EP1237049A2 - Automatic device for cleaning corona wires - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for automatically cleaning the surface of a corona wire (14) in a corona charger (10) comprises a cleaning device (40) with a cleaning pad (50) which is fastened in the pad holder (43), the cleaning pad (50) being substantially apart Part of the circumference of the corona wire (14) is wound to clean the surface of the corona wire (14). The cleaning device (40) also comprises means for holding the cleaning arrangement (42; 152) in connection with the corona wire (14) in the corona charger (10), means which are connected to the holding means (44) for moving the holding means (44 ) along the corona wire (14) and means for automatically selectively activating the moving means to move the holding means (44) so that the cleaning arrangement (42; 152) is moved to clean the corona wire (14). <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a corona charger for use in a electrostatographic duplicator or similar device and in particular an automatic cleaning device for the corona wires Corona charger.

In conventional commercial electrostatographic duplicators, such as e.g. Copiers, printers or similar devices become latent Image charge patterns formed on a uniformly charged dielectric element. Colored marking particles are attracted to the latent image charge pattern develop the image on the dielectric element. A receiving element is then brought into contact with the dielectric element and an electric field is created applied to the image developed by the marking particles from the dielectric Transfer element to the receiving element. After the transfer, it will Receiving element carrying the transferred image away from the dielectric element transported and the image is caused by heat and / or pressure on the recording element fixed to create a permanent reproduction of the image.

The electrostatic fields for various processes of the reproduction apparatus are usually provided by corona chargers. corona charger can e.g. used to apply the uniform charge to the dielectric element bring before the latent image charge pattern is formed to transfer a developed image from the dielectric element to a receiving element perform or charge on the dielectric element after the transfer of the neutralize developed image in order to loosen the receiving element or the rest To facilitate marking particles from the dielectric element.

Corona charger usually comprise at least one very thin corona wire, which is in a housing is arranged. The corona wire is electrical to one High voltage potential source coupled to generate ions or charging current to a Surface, e.g. the surface of a dielectric element that is in the immediate Is brought close to the corona wire to charge. The corona wire is taut between insulating end blocks that are held in the housing, the End blocks are connected to a high voltage source to generate the ions Condition to create the corona wire. A grid can be placed between the corona wire and the surface to be charged. The grid is at a predetermined electrical potential held to the specific charge applied to the surface to be controlled.

It is understood that the high voltage of the corona wire is a corrosive environment creates that affects the wire, i.e. the electrically charged atmosphere the wire contributes to covering and / or attacking the corona wire with / through in airborne marking particles, the fixing oil mist or paper dust. With the Time this leads to a performance impairment of the corona wire, which in itself is little is stable in generating the desired uniform charge on the surface, which should be charged. Irregularities in the corona wires are therefore Irregularities in the loading cause that as errors in the playback that just is created appear. The mistakes are usually stripes, spots or Speckles. Accordingly, the corona charger, especially its grid and the Corona wires, cleaned periodically to ensure correct operation ensure and extend its lifespan.

An apparatus used to clean corona wires must have a Be provided cleaning pad. The disadvantage of using a cleaning pad is that only about half the surface of the corona wire with a Cleaning pad can be cleaned because the cleaning pad is usually flat and does not surround the corona wire. In addition, the corona wire if it should be cleaned using the cleaning pad, usually unwound and over the cleaning pad is stretched, which shortens its lifespan. Are accordingly Advances in corona wire cleaning methods and devices necessary to increase the life of the corona wire.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved cleaning device for creating corona wires. This object is achieved with the features of claim 1, 8 or 15 solved, further features emerge from the subclaims.

The invention provides a device for automatically cleaning the surface of a Corona wire in a corona charger. The cleaning device comprises a Cleaning arrangement with a cleaning pad, which is fixed in a support holder is. The cleaning pad is around a substantial part of the circumference of the corona wire wrapped so that the cleaning pad a substantial part of the surface of the Corona wire can clean. The cleaning device also includes a device for holding the cleaning assembly in the corona charger in connection with the Corona wire. The cleaning device also includes a device that is connected to the holding device is connected to the holding device linearly along the Moving corona wire.

