Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which apparatus a process cartridge is detachably mountable, wherein said process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum unit and a developing unit, wherein said photosensitive drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, and said developing unit is rotatably engageable with said photosensitive drum unit and includes a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said photosensitive drum, and wherein said developing unit is movable between a contact position in which said developing roller is in contact to said photosensitive drum and a spaced position in which said developing roller is spaced from said photosensitive drum, said image forming apparatus including means for exposing said photosensitive drum with light through a transmission member to form the electrostatic latent image, wherein said exposure means is positioned below said process cartridge when said process cartridge is mounted to a main assem

Abstract: An image forming equipment, e.g., a laser printer includes a photoconductive (PC) drum and an associated charge roller and incorporates a conductive polymer cleaner blade having an electrical potential to sufficiently charge contamination particles on the PC drum to electrically repel from a charged surface, such as the charge roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is constituted by a rotatable image bearing member; a charging member for electrically charging the image bearing member in contact with the image bearing member; developing member, containing polishing particles, for collecting toner from the image bearing member and effecting development on the basis of an electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member; a transfer member for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member onto a transfer material; an auxiliary charging member, located downstream from a transfer portion and upstream from the charging member with respect to a movement direction of the image bearing member, for electrically charging toner remaining on the image bearing member after the transfer by contact with the image bearing member; and control means for performing a discharging mode, for discharging polishing particles from the auxiliary charging member onto the image bearing member on the basis of an image ratio of an image to be for

Abstract: A corona discharge device (10) comprises a discharge electrode (1) for causing electric discharge, a discharge product removing member (4) provided around the discharge electrode (1), and containing a material capable of removing a discharge product, and a shield plate (3) interposed between the discharge electrode (1) and the discharge product removing member (4), having a through-hole (3a) open toward the discharge electrode (1), and having a surface opposed to the discharge electrode (1) and at least the surface being made of a metallic material. With this, a corona discharge device, a photoreceptor charger, and a method for making a discharge product removing member which realize high trapping efficiency for discharge products and a long life of a discharge product removing filter are provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a paper-dust collecting roller, a paper-dust removing member, a conveying roller, and an urging member. The paper-dust collecting roller is rotatably supported at a fixed position in the main casing so as to confront a conveying path of a recording medium. The paper-dust collecting roller is configured to collect paper dusts adhering to the recording medium. The paper-dust removing member removes the paper dusts collected by the paper-dust collecting roller. The conveying roller is supported at a position in confrontation with the paper-dust collecting roller across the conveying path. The conveying roller is configured to remove relative to the paper-dust collecting roller. The urging member urges the conveying roller toward the paper-dust collecting roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a cleaner for cleaning a surface of a dust-proof glass disposed on a housing of a laser scanning unit for irradiating a photosensitive member with a laser modulated in accordance with image data. The cleaner is supported by a frame of the image forming apparatus body such that the cleaner is movable while keeping in contact with the dust-proof glass and such that the cleaner stays in a stand-by position while keeping out of contact with the dust-proof glass and the housing of the laser scanning unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a cartridge that has a photosensitive drum and can be attached to and detached from a main body of the image forming apparatus, an optical device that has a cover glass through which light emitted toward the photosensitive drum passes, a cleaning member that can move from a cleaning start position to a cleaning end position for cleaning the cover glass, and a lock member that prevents the cleaning member from moving. Before the cartridge is attached, the lock member prevents the cleaning member from moving in the longitudinal direction of the cover glass. During the attachment of the cartridge, the cartridge engages with the lock member and unlocks the cleaning member and enables the cleaning member to move from the cleaning start position.

Abstract: A carrier bead collection assembly in a xerographic printer is disclosed. The carrier bead collection assembly may include a tray defining a cavity for retention of carrier beads, wherein the tray is located below a slot in a media transport surface in the xerographic printer and is removable so that is may be cleaned, and a magnet that is disposed beneath the tray, wherein the magnet attracts carrier beads that reside on the media transport surface such that as a result of the attraction, the carrier beads come to rest in the tray.

