Low friction doctor blade
US6078771A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/066
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device within an image forming apparatus for positioning a doctor blade against a developer roller and preventing toner leakage. The device includes a developer housing for containing the developer roller and the doctor blade. A biasing member is positioned adjacent to the doctor blade for forcing the doctor blade against the developer roller for controlling the mass flow and charge level of the toner. The doctor blade is supported by retention stops on a front edge and a pair of supports on the back edge. Toner is prevented from leaking through the device by a flap seal positioned along the doctor blade back side and a seal positioned between each end of doctor blade end and developer housing. The invention provides for the doctor blade to be freely positioned between the retention stops, developer housing, and seals providing for the doctor blade to contact the developer roller in a consistent manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.