Patent ID: 7796935
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A process cartridge, comprising: a latent image carrier configured to bear an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof; a charging unit configured to charge the surface; a latent image forming unit configured to form the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier charged by the charging unit; a developing unit configured to supply toner to the electrostatic latent image at a developing area so as to form a toner image; a transfer unit configured to transfer the toner image onto a transfer medium at a transfer position; a rotary brush configured to rotate and contact a portion of the latent image carrier surface having curvature so as to form a nip therebetween; and a brush housing configured to cover the rotary brush such that a place where the rotary brush contacts the latent image carrier is opened, the brush housing including a first tip and a second tip, wherein a downstream end of the nip where the rotary brush contacts the latent image carrier in the rotation direction of the rotary brush is configured to be not higher than a center of curvature of the surface of the latent image carrier where the rotary brush contacts, and wherein the first tip of the brush housing is positioned downstream of the rotary brush, at a downstream nip end in the rotation direction of the brush, and toward the latent image carrier further than a tangent to the surface of the latent image carrier at the downstream nip end in the rotation direction of the brush.