Furthermore, the cleaning device comprises an automatic device optionally activating the movement device so as to hold the device move the cleaner to move to clean the corona wire.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a cleaning arrangement with a support holder on which a cleaning pad is attached. The cleaning pad is essentially around the scope of the Corona wire wrapped. The cleaning device also includes a holding element that is connected to the cleaning arrangement and a drive element which with the Holding element is connected. The drive element moves the holding element along one path to clean the corona wire.

The invention is more preferred below with reference to the drawings Embodiments described.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht eines Koronaladers für einen elektrostatografischen Vervielfältigungsapparat und eine automatische Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des Koronaladers und der automatischen Reinigungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 1, wobei Teile weggelassen oder im Querschnitt dargestellt sind, um eine bessere Sicht zu gewährleisten,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Auflagehalters und einer Reinigungsauflage für eine Reinigungsanordnung der automatischen Reinigungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3A

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Reinigungsauflage für eine Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 3B

einen seitlichen Querschnitt der Reinigungsauflage aus Fig. 3A,

Fig. 3C

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Reinigungsauflage für eine Reinigungsanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform,

Fig. 3D

einen Overhead-Querschnitt der Reinigungsauflage aus Fig. 3C,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Auflagehalters und einer Reinigungsauflage für eine Reinigungsanordnung einer automatischen Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht eines Koronaladers für einen elektrostatografischen Vervielfältigungsapparat und eine automatische Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform,

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht eines Halteelements für die Reinigungsanordnung der automatischen Reinigungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 5, und

Fig. 7

einen Querschnitt eines Wetzsteins für die Reinigungsanordnung der automatischen Reinigungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 5.

The drawings show:

Fig. 1

2 shows an exploded perspective view of a corona charger for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus and an automatic cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2

2 shows a side view of the corona charger and the automatic cleaning device from FIG. 1, parts being omitted or shown in cross section in order to ensure a better view,

Fig. 3

2 shows a perspective view of a support holder and a cleaning support for a cleaning arrangement of the automatic cleaning device from FIG. 1,

Figure 3A

2 shows a perspective view of a cleaning pad for a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 3B

3 shows a lateral cross section of the cleaning pad from FIG. 3A,

Figure 3C

2 shows a perspective view of a cleaning pad for a cleaning arrangement according to one embodiment,

Fig. 3D

3C shows an overhead cross section of the cleaning pad from FIG. 3C,

Fig. 4

2 shows a perspective view of a support holder and a cleaning support for a cleaning arrangement of an automatic cleaning device according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5

1 shows an exploded perspective view of a corona charger for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus and an automatic cleaning device according to one embodiment,

Fig. 6

a side view of a holding element for the cleaning arrangement of the automatic cleaning device of Fig. 5, and

Fig. 7

5 shows a cross section of a whetstone for the cleaning arrangement of the automatic cleaning device from FIG. 5.

The elements shown in the figures are not for reasons of clarity necessarily shown to scale. The dimensions of some elements are therefore e.g. shown enlarged. Furthermore, reference numerals are repeated in the figures was added to identify corresponding elements.

1 and 2 show a conventional corona charger which is generally associated with the Reference number 10 is provided and in an electrostatographic Duplicating apparatus such as a copier, printer or similar apparatus is used becomes. The corona charger 10, as discussed above, is generally for the purpose used a surface in the well-known electrostatographic Duplicators to charge uniformly. The corona charger 10 includes a Housing 12 which has a generally U-shaped cross-section with upward Has thighs. The housing 12 has a first end portion 12a and one second end portion 12b through an elongated central portion 12c are connected to each other, the central section 12c e.g. from an insulating Resin material is formed, which, as shown, is brought into the desired shape. At least one corona wire 14 (three in the illustrated embodiments) Corona wires) is supported to match the length of the central portion 12c of the Casing spanned. The corona wire 14 preferably has a thickness of less than 2 Millimeters on and particularly preferably a thickness of less than one Millimeter.

