Abstract: A small vibrator is connected to a cleaning blade or cleaning blade holder in an electrostatic marking system. This vibrator in a cycle out step moves the blade up and down and reduces thereby overall contact with the photoconductor surface; this reduces any noise caused by blade contact with the photoconductor surface during cycling out or down of the marking procedure.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus 30 is provided with a cleaning roller 33 that is a rotating member, a scraper 35, a partition wall 36, opening/closing members 37, and a discharge screw 38 that is a discharging member. The scraper 35 supported by the partition wall 36 scrapes toner by bringing the tip thereof into contact with the cleaning roller 33. The partition wall 36 has a plurality of openings 36a, and partitions between a space S1 formed on an upstream side of the cleaning roller 33 in a rotation direction of a drum and a space S2 in which the discharge screw 38 is provided. The opening/closing members 37 are individually provided for the openings 36a so as to permit toner to move through the openings 36a only in a direction from the space S1 to the space S2. With this structure, it is possible to make toner present in the vicinity of the cleaning roller 33 smoothly move toward the discharge screw 38.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a blade member, a holder, a vibration detection device, a heating device, and a control device. The blade member comes into contact with an image carrying member, and cleans off toner remaining on the image carrying member. The holder holds the blade member. The vibration detection device detects the vibration level of either one of the blade member and the holder. The heating device heats either one of the blade member and the holder. The control device controls the heating device to heat either one of the blade member and the holder when the vibration level detected by the vibration detection device exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A process cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a cleaning unit for removing waste toner remaining on a surface of a photosensitive drum, and a cleaning frame for storing the waste toner removed by the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a bent portion adapted to bend in a direction opposite to the photosensitive drum and be disposed at a site other than that in which the waste toner is accumulated. The cleaning unit further includes a cleaning blade for contacting with the surface of the photosensitive drum to remove the waste toner remaining thereon in response to rotation of the photosensitive drum, and a cleaning support member for supporting the cleaning blade.

Abstract: A small vibrator is connected to a cleaning blade or cleaning blade holder in an electrostatic marking system. This vibrator in a cycle out step moves the blade up and down and reduces thereby overall contact with the photoconductor surface; this reduces any noise caused by blade contact with the photoconductor surface during cycling out or down of the marking procedure.

Abstract: A scanner including at least a casing, a scanning platform, a carriage and a lateral reversing device is provided. The scanning platform is installed on the covering panel of the casing and is used to accommodate at least one document. The carriage is movably installed in the casing and will transmit a scan-finished signal after having scanned the front side of a document. The lateral reversing device, which is installed at a lateral side of the scanning platform, is equipped with a control unit and is used to turn the document over for the reverse side of the document to be scanned after the control unit has received the scan-finished signal.

Abstract: A doctor device includes a blade contacting a roll, a blade holder for holding the blade, and a moving device for moving the blade in such a direction that the blade moves toward the roll or away from the roll. The blade includes a first blade edge located on a side contacting the roll and a second blade edge located on a side opposite to the first blade edge. The blade holder includes an upper member supporting a portion of an upper surface of the blade, and a lower member supporting a portion of an under surface of the blade. The blade is held by the upper member and the lower member in such a state that the first blade edge of the blade projects from the blade holder, and the second blade edge of the blade does not contact the blade holder.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus according to the invention has a nozzle plate having a nozzle hole for ejecting ink, a wiper blade for cleaning the nozzle plate, a blade holder holding the wiper blade, and a wiper base containing and holding the blade holder. When the wiper blade abuts on the nozzle plate, the blade holder is held and inclined in the wiper base so that the wiper blade follows the nozzle plate.

