Two part cartridges with force biasing by printer
View Patent ↗A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part ( 1 ) and a toner part ( 5 ) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller ( 7 ) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum ( 3 ) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover ( 50 ), when closed, brings a spring ( 62 ) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.
1. A replaceable cartridge part for a two part print cartridge comprising:
a body having a reservoir for storing toner;
a developer member for controlling the amount of toner deposited on a photoconductive member;
guide members extending from said body for securing the toner containing cartridge part to a part containing the photoconductive member, said guide members comprising first and second guide studs which form caps mounted on shafts integral within said body; and
openings for permitting said shafts to flex.
2. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 1 wherein said body has a substantially vertical wall.
3. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 1 further comprising a handle coupled to said body.
4. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 1 wherein said caps are positioned in a higher and lower position about said body and arranged to fit into channels of said part containing the photoconductive member.
5. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 1 wherein said caps are free to rotate.
6. A replaceable cartridge part for a two part print cartridge comprising:
a body providing a toner reservoir and first and second guide members extending from said body for securing the replaceable cartridge part to a second part of a print cartridge, wherein said first and second guide members comprise first and second guide studs that form caps mounted on shafts integral within said body; and
openings for permitting said shafts to flex.
7. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 6 wherein said body has a substantially vertical wall.
8. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 6 further comprising a handle coupled to said body.
9. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 6 wherein said caps are positioned in a higher and lower position about said body and arranged to fit into channels of said second part.
10. The replaceable cartridge part of claim 6 wherein said caps are free to rotate.