The middle section 12c is delimited at its ends by the walls 16a and 16b. The Walls 16a and 16b may form part of the housing 12 or may be separate Structures that are connected to the housing in another known manner. The Top of walls 16a and 16b is preferably rounded and a variety of Latching steps are preferably provided in the outer sides of the walls, which are next to the Top are arranged. The walls and locking steps 18 hold and secure the Corona wires 14, the surface to be charged at a precise distance from the Corona wires 14 can be brought. Rounding the top of walls 16a and 16b and securing the position of the latching steps 18 on their outer sides have one additional function, which is explained below.

An anchor assembly 20 (see FIG. 2) is in the first end portion 12a of the housing 12 arranged to anchor respective ends of the corona wires 14 and one suitable electrical high-voltage potential source electrically to the corona wires 14 couple. The anchor assembly 20 is made of conductive material, such as e.g. Metal, formed. The Anchor assembly 20 is attached to housing 12 by suitable fasteners attached and has a plurality of projections 22 (only one in Fig. 2 shown), which extend upwards at an acute angle. The projections 22 each define slots (not shown) at their ends, which are designed such that they take up the corona wires 14. The corona wires 14 are in turn knots (e.g. copper eyelets) or loops formed at the ends of the corona wires at the Protrusions 22 attached.

In addition, the armature arrangement 20 has a projection 24 which is connected to a electrical conductor 26 is connected, which is held so that it extends through an end wall of the housing 12 extends. The electrical conductor 26 is set so that it connects to a High voltage potential source (not shown) is coupled, whereby to the Corona wires 14 the electrical potential of the source by the electrically conductive Path from the conductor to the armature assembly 20 and then to the corona wires runs, is created.

The respective opposite ends of the corona wires 14 are under one predetermined tensile stress by an anchor assembly 28 with the housing 12 connected, the anchor assembly by suitable fasteners with the second end portion 12b of the housing is connected. The armature arrangement 20 has one Variety of elements that are adapted to match the respective spring elements Record 30, each connected to the ends of the corona wires. additionally the corona charger 10 has a charge control grid accumulation 32 that matches the Housing 12 is connected so that it has the open area between its walls includes. The charge control grid collection 32 comprises a variety of very thin wires 34 that are substantially parallel to the corona wires 14 between extend the end support members 36 which are connected to the end walls of the housing 12 are connected. The thin wires 34 are preferably less than two millimeters on and particularly preferably a thickness of less than one Millimeter. The charge control grid accumulation 32 can be on in a known manner an electrical potential source may be coupled or grounded, depending on the desired one Control of the charge applied by the corona charger 10.

In order to maintain the work efficiency for the corona charger 10, a Embodiment an automatic cleaning device, generally with 40 is provided to cover the primary operating surfaces of the Clean corona wires 14 of corona charger 10. The automatic Cleaning device 40 includes a cleaning assembly 42 that is removable on the Holding element 44 is arranged. The holding member 44 is for linear movement supported by a drive element 46 along the longitudinal axis of the corona charger. The Drive element 46 is in operative relationship with a control unit 48 selectively activating the drive member 46 at predetermined intervals to the Perform cleaning function.

The cleaning arrangement 42 comprises at least one support holder 43 which is attached to at least one cleaning pad 50, as shown in Fig. 3-4, is attached. The Cleaning assembly 42 includes a pad age 43 and a cleaning pad 50 for each corona wire 14 in the corona charger 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The Support bracket 43 is made of rigid materials such as Metals such as steel, aluminum, Brass and plastic, e.g. Ethylene vinyl acetate, acrylic resin derivatives such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polymers such as Polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyethylene Polybutylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyphenylene oxide, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, polyamides and polybutylene terephthalate. The cleaning pad 50 consists of a Cleaning material in the form of a slightly abrasive cloth, such as NOMEX ™, Cotton and wool. The cleaning pad is preferably also fire-retardant. The Pad holder is constructed so that it holds the cleaning pad 50 in place and the Cleaning pad 50 during the cleaning of the corona wire 14 before dissolution protects.

