Doctor blade, toner cartridge using such a doctor blade and copying process

Abstract

 The doctor blade consists of at least a substrate provided with an element having a face adapted for working with a magnetic roller, said element being made at least partly of an elastic material, wherein the face adapted for working with a magnetic roller has an abrasion resistance of less than 0.5g (measured according to the method ASTM D4060), and a shore hardness of less than 100.

Description

The state of the art

[0001] The doctor blade is used in a toner cartridge assembly for ensuring a substantially even distribution of toner on a magnetic roller.

[0002] It has been observed that during the use of a toner cartridge assembly, the efficiency of the doctor blade decreases, whereby the quality of copying and or printing documents decreases.

[0003] This problem is especially important when toner cartridge assembly are reconditioned for use.

[0004] It has been proposed to apply on the doctor blade a strip comprising a polyurethane conductive layer and a polyester layer, the said strip having a total thickness of about 30 - 60 µm. The polyester layer is glued on the doctor blade.

[0005] However, after 2,000 - 3,000 copies, the efficiency of such a doctor blade starts to decrease, whereby the quality of the following copies is poor.
An adhesive conductive strip to be attached to a doctor blade of an electrostatic printing assembly is disclosed in US 6,253,052.

[0006] WO 01/20403 discloses a doctor blade which is provided with an element comprising two layers, a first layer attached to the substrate having a thickness of more than 100 µm and a resistivity of more than 10¹⁴ Ω per square, and a second layer adapted for contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner, said second layer having a thickness of less than 100 µm and a resistivity of less than 10¹³ Ω per square. In the example, the second layer has a thickness of 30µm, an electrical resistivity of 10¹² Ω per square and a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM-1938 abrasion test of less than 0.1 g. This document teaches to the man skilled in the art that in order to reach a correct working of the doctor blade, it is imperative to use a two layered system and that the surface resistivity that the second layer has to have a surface resistivity of less than 10 ¹³ Ω per square. Surface resistivity is a parameter which can vary during the production of the element, whereby some variation of the working of the doctor blade is possible.

[0007] It has now been discovered that an excellent working of the doctor blade, which is substantially independent from the surface resistivity, could be obtained by using a element having a top layer intended to contact the magnetic drum with interposition of toner, said top layer having an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably of less than 0.2g, and a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94. Such an element is advantageous as it facilitates its production, as well as the quality control thereof. The control of the quality is easier and variation of quality of the element has less influence on the working or efficiency of the doctor blade.

[0008] The invention relates to a doctor blade with an improved controlled efficiency, as well as a strip to be glued on a substrate of a doctor blade for improving its efficiency.

Brief description of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a doctor blade consisting of at least a substrate provided with an element having a face adapted for working with a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, said element being made at least partly of an elastic material. In the PCT application PCT/BE 00/00104, at least a part of the face adapted for working with a magnetic roller has an electrical surface resistivity of less than 10¹³ Ω per square, preferably between 10⁷ and 10¹² Ω per square, while at least a part of the element made at least partly of an elastic material has a thickness of at least 100 µm, for example comprised between 100 µm and 5 mm. Said face contacts the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles. According to an example of said application, the layer contacting the developer roller has an abrasion resistance of less than 0.1 g.

[0010] It has now been discovered that an excellent working of the doctor blade seems more to be due to abrasion resistance and uniform density or shore A resistance of the face contacting the developer roller, than due to the surface resistivity of said top face. When using a top coating applied directly on the substrate, said coating forms after drying or curing an uniform layer, i.e. a layer with uniform density or characteristics or properties at least at the top surface or contact surface (surface intended to contact the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles).
When using a strip, it is of importance that the top face intended to contact the magnetic roller has uniform characteristics, such as uniform density, continuous outer elastic or elastomer film, together with good abrasion resistance, so as to obtain consistent triboelectric charge and consistent printing.
When using such a strip, it is advantageous to provide said strip with a coating having constant or uniform characteristics, said coating forming a continuous film or substantially continuous film. The coating is advantageously prepared from an elastomer material, for example from a dispersion containing polyurethane, such as an aqueous dispersion containing polyurethane. Tests made by attaching a polyurethane strip with a shore A hardness of 95 on a doctor blade, strip not provided with a coating for obtaining said continuous and uniform top face, have shown bad printing results. It seems that this bad printing is due to the absence of uniform density of the top face, whereby the abrasion of the top face due to the contact with the magnetic roller was not uniform, and varied form place to place. It shows therefore the importance to have an uniform and continuous top face or coating with good wear resistance for obtaining excellent printing for a long time.

[0011] The invention relates thus to a doctor blade comprising at least a flexible element with an outer face, a portion of said outer face being adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser. Preferably, said portion of the outer face is provided with a coating (advantageously a flexible coating, such as an elastomer coating) or with a strip (advantageously a flexible strip, such as a flexible strip provided with a coating, preferably a flexible coating), said coating or strip having an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser.

[0012] The coating or strip has advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0013] The abrasion test ASTM-D4060 to which reference is made in the present specification is a taber abrader test (weight loss measurement), abrasion obtained after 1000 cycli with a load of 1,000g, using an abrader wheel CS10.

[0014] The doctor blade comprises advantageously at least a flexible substrate provided with a flexible strip having a top face, a portion of which is adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion is provided with a coating or strip having an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser.
The top face is advantageously uniform or substantially uniform, i.e. has a uniform or substantially uniform top density.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) has a thickness (adhesive included) of at least 75µm (advantageously more than 100µm, for example comprised between 150µm and 5mm, preferably between 200µm and 3mm, most preferably between 200µm and 2mm) measured at the level of the portion contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles.

[0016] For example, at least the portion of the coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles has a surface resistivity of more than 10² ohms per square.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, at least the portion of the coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles has a surface resistivity of more than 10⁷ ohms per square, preferably more than 1.5 10¹² ohms per square, most preferably more than 10¹³ ohms per square, such as between 0.5 10¹⁴ and 10¹⁸ ohms per square or even between 10¹⁵ and 10¹⁸ ohms per square.