Abstract: A cleaning member configured to remove developer from an electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a longitudinally-shaped planar elastic blade that comes into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member to remove the developer from a surface thereof; and a holder supporting the elastic blade. The holder includes an engaging part that engages with the frame to secure the cleaning member to the frame; and a supporting part that holds the elastic blade inside the engaging part to support the elastic blade in the thickness direction thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning apparatus having a cleaning member that makes contact with a surface of an image holder and vibrates due to friction arising when the surface of the image holder moves, the image holder bearing an electrostatic latent image developed using a developer having toner containing a crystalline resin, and a cleaning member support unit that supports the cleaning member and increases the amplitude of the vibration of the cleaning member.

Abstract: A support member for supporting a cleaning blade on an upstream side is arranged between a charging roller on an image forming unit of the upstream side and a developing sleeve of an image forming unit on a downstream side. The support member is formed using a conductive member (metallic plate), is arranged to completely go across a tangent between the charging roller and the developing sleeve, and is grounded. Even when a developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve during application of a charging bias to the charging roller, the support member can function as a shielding member to prevent noise in the charging bias, which makes it possible to reduce a distance between the image forming units.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is for removing a toner from a surface of an endless belt. The cleaning apparatus includes a blade, a blade holding structure, and an abutment maintaining structure. The blade abuts on the endless belt that is supported on a tension roller. The blade holding structure holds the blade with its rotation restricted, in a movable manner in the direction of motion adjustment to adjust tension on the endless belt, and causes the blade to abut on a winding area of the endless belt with respect to the tension roller. The abutment maintaining structure allows the blade to follow up movement of the tension roller to thereby maintain abutment of the blade on the endless belt.

Abstract: A cleaning blade member for use in a cleaning section for removing toner on a toner-deposited body, the cleaning blade member comprising: an edge layer contacting the toner-deposited body; and a back layer provided on a back side of the edge layer, and wherein the edge layer has a Young's modulus of 8 to 20 MPa and an impact resilience at 25° C. of 20 to 40%, and when the Young's modulus of the edge layer is designated as Ea, a Young's modulus of the back layer is designated as Eb, a thickness of the edge layer is designated as Ta, and a thickness of the back layer is designated as Tb, a ratio (Rb/Ra) between a contribution rate Ra of the Young's modulus of the edge layer represented by the following equation (1), and a contribution rate Rb of the Young's modulus of the back layer represented by the following equation (2) is 0.01 to 6.0, and a total Young's modulus (Ra+Rb) of the edge layer and the back layer is 7 to 14 MPa: Ra=[TaEa/(Ta+Tb)]??(1) Rb=[TbEb/(Ta+Tb)].

Abstract: A cleaning unit for removing toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier of an image-forming apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning unit includes a vibration member, a blade member, and a driving part. The vibration member extends in the direction of the width of the image carrier, and has at least one vibration application part attached thereto. The blade member is attached to at least the end region of the vibration member, extending in the direction of the width of the image carrier. The driving part drives at least one vibration application part at a driving frequency that is a resonance frequency. The vibration member provides vibration to the blade member and a force to press the blade member against the image carrier.

Abstract: A cleaning device cleans off a toner from a surface of a member rotating in a first direction. The cleaning device includes a blade made of an elastic material including a tip portion with a slanting portion that is pressed against the surface in a second direction counter to the first direction. A supporter supports the blade. An angle between the slanting portion and a longitudinal direction of the blade is obtuse. The slanting portion is pressed against the surface at a surface pressure of 2.0 MPa or more.

Abstract: A developing apparatus and develops a developer with respect to a photosensitive medium, the and includes a developing cartridge which accommodates the developer therein; a cleaning blade which contacts the photosensitive medium by an end part thereof to clean the photosensitive medium, a guide member which guides the cleaning blade to linearly reciprocate, and an elastic member which elastically biases the cleaning blade toward the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transportation member rotating to transport a medium or developer; a blade member disposed to abut against the transportation member for removing an object adhering to a surface of the transportation member; and a retaining member disposed on an upstream side of the blade member in a direction that the transportation member rotates and abutting against the transportation member for retaining the object adhering to the surface of the transportation member.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning blade, a receiving member, an inlet seal, an adhering member, and an end seal. The cleaning blade is brought into contact with a photosensitive drum to remove residual toner therefrom. The receiving member receives the residual toner. The inlet seal guides the residual toner to the receiving member. The adhering member adheres the inlet seal to the receiving member. The end seal is arranged along the end portions of the cleaning blade and the inlet seal. The inlet seal covers the end seal and extends out from the end seal in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A secure seal is provided between a blade unit and a housing in a developer unit of an image forming apparatus by utilizing a sheet member configured to cover a step height formed on a surface of the blade unit facing a sealing member.

