line connecting the center of the charging roller to the axis of the photoconductor, as seen from the axial direction of the photoconductor. The pressing section is inclined farther away from the photoconductor toward upstream of rotation of the photoconductor. The regulating member allows the charging roller to electrically charge the photoconductor with a simplified structure and prevents adhering substances from accumulating on the contact portion between the photoconductor and the charging roller.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus of a so-called tandem type which has image forming units in correspondence with colors is provided. In the color image forming apparatus, a color discrepancy amount storage unit stores information of a color discrepancy amount of each of the image forming units, which is measured in advance. A first color discrepancy correcting unit performs color discrepancy correction in a pixel unit by performing coordinate conversion of bitmap data to be printed based on the information of the color discrepancy amount stored in the color discrepancy amount storage unit. A second color discrepancy correcting unit performs color discrepancy correction in less than a pixel unit by performing tone correction of the bitmap data corrected by the first color discrepancy correcting unit based on the information of the color discrepancy amount stored in the color discrepancy amount storage unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units arranged in parallel, each image forming unit having an image carrying member and a charging roller disposed face to face with the image carrying member for electrically charging the image carrying member, and a shifting mechanism for selectively shifting at least one charging roller between a first position where the charging roller is brought into contact with the corresponding image carrying member to electrically charge the image carrying member in contact manner and a second position where the charging roller is moved away from the corresponding image carrying member to electrically charge the image carrying member in non-contact manner.

Abstract: An image carrying cartridge includes a shaft, an image carrying member, a first casing, and a second casing. The image carrying member is formed with a shaft insertion-hole through which the shaft is inserted. The first casing includes two first walls formed with a first through-hole. Each of the first walls opposes each end of the image carrying member in a axial direction of the shaft. The second casing includes two second walls formed with a second through-hole. Each of the second walls opposes each of the first walls in the axial direction. The first casing and the second casing are coupled by insertion of the shaft through the first though-hole and the second through-hole to provide an inner space in which the image carrying member is accommodated.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image carrying member, on a surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a charging roll that is in contact with the image carrying member to charge the surface of the image carrying member to a prescribed potential. The charging roll has, in non-image forming areas in both end parts in an axial direction of the charging roll, large diameter parts having a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of a center part of the charging roll, and small diameter parts having a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the center part inside the large diameter parts in the axial direction. Differences in outer diameter of the large diameter part and the small diameter part from the outer diameter of the center part each is approximately 0.25% or less of the outer diameter of the center part.

Abstract: In this invention, the charging units are in the separate construction for the main chargers and for the ozone ducts. When installing the process units, the ozone ducts are placed on the elastic sheets of the duct cases that are fixed to the main frame. The process units are slid while slanting the ozone ducts to the duct cases by the main chargers against the bias force of the elastic sheets. Fluctuation in manufacturing accuracy is absorbed by the elastic sheets and the maintenance efficiency when installing/removing the process units is improved by sliding the process units smoothly. Further, the charging units are supported certainly by the main frame.

Abstract: An image carrier unit that is removably loaded into a main body of an image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier on which an image is formed; a charge roll that charges the image carrier; a biasing member that causes the charge roll to be pressed against the image carrier; and a separation cover provided with a cover portion that covers the charge roll by a latching portion thereof being caused to latch into a body frame of the image carrier unit and the cover portion being rotated toward the charge roll, and a hook portion disposed on the cover portion, that is inserted between the charge roll and the image carrier and is hooked onto the charge roll when the cover portion is rotated toward the charge roll so as to cause the charge roll to separate from the image carrier.

Abstract: A roller spacing apparatus and an image forming device including the same. The roller spacing apparatus includes a first roller member that is rotatable, a second roller member that is rotatable in a close contact with the first roller member under a predetermined pressure, and at least one spacing part to space apart the first and the second roller members from each other by a predetermined gap such that the first and the second roller members are not in contact with each other when the first and the second roller members are not in use. The spacing part includes a bushing member that has a bushing to rotatably support a shaft of at least one of the first and the second roller members and a lever disposed at the bushing to rotate the bushing, the bushing having an inner diameter part to support the shaft and an outer diameter part, the inner and outer diameter parts being non-concentric circles, and a stopping member to restrict an operation range of the lever.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a photosensitive member, a charger, a frame and a block member. The charger charges the photosensitive member and includes a charging wire and a grid electrode, which is provided between the charging wire and the photosensitive member, and which has an opening area in a surface opposing the photosensitive member. The frame supports the photosensitive member and the charger. The block member is provided between the charging wire and an end portion of the grid electrode in a longitudinal direction thereof and prevents a marginal area of the grid electrode from facing the charging wire in a direction with a minimum distance therebetween, the marginal area being defined between an end of the grid electrode and an end of the opening area.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a photosensitive member, a charger, which charges the photo sensitive member, and a process frame, which supports the photo sensitive member and the charger. The charger includes a charged wire, a grid that is interposed between the charged wire and the photosensitive member, a wire-side connecting portion that applies a voltage to the charged wire, and a grid-side connecting portion that applies a voltage to the charged wire. The process frame comprises an exposure opening that faces the photosensitive member, the exposure opening being provided between the wire-side connecting portion and the grid-side connecting portion when viewed from a first direction in which the charged wire is stretched.