[0018] The coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) is for example at least partly made of elastomer material, said material being advantageously selected among the group consisting of polyurethane, rubber, silicone, fluoropolymers or copolymers, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acids, polyolefins, polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. In case the strip has to be conductive, conductive polymers or copolymers has to be used.

[0019] The substrate of the doctor blade is for example a substrate made at least partly of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicone, polyester, metallic blade, PVC, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers or copolymers, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acids, polyolefins, polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof, said flexible strip being attached to said substrate .

[0020] According to a detail of an embodiment, the flexible substrate has a free end edge, said free end edge being at least partly covered by said strip or flexible strip.

[0021] According to an advantageous detail, the strip or flexible strip is glued on the flexible substrate. For example a face of the strip is provided with a glue layer so as to facilitate the placement of the strip on the doctor blade.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the strip or flexible strip has a first portion covering at least a part of the substrate and a second portion forming an extension of the substrate from its free end edge.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) has a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Strip with a Shore A hardness of more than 100, in some case of more than 96, are often considered as being too rigid.

[0024] According to advantageous details of embodiments of the invention, the portion of the flexible element contacting the magnetic roller or the coating or the strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) has at least one characteristic (advantageously more than one, preferably all the following characteristics) selected in the group consisting of flexural modulus of 10⁸ Pa or less (flexibility of the strip under tortional strain), a storage modulus of 10⁸ Pa or less (i.e. a sufficient rigidity of the strip under tension), a Shore A hardness of less than 105, a Hoffman scratch-hardness test result of 2 or less (an abrasion resistance), and a color shift, in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E.
The methods of measurement of these characteristics are disclosed in US6,258,918 (Ho et al) having for subject matter a flexible polyurethane material, the content of said document is incorporated to this specification by reference.
The color shift is not an important parameter, as the polyurethane can be not transparent and can be discolored due to aging, without modification of abrasion resistance.

[0025] Advantageously, the flexible substrate is provided with a longitudinal means for facilitating its bending in a direction with respect to the opposite direction.
For example, the flexible substrate comprises a first portion adapted to be connected to a support, a second portion with a free end edge and adapted to contact the developer roller with interposition of the flexible strip, and an intermediate bending portion connecting the first and second portions. The strip can be attached to the substrate so as to cover partly the bending portion or so as to not cover the bending portion.

[0026] The thickness of the strip and the mechanical/physical properties of the top layer of the strip or coating (layer contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles) are advantageously selected so as to ensure the formation of a sufficient triboelectrical charges (electric charges formed due to the friction of the doctor blade on the magnetic roller), whereby ensuring that the toner particles are sufficiently charged by friction so as to ensure a correct transfer of toner particles on the magnetic roller and whereby ensuring good quality of printing.

[0027] According to a detail of a possible embodiment, the substrate has a free end edge and in that the coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) is distant from said free edge of a distance comprised between 25µm and 2mm.

[0028] The strip or flexible strip has advantageously a substantially rectangular shape with a variable thickness along its width. Preferably, the flexible strip has a first thickness along an edge adjacent to the free edge of the substrate and a second thickness for a portion distant from said edge, said second thickness being lower than the first thickness.

[0029] The strip is advantageously a rigid support or a semi rigid support or a flexible support, said support being provided with a coating having an abrasion resistance of less than 0.5g. On the opposite face, the support is preferably provided with adhesive, such as a self adhesive layer.

[0030] The invention relates also to a toner assembly for a copier, printer or facsimile machine comprising at least:

• a container for containing toner ;
• a magnetic roller, and
• a doctor blade working with the magnetic roller,

the said toner assembly having the improvement that the doctor blade comprises at least a flexible element with an outer face, a portion of said outer face contacting with interposition of toner particles the magnetic roller, in which said portion is provided with a coating having an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser and advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0031] Said coating contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles has advantageously one or more of the characteristics listed for the coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) applied on a doctor blade as disclosed here above in this specification. For example said portion has a flexural modulus of 10⁸ Pa or less (flexibility of the strip under tortional strain) and/or a storage modulus of 10⁸ Pa or less (i.e. a sufficient rigidity of the strip under tension) and/or a Shore A hardness of less than 94 and/or a Hoffman scratch-hardness test result of 2 or less (an abrasion resistance) and/or a color shift, in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E. The surface resistivity can vary for example from 10² to 10¹⁸ ohms per square, advantageously more than 10⁷, preferably more than 1.5 10¹², most preferably more than 10¹³ ohms per square.

[0032] The invention further relates to a toner assembly for a copier, printer or facsimile machine comprising at least:

• a container for containing toner ;
• a magnetic roller, and
• a doctor blade working with the magnetic roller,

the said toner assembly having the improvement that the doctor blade comprises at least a flexible substrate provided with a strip (preferably a flexible strip) having a top face, a portion of which is adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser, and advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0033] The doctor blade with the strip is advantageously a doctor blade of the invention as disclosed here above in this specification.

[0034] In a toner assembly of the invention, the doctor blade is not provided with electrical connecting means for connecting it to a voltage supplying means.

[0035] In the toner assembly of the invention using a coating or strip (advantageously flexible coating, flexible strip or strip provided with a flexible coating) attached to the substrate of the doctor blade, the doctor blade comprises at least a substrate having a free end edge and is provided with the coating or strip having a face contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles, and in which the coating or strip is distant from said free end edge of the substrate of a distance of at least 50µm.

[0036] The invention relates also to a process for printing or copying a document by means of a printer, copier or facsimile machine, in which at least:

• toner is transferred on a magnetic roller;
• a doctor blade contacts said magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles for distributing toner on the magnetic roller;
• toner distributed by the doctor blade of the magnetic roller is transferred on a charge sensible element, and
• toner transferred on the charge sensible element is transferred on a support, said process having the improvement that a doctor blade of the invention is used or that a toner cartridge of the invention is used.

