Bipartite shield for xerographic pre-transfer charging device

Abstract

For a pre-transfer charging device provided in image processing apparatus for a xerographic image reproducing machine, a bipartite shield is provided, having a shield upper case mounted in an imaging apparatus first frame, and a shield lower case mounted in an imaging apparatus second frame fitted with a guide at least partially defining a sheet conveyance path into an imaging unit of the imaging apparatus. The imaging unit includes a chargeable photoconductor drum and is mounted in the first frame, which is pivotally joined to the second frame. A bottom exterior surface of the shield lower case serves as a guide partially defining a terminal portion of the sheet conveyance path. A discharge wire is fitted in the shield upper case, extending axially within the pre-transfer charging device, and therein is movable integrally with the shield upper case. During maintenance on the imaging apparatus, the first frame is opened off of the second frame. The discharge wire as the frames are separated moves integrally with the shield upper case and is thus exposed for ease of cleaning and other maintenance. The bipartite shield construction accordingly ensures that the accuracy of the relative positions of the parts forming the terminal portion of the sheet conveyance path is not disturbed when the frames are separated for maintenance access.