Abstract: A felt that cleans the surface of a drive roller or secondary transfer supporting roller that stretches an intermediate transfer belt is supported by a Mylar at its one free end, the other end thereof being fixed to a bracket. The felt is swingably brought into contact with the drive roller or secondary transfer supporting roller by an elastic force of the Mylar.

Abstract: A duct for an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, the duct includes a discharge opening for discharging air; a fan, mounted to a neighborhood of the discharge opening, for discharging the air; first and second openings for suction of air; a first guiding portion, having first and second openings, for guiding the sucked air; a separation member, provided in the first guiding portion, for separating a flow of the air sucked by the first opening and a flow of the air sucked by the second opening; a second guiding member, disposed overlapped with the first guiding portion, for guiding the air guided by the first guiding portion; a first interconnection opening for feeding the air from the first opening to the second guiding portion; a second interconnection opening for feeding the air from the second opening to the second guiding portion, wherein the first interconnection opening is disposed closer to the discharge opening than the second interconnection opening, and wherein the

Abstract: The present invention provides an original conveying apparatus, an original conveying program, and an original conveying method that can change a conveying angle of an original with respect to a scanning point of a scanning apparatus to an angle suitable for removing a foreign matter on the scanning point and an angle suitable for scanning. An original conveying apparatus that can convey an original to a scanning point where a scanning apparatus scans the original includes a conveying unit that conveys the original and a conveying-angle changing unit that can change a conveying angle of the original conveyed by the conveying unit with respect to the scanning point.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a toner image forming device configured to form a toner image on an image conveying member, a detector configured to optically detect a density of the toner image on the image conveying member, a controller configured to control an image forming condition of the toner image forming device based on an output of the detector, a shutter configured to open and close an optical window of the detector, wherein the image forming apparatus is operable in a cleaning mode of the shutter in which an opening and closing movement of the shutter is repeatedly executed.

Abstract: An element, or elements, of a collection chamber which may remove excess deposition of particulate matter without interrupting or otherwise disturbing the normal operation of the device are provided. These elements may oscillate within a collection chamber and substantially remove any particulate matter which may be deposited, and accumulate, within the collection chamber over time. Such an oscillation and removal of undesirably deposited particulate matter may be performed without substantially interfering with the ability of particulate matter to travel through the chamber or space. The element or elements may comprises but are not limited to, one or more plastic wiping elements, or one or more spring-like wire form structures. Additionally, one or more post processing systems and methods, for final disposal, transformation, or processing of the particulate matter which travels through the collection chamber may be provided.

Abstract: A developing unit for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier includes a developer carrier, a developer regulator, and a sealing member. The developer carrier bears a developer, and is disposed facing the image carrier at a first position. The developer regulator regulates an amount of the developer, and is disposed facing the developer carrier at a second position upstream of the developer carrier in a moving direction thereof relative to the first position. The sealing member comes into contact with the image carrier at a third position upstream of the image carrier in a moving direction thereof relative to the first position. Therefore, gas is prevented from flowing from an outside area of the developing unit into an area defined by the second position to the third position.

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: An optical sensor includes a light-emitting element for directing light to an image, a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected by the image, a normal detection optical path for allowing the light emitted by the light-emitting element and the light reflected from the image to follow a normal detection optical path during normal operation, a calibration reflecting plate disposed inside the optical sensor for reflecting light from the light-emitting element when sensitivity is calibrated, a calibration optical path for allowing the light emitted by the light-emitting element to follow a calibration optical path to the light-receiving element when the emitted light is reflected by the calibration reflecting plate, and a first optical function element disposed in the calibration optical path and switchable between a light permeating state, in which the light passes therethrough, and a light intercepting state, in which the light is blocked, when voltage is applied.