Abstract: A charger includes a frame and a cover member, together defining an internal space. A discharge wire for producing a discharge for a photosensitive drum is disposed within the internal space. A cleaner for cleaning the discharge wire is also disposed within the internal space. When the cover member is open, a user accesses the cleaner and slides the cleaner on the discharge wire, thereby cleaning the discharge wire.

Abstract: A charging member, which can be provided in a process cartridge and/or in an image forming apparatus, includes a conductive supporting member, an electrical resistance control layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the conductive supporting member, and a nonconductive gap retaining member configured to retain a gap between the conductive supporting member and an image carrying member closely disposed to each other to have a constant distance. At least a portion of the nonconductive gap retaining member is mounted on the electrical resistance control layer at both ends of the conductive supporting member, and a circumference of the nonconductive gap retaining member projects from the electrical resistance control layer. An amount of projection of the gap retaining member from the electrical resistance control layer decreases as the gap retaining member tapers in a direction toward a center of an image formation region.

Abstract: This is a modular connector used to supply electricity and air to a corona assembly. The connector has an electrical component removably positioned on an air component. When one of these components becomes inoperative, it can be detached from the other component, and the detached component replaced with new functional component. The air component is configured to remove effluents such as ozone and NOx from the corona assembly.

Abstract: A method of controlling AC voltages applied to a charging member to bring a photoreceptor to a state of uniform charging, with reduced time required for setting AC voltage value. The method includes the steps of determining a relational expression between AC voltage and AC current flowing into the charge receptor member using a discharge onset voltage Vth, a first detection current flowing into the charge receptor member under a first AC voltage of 2×Vth or larger, a second detection current under a second AC voltage, which is 2×Vth or larger and different from the first AC voltage; and obtaining a third AC voltage by substituting a predetermined standard AC current value into the relational expression. When the third AC current under the third AC voltage, which is actually applied to the charging member, is within a predetermined range, the third AC voltage is set as the AC voltage to be applied to the charging member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image carrier with rotary shafts extending from both ends that are rotatably supported on an apparatus body by bearings. Gap members fixed to both end portions of a charging roller are brought in contact with the peripheral surface of the image carrier with some pressure to form a charge gap between the image carrier and the charging roller so that the charging roller charges the image carrier in a non-contact state with the charge gap. The gap members have a small-diameter portion on the inside thereof and a large-diameter portion on the outside thereof such that the small-diameter portions face each other.

Abstract: A development system for an electrophotographic machine in which uncharged toner is stored in a housing having an opening. A rotatable dispensing roll is mounted in the housing opening. An overhung metering blade mounted at the housing opening meters a layer of uncharged toner onto the dispensing roll. An ion or electron charging device places a charge on the toner layer residing on the dispensing roll prior to the transportation thereof by the dispensing roll to a captive magnetic brush. The magnetic brush transports the two component developer on the magnetic brush to a development zone for either direct development of a latent image on a moving imaging surface or to coat donor rolls for AC/DC generated toner cloud development of a latent image.

Abstract: An image-forming device including a plurality of supporting rollers, a photosensitive belt, a pressing roller, an intermediate roller, and a charging roller. The plurality of supporting rollers includes a preselected supporting roller. The photosensitive belt is circularly movably supported on the plurality of supporting rollers. The pressing roller is disposed to contact the photosensitive belt and to press the preselected supporting roller through the photosensitive belt. The intermediate roller is disposed away from the photosensitive belt and to contact the pressing roller. The intermediate roller is rotatable following rotation of the pressing roller. The charging roller is disposed to contact both the photosensitive belt and the intermediate roller and to press the preselected supporting roller through the photosensitive belt. The charging roller is rotatable following rotation of the intermediate roller to thereby charge the photosensitive belt.

Abstract: In an elastic member for electrophotography, having a conductive or semiconductive elastic layer, the elastic layer contains a vulcanized rubber obtained by vulcanizing a material rubber in the presence of a specific sulfur-atom-containing compound as a vulcanization accelerator that can not easily cause any scorching at the time of high-temperature kneading and extrusion, and yet has relatively high vulcanization rate and also can provide vulcanized rubbers with superior quality.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for electrically charging a chargeable member while magnetic particles contact to the chargeable member, includes first and second magnetic particle carrying members, the second being downstream of the first with respect to a magnetic particle feeding direction at an opposed portion where the first member and the chargeable member oppose each other. The apparatus also includes a regulating portion for regulating the amount of the magnetic particles carried on the first member, at a position upstream of the opposed portion, and first and second positioning portions for regulating movement of the first and second members. The first portion regulates the first member against movement in a moving direction of the chargeable member, and the second portion regulates the second member against its movement in a direction of contact to the chargeable member while permitting movement in the direction of movement of the chargeable member.

Abstract: A charging device including a charging member configured to charge an image bearing member while the charging member is contacted with or is located so as to be close to the image bearing member when the charging device is set in an image forming apparatus; and a cleaning member configured to clean a surface of the charging member while contacting the surface of the charging member, wherein the pressure A at which the cleaning member is contacted with the charging member when the charging device is set in the image forming apparatus is greater than the pressure B at which the cleaning member is contacted with the charging member before the charging device is set in the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a main frame including a photosensitive medium, and a charging member frame including a charging member to charge the photosensitive medium and detachably disposed at the main frame. The main frame includes a plurality of frame reference grooves, and the charging member frame includes a plurality of frame reference projections to be inserted into the plurality of frame reference grooves of the main frame.