Toner cleaning method and apparatus in which voltage is impressed between electrostatic image holder and a film member

摘要

A method and apparatus for cleaning toner from the surface of an electrostatic image holder wherein a film member comprising superposed insulating and conductive layers is positioned close to an electrostatic image holder so that the insulating layer of the film member faces the image holder. At least one of a d.c. voltage and an a.c. voltage is applied between the electrostatic image holder and the film member, the toner from the surface of the electrostatic image holder being removed and transferred onto the surface of the insulating layer of the film member. The toner from the surface of the insulating layer of the film member may be removed by a removing means. Also, an electrostatic charge eliminator is provided for eliminating the electrostatic charge from the surface of the insulating layer after removal of the toner therefrom.