The cleaning pad 50 is wrapped around a substantial part of the corona wire, so that a substantial area of the surface of the corona wire 14 from the automatic Cleaning device 40 can be cleaned. The cleaning pad is preferably 50 wrapped around a portion of the corona wire that is greater than half the circumference C. and between 50 and 100 percent of the circumference C of the corona wire 14, as in FIGS. 3 and 4. As defined here, the perimeter C of the corona wire 14 is the distance around the external boundary of the corona wire 14 as described in FIG. 3. If the Corona wire 14 e.g. is cylindrical in shape, the circumference C is defined as π · D, where D is the diameter or thickness of the corona wire 14. However, the Corona wire has several different shapes, e.g. a square Cross-section, a triangular cross-section or an irregular cross-section exhibit. Therefore, the circumference C may vary depending on the shape of the corona wire 14 exhibits vary. In particular, the cleaning pad 50 is preferably 75 to 100 Percent of the circumference of the corona wire 14 wrapped as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. By removing the cleaning pad by 50 to 100 percent of the surface of the corona wire 14 is wound, 50 to 100 percent of the surface of the corona wire 14 from the automatic cleaning device 40, which is conventional Devices used for cleaning corona wires and a flat surface do not use that clean only about half the surface of the corona wires 14 the case is. In addition, larger cleaners could be reached without the Corona wire has to be charged inconsistently like in conventional devices, and thus the life of the corona wire can be extended.

In one embodiment, the support holder 43 forms a ring that the Cleaning pad 50 surrounds, as shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the Cleaning pad 50 ring-shaped and the corona wire 14 is during the construction of the automatic cleaning device 40 through the center of the cleaning pad 50 guided. By choosing an annular embodiment, the Cleaning assembly 42 part with the corona wires 14 and therefore form the Corona wires 14 and the cleaning assembly 42 are a single part that is much easier to get wait is as two separate parts. In a further embodiment, the Support holder 43 and the cleaning support 50 both U-shaped, as shown in Fig. 4, so that the corona wire 14 into the cleaning assembly 42 through a gap 41 which of the Cleaning pad 50 is formed, can be introduced. If both the Cleaning pad 50 as well as the support holder 43 are U-shaped Structure of the automatic cleaning device 40 facilitated.

In one embodiment, cleaning assembly 42 includes a cleaning pad 50, which are made of a stiff and rough material such as Aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D. The cleaning arrangement 42 comprises preferably a cleaning pad 50 for each corona wire 14 in the corona charger 10. The cleaning pad is preferably annular. The inner diameter D1 of the Cleaning pad 50 is larger than the diameter D2 of the corona wire 14, so that it becomes easier to guide the corona wire 14 through the cleaning pad 50. The Cleaning pad 50 is preferably at an angle α relative to a line tilted normal to the direction of the corona wire 14 as shown in Fig. 3B. The cleaning pad 50 is tilted by an angle α, so that the cleaning pad 50 touches the corona wire 14 on at least two edges 49 and 51 to the upper part 71 and the lower part 73 of the corona wire 14 aggressively during the cleaning cycle to clean as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In addition, the Cleaning pad 50 by an angle β relative to a line normal to that Direction of the corona wire 14 is pivoted, as shown in Fig. 3C and 3D is. The cleaning pad 50 is pivoted through an angle β, so that the Cleaning pad 50 touches corona wire 14 on at least two edges 37 and 38, around the first side 75 and the second side 77 of the corona wire 14 during the Aggressively clean the cleaning cycle as shown in Figs. 3C and 3D.

In one embodiment, the holding element 44 for the cleaning arrangement 42 comprises an arm 68, each of which has slots constructed to be the legs 53, which extend from the support holder 43 of the cleaning arrangement 42, record as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Arm 68 holds the assembly in place predetermined location in relation to the corona wires 14 and in particular to the Effective surfaces of the wires. The arm 68 and the cleaning assembly 42 are preferably molded in one piece to reduce assembly time.

The holding element 44 is connected to the drive element 46, the Drive element 46 moves the holding element along a certain path. The Drive element 46 may be an element known to those skilled in the art, which is an object moved along a particular path and can e.g. an engine, a pulley, a gear, a screw, a magnet or another known to those skilled in the art Include element or a composition of elements that are used can to move an object along a path.