Abstract: A printer (1) with a toner-based printing device, the printer (1) comprising at least one air outlet (2), to which a filter (3) is fastened exchangeably, for the outflow of the gas contained in the printer (1) into the surroundings, the filter (3) comprising at least one electrostatically active filter ply (4).

Abstract: An printer, such as a state of the art a high performance, electro-photographic printer. The printer includes at least one smart material sensor enclosed in the printer enclosure that monitors for the presence of a contaminant (e.g., toner or developer) above a selected threshold. Each smart material sensor is coupled to a control unit by a sensor driver coupling. When a smart material sensor finds that a contaminant is present the control unit may indicate the finding on a printer display and/or change operating mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a belt having a carrying surface that carries a recording sheet; a photosensitive body disposed opposite to the carrying surface of the belt; a transferring member which is disposed opposite to the photosensitive body such that the carrying surface of the belt is disposed between the transferring member and the photosensitive body, and a transferring bias is applied to the transferring member; a cleaning member arranged adjacent to an outer peripheral surface of the belt; and a control unit for controlling a voltage that is applied to the cleaning member. The control unit causes a first voltage to be applied to the cleaning member during a first mode. The control unit causes a second voltage, different from the first voltage, to be applied to the cleaning member during a second mode.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical element that transmits or reflects light, and scans the light onto a target surface to form a latent image on the target surface. The optical element includes a conducting portion that is located on at least any one of a light transmitting surface and a light reflecting surface, and a bias applying unit that applies a predetermined bias to the conducting portion.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes: a conveying member of a conveying unit which conveys a sheet; and a cleaning member which is in sliding contact with a circumferential surface of the conveying member to clean the circumferential surface. The conveying member and the cleaning member rotate in the same tangential direction at a sliding contact position thereof, and drives of the conveyance member and the cleaning member are controlled so that the following expression is satisfied: V1>V2 where V1 represents a line speed of the circumferential surface of the conveying member during a rotation thereof, and V2 represents a line speed of a sliding contact portion of the cleaning member during a rotation thereof.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical writing device. The optical writing device includes an optical writing unit that emits laser light beams toward image carriers, an outer case that accommodates the optical writing unit, and air supplying devices that supply air into the outer case. The outer case includes openings through which the laser light beams pass. Another image forming apparatus includes an optical writing device that emits laser light beams toward image carriers to form latent images thereon, partition members that are interposed between the image carriers and the optical writing device and that have openings elongating along a scanning direction of the optical writing device, and shutter mechanisms including shutter members to open and close the openings. The laser light beams are emitted from the optical writing device toward the image carriers through the openings.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electrical component, comprises: a substrate having a mounting surface on which an electrical component is mounted; an air sucking section that takes in air for cooling the electrical component; a first guide member comprising a first guide surface that leads the air taken into the air sucking section in such a direction as to be separated from the mounting surface of the substrate; and a second guide member comprising a second guide surface that leads, to the mounting surface of the substrate, the air led to the first guide surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that carries a latent image; an exposure device, which includes a light source and an optical member, for focusing, on the image carrier, light emitted by the light source that is used to form a latent image on the image carrier; and a developing device, for developing the latent image. A dust prevention member that contacts the image carrier is arranged for the exposure device.

Abstract: An image developing apparatus includes an upper case; a lower case disposed on a lower side of the upper case, and internally housing a developing agent, and having an opening. A photoconductive drum is disposed on the upper case for forming an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof. A charging roller is disposed on one side of an outer circumference of the photoconductive drum for charging the photoconductive drum. A developing roller having one part is exposed through the opening of the lower case to cooperate with the photoconductive drum for developing the electrostatic latent image. A scattering preventing unit disposed between the photoconductive drum and the developing roller, to prevent scattering of the developing agent supplied by the developing roller. The scattering preventing unit includes a blocking curtain which covers a part of the opening and having one side in contact with the outer circumference of the photoconductive drum.