Abstract: A toner detection window cleaning apparatus 100 comprising a cleaning arm 104 having a first protruding arm 118a and a second protruding arm 118b substantially opposite the first protruding arm 118a, the first protruding arm having a radial through slot 120 provided therein and the second protruding arm 118b having a cleaning member 122 attached thereto; a rotatable shaft 20 having at least a portion thereof adapted to be received in, and extend through, a portion of the cleaning arm 104; and a flange 106 integrally formed with the rotatable shaft 20, the flange 106 having a pin 108 extending therefrom in a direction substantially parallel to the rotatable shaft 20, where, the pin 108 is received within the radial through slot 120 and where, when the toner detection window cleaning apparatus 100 is inserted into a cartridge having a toner detection window, the cleaning member 122 scrapes against at least a substantial portion of the toner detection window during at least part of one rotation of the rotatable

Abstract: A cleaning blade for use in an image-forming apparatus formed by molding a thermosetting elastomer composition containing a rubber component, a filler, a crosslinking agent, and a dispersion-improving agent. As the dispersion-improving agent, thiol or/and sulfide having a specific chemical structure are contained in the thermosetting elastomer composition at 0.05 to 15 parts by mass for 100 parts by mass of the rubber component; or fluorine-substituted benzenethiol or/and a metal salt thereof are contained in the thermosetting elastomer composition at 0.05 to 10 parts by mass for 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning a surface of a rotating material, including an elastic blade arranged to counter the rotating material while a tip of the elastic blade is contacted with the surface of the rotating material to clean the surface of the rotating material, wherein the elastic blade has a first surface facing the rotating material, and a second surface opposite to the first surface thereof, and wherein the elastic blade has a recessed portion, which has a bottom surface and a wall, in a rear portion of the second surface; and a support plate configured to support the elastic blade, wherein the support plate has a first surface facing the rotating material, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a tip surface, wherein the elastic blade is connected with the support plate in such a manner that the bottom surface and the wall of the recessed portion of the blade are contacted with the first surface and the tip surface of the support plate, respectively.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes: a housing; a cleaning roller provided in the housing and operable to come into contact with a photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade operable to come into contact with a surface of the photosensitive drum at a position lower than a nip position between the cleaning roller and the photosensitive drum; and a toner guide plate disposed below the cleaning roller. The toner guide plate includes: a blade proximity portion in proximity to the cleaning blade; and a toner guide portion extending along an outer surface of the cleaning roller, spaced away from the outer surface of the cleaning roller by a predetermined gap. In the cleaning device, the surface of the photosensitive drum can be polished as required.

