Patent ID: 6298217
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for removing a toner from an electrophotographic photosensitive body and having a cleaning container, comprising:a first chamber provided with a cleaning member for removing the toner from the electrophotographic photosensitive body;a second chamber for accumulating the toner removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive body by said cleaning member;a third chamber provided between the first chamber and the second chamber and having a first toner conveying member for conveying the toner fed from the first chamber into the second chamber;a second toner conveying member for conveying the toner from the first chamber to the third chamber;a first partition member for partitioning the first chamber and the third chamber;an opening portion provided at one end of the photosensitive member in a longitudinal direction thereof, and between the first chamber and the third chamber; anda second partition for partitioning the second chamber and the third chamber;wherein toner in the first chamber is fed by the second toner conveying member to the opening portion, and the toner fed via the opening portion into the third chamber is lifted up in the third chamber to be fed to the second chamber.