Abstract: The invention provides a wiping assembly in an image forming device, to clean at least one sensor lens in the image forming device. The wiping assembly includes a bracket to move between a first position and a second position across the sensor lens. Further, the wiping assembly includes a wiper to clean the sensor lens. The wiper is located between the bracket and a sensor housing, which supports the sensor lens. The wiping assembly includes a spring to actuate the movement of the bracket between the first position and the second position. The movement of the bracket is actuated by the movement of a print media tray and/or the movement of a toner cartridge.

Abstract: A sheet feeder with electrostatic dust-collecting function includes a paper path, a feeding roller, a dust-collecting passageway, an electrostatic charge generator and a dust-collecting box. The feeding roller located on the paper path feeds a sheet through the paper path. The dust-collecting passageway has an inlet connected to the paper path and an outlet located opposite to the inlet. The electrostatic charge generator disposed at the outlet of the dust-collecting passageway generates electrostatic charges to attract dust coming from the sheet through the dust-collecting passageway and the paper path. The dust-collecting box for collecting the dust is disposed at the outlet of the dust-collecting passageway and has an adhesive layer for adhering the dust.

Abstract: A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a first unit having an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a second unit including a developing roller configured to develop a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a sheet member which is disposed along the developing roller in a lengthwise direction of the developing roller and contacts the electrophotographic photosensitive member to restrain scattering of developer, wherein a contact portion of the sheet member that contacts the electrophotographic photosensitive member is roughened by a roughening process.

Abstract: A developer transport device includes: a developer containing room for containing a developer; a developer transport member disposed in the developer containing room, the developer transport member transporting the developer in a developer transport direction; and a developer damming member disposed in the developer containing room over the developer transport member, the developer damming member damming up the developer located above the developer transport member.

Abstract: An element, or elements, of a collection chamber which may remove excess deposition of particulate matter without interrupting or otherwise disturbing the normal operation of the device are provided. These elements may oscillate within a collection chamber and substantially remove any particulate matter which may be deposited, and accumulate, within the collection chamber over time. Such an oscillation and removal of undesirably deposited particulate matter may be performed without substantially interfering with the ability of particulate matter to travel through the chamber or space. The element or elements may comprises but are not limited to, one or more plastic wiping elements, or one or more spring-like wire form structures. Additionally, one or more post processing systems and methods, for final disposal, transformation, or processing of the particulate matter which travels through the collection chamber may be provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a sensing device thereof. The sensing device includes a sensor, and a cleaning unit adapted to be operated by a moving printing medium and used to clean the sensor. The sensing device is operable according to delivery of a printing medium, to remove pollutants attached to the sensor.

Abstract: An image developing apparatus includes an upper case; a lower case disposed on a lower side of the upper case, and internally housing a developing agent, and having an opening. A photoconductive drum is disposed on the upper case for forming an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof. A charging roller is disposed on one side of an outer circumference of the photoconductive drum for charging the photoconductive drum. A developing roller having one part is exposed through the opening of the lower case to cooperate with the photoconductive drum for developing the electrostatic latent image. A scattering preventing unit disposed between the photoconductive drum and the developing roller, to prevent scattering of the developing agent supplied by the developing roller. The scattering preventing unit includes a blocking curtain which covers a part of the opening and having one side in contact with the outer circumference of the photoconductive drum.

Abstract: An image exposure apparatus is provided and includes: an optical unit that emits light to form an exposure image on a photosensitive material; a casing that houses the optical unit and that has an image exposure window through which the light is allowed to pass for forming the exposure image; a transparent dustproof member at the image exposure window; and a shutter member switched between a shield position for covering a region above the dustproof member, which serves as a passage region of a cleaning member for cleaning a surface of the dustproof member, and an open position for allowing the light to pass through the dustproof member to form an exposure image on a surface of the photosensitive material. When the shutter member is located at the shield position, at least a part of the shutter member goes into the passage region of the cleaning member.

