초록 ▼

A helical auger member for transporting toner in an image forming apparatus. The auger member may be implemented as part of a waste toner removal system for removing toner from a photoconductive member of a toner cartridge. Toner that is removed by a cleaner member is transported through a cleaner h

A helical auger member for transporting toner in an image forming apparatus. The auger member may be implemented as part of a waste toner removal system for removing toner from a photoconductive member of a toner cartridge. Toner that is removed by a cleaner member is transported through a cleaner housing with a helical member, such as a coil wire, having a pitch to outer diameter ratio from about 1.5 to 2.5.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A device for moving toner within an image forming apparatus comprising a helical member having a pitch to outer diameter ratio of between about 1.65 and 1.8. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the helical member is a coil wire. 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the toner is

What is claimed is: 1. A device for moving toner within an image forming apparatus comprising a helical member having a pitch to outer diameter ratio of between about 1.65 and 1.8. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the helical member is a coil wire. 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the toner is waste toner. 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the toner is chemically produced toner. 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the toner is milled toner. 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the helical member is a helical wire member having an outer diameter of between about 5.5 and 7 millimeters. 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the helical member is a helical wire member having an outer diameter of less than about 7.5 millimeters. 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the helical member is a helical wire with a circular cross section shape. 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the helical member has an outer diameter of about 5.9 mm. 10. The device of claim 1 wherein the helical member has a pitch of about 10.6 mm. 11. A waste toner removal system for removing toner from a photoconductive member of a toner cartridge, the system comprising: a cleaner member to remove the toner from the photoconductive member; a cleaner housing; and a helical member having a helix angle of between about 37째 and 45째. 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the helical member has a helix angle of about 42째. 13. The system of claim 11 wherein the helical member is a coil wire. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the coil wire has an outer diameter of between about 5.5 and 7 millimeters. 15. A toner transport system for moving toner in an image forming apparatus, the system comprising: a toner transport housing; and a helical member rotatably disposed within the housing, the helical member having a pitch to outer diameter ratio of between about 1.65 and 1.8. 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the helical member is a coil wire. 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the coil wire has an outer diameter of between about 5.5 and 7 millimeters. 18. The system of claim 15 wherein the toner is cleaned toner.