For example, the doctor blade comprises:

• at least a (possibly flexible) element with an outer face, a portion of said outer face being provided with a coating contacting with interposition of toner particles the magnetic roller, in which said coating has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably less than 0.2g, most preferably less than 0.1g, and advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92, or

at least a flexible substrate provided with a strip or flexible strip having a top face, a portion of which is adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5g, advantageously of less than 0.2 g, preferably less than 0.1g, and advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0037] Advantageously, the doctor blade is not provided with electrical connecting means for connecting it to a voltage supplying means.

[0038] The invention further relates to :

a process for reconditioning a doctor blade of a printer, copier or facsimile machine, said doctor blade having a flexible substrate, in which, prior to the gluing of a strip or flexible strip with a face having a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g (advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser) on the substrate of the doctor blade or prior the coating of the substrate of the doctor blade with a coating layer having (after drying or curing) a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g (advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser), the substrate having a shape distorted during a prior use thereof is submitted to a heat treatment and to a pressure for restoring substantially the shape of the substrate of the doctor blade before its use, and

a process for reconditioning a doctor blade of a printer, copier or facsimile machine, said doctor blade having a flexible substrate, in which, after gluing of a flexible strip with a face having a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g (advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser) on the substrate of the doctor blade or after the coating of the substrate of the doctor blade with a coating layer having (after drying or curing) a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g (advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser), the substrate having a shape distorted during a prior use thereof is submitted to a heat treatment and to a pressure for restoring substantially the shape of the substrate of the doctor blade before its use.

[0039] When applying a strip or flexible strip or coating on the substrate of the doctor blade, the substrate is preferably a substrate which has already been used, i.e. in which a longitudinal groove is formed at the contact line of the substrate with the developer roller.

[0040] The strip or flexible strip is advantageously glued on the flexible substrate of the doctor blade. Other fixing means of the flexible strip on the flexible substrate are possible, such as mechanical fixing means. In case of mechanical fixing means, the flexible strip is bound to a substantially rigid support (such as an aluminum plate), the longitudinal edges of which slides into rails of the substrate. In case of mechanical fixing means, the strip comprises advantageously a rigid or substantially rigid support provided with a coating with the requested abrasion resistance.

[0041] The face adapted for working with the magnetic roller has advantageously a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser, and a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0042] Most preferably, not only the skin of the flexible strip or coating has good abrasion resistance, but even at least a part of the matrix or mass of the strip has such a good abrasion resistance. It means that even if the skin would be abraded, the layer just below the skin would still have a sufficient abrasion resistance.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the substrate is a flexible substrate having a face on which the strip or flexible strip or coating is attached, the said face of the substrate having a free end edge. The strip is distant from said free end edge advantageously of a distance of at least 50 µm, preferably of at least 100 µm, for example of 200 µm to 600µm.

[0044] The strip, flexible strip, coating can be a multilayered strip, for example a strip comprising a top layer with a first surface resistivity (for example of more than 1.5 10¹² ohms per square) and a base layer with another surface resistivity (said layer possibly containing conductive material and having for example a surface resistivity of less than 10¹² ohms per square). Said top layer has for example a thickness of less than 50µm, for example comprised between 0.1 and 35 µm (such as 0.5µm, 1µm, 3µm, 5µm, 10µm, 20µm,25µm), while the base layer or layer have a total thickness advantageously sufficient for having a total thickness of the strip, flexible strip or coating of at least 100µm.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the strip or coating is a mono layer strip or coating.

[0046] According to another possible embodiment, the doctor blade comprises a flexible substrate having a free end edge, at least one layer being glued on a face of the substrate at a distance from said free end edge so as to form a groove or recess with a depth of at least 100µm, preferably of at least 200 µm. Said depth is advantageously comprised between 200 and 600µm. Said groove has advantageously a width of at least 200 µm, for example comprised between 500µm and 5 mm, but preferably comprised between 500 µm and 2 mm.

[0047] Although the doctor blade can be connected to a voltage supply means, the doctor blade is advantageously not connected to a voltage supply means or not intended to be connected to a voltage supply means (such as a DC power source). When the doctor blade is intended to be connected to a voltage supply means, the strip, flexible strip or coating of the invention can have a conductive layer intended to contact (with interposition of an adhesive layer) a conductive or semi conductive layer or support of the doctor blade.

[0048] The invention further relates to a strip for a doctor blade, i.e. a strip to be fixed on a doctor blade, preferably to be glued on the doctor blade, for example by means of hot melt glue. The means for attaching the strip on the substrate is a glue layer, an auto adhesive glue layer or a hot melt glue layer.

[0049] Preferably, the top face or layer adapted for working with a magnetic roller has an electrical surface resistivity of more than 1.5 10¹² Q per square and a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser, and advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0050] According to a specific embodiment, prior to the gluing of the strip on the substrate of the doctor blade or prior to the coating of the substrate with an appropriate coating, the shape of said substrate being distorted during its use, the substrate is submitted to a heat treatment and to a pressure (advantageously with a bending) for restoring substantially the shape of the substrate of the doctor blade as before its use.

[0051] According to another possible embodiment, a strip is first glued on the substrate of the doctor blade, for example a polyurethane substrate or the substrate is first coated with an appropriate coating, said substrate having a shape distorted during its prior use. The substrate is thereafter submitted to a heat treatment and to a pressure (advantageously a bending) for restoring substantially the shape of the substrate of the doctor blade before its use.

[0052] Advantageously, the substrate is cleaned and/or dried before attaching a strip of the invention or before coating the substrate with the appropriate coating.

[0053] The top (conductive, advantageously not conductive ) layer contains preferably at least polyurethane, in the form of a polymer or a copolymer or in the form of a mixture with another polymer or copolymer. The first layer is advantageously a thermoplastic layer.