Abstract: A developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of a latent image bearing member rotating in one direction with a developer by mixing electrostatically chargeable toner and magnetic carrier, includes: a developing roller; a carrier collecting roller; a cooling portion including a forced draft duct for airflow from a fan and disposed on the bottom side of the developing vessel; a suctioning portion including a suctioning duct for airflow from suctioning ports disposed on the lower side of the carrier collecting roller, disposed under the forced draft duct; a filter for removing the scattering toner from air including the scattering toner suctioned from the suctioning ports; and, an exhaust portion including an airflow exhaust duct for discharging the air passed through the filter and the forced draft duct to an exhaust port.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an exposure unit to form a latent image on the image carrier by light, and a particle entering prevention device to prevent particles from entering an optical path between the exposure unit and the image carrier. The particle entering prevention device includes a particle storage unit disposed in a vicinity of the optical path, to store the particles therein.

Abstract: A photosensitive cartridge includes a housing comprising an opening; a photosensitive drum supported by the housing, an electrostatic latent image being formed on the photosensitive drum; a charger that is supported by the housing and charges the photosensitive drum; a cleaning member that is supported by the housing and catches foreign substances from the photosensitive drum; and a cover that is exposed through the opening so as to be flush with an outer surface of the housing at a periphery of the opening, and catches foreign substances from the cleaning member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus body including a driving force transmitting portion and a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes a housing, a photosensitive drum disposed in the housing, a first bearing rotatably supporting an axial end portion of the photosensitive drum, a driving force input portion, which is provided on the axial end portion of the photosensitive drum and is configured to engage the driving force transmitting portion in order to drive the photosensitive drum by a driving force transmitted from the driving force transmitting portion when the driving force transmitting portion is pressed against the driving force input portion, and a second bearing, which rotatably supports the other axial end of the photosensitive drum, and which comprises a first contact portion which contacts the image forming apparatus body when the driving force transmitting portion is pressed against the driving force input portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an intermediary transfer member for primary-transferring the toner at a primary transfer position so that a second color toner image is primary-transferred from an image carrying member onto a first color toner image which has been transferred in a superposition manner; a secondary transfer member for secondary-transferring the first and second color toner images together from the intermediary transfer member onto a recording; a fixing apparatus for fixing the toner images on the recording material; a guide member for guiding the recording material to the fixing apparatus; an electrical discharging member, for electrically discharging the recording material onto which the toner images are secondary-transferred; and a voltage application apparatus for applying, to the electrical discharging member before the secondary transfer, a voltage of a polarity identical to that of the first color toner image on the intermediary transfer member at a predetermined period.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer tank, a developing roller, a supply roller, a stirring member, and a doctor blade. The developing device is provided with: a cleaning member detachably provided on a contact portion of the doctor blade with the developing roller, which slides to rub a surface of the doctor blade upon contacting; a supporting section for supporting the cleaning member so as to be capable of being attached to and detached from the contact portion of the doctor blade with the developing roller; and a driving mechanism for moving the cleaning member so as to be attached to and detached from the contact portion of the doctor blade with the developing roller.

Abstract: A partition is provided to isolate a space from outside thereof, the space encompassing a space where an image holding member, a developing device, a charging device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. The isolated space is under reduced pressure. This allows the image forming apparatus to avoid negative effect caused by humidity change.

Abstract: An isolating wall is provided for isolating, from a space outside the isolation wall, a space including: a photosensitive drum; a developing unit; a charging device; a transfer device; and a fixing device. With this configuration, the space in which powder toner (toner which is not fixed on a recording material by the fixing device) is present is isolated from the space outside the isolation wall. Thus, in an image forming apparatus using powder developer, this configuration makes it possible to (i) prevent the floating toner from going out of the image forming apparatus, or (ii) prevent the floating toner from deteriorating a function of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for removal of image forming deposits between two contacting surfaces in an image forming device or image forming device cartridge. The method includes positioning an insert between the contacting surfaces which insert is capable of removing the deposits when the insert is inserted or removed from the device. The deposits may include those that may ultimately adhere or weld to the surfaces of the device during shipping and/or storage and upon exposure to differential environmental conditions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a carrier; a forming unit which forms an image on a carrier; a cleaning unit which cleans the carrier; a detection unit which detects a correction pattern formed on the carrier; and a control unit which performs a correction processing including cleaning a pattern forming region in the carrier by the cleaning unit, forming the correction pattern in the pattern forming region by the forming unit after finishing the cleaning by the cleaning unit, and correcting an image forming characteristic of the forming unit based on a detection result of the correction pattern by the detection unit.