Abstract: A cleaning member for cleaning an image carrier. The cleaning member includes a support plate having a planar face portion configured to be fixed to an object in a position adjacent to the image carrier, a plurality of reinforcement features configured to reinforce a strength of the support plate, at least one of the reinforcement features arranged on the planar face portion, and a blade connecting portion arranged on the planar face portion. The cleaning member further includes an elastic blade member connected to the blade connecting portion of the support plate such that the elastic blade extends toward the image carrier when the support plate is fixed to the object. The image cleaner may be positioned within an image forming apparatus or an image developing cartridge.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing residual toner from a moving toner transfer surface includes a rotating brush and a scraper blade that is held away from the toner transfer surface when toner images are being transferred to recording media, such as sheets of paper. On a periodic basis, when toner images are not being transferred to the recording media, the scraper blade is moved into contact with the toner transfer surface to remove agglomerated toner therefrom, with continued operation of the rotating brush.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a cleaning blade for cleaning the photoconductor, and a blade holder holding the cleaning blade and having a first bent portion for increasing its rigidity. In the apparatus, blade holder has at least one of a protrusion and a second bent portion.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus in which the contact point portion between the metal plate and rubber blade of a cleaning blade is made into a surface to thereby alleviate the concentration of stress in that portion and prevent the occurrence of the squat of the cleaning blade, and high cleaning performance can be maintained for a long period. In the cleaning apparatus provided with a cleaning blade 22 including a rubber blade 3d adhesively secured to or molded integrally with a metal plate 31, an elastic layer 3c is provided on the distal end portion of the metal plate 31 of the cleaning blade, and the elastic layer 3c supports a surface opposite to that surface of the cleaning blade which contacts with a drum, together with the metal plate.

Abstract: A high load low load cleaning blade assembly provided for cleaning a toner image bearing surface includes a blade member having a first edge mounted to a frame, a second and opposite edge for contacting and loading against the toner image bearing surface, and a blade width connecting the first edge to the second edge. The high load low load blade assembly also includes a blade holder for holding and loading the blade member against the moving toner image bearing surface. The blade holder includes a frame, and a blade loading plate operatively connected to the frame and extending from the frame towards the second edge of the blade member for stiffening the blade width and determining a resulting blade loading force of each portion of the second edge against regions of the toner image bearing surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image carrier driven into rotation; a charger for electrically charging a surface of the image carrier; a latent image forming unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged image carrier surface; a developing unit for forming a toner image by supplying a toner to an area of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier surface; a transferring unit for transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier surface to a transfer medium; and a non-rotary type polishing member employing a foamed elastic material, the polishing member contacted against the surface of the image carrier at place downstream from the transferring unit in a moving direction of the image carrier and between the transferring unit and the charger, and reciprocally moved in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the image carrier.

Abstract: A component mounting structure mounting a press component with the press component in a condition of elastic pressing against a pressed article, and comprising an intermediate fixing member mounted on a fixing frame supporting the pressed article and capable of position adjustment in a direction of pressing of the press component against the pressed article; a fixing connection part, supporting the press component, mounted on the intermediate fixing member, and capable of position adjustment in the same direction as the direction of pressing; a setting part setting a distance of separation between the fixing connection part and the pressed article within a prescribed range; a first fixing mechanism fixing a position of the intermediate fixing member with respect to the fixing frame; and a second fixing mechanism fixing a position of the fixing connection part with respect to the intermediate fixing member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a xerographic cleaning blade, an actuator member operatively connected to the cleaning blade and movable over a first stroke from a first actuator position to a second actuator position, and a damper operatively connected to the actuator member. As the actuator member moves over the first stroke the cleaning blade moves from a first blade position to a second blade position. The damper allows substantially uninhibited actuation of the actuator member over a first portion of the first stroke. The damper damps actuation of the actuator member over a second portion of the first stroke.

Abstract: A surface-treating apparatus has a dual-purpose surface-treating blade assembly that includes a blade holder for holding and loading a blade member, and a one-piece blade member having a first edge mounted to the blade holder and a second edge for contacting and treating a surface. The one-piece blade member has a mid-portion for applying a first edge-loading force to lightly contact and remove random spots from a central imaging region of the surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The dual-purpose blade assembly also includes a first shim device and a second shim device assembled respectively to the first end portion and to the second end portion of the blade member for stiffening such end portions and increasing a magnitude of each of a second and a third different edge-loading forces at such end portions relative to the first edge-loading force.

Abstract: A cleaning member for cleaning an image carrier. The cleaning member includes a support plate having a planar face portion configured to be fixed to an object in a position adjacent to the image carrier, a plurality of reinforcement features configured to reinforce a strength of the support plate, at least one of the reinforcement features arranged on the planar face portion, and a blade connecting portion arranged on the planar face portion. The cleaning member further includes an elastic blade member connected to the blade connecting portion of the support plate such that the elastic blade extends toward the image carrier when the support plate is fixed to the object. The image cleaner may be positioned within an image forming apparatus or an image developing cartridge.