[0054] The invention relates also to a doctor blade comprising at least a flexible substrate provided with a flexible strip having a top face, a portion of which is adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said strip comprises a layer assembly with a first face adapted for contacting the magnetic roller and with a second face opposite to said first face, and a flexible element coated on its opposite faces with an adhesive, whereby one adhesive face of the element is attached to the second face of the layer assembly, while the other face of the element is attached to the flexible substrate by the adhesive. The use of a double coated element or film or layer or substrate is advantageous for the manufacture of the strip to be attached on the doctor blade, and so as to be sure of the adhesion of the strip on the doctor blade. Delamination of the strip could also be prevented by using such a double coated element..

[0055] Advantageously, the flexible element is a film, whereby said film provided with adhesive on its both opposite faces has a thickness comprised between 20µm and 200µm, preferably between 50 and 150µm, most preferably about 100µm-125µm. The assembly layer can be a mono layered assembly or a multilayered assembly, said assembly being made of a flexible material, such as polyurethane, silicone, polyester, metallic blade, PVC, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers or copolymers, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acids, polyolefins, polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof.

[0056] The adhesive is advantageously an adhesive of the acrylic or methacrylic family.

[0057] Preferably, the first face of the layer assembly has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser, and advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0058] The strip of said doctor blade can further have one or more characteristics (such as thickness, surface resistivity, flexibility, storage characteristics, etc.) of the strip of any doctor blades as disclosed before in the present specification.

[0059] The invention further relates to a toner cartridge comprising at least a toner container, a magnetic roller, and a doctor blade, in which at least an element selected from the group consisting of the magnetic roller and the doctor blade is provided with at least a layer contacting the toner particles, said layer containing at least one or more lanthanides, salt thereof, lanthanide containing compound, lanthanide oxide, lanthanide hydroxide, etc. As lanthanide, Cerium (most preferably as cerium oxide) is preferred. The layer contains for example cerium oxide, possibly in admixture with one or more other lanthanide and/or with one or more electrically conductive compound, such as carbon particles, copper, silver, etc.

[0060] The magnetic roller and/or doctor blade are provided with a layer containing from 0.1% to 65% by weight, advantageously from 0.2 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 10% by weight lanthanide or lanthanide containing compounds, preferably cerium (metal, salt, oxide, hydroxide, etc. ).

[0061] The lanthanide containing layer is for example a layer of a strip adapted to be attached on the doctor blade, for example by means of adhesive, such as an adhesive layer or a glue layer or a hot-melt adhesive , or a layer of a coating applied on the doctor blade or portions thereof.

[0062] The lanthanide containing layer can be conductive, semi conductive or non conductive. For example the lanthanide containing layer can have a surface resistivity of more than 10² ohms per square, advantageously more than 10⁶ ohms per square, preferably more than 10¹⁰ ohms per square, most preferably more than 10¹³ ohms per square, such as a surface resistivity comprised between 10¹⁴ and 10¹⁸ ohms per square.

[0063] The lanthanide containing layer can have a thickness comprised between 1µm and 10mm, advantageously from 5 µm up to 3mm, preferably from 20µm up to 2mm, such as 50µm, 100µm, 200µm and 500µm.

[0064] The lanthanide containing layer comprises for example lanthanide compounds or metal or mixtures thereof, as solid particles with a size lower than 100µm, advantageously lower than 25µm, preferably lower than 10µm, such as lower than 3µm, less than 2µm, less than 1µm or even lower (less than 0.5µm).

[0065] The lanthanide containing layer is for example made of a flexible or elastomer material, such as polyurethane, silicone, polyester, metallic blade, PVC, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers or copolymers, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acids, polyolefins, polypropylene, polyethylene, epoxy, polyamide, and mixtures thereof.

[0066] The face of the layer adapted to contact the toner particles has advantageously an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM- D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, advantageously less than 0.2g, preferably less than 0.1 g, most preferably less than 0.01g or even lesser, and advantageously a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92. Excellent results have been obtained with a shore A hardness between 92 and 100, more specifically between 92 and 96.

[0067] The face of the layer adapted to contact the toner particles has also advantageously one or more characteristics selected among the group consisting of flexural modulus of 10⁸ Pa or less (flexibility of the strip under tortional strain), a storage modulus of 10⁸ Pa or less (i.e. a sufficient rigidity of the strip under tension), a Shore A hardness of less than 105, a Hoffman scratch-hardness test result of 2 or less (an abrasion resistance), and a color shift, in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E.

[0068] When using a strip to be attached on a substrate of a doctor blade, the strip is advantageously a multilayered strip.

[0069] The strip is for example a strip prepared in accordance to US 5,089,330, the content of which is incorporated to said specification.

[0070] The invention relates also to the use of a toner cartridge with the magnetic roller and/or the doctor blade with a lanthanide containing layer in a printer, copier, fax, laser printer, etc. and a printing process using such a toner cartridge.

[0071] As typical lanthanide compounds, the following compounds given as examples only can be used :

Ce (metal), Pr (metal), Nd (metal), Pm (metal), mixtures of these metals, mischmetal, cerium oxide, cerium carbide, cerium hydroxide, cerium carbonate, neodium oxide, neodium carbide, praseodymium oxide, praseodymium carbide, praseodymium carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

[0072] These compounds, especially Cerium oxide particles with a size comprised between 0.1 µm and 20µm, are abrasive and increase the triboelectric charge, whereby the life time of the doctor blade with a lanthanide containing layer and/or coating and/or strip is increased and whereby the transfer of toner particles on the magnetic roller is improved due to the increase of triboelectric charge by friction.

[0073] Details and characteristics of the invention will appear from the following description, in which reference is made to the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

[0074] 

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first toner cartridge assembly;

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of another toner cartridge assembly,

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-section view of the doctor blade of the toner assembly of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-section view of a strip of the invention,

Fig. 5 to 11 are views similar to that of Fig. 4, but of other embodiments of strips according to the invention,

Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-section of a specific embodiment of a doctor blade of the invention,

Fig. 13 to 15 are enlarged cross-section views of still other embodiments of doctor blade,

Fig. 16 and 17 are views explaining the reconditioning of a doctor blade,

Fig. 18 is a further view of a strip according to the invention,

Fig 19 to 21 are further views of doctor blades of the invention,

Fig 22A and 22B are cross section view and longitudinal front view of a strip,

Fig 23 to 25 are front, back and cross-section views of a doctor blade of the invention,

Fig 26 to 28 are front, back and cross-section views of another doctor blade of the invention,

Fig 29 is a cross section view of a strip suitable for the manufacture of a doctor blade of the invention.

