Patent ID: 6366753
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G03G,H01T

Abstract:
A support and tensioning device for an elongated corona generating electrode comprising:a corona charger shield member that is longitudinally extending in a longitudinal direction and includes a first set of wall members for serving as a shield for a corona generating electrode and the shield member including a longitudinally extending opening through which corona charge emanating from a corona electrode may flow to a surface to be charged, the shield member including a second set of wall members shaped to define a recess formed at one end of the shield member for receiving therein a plunger member and a spring, the recess including an inner positioned land for engaging a head end of the spring, and the second set of wall members defining the recess including wails located to define a key-slot opening which extends in the longitudinal direction of the shield member; a spring residing in the recess and the head end of the spring engaging the land to restrict movement of the head end of the spring within the recess, the spring also having a tail end; a hollow plunger member having a generally cylindrical sidewall for supporting the plunger for rotational movement in the recess and a land on or near a head end portion of the plunger member engaging the tail end of the spring, the plunger member including a wall having a slug receiving opening for receiving a slug formed on one end of the corona electrode and a slot extending from the slug receiving opening in the wall towards the head end portion of the plunger member, a key extending radially from the generally cylindrical sidewall and located within the key slot opening for sliding movement therein to permit tensioning of the corona electrode, the recess receiving the plunger member to permit rotation of the plunger member about the axis of rotation of the generally cylindrical wall to locate the key in the key slot opening to lock the plunger member into the corona charger shield member; a corona generating electrode having a slug located at the end of the electrode, the slug being received within the slug receiving opening and the corona generating electrode extending through the slot of the plunger and extending longitudinally with the corona charger shield member; and a latch device for supporting the corona charger shield member upon an axially directed member of a transfer roller, the latch device being joined integrally with the corona charger shield member.