(19)
(11) EP 0 561 544 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
13.10.1993 Bulletin 1993/41

(43) Date of publication A2:
22.09.1993 Bulletin 1993/38

(21) Application number: 93301763.4

(22) Date of filing: 09.03.1993
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: G03G 15/00, G03G 21/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB IT NL

(30) Priority: 16.03.1992 JP 57731/92

(71) Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101 (JP)

(72) Inventors:
  • Wakamatsu, Kazuhiro
    Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki 316 (JP)
  • Hayano, Tomio
    Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki 316 (JP)

(74) Representative: Calderbank, Thomas Roger et al
MEWBURN ELLIS York House 23 Kingsway
London WC2B 6HP
London WC2B 6HP (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) An electro-photography apparatus and a method of removing toner from such an apparatus


    (57) An electro-photography, such as a copier or laser printer, has a photosensitive belt (4) for transporting toner. The photosensitive belt (4) is mounted in a cartridge (2), and the cartridge (2) is removably mounted in a holder (11). The holder (11) is insertable into and withdrawable from the main body (1) of the apparatus. Therefore, when the photosensitive belt (4) has reached the end of its useful life, the holder (11) is withdrawn and the cartridge (2) removed. A new cartridge (2), and hence a new photosensitive belt (4), may then be mounted in the holder (11) and the holder (11) inserted into the main body (1) of the apparatus. To prevent surfaces of the cartridge (2) and/or holder (11) from becoming contaminated with toner, a gap (17) is formed therebetween , and the holder (11) has an air inlet (11b) and an air outlet. Thus, air is caused to flow between the opposed surfaces of the holder (11) and the cartridge (2) to entrain any toner and remove such toner from the interior of the holder (11).






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