Description of preferred embodiments

[0075] The toner cartridge assembly of fig. 1 comprises :

• a container 1 for containing toner particles T, said container being provided with an opening 1A ;
• a magnetic roller 2 attached to the container 1 by means of arms 3, said roller being able to rotate (R) in front of the said opening 1A ;
• a support 4 attached to the container 1;
• a flexible doctor blade 5 mounted on the support 4, the said doctor blade working with the magnetic roller, so as to obtain a correct distribution of toner particles on the magnetic roller, as well as a correct thickness of the layer of toner particles on the magnetic roller.

The doctor blade is not connected to a voltage supply means.

[0076] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the doctor blade 5. Said doctor blade consists of a flexible substrate 6 (for example a polyurethane blade or a silicone blade), the face F 1 intended to be directed towards the magnetic roller 2 being provided with a strip 7 comprising : a polyurethane layer 7A having a thickness of 250 µm and an electrical surface resistivity of more than 10¹⁴ Ω per square (more than 10 10¹⁴ Ω per square), and a polyurethane layer or coating 7B having a thickness of 30µm and an electrical surface resistivity of more than 10¹³ Ω per square and an abrasion resistance of less than 0.01g (ASTM test -4060, 1000 cycli, load : 1000g, abrader wheel CS10). The width W of the strip is advantageously comprised between 3 mm and 10 mm, for example 4-5 mm. The shore A resistance of the layer 7B is comprised between 97 and 94.
The electrical surface resistivity is advantageously measured in accordance to the ASTM method D 257-93.

[0077] The second layer 7B was water impermeable and had a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM-4060 abrasion test of less than 0.01 g. Said layer 7B was uniform (forming a continuous film with continuous and uniform characteristics) and had also friction characteristics so as to generate sufficient triboelectric charges by friction.

[0078] Said second layer is for example a polyurethane layer prepared as disclosed in US 6,258,918, the content of which is incorporated by reference.

[0079] In case the first layer 7A has to be conductive, conductive expanded carbon black particles were added to the polyurethane, said carbon black particles having a diameter lower than 15µm, a density of about 200 g/l (1 liter of carbon black powder weights 200 g), and a surface area (BET) of about 150 m²/g.

[0080] The strip 7 is glued on the face F1 at a distance from the free end edge 8 of the flexible substrate 6. A groove or recess having a depth of about 280 µm (total thickness of the strip) is formed between the strip 7 and the free end 8 on the said face F1. When using such a doctor blade, toner particles fill at least partly said recess or groove, said toner particles forming a scraping protuberance ensuring a scraping action as well a protection against an accidental removal of the strip.

[0081] The doctor blade 5 is flexible and is bent when mounted in the toner cartridge assembly of Fig. 1. The doctor blade is therefore pressed towards the magnetic roller.

[0082] The toner cartridge assembly of Fig. 2 is similar to the toner assembly of Fig. 1, except that the toner assembly is further provided with a charge sensible drum 9 (such as a photo sensible drum), a scraper 10 for removing residual toner present on the drum 9 after the transfer of toner on a paper sheet, a container 11 for collecting the removed toner by the scraper 10, and a primary charge roller 12. The doctor blade used in this toner assembly was the same as for the toner assembly of Fig. 1. Possibly the scraper 10 can be provided with a flexible strip as defined for the doctor blade of the invention.

[0083] Tests have been carried out by using the toner assemblies of Figures 1 and 2 on copiers. These tests have shown that when using such a doctor blade, the quality of the copies is still excellent after more than 35,000 copies.

[0084] Figure 4 shows a cross section view of a strip of the invention. Said strip 7 comprises:

• a polyurethane layer 7A having a thickness of 250 µm and an electrical surface resistivity of more than 10¹⁴ Ω per square (such as more than 10 10¹⁴ Ω per square),
• a polyurethane layer 7B having a thickness of 30µm, an electrical surface resistivity of more than 1.5 10¹² Ω per square, and a resistance to abrasion of less than 0.01g (preferably less than 0.005g) (measured according to the method ASTM D4060) and a Shore A hardness of 94 - 96, said layer 7B covering the face X1 of the layer 7A,
• a glue layer (preferably a self adhesive glue, but possibly a hot melt glue) 7C covering the face X2 (opposite to the face X1), and possibly
• a protective sheet 7D (such as a siliconized paper) intended to be removed before applying the strip on the doctor blade.

[0085] The polyurethane layers 7A,7B can be prepared from a mixture containing a polyisocyanate and a polyol. When the layer 7A has to be conductive, conductive materials (such as conductive polymer, conductive particles, carbon black particles, etc.) are added to the mixture. The preparation of polyurethane films, bands or layers (conductive or not) can be made by using the methods disclosed in US 3,933,5448; US 3,830,656; US 5,855,820; EP 0 786 422 and/or EP 0 337 228, the content of which is incorporated herewith by reference. When the layer has to be non conductive, no conductive materials are added in the process of US 3,933,5448; US 3,830,656; US 5,855,820; EP 0 786 422.
Advantageously, the polyurethane is however a thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0086] The polyurethane layer 7A can possibly be a foam layer.
The polyurethane layer 7B is preferably a layer as disclosed in US 6,258,918 (with or without heat aging properties, especially with a color shift not in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E) or a layer prepared from an aqueous dispersion, such as an aqueous polyurethane dispersion.

[0087] Figures 5 to 11 are cross section views of strips of the invention.

[0088] The strip of figure 5 is similar to the strip of figure 4, except that the layer 7A is provided with longitudinal grooves 7A1, 7A2 extending along the face X2, so as to increase the flexibility of the strip along its longitudinal edges E1,E2.