Abstract: A light scanning module mounted to a main body, the module including a light scanning unit including a light scanning window to scan a light onto a photosensitive body of the main body, a cleaning shutter part including a cleaning part to clean the light scanning window and is coupled to the main body to move between an opening position to open the light scanning window and a closing position to close the light scanning window, and the cleaning shutter part, including a cleaning part accommodating part to accommodate at least one area of the cleaning part to pivotally rotate, and a rotation regulating part provided on one side of the cleaning part and is contact-supported on an internal wall of the cleaning part accommodating part to block the pivotal rotation of the cleaning part if the cleaning shutter part moves from the closing position to the opening position, and is separated from the internal wall of the cleaning part accommodating part to permit the pivotal rotation of the cleaning part if the cleanin

Abstract: An image forming device includes a first device body, a second device body having a first side end and a second side end opposite to the first side end, the first side end being rotatably joined with the first device body, the second side end turning around the first side end between an opened state and a closed state, a photoconductive body provided in the first device body, an exposure unit provided to the second device body, the exposure unit having an exposure surface exposing the photoconductive body and form a latent image on the photoconductive body, and an exposure unit turning mechanism that turns the exposure unit between an exposure position where the exposure surface is directed to the photoconductive body in the closed state and an evacuation position where the exposure surface is directed to the first side end in the opened state.

Abstract: A printing medium baffle for protecting printheads printing on an image transfer member from particulates associated with the printing medium. The baffle may have one or more adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member; and an exposure member having a light emitting element, the exposure member exposing the photosensitive member at an exposure position opposed to an opposed position on the photosensitive member to form the electrostatic latent image, the exposure member being movable between the exposure position and a retreated position retreating from the exposure position, wherein the exposure member includes a dust-proof wall protruding more than a light-emitting surface of the exposure member and a positioning member positioning the exposure member with respect to the photosensitive member at the exposure position, and wherein the dust-proof wall and the positioning member are integrally formed.

Abstract: A feeding unit is disposed near the lower edge of an access opening formed in a front cover of a main casing. The feeding unit includes a pair of registration rollers and a pair of guide parts. One of the registration rollers and one of the guide parts are retained on the front cover. Thus, when the front cover is pulled to an open position, the registration roller and the guide part retained on the front cover displace together with the front cover, exposing a paper conveying path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a cleaning device capable of conveniently cleaning inner components without an additional driving source. The image forming apparatus includes a main body having a main body frame and a moving part provided movably relative to the main body frame, and a compressed air supply unit to compress air by interlocking with movement of the moving part and supply the compressed air to a laser scanning device to clean the laser scanning device. The moving part may be a cover hingedly coupled to the main body frame to open and shield a portion of the main body, or a paper feeding cassette removably mounted to the main body frame. The compressed air supply unit includes a cylinder coupled to the main body frame, and a piston coupled to the moving part.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect the remaining amount of developer in a developing unit is provided. The apparatus includes a light emitting prism and a light receiving prism placed opposite to each other in a developer store space of the developing unit and forming a light emitting path and a light receiving path, respectively. A light emitting element irradiates light through the light emitting prism, and a light receiving element receives a light signal through the light receiving prism. An antistatic agent is coated on a light emitting window of the light emitting prism and a light receiving window of the light receiving prism, respectively, to substantially prevent developer from attaching on the light emitting window and the light receiving window.