In one embodiment, a leg 70 is attached to the holding element 44, which leg through a longitudinal slot extending in the housing 12 of the corona charger is arranged. The distal end of the leg 70 is with a slide nut 74 connected, which is attached to a lead screw 76. The lead screw 76 is in the Bearing blocks 78a and 78b held with the housing 12 next to each Sections 12a and 12b of the housing are connected. A bidirectional motor 80 which on the bearing block 78b is attached to the Lead screw 76 coupled. If the bidirectional motor 80 in one way or another Direction is activated, the lead screw 76 is accordingly in one or the opposite direction rotated about its longitudinal axis. Because of the interaction of the leg 70 of the holding member 44 with the slot 72 is a rotation of the Sliding nut 74 with the lead screw 76 prevents the connection to the leg is limited by the slot 72. Therefore, the rotation of the lead screw causes that the slide nut moves in a linear direction along the longitudinal axis of the lead screw. As a result, the movement of the sliding nut 74 leads to a corresponding linear one Movement of the holding element 44 and thus of the cleaning arrangement 42 Movement of the cleaning arrangement 42 brings the cleaning pad 50 into an active and Cleaning connection with at least the active surfaces of the corona wires 14 in order to perform their effective cleaning. It is understood that an engine that the Lead screw 76 rotates in a single direction, also for use with this Invention is suitable if the lead screw 76 is a double-threaded screw.

The automatic control of the automatic cleaning device 40 for the Corona charger 10 as described above is operated by logic and control unit 48 performed. The logic and control unit 48 comprises a control panel 84 that opens a bracket 84a is attached and connected to the bearing block 78b. The control panel 84 has a microprocessor that receives input signals and clock signals. Based on these signals and a program for the microprocessor, the Logic and control unit 48 signals to the clocking and operation of the To control bidirectional motor 80. Creating a program for a number of commercially available microprocessors suitable for use with the invention suitable is a common skill of one skilled in the art. The special ones Details of such a program depend on the structure of the respective microprocessor from. Of course, the microprocessor can be located remotely from the panel, he can e.g. part of a main logic and control unit of the duplicator to which the corona charger is connected. Certain input signals for the Microprocessor of the control unit 48 are from an initial position switch 86 and a reversing switch 88. The home position switch 86 is on Home position sensor, which is adjacent to the first end portion 12a of the housing 12 of the Corona charger is arranged. When the cleaning assembly 42 is in the home position is (see Fig. 2), it is arranged so that it is not in contact with the work area of the Corona wires is.

At predetermined intervals, the logic and control unit 48 activates the Bi-directional motor 80 to turn the lead screw 76 in one direction or the opposite Direction to turn. If the cleaning assembly 42 is the work area of the Corona wires 14 has completely crossed from the starting position to a distant position, the slide nut 74 contacts the reversing switch. A suitable signal is sent to the Control unit 48 is sent to cause bidirectional motor 80 to operate Change operating direction and thus the lead screw 76 in the opposite Direction to turn.

Accordingly, the direction of movement for the slide nut 74 is reversed and the Cleaning assembly 42 is in the opposite direction to the home position too moved. When the cleaning assembly 42 reaches the home position, the sends Home position switch 86 sends a suitable signal to the control unit 48 to the Stop bi-directional motor 80. The cleaning arrangement 42 is in the Starting position held without hindering the operation of the corona charger 10 to next desired cleaning interval. A cleaning cycle can e.g. when starting of the duplicating apparatus and also in a certain operating interval, e.g. all 10,000 images can be initiated or optionally based on the operator's decision be initiated. Of course, the number of images between cleaning cycles is from logic and control unit 48 programmable to operate the most effectively To achieve cleaning device 40.

