Patent ID: 7542710
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A cleaning device for a fixing unit in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the fixing unit being formed of a heating member incorporating a heater and a pressing member that is put in press-contact with the heating member to fix an unfixed developer image formed on the surface of recording paper thereto by applying heat and pressure as the paper is passed through a nip between the heating member and pressing member, the cleaning device for removing the developer remaining on at least one of the heating member and pressing member in the fixing unit, comprising: a cleaning roller arranged in press-contact with at least one of the heating member and pressing member, a surface of the cleaning roller having annular projected shapes and annular indented shapes, wherein peripheral devices, including a plurality of paper separation claws and a temperature detecting sensor, are arranged adjacent a peripheral surface of the heating member or pressing member, wherein the annular projected shapes are at positions on the surface of the cleaning roller aligned, in a direction of rotation of the heating member or pressing member, with the peripheral devices, wherein the cleaning roller is laid out on a downstream side of the multiple paper separation claws adjacent the peripheral surface of the heating member or pressing member, wherein the downstream side is with respect to a direction of surface movement of the peripheral surface of the heating member or the pressing member, wherein the cleaning roller is laid out on an upstream side, in the direction of the surface movement of the peripheral surface of the heating member or pressing member, and wherein the annular indented shapes are at reduced diameter sections of the cleaning roller that do not abut the heating member or pressing member, and the annular indented shapes are opposite to annular surfaces of the heating member or pressing member that do not abut the peripheral devices.