Electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus

Abstract

The first embodiment of an electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus includes a sheet of cleaning media, formed from a material such as felt, cloth or abrasive impregnated plastic fibers. Attached to the cleaning media is a retaining device. Preferably, the retaining device includes a plastic tab bonded to the sheet of cleaning media. Attached to the plastic tab is a plastic strap with an adhesive located on the free end. For use, the cleaning media is inserted into the print media path of the printer with the plastic strap looped around any conveniently protruding feature inside the printer. The rotation of the drum against the cleaning media results in the removal of contaminants. A second embodiment of an electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus includes an oversized cleaning roller which is installed into the printer in place of the transfer roller. A reservoir pivotally attached to the shaft of the cleaning roller contains cleaning fluid which is absorbed into the cleaning roller. Movement of the cleaning roller over the surface of the photoconductor drum results in the removal of contaminants. In a third embodiment of the electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus for use with an electrophotographic print cartridge, the electrophotographic print cartridge is mounted into a stand with the drum in contact with the cleaning roller. Movement of the cleaning roller over the surface of the photoconductor drum results in the removal of contaminants. A fourth embodiment of the electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus uses a cleaning pad disposed in the channel of a cleaning pad holder. The cleaning pad holder is inserted into the laser beam access slot in the electrophotographic print cartridge so that the pad contacts the photoconductor drum through the slot. Movement of the cleaning pad over the surface of the photoconductor drum resulting from rotation provides the cleaning action.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.