[0089] The strip 7 of figure 6 is similar to the strip of figure 4, except that the layer 7A has a convex cross section. In the strip of figure 7, the layer 7A has a concave cross section.

[0090] The strip of figure 8 has a layer 7A with a cross section with a wave shape along its face X1.

[0091] The strip of figure 9 has a cross section having inclined edges 12.

[0092] The strip of figure 10 has a substantially rectangular cross section, the layer 7B being located in a recess of the layer 7A. The strip of figure 11 is similar to the strip of figure 10, except that the thickness of the strip along the edge E1 is greater than the thickness along the edge E2. Advantageously the decrease of thickness from the edge E1 towards the edge E2 is continuous.

[0093] The doctor blade of figure 12 is similar to the doctor blade of figure 3, except that the strip 7 covers part of the face F1, the free end 8 and part of the face F2 of the substrate 6. This embodiment is advantageous, as there is no risk that the strip could be scratched away during its working and as the rigidity of the free end of the doctor blade is increased.

[0094] The doctor blade of figure 13 comprises a substrate 6 provided with a longitudinal recess 13 in which a strip 7 is placed. Advantageously the recess 13 has a width w1 larger than the width w2 of the strip 6. Advantageously, the thickness of the strip 7 is greater than the depth of the recess, whereby the layer 7B is located below the face F1 when said face is horizontal and directed downwardly.

[0095] Figure 14 is a cross section view of a flexible doctor blade made of polyurethane with a resistance to abrasion of less than 0.01g (ASTM D4060) and a shore A hardness of 92-94. Said blade is further provided in the neighborhood of the free end 8, with a longitudinal groove or recess 14. Said groove or recess 14 is advantageously substantially parallel to the free end of the doctor blade. The width of the groove or recess is advantageously greater than 100 µm, preferably comprised between 200 µm and 3 mm, while the depth of the groove or recess is advantageously greater than 50 µm, preferably comprised between 100 µm and 1 mm. Preferably, the depth of the groove or recess is less than or equal to about 50% of the total thickness of the substrate 6 of the doctor blade 5.
The recess or groove is advantageously distant from the free end of the substrate. Advantageously, the recess or groove 14 is located at a distance greater than 500µm, preferably comprised between 500 µm and 3 mm from the free end.
The recess or groove is intended to be directed towards the magnetic roller. When using such a doctor blade in a toner cartridge assembly, toner particles fill the groove or recess and form a scraping means made of toner particles.
Instead of having a rectangular cross section, the groove or recess may have other cross-sections, such as semi circular, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. Advantageously, the groove or recess 14 extends between two substantially parallel edges e3,e4 on the face F1 of the substrate.

[0096] Figure 15 shows in cross-section another embodiment of a doctor blade made of polyurethane with a resistance to abrasion of less than 0.01g (ASTM D4060). In this embodiment, the recess or space 14 for receiving toner particles is formed by a longitudinal finger 17 present on the face F1 of the substrate 6, preferably in the neighborhood of the free end 8. The free end 18 of the said finger is advantageously distant form the face F1 of a distance of at least 200µm, preferably of at least 500µm (for example comprised between 500 µm and 3 mm). Such a finger 16 is advantageously inclined with respect to the face with an angle α comprised between 15 and 60°, so that the opening of the longitudinal space 14 is directed towards the end 8.

[0097] The finger 17 can be replaced by a strip fixed or glued on the face F1.

[0098] For reconditioning a doctor blade (for example made of polyurethane) showing a permanent bending B1,B2 ( bending which is residual or due to the use of the doctor blade in a toner cartridge) along its lateral edges L1,L2 after a prolonged use, it has been observed that a heat treatment of the doctor blade combined with or followed by a bending in a direction D opposite to the direction of the permanent bending could restore the property of the face F1 of the substrate. This treatment is sufficient for obtaining back a substantially flat surface for the face F1 or a surface corresponding substantially to the surface of the substrate before use. For example, the said reconditioning is made by pushing the part of the face F2 of the substrate adjacent to the free end 8 on a heating element 15 so that the substrate 6 is bent in a direction opposite to the direction of the permanent bending, while being heated. The heating step is advantageously substantially sufficient for softening at least substantially the part(s) of the substrate having a permanent bending due to the use of the doctor blade. However, preferably, at least the part of the substrate 6 adjacent to the free end 8 is heated. (see figures 16 and 17)

[0099] Advantageously, after the heat and bending treatments, a strip 7 of the invention is placed on the face F1 of the substrate. It is however also possible to first fix a strip 7 on the face F1 of the substrate, and then to apply the heat and bending treatments.

[0100] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a further embodiment of a strip of the invention. The strip 100 is a mono layer strip made essentially of elastic material (non conductive polyurethane) with an abrasion resistance of less than 0.01g (ASTM D4060) and a shore A harness of 94-96. The said layer has a thickness 101 of more than 100µm, for example about 200µm. The said layer has an electrical surface resistivity of about 10¹⁴ Ω per square.

[0101] As elastic material, polyurethane was used. However, other elastic material can be used, such as silicone, rubber, polyurethane or mixtures thereof, possibly mixed with polyolefin or other polymer or copolymer.

[0102] The mono layer strip was impermeable to water and had an outer surface 102 intended to work with a magnetic roller, said surface having a resistance against abrasion measured by the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.01 g.
The said mono layer is advantageously provided on its face 103 to be applied on a substrate of the doctor blade with a glue layer 104.

[0103] In figures 19 to 21 (showing in cross section doctor blade), the doctor blade comprises a flexible substrate (such as a silicone substrate, a polyurethane substrate, ...) comprising a first portion 200 adapted to be attached to a support 210, a second portion 201 adapted for contacting with interposition of the strip 202 a magnetic roller, and an intermediate portion 203 connecting the first and second portions 200,201, said intermediate portion defining a bending zone or line of the second portion 201 with respect to the first portion 200. The second portion has a thickness 204 lower than the thickness 205 of the first portion 200, whereby the second portion is more flexible than the first portion. The intermediate portion has a thickness varying from the thickness 205 in the neighborhood of the first portion to a thickness 204 in the neighborhood of the second portion 201. A face 206 of the substrate is substantially planar, the strip 202 being attached on said face 206. This substrate has a preferred bending in the direction of the arrow W.

