Sequenced cleaner retraction method and apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method using eccentrics, driven by a two-level gear, to sequentially retract and engage the brushes in the non-imaging region of the photoreceptor surface. The first brush, in the direction of motion of the photoreceptor, is brought into contact with the surface, in the non-imaging region, at the beginning of the cleaning cycle, using eccentrics. As the surface moves, the first brush in contact with the surface cleans residual toner from the imaging area, while the second brush is sequentially brought into contact with the surface in the non-imaging region. After the cleaning cycle is complete, the first brush coupled to an eccentric gear is retracted from the surface, in the non-imaging region. As the surface continues to move, the second brush also coupled to an eccentric gear, now in the non-imaging region, is retracted from the surface. Then, development of the image on image begins. The brushes are sequentially retracted using a two-level gear, one gear being 90 degrees out of phase with the other, to drive the eccentric gears of the brushes via idler gears. Each gear of the two level gear has a circumference which includes two 90 degree segments with gear teeth and two 90 degree segments with blank zones. The location of the 90 degree segments in conjunction with the eccentric brush gear determine retraction and engagement of the brushes and the sequential timing of these actions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.