Toner cartridge, contact device and method for developer roller and toner cartridge used therein

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into the larger diameter bore region of the developer roller requiring the use of a press device.

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is fitted into said developer roller with a fit selected from a list consisting of a loose-fit, free-fit, medium fit, snug-fit, wringing-fit, tight-fit, medium-force-fit, heavy-force-fit, shrink-fit, press-fit and interference fit.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into said developer roller requiring the use of a press device.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into said larger diameter bore region of said developer roller requiring the use of a press device.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein a first end of a coil spring touches said second portion of said bias voltage contact;
• and
• wherein a second end of said coil spring touches a contact ring in said endcap of said toner cartridge;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a rim;
• and
• wherein said rim is adjacent an end of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is made of conductive plastic;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is installed on a non-drive side of said developer roller.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein a spring makes electrical contact between said second portion of said bias voltage contact and a contact ring in said endcap of said toner cartridge.

An image forming apparatus;

• whereby said image forming apparatus makes an image on media;
• and
• whereby said image forming apparatus contains a toner storage container, a waste toner hopper, a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a fuser section, a power supply, a photoreceptor charging device and a transfer section;
• and
• whereby said toner storage container has a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits in one end of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a second portion of said bias voltage contact has a portion that is cylindrical in shape;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into said developer roller requiring the use of a press device.

An image forming apparatus whereby said image forming apparatus makes an image on media;

• and
• whereby said image forming apparatus contains a toner storage container, a waste toner hopper, a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a fuser section, a power supply, a photoreceptor charging device and a transfer section;
• and
• whereby said toner storage container has a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits in one end of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a second portion of said bias voltage contact has a portion that is cylindrical in shape;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into said larger diameter bore region of said developer roller requiring the use of a press device.

An image forming apparatus whereby said image forming apparatus makes an image on media;

• and
• whereby said image forming apparatus contains a toner storage container, a waste toner hopper, a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a fuser section, a power supply, a photoreceptor charging device and a transfer section;
• and
• whereby said toner storage container has a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits in one end of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a second portion of said bias voltage contact has a portion that is cylindrical in shape;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into said developer roller with a fit selected from a list consisting of a loose-fit, free-fit, medium fit, snug-fit, wringing-fit, tight-fit, medium-force-fit, heavy-force-fit, shrink-fit, press-fit and interference fit.

An image forming apparatus whereby said image forming apparatus contains a toner storage container, a waste toner hopper, a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a fuser section, a power supply, a photoreceptor charging device and a transfer section;

• and
• whereby said toner storage container has a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits in one end of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a second portion of said bias voltage contact has a portion that is cylindrical in shape;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein a spring makes electrical contact between said second portion of said bias voltage contact and said power supply of said image forming apparatus.

A method of making an image forming apparatus;

• and
• whereby the image forming apparatus makes an image on media;
• and
• whereby said method involves manufacturing an image forming apparatus which has a toner storage container, a waste toner hopper, a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a fuser section, a power supply, a photoreceptor charging device and a transfer section;
• whereby the toner storage container has a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• whereby the developer roller has a developer roller sleeve;
• and
• whereby said method involves a step of placing a bias voltage contact in one end of the developer roller sleeve;
• whereby the bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits inside the developer roller sleeve and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of the developer roller sleeve;
• whereby a second portion of the bias voltage contact has a portion that is cylindrical in shape;
• and
• whereby said method involves another step of making a counterbore in the developer roller sleeve whereby the developer roller sleeve has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger diameter portion of the first portion of the bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of the first portion of the bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• whereby said method involves another step wherein the bias voltage contact is fitted into the developer roller with a fit requiring the use of a press device.

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein a spring touches said second portion of said bias voltage contact.

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is made of conductive plastic.

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into the smaller diameter bore region of the developer roller requiring the use of a press device.

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is fitted into the developer roller with a fit greater than or equal to a loose-fit.

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is fitted into the developer roller with a fit less than or equal to an interference fit.

An electrical connection device for use in an image forming apparatus to supply a bias voltage to a developer roller whereby a bias voltage contact fits into the developer roller;

• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a first portion that fits into the developer roller;
• and
• whereby said bias voltage contact has a second portion which is cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein the developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into the smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a rim.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein a spring touches said second portion of said bias voltage contact.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion:
• and
• wherein a coil spring touches said second portion of said bias voltage contact.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is made of conductive plastic.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said first portion of said bias voltage contact is fitted into the smaller diameter bore region of said developer roller requiring the use of a press device.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is fitted into said developer roller by force.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is fitted into said developer roller with a fit selected from a list consisting of a loose-fit, free-fit, medium fit, snug-fit, wringing-fit, tight-fit, medium-force-fit, heavy-force-fit, shrink-fit, press-fit and interference fit.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact is fitted into said developer roller with a fit greater than or equal to a loose-fit.

A toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus;

• whereby said toner cartridge comprises of a toner hopper and a waste toner hopper;
• and
• whereby said waste toner hopper comprises of a photoreceptor, a cleaning blade, a charging device for electrostatically charging said photoreceptor and a container to receive waste toner;
• and
• whereby said toner hopper comprises of a storage tank, an endcap and a developer roller;
• and
• whereby a bias voltage contact fits into said developer roller;
• and
• whereby a first portion of said bias voltage contact has a region that is cylindrical in shape that fits inside said developer roller and has electrical continuity with an inner wall of said developer roller;
• and
• wherein said developer roller has a counterbore and therefore has a larger diameter bore region and a smaller diameter bore region and a larger portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said larger diameter bore region while a smaller diameter portion of said first portion of said bias voltage contact fits into said smaller diameter bore region;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a second portion smaller in diameter than said first portion;
• and
• wherein said bias voltage contact has a rim.