Abstract: A cleaning blade system for a variety of electrophotographic apparatuses. A preferably reversible, elongated, elastic wiper blade is longitudinally supported by a relatively rigid, elongated holder. The wiper holder is universally adaptable to a variety of differently configured cleaning blade mounts by a plurality of mounting adapters which all have a uniform interface with the wiper holders so that all wipers and wiper holders can be uniform. Each mounting adapter has a second interface for fastening it to at least one of the varied cleaning blade mounts in the same way that a conventional cleaning blade is fastened. The holder and mounting adapters include provisions for locating and stabilizing the disposition of wipers relative to the drums. Preferably the holder includes an interlock securing a wiper blade without adhesives. The wiper blade may include flared edges to enhance contact pressure against the drum and extend its useful life.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a cleaning blade for cleaning the photoconductor, and a blade holder holding the cleaning blade and having a first bent portion for increasing its rigidity. In the apparatus, blade holder has at least one of a protrusion and a second bent portion.

Abstract: A cleaning device used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a frame, an elastic blade contacting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum to remove a developer remaining thereon, a blade supporting member, and a removed developer containing portion containing the developer removed from the drum by the blade. The supporting member includes: a supporting portion attached to the frame for supporting the blade; a first bent portion bent from the supporting portion to an opposite side to an attachment surface where the supporting portion is attached to the frame; a connecting portion extending from the first bent portion to the opposite side in the orthogonal direction; a second bent portion bent from the connecting portion in the orthogonal direction and in a lateral direction of the supporting portion; and an extension portion extending from the second bent portion, in the orthogonal direction and in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A shaft coupling device for coupling a first shaft and a second shaft together includes a grip unit to be attached to the first shaft and including a grip portion configured to grip the second shaft, the grip portion having an end with notches of a length being parallel with an axial direction of the first shaft. The shaft coupling device also includes a grip force acting unit to be attached to the second shaft and configured to cause a grip force for gripping the second shaft to act on the grip portion by moving the grip portion in a radial direction of the second shaft.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, the workability of assembling of a cleaning blade is improved, and the dimensional accuracy between the cleaning blade and a photosensitive member is properly ensured. A cleaning blade 19 having a body portion 19a configured by an elastic plate member and a planar base plate portion 19b to which the body portion 19a is secured is held and secured by: a first butting part P1 which is a predetermined position in a first face S1 positioned in a front portion of the base plate portion 19b in the rotation direction of a photosensitive drum 2a to 5a; a second butting part P2 which is in a second face S2 opposed to the first face S1, and which is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum 2a to 5a than the first butting part P1; a third butting part P3 which is an end part of the base plate portion 19b that is opposite to the photosensitive drum 2a to 5a; and the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to cleaning deposits from a moving surface within a printer. According to just one aspect of the invention a cleaning device for cleaning a moving surface in a printer is provided. The cleaning device includes a blade defining at least one cleaning edge configured to engage the moving surface in the printer, the blade including a multitude of blade segments spaced along a width thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed that includes a blade chip having a rubber plate member and a reinforcing plate member that are joined together, a supporting plate supporting the blade chip, and a holder pressing the blade chip against the supporting plate.

Abstract: A cleaning blade is arranged such that a tip end thereof is brought into contact with a toner image carrying member in an upwardly directed state, to scrape off residual toner from the toner image carrying member. A casing body defines a waste toner chamber accommodating the scraped toner therein. The casing body is formed with an air passage communicated to an exterior of the casing body, so that an air stream is created within the waste toner chamber.