In a further embodiment, the cleaning arrangement 152 comprises one Element holder 154 which e.g. is formed from a plastic material as shown in FIG. 5. At least one whetstone 156 is attached to the element holder 154. Sharpening stone 156 points a cleaning material in the form of a hard, rough material, e.g. alumina and silicon carbide. The element holder 154 is constructed to have the whetstone 156 holds in the right place and prevents the whetstone 156 from moving during the Cleaning the corona wire 14 in relation to the element holder 154 moves. The Sharpening stone 156 contacts the surface of the corona wire 14, so that crystalline Deposits that adhere to the surface of the corona wire 14 from the automatic Cleaning device 40 can be removed. Sharpening stone 156 is preferred cylindrically shaped to slide more easily over the surface of the corona wires 14, he however, it can also be shaped differently, e.g. as a parallelogram, conical shape or a another form that a specialist considers imaginable.

In one embodiment, sharpening stone 156 comprises at least one groove 166, as shown in FIG. 7 shown. The groove 166 allows the sharpening stone 156, a larger part of the Surface of the corona wire 14 to contact, so that a larger part of the surface the corona wire 14 can be cleaned.

In one embodiment, a second sharpening stone 158 is on the element holder 158 attached, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The second sharpening stone 158 contacts the Surface of the corona wire 14, so that crystalline deposits on the surface of the corona wire 14 stick away from the automatic cleaning device 40 can be. The first sharpening stone 156 is preferably opposite the second Sharpening stone 158 arranged so that the opposite sides of the corona wire 14 can be cleaned, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The cleaning assembly 152 is connected to the drive element 46, wherein the drive element 46 the Cleaning assembly 152 moves along a particular path. In a Embodiment is attached to the cleaning assembly 152, a leg 70, the through a longitudinal slot 72 which is in the housing 12 of the corona charger is formed, extends. The distal end of the leg 70 is one Slide nut 74 connected, which is fixed on a lead screw 76 (for a closer Description see above).

While in the embodiments described above, the automatic Cleaning device is used to clean the corona wires 14, the Automatic cleaning device 40 can also be used to remove the thin wires 34 to clean the charge control grid assembly 32, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art is. In addition, the automatic cleaning device 40 can both Cleaning arrangement 42 as well as cleaning arrangement 152 include to to clean different types of particles while in the ones described above Embodiments of automatic cleaning device 40 are either Cleaning arrangement 42 or the cleaning arrangement 152 comprises.

It is therefore a method and a device according to the invention for cleaning a corona wire have been described which have the advantages mentioned above completely meet. Although the invention is specific Embodiments have been described, the invention is not based on them limited exemplary embodiments. The skilled person realizes that changes can be made without departing from the basic idea of the invention. The Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all changes from the appended claims be covered. In particular, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that a Cleaning device for corona wires both for a corona charger and for a corona discharger.

List of reference numbers

10

corona charger

12

casing

12a

first end portion of the housing

12b

second end portion of the housing

12c

elongated middle section

14

corona wire

16a

wall

16b

wall

18

catching step

20

armature assembly

22

head Start

24

head Start

26

electrical conductor

28

armature assembly

30

spring elements

32

Charge control grid assembly

34

wire

36

Endstützelement

37

edge

38

edge

40

automatic cleaning device

42

cleaning arrangement

43

support holders

44

retaining element

46

driving element

48

control unit

49

edge

50

scouring pad

51

edge

53

leg

68

poor

70

leg

71

top

72

slot

73

bottom

74

slide nut

75

first side of the corona wire 14

76

lead screw

77

second side of the corona wire 14

78a

bearing block

78b

bearing block

80

Bi-directional motor

82

gearing

84

Switchboard

84a

console

86

Home switch

88

reversing switch

152

cleaning arrangement

154

element holder

156

whetstone

158

whetstone

166

groove

α

angle

β

angle

Claims (21)

