Toner applicator with flexure mounted articulation

Abstract

An improved toner applying apparatus is provided for developing an electrographic latent image formed on the charge retaining surface of a moving recording medium. The toner applicator includes a housing defining an internal reservoir and including a series of longitudinal, parallel toner applying recesses which are disposed for developmental engagement with a moving recording medium across its entire width. Each toner applying recess communicates with the reservoir. Internal baffles are provided across a toner inlet to the reservoir chamber to provide uniform fluid pressure throughout the reservoir. The parallel toner applying recesses provide a more even and constant flow of toner than is possible in prior art roller applicators and completely eliminate the problem of electrodeposition or plating up of toner particles on the applicator. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, a flexure mounted articulation system is provided for enabling the toner applicator structure to be maintained in an invariant position with closer proximity to a recording medium than was previously possible. The system includes compliant cleaning blades disposed for contacting a drying roller to prevent agglomeration of paper fibers and toner particles on the interface been the roller and scraper blade. The flexure mounted system eliminates the fraction and backlash inherent in prior art sliding bearing articulation systems and achieves substantially instantaneous separation of the toner applicator structure away from the surface of a recording medium when a plot is concluded. This advantageously prevents formation of a meniscus bridge between the toner applicator and recording medium and facilities drying of the toner on the recording medium.