Method and device for doctor blade retention
View Patent ↗A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus, the cartridge having: a housing defining a toner reservoir; a developer roller supported by the housing; a doctor blade supported by the housing and positioned adjacent the developer roller; and a retainer connected to the housing and positioned over a side of the doctor blade opposite the reservoir.
1. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising:
a housing defining a toner reservoir;
a developer roller supported by the housing;
a doctor blade supported by the housing and positioned adjacent the developer roller; and
a retainer connected to the housing and positioned over a side of the doctor blade opposite the reservoir;
wherein the cartridge further comprises a doctor blade spring, wherein the retainer comprises a spring cleat that supports the doctor blade spring.
2. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises at least one flange extending toward the doctor blade.
3. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a stop post positioned adjacent the doctor blade opposite the developer roller.
4. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a retention post positioned adjacent to a side of the doctor blade.
5. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a retention block positioned adjacent to a side of the doctor blade.
6. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a flange extending toward the doctor blade, wherein the flange comprises a stop post, a retention post, and a retention block.
7. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a cover that extends over more than half of the doctor blade.
8. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cartridge further comprises an extension from the housing that supports the doctor blade on a side of the doctor blade facing the reservoir.
9. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an extension from the housing that supports the doctor blade on a side of the doctor blade facing the reservoir, and wherein the retainer comprises a retention post and is positioned such that the doctor blade is between the extension and the retention post.
10. A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cartridge further comprises a dampener attached to the retainer and positioned to contact the doctor blade.
11. A system for supporting a doctor blade, the system comprising:
a retainer connectable to a toner cartridge housing at a position adjacent to a doctor blade opposite a toner reservoir;
a flange with a stop post that extends from the retainer and engages the doctor blade; and
a cover of the doctor blade for retaining toner.
12. A system for supporting a doctor blade as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the flange includes a retention roost, the flange and the retention post each extending from the retainer and engaging the doctor blade.
13. A system for supporting a doctor blade as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising a spring cleat that supports a doctor blade spring.
14. A system for supporting a doctor blade as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising a dampener attached to the retainer and positioned to contact the doctor blade.