A device for automatically cleaning the surface of a corona wire (14) in a corona charger (10), the cleaning device (40) comprising the following elements: a cleaning assembly (42; 152) having a cleaning pad (50) secured in the pad holder (43), the cleaning pad (50) being wrapped around a substantial portion of the circumference of the corona wire (14) around the surface of the corona wire ( 14) to clean; Means for holding the cleaning assembly (42; 152) in the corona charger (10) in communication with the corona wire (14); Moving means (46) connected to the holding means (44) for moving the holding means (44) along the corona wires (14); and Means for automatically selectively activating the moving means (46) to move the holding means (44) to move the cleaning assembly (42; 152) to clean the corona wire (14). Cleaning device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the moving means (46) of the holding means (44) include a motor (80), a lead screw (76), means for connecting the motor (80) to the lead screw (76) for rotating the lead screw (76) by the motor (80) and means for transmitting the rotation of the lead screw (76) into a linear movement of the holding means (44). Cleaning device according to claim 2,
characterized in that the means for transmitting the rotation of the lead screw (76) into a linear movement of the holding means (44) comprise a slide nut (74) fixed to the lead screw (76), the slide nut (74) with the holding means (44) and is prevented from rotating with the lead screw (76), so that turning the lead screw (76) in one direction causes the slide nut (74) and thus the holding means (44) to move linearly from a starting position at one end of the Corona charger (10) is moved to a remote position near the other end, and rotating the lead screw (76) in the opposite direction returns the slide nut (74) and thus the retaining means from the removed position to the starting position. Cleaning device according to claim 2,
characterized in that the lead screw (76) comprises a double threaded screw so that rotating the lead screw (76) in one direction linearly brings the holding means (44) from the initial position to the distant position and then the holding means (44) from a distant position leads back to the starting position. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that the means for automatically selectively activating the movement means (46) for moving the holding means (44) comprise a logic and control unit (48) to selectively activate the motor (80). Cleaning device according to claim 5,
characterized in that the logic and control unit (48) comprises programmable means for activating the motor (80) at predetermined operating intervals of the corona charger (10). Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that the support holder (43) is essentially wound around the cleaning support (50). A device for automatically cleaning the surface of a corona wire (14) in a corona charger (10), the cleaning device (40) comprising the following elements: a cleaning assembly (42; 152) having a support holder (43) to which a cleaning support (50) is attached, the cleaning support (50) being wound substantially around a circumference of the corona wire (14); a support member (44) connected to the cleaning assembly (42; 152); and a drive member (46) connected to the support member (44), the drive member (46) moving the support member (44) along a predetermined path. Cleaning device according to claim 8,
characterized in that the support holder (43) is essentially wound around the cleaning support (50). Cleaning device according to one of claims 8 to 9,
characterized in that the support holder (43) is U-shaped. Cleaning device according to one of claims 8 to 10,
characterized in that the cleaning pad (50) is U-shaped. Cleaning device according to one of claims 8 to 11,
characterized in that the drive element (46) comprises a motor which is connected to a lead screw (76). Cleaning device according to one of claims 8 to 12,
characterized in that the holding element (44) comprises an arm (68) which holds the cleaning arrangement (42; 152) in a predetermined position in relation to the corona wires (14). Cleaning device according to claim 8,
characterized in that the drive element (46) moves the holding element (44) linearly along the corona wire (14). Device for automatically cleaning the surface of a corona wire (14) in a corona charger (10), the cleaning device (40) comprising the following elements: a cleaning device having at least one whetstone (156) attached to an element holder (154), the whetstone (156) touching the surface of the corona wire (14); and a drive element (46) which is connected to the cleaning device (40), the drive element (46) moving the cleaning arrangement (42; 152) along a specific path. Cleaning device according to claim 15,
characterized in that the sharpening stone (156) is in the form of a rod, Cleaning device according to claim 15,
characterized in that the cleaning device (40) further comprises two sharpening stones (156; 158) which are fastened to the element holder (154). Cleaning device according to claim 17,
characterized in that the first sharpening stone (156) is opposite the second sharpening stone (158), the first sharpening stone (156) and the second sharpening stone (158) both touching the surface of the corona wire (14). Cleaning device according to claim 15,
characterized in that the whetstone (156) comprises a material selected from a group of aluminum oxide and silicon carbide. Cleaning device according to claim 15,
characterized in that the sharpening stone (156) comprises at least one groove (166), the groove (166) touching the surface of the corona wire (14). Cleaning device according to claim 15,
characterized in that the device further includes means for automatically selectively activating the drive member (46) to move the cleaning assembly (42; 152) to clean the corona wire (14).

Images