Abstract: In an apparatus for cleaning particulates from a moving web, a dust seal blade assembly which is easily mounted to a cleaning blade to reduce internal dusting in a cleaner apparatus and for trapping of lint, paper dust, or fibrous material and which might also reduce the effects of oil contamination. The arrangement provides a low-cost, operator-replaceable cartridge having one or more wiper blades with at least one of them having the dust seal blade assembly and enclosed within a particle sump assembly that is easily removed from association with the web being cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus to collect a used toner on a photoconductive drum in a laser printer, includes: a used toner collecting bucket having a used toner entry port into which the used toner on the photoconductive drum flows; a cleaning blade installed at the used toner entry port to guide the used toner to the used toner entry port by scraping off the used toner from the photoconductive drum; and a used toner transferring unit to transfer the used toner so that the used toner accumulated at the used toner entry port is evenly distributed within the used toner collecting bucket.

Abstract: A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge incorporates a used doctor blade and/or a used wiper blade. The used doctor blade has been adapted and oriented to make contact with a developer roller or a magnetic roller along a previously unused portion of the doctor blade's metering surface to utilize a new fresh metering surface. The used wiper blade has been adapted and oriented to make contact with a photoconductive drum along a previously unused portion of the wiper blade's wiping surface to utilize a new fresh wiping surface. The invention extends the effective life of doctor blades and wiper blades by utilizing previously unused working surfaces. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing particulate material from a moving web in an electrostatic printer/copier includes a customer-replaceable web-cleaning cartridge and a support bracket/backup shoe assembly. The latter serves to support the cleaning cartridge for movement between an operative position in which web-cleaning components of the cartridge exert a substantially uniform pressure on the web, and a service position in which the cartridge is sufficiently spaced from the web to facilitate replacement and/or service. Preferably, a bracket that supports the cleaning cartridge is pivotally connected to a backup shoe that is fixed with respect to the web path and exerts a uniform pressure on the rear surface of the web, opposite that contacted by the cleaning cartridge. A quick disconnect feature enables the cartridge-supporting bracket to be de-coupled from the back-up shoe and removed from the instrument.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning member, which is contactable to a moving image bearing member to clean a surface of the image bearing member; a holder holds the cleaning member; and a vibrator. The holder is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the image bearing member. The vibrating means is supported by the holder.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning member for cleaning off toner from an image bearing member, a support member for supporting the cleaning member, and a receiving portion for receiving the toner cleaned off by the cleaning member, the receiving portion having a cleaning frame, and a connecting portion for connecting both end surfaces of the cleaning frame in a longitudinal direction of the cleaning member, in which the support member is provided with a bent portion bent on a deeper side of the cleaning frame, and the connecting portion is below an upper portion of the receiving portion and above a lower surface of the bent portion.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including a rotatable image bearing member, an image forming unit for forming a developer image, a transfer unit for transferring the developer image on the image bearing member, a cleaning member in contact with the image bearing member, and a developer recovering container with an aperture directed downward in the direction of gravity, the developer has a substantially spherical shape.

Abstract: A cleaning blade system for a variety of electrophotographic apparatuses. A preferably reversible, elongated, elastic wiper blade is longitudinally supported by a relatively rigid, elongated holder. The wiper holder is universally adaptable to a variety of differently configured cleaning blade mounts by a plurality of mounting adapters which all have a uniform interface with the wiper holders so that all wipers and wiper holders can be uniform. Each mounting adapter has a second interface for fastening it to at least one of the varied cleaning blade mounts in the same way that a conventional cleaning blade is fastened to said one. The holder and mounting adapters include provisions for locating and stabilizing the disposition of wipers relative to the drums. Preferably the holder includes an interlock securing a wiper blade without adhesives. The wiper blade may include flared edges to enhance contact pressure against the drum and extend its useful life.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning member for cleaning a surface of an image bearing member while it is moving, a holding member for holding the cleaning member, a vibrating member which per se is vibratable, and a controller for controlling operation of the vibrating member. The holding member is movable toward and away from the image bearing member, the vibrating member is held on the holding member, and the controller actuates the vibrating member upon stoppage of movement of the image bearing member.