[0104] In the embodiment of figure 19, the strip 202 is glued on the second portion of the substrate 201, the width 207 of said strip 202 being lower than the width 208 of said second portion 201. With respect to the free end 209 of the substrate, the strip 202 is distant from said free end of a distance, for example of at least about 20µm, such as a distance comprised between 50µm and 3mm.

[0105] In the embodiment of figure 20, the strip 202 is glued on the second portion 201 and has a portion 202A extending outside the free edge 209, i.e. forming an extension of the doctor blade. The strip 202 has a thickness varying between a minimum thickness 202B and a maximum thickness 202C. The strip has a minimum thickness along its edge directed or adjacent to the connecting portion 203, while the portion of the strip 202 forming a prolongation of the portion 201 has a maximum thickness (for example along its free end edge).

[0106] In the embodiment of figure 21, the strip 202 is glued on the portion 201 of the doctor blade which has already been used. Said portion has a groove 210 which has been formed by the abrasion due to the contact of the portion 201 with the magnetic roller. The strip 202 is placed on the face 206 so as to cover completely said groove 210. As the strip is highly flexible, a slight depression or groove 213 can be formed at the face 212 of the strip 202.
When recycling a doctor blade which has already been used, it is preferred to restore the shape of the doctor blade, such a shape-restoration can be made by heating the blade and by applying a pressure on the blade (for example between two planar plates).

[0107] Figures 22A and 22B are views (cross section and longitudinal) of an embodiment of a strip suitable for a doctor blade. The strip 220 is provided on its top face 221 with a longitudinal groove 222. The opposite face 223 of the strip is provided with a glue layer or an adhesive layer 224, which can be protected by a removable film (such as a siliconized paper) 225.

[0108] Figures 23 and 24 are front and back views of a doctor blade 230 provided with a strip 231. The strip 231 covers a longitudinal band of the front face 232 of the doctor blade, while the free ends 233,234 of the strip are folded on the back face 235 of the doctor blade, so as to increase the bending resistance of the lateral edges 236,237 of the doctor blade. In this embodiment, the length of the strip 231 is higher than the length 238 of the blade along its free edge 239.

[0109] In the embodiment of figure 23, the strip 231 is distant from the free edge 239. However, it is obvious that possibly said distance between the strip and the free edge can be equal to about 0.

[0110] The bent or folded portions of the strip have for example a length 243 of less than 3cm, advantageously less than 2cm, preferably less than 1 cm, so as to increase the bending resistance at the level of the lateral edges 236,237.

[0111] Figures 26 to 28 are views similar to the view of figures 23 to 25, except that the strip extends partly outside the doctor blade along the free edge 239 (so as to form an extension or prolongation). The free ends 233,234 of the strip are folded towards the back face 235, whereby along the lateral edges 236,237 of the blade, the strip has portions 240,241 contacting each other, so as to increase the resistance of bending of the blade along the lateral edges 236,237.

[0112] Figure 29 is a cross-section view of a strip suitable for the preparation of a doctor blade of the invention, such as a doctor blade as shown in Fig 3, Fig 12, Fig 19 to 28.

[0113] Said strip comprises

• a film 300 (possibly porous or forming a network) provided on its both opposite faces with an acrylic adhesive composition 301, the total thickness 302 of the film + adhesive layers 301 being about 125µm, while the thickness of one adhesive layer is about 30-50µm;
• a polyurethane layer 303 with a thickness of about 100µm, and
• a top coating polyurethane layer 304 with a thickness of about 10µm, said top coat having preferably an abrasion resistance of less than 0.01 g as measured by the test ASTM D4060, a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, for example less than 92, and a surface resistivity of more than 10 10¹⁴ Ω per square.

[0114] In further examples, the second layer 7B of the embodiments of figures 3 to 13 was replaced by a layer containing 1 up to 5% by weight cerium oxide (particle size comprised between 0.1 µm and 1µm).

[0115] In still further examples, the strip of the embodiments of figures 19 to 29 is a strip provided with a layer contacting toner particles, said layer containing 1 up to 5% by weight cerium oxide (particle size comprised between 0.1µm and 1µm).

[0116] The abrasion resistance of the coating or strip of the doctor blade or drum of the invention is preferably comprised between 0.001 and 0.5 g (ASTM D 4060), most preferably between 0.005 and 0.1 g.

Claims

1. A doctor blade (5) comprising at least a flexible element (6) with an outer face (F1), a portion of said outer face (F1) being adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion has at least an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably of less than 0.2g, and a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94.

2. The doctor blade of claim 1, in which said portion is provided with a coating having at least an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably of less than 0.2g, and a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94.

3. The doctor blade of claim 1 or 2, in which said portion has furthermore one characteristic selected in the group consisting of flexural modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a storage modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a Hoffman scratch-hardness test result of 2 or less, and a color shift, in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E, but is preferably provided with a coating (7B) having furthermore at least one characteristic selected in said group.

4. The doctor blade of claim 1 or 2, in which said portion has the following characteristics : abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.2g, a Shore A hardness of less than 100, a flexural modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a storage modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a Hoffman scratch-hardness test result of 2 or less, and a color shift, in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E, but is preferably provided with a coating (7B) having said characteristics.

5. The doctor blade of claim 1, in which said portion or coating has an electrical surface resistivity of more than 10¹³ Ω per square, advantageously of more than 10 10¹³ Ω per square.

6. A doctor blade comprising at least a flexible substrate (6,201) provided with a strip (7,202) having a top face, a portion of said top face is adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion has an uniform density and has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably of less than 0.2g, and a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94.

7. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip (7,202) has a thickness of at least 75µm, advantageously of at least 100µm, preferably between 200µm and 2 mm, measured at the level of the portion contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles.

8. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip (7,202) is at least partly made of elastomer material.

9. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip (7,202) is at least partly made of elastomer material selected among the group consisting of polyurethane, rubber, silicone, fluoropolymers or copolymers, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acids, polyolefins, polypropylene, polyethylene and mixtures thereof, while the substrate is a substrate made at least partly of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicone, polyester, metallic blade, PVC, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers or copolymers, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acids, polyolefins, polypropylene, polyethylene and mixtures thereof, said flexible strip being attached to said substrate .

10. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip (7,202) is glued on the flexible substrate (6,201).

11. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip (202) has a first portion covering at least a part of the substrate (201) and a second portion (202A) forming an extension of the substrate from its free end edge (209).

12. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip (7,202) has at least one characteristic selected in the group consisting of flexural modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a storage modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a Hoffman scratch-hardness test result of 2 or less, and a color shift, in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E.

13. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip (7,202) has at least the following characteristics : abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.2g, a Shore A hardness of less than 100, a flexural modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a storage modulus of 10⁸ Pascals or less, a Hoffman scratch-hardness test result of 2 or less, and a color shift, in accordance with heat aging test ASTM D2244-79, within 1 delta E

14. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the flexible substrate is provided with a longitudinal means (203) for facilitating its bending in a direction with respect to the transversal direction.

15. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the flexible substrate comprises a first portion (200) adapted to be connected to a support, a second portion (201) with a free end edge (209) and adapted to contact the developer roller with interposition of the strip (202), and an intermediate bending portion (203) connecting the first and second portions, in which the strip is attached to the substrate so as to not cover the bending portion (203).

16. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip comprises a layer (303,304) attached to a double coated element (300), said doubled coated element having a thickness comprised between 20 and 200µm.

17. The doctor blade of claim 6, in which the strip is provided with a coating intended to contact the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles, said coating having an uniform density, a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, and an abrasion resistance of less than 0.2g, resistance measured according to the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test.

18. The doctor blade of claim 17, in which the coating is a flexible coating.

19. A doctor blade comprising at least a flexible element with an outer face, a portion of said outer face being adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion has a layer adapted for contacting toner particles, said layer containing at least a compound of the group consisting of the lanthanides, lanthanide containing compounds and their mixtures.

20. The doctor blade of claim 19, in which said lanthanide containing layer has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably less than 0.2 g.

21. The doctor blade of claim 20, in which said layer comprises cerium oxide particles.

22. A doctor blade comprising at least a flexible substrate provided with a strip or coating having a top face, a portion of which is adapted for contacting with interposition of toner particles a magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, in which said portion has a layer adapted for contacting toner particles, said layer containing at least a compound of the group consisting of the lanthanides, lanthanide containing compounds and their mixtures.

23. The doctor blade of claim 22, in which said lanthanide containing layer has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably less than 0.2g.

24. The doctor blade of claim 22, in which the flexible strip has a thickness of at least 75µm measured at the level of the portion contacting the magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles.

25. A toner assembly for a copier, printer or facsimile machine comprising at least:

• a container for containing toner ;

• a magnetic roller, and

• a doctor blade working with the magnetic roller,

the said toner assembly having the improvement that the doctor blade is a doctor blade according to anyone of the preceding claims.

26. In a process for printing or copying a document by means of a printer, copier or facsimile machine, in which at least:

• toner is transferred on a magnetic roller;

• a doctor blade contacts said magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles for distributing toner on the magnetic roller;

• toner distributed by the doctor blade of the magnetic roller is transferred on a charge sensible element, and

• toner transferred on the charge sensible element is transferred on a support, said process having the improvement that a doctor blade according to anyone of the claims 1 to 18 is used for controlling the distribution of toner on the magnetic roller.

27. A process for reconditioning a doctor blade of a printer, copier or facsimile machine, said doctor blade having a flexible substrate, in which, prior to and/or during and/or after the gluing of a strip with an uniform outer face having an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably of less than 0.2g, and a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, on the substrate of the doctor blade, the substrate having a shape distorted during a prior use thereof is submitted to a heat treatment and to a pressure for restoring substantially the shape of the substrate of the doctor blade before its use.

28. A process for reconditioning a doctor blade of a printer, copier or facsimile machine, said doctor blade having a flexible substrate, in which, prior and/or during and/or after coating the substrate with a coating having an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 (1 kg load, 1000 cycli, abrader wheel CS10) abrasion test of less than 0.5 g, preferably of less than 0.2g, and a Shore A hardness of less than 105, preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 96, possibly less than 94, the substrate having a shape distorted during a prior use thereof is submitted to a heat treatment and to a pressure for restoring substantially the shape of the substrate of the doctor blade before its use.

29. A magnetic roller of a machine selected from the group consisting of copier, printer and facsimile machine, said roller being adapted to contact with interposition of toner particles a doctor blade comprising at least a flexible element with an outer face, in which the magnetic roller is provided with a layer containing at least a compound of the group consisting of the lanthanides, lanthanide containing compounds and their mixtures.

30. The magnetic roller of claim 29, in which said lanthanide containing layer has an abrasion resistance measured by the ASTM-D4060 abrasion test of less than 0.5 g preferably less than 0.2g.

31. In a process for printing or copying a document by means of a printer, copier or facsimile machine, in which at least:

• toner is transferred on a magnetic roller;

• a doctor blade having a free end edge contacts said magnetic roller with interposition of toner particles for distributing toner on the magnetic roller;

• toner distributed by the doctor blade of the magnetic roller is transferred on a charge sensible element, and

• toner transferred on the charge sensible element is transferred on a support, said process having the improvement that the doctor blade comprises lanthanides or lanthanide containing compound and/or the improvement that the magnetic roller has a layer contacting toner particles, said layer comprising lanthanides or lanthanide containing compound.

Drawing