Electrophotography – Having particular structure – Modular or displaceable
Patent
1998-06-26
1999-07-27
Grimley, Arthur T.
Electrophotography
Having particular structure
Modular or displaceable
399384, G03G 1508
Patent
active
059305630
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a developer station for a printer or copier device for separate inking of a plurality of developer regions with toner that are arranged side-by-side on an electrographic intermediate carrier.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
WO 94/27193 discloses an electrographic printer means with which it is possible to print a web-shape recording medium in multiple colors in both simplex and duplex mode. To this end, the printer means contains a plurality of developer stations arranged following one another or side-by-side to one another that separate ink the developer regions allocated to the developer stations on an electrographic intermediate carrier (photoconductor).
In multi-color simplex mode, what is referred to as the spot color mode, a print image having a first color is first transfer-printed onto the recording medium, the print image is then fixed and the recording medium is then resupplied to the transfer printing station, and a print image is then printed with a second color and is subsequently fixed in a second task through the fixing station. The transfer printing station is thus traversed by a single recording medium in two recording medium webs arranged parallel and side-by-side. Corresponding developer regions on the photoconductor are allocated to the recording medium webs. Since photoconductors, whether they are bands or drums, cannot be arbitrarily wide, it is necessary to arrange the developer region in a side-by-side fashion on the photoconductor without significant spacing. The appertaining developer stations would thus also have to be arranged side-by-side and in close proximity. This can be managed only with difficulty with separate developer stations with separate drives for the drums. Further, an exact adjustment of the developer stations is required.
When a single developer station having a plurality of separate developer chambers is employed according to the present invention, then it is necessary to keep the partitions extremely thin. This produces sealing problems in the region of the partitions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to offer a compact, dependable developer station having a plurality of developer chambers arranged side-by-side and sealed toner-tight to prevent migration of toner between developer chambers.
This object is achieved according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein a developer station is provided which comprises at least two developer regions disposed side-by-side on an electrographic intermediate carrier. The developer station further comprises at least two developer chambers including a left developer chamber and a right developer chamber arranged in a side-by-side fashion and in alignment with one of the developer regions. Each developer chamber includes a developer drum and a transport drum. The developer drums of each chamber being connected by a first coupling element and the transport drums of each chamber being connected by a second coupling element. The developer chambers being separated by a partition. The partition includes a first opening for accommodating the first coupling element and a second opening for accommodating the second coupling element. The first and second coupling elements being sealed against the partition by first and second seals respectively.
In an embodiment, the developer drums each comprise a hollow drum that is connected to a magnet stator. The left and right hollow drums being connected by the first coupling element which comprises a tubular connecting member that passes through the first opening and connects the two hollow drums together.
In an embodiment, the tubular connecting member is threadably connected to each hollow drum.
In an embodiment, the tubular connecting member is threadably connected to each hollow drum.
In an embodiment, the tubular member further comprises an inside running surface which engages a plurality of radial seal elements which isolate the opposing ends of the tubular connecting member and prevent the migratio
REFERENCES:
patent: 4616919 (1986-10-01), Adley et al.
patent: 4706099 (1987-11-01), Suzuki
patent: 5166731 (1992-11-01), Aimoto et al.
Japanese Patent Abstract, Publication No. JP60015659, Publication Date Jan. 26, 1985.
Muller Michael
Neufeld Manfred
Reichl Helmut
Grainger Quana
Grimley Arthur T.
Oce Printing Systems GmbH
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