A developing box with detection function

Abstract

The present invention provides a developing box with a detection function, which is installed in an imaging device and includes a driving part, an operating part, a guiding part and a detecting part; the driving part drives the operating part to rotate, the operating part is connected to the guiding part, the guiding part is provided with at least one fixed-point structure, the operating part is provided with a clamping structure matched with the fixed-point structure, the clamping structure is configured to pass through the fixed-point structure in sequence under the driving force, the operating part is configured to act on the detecting part under the driving force, the detecting part is used to transmit a detection signal to the imaging device, and the driving part is disconnected from the operating part by force after the clamping structure is located at the last fixed-point structure. The clamping structure gradually moves from the positioning structure in the most initial state to the last positioning structure, and during this process, the operating part pushes the detecting part at least once, so that the detecting part senses and transmits the detection signal, and the detection is completed within one working cycle of the operating part, and the assembly and manufacturing are simple, the precision requirement is not high, and the production cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of developing box detection, and in particular relates to a developing box with a detection function. Background Art

[0002] The developing cartridge is widely used in various electronic photographic imaging devices. The developing cartridge is detachably connected to the imaging device. The developing cartridge contains a developer for developing an image. When the developer is exhausted, a new developing cartridge can be replaced to perform the imaging operation.

[0003] Since the developer cartridge is easy to disassemble and replace and is easily consumable, the imaging device needs to detect the status of the developer cartridge to determine whether the developer cartridge is new or old or the number of printed pages, etc. In the prior art, there is a developer cartridge that implements this detection function through a complex structure, resulting in high assembly precision requirements for the developer cartridge, complex manufacturing process, high production cost, and other problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned prior art and provide a developing box with a detection function, which is mainly used to solve the problems of high assembly precision requirements, complex manufacturing process, high production cost, etc. brought about by the developing box in the prior art realizing the detection function through a complex structure.

[0005] The present invention provides a developing box with a detection function, which is installed in an imaging device and comprises a driving part, an operating part, a guiding part and a detection part;

[0006] The driving part is used to provide a force to the working part, the working part is connected to the guide part, the guide part is provided with at least one fixed-point structure, the working part is provided with a locking structure cooperating with the fixed-point structure, the locking structure is configured to pass through the fixed-point structures in sequence under the force, the working part is configured to act on the detection part under the force, the detection part is used to transmit a detection signal to the imaging device, and the driving part is disconnected from the working part by force after the locking structure is located at the last fixed-point structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the guide portion includes an outer guide ring, a limiting column is provided at the bottom of the working portion, the working portion is coaxially arranged with the guide portion, the limiting column is rotatably limitedly connected to the inner wall of the outer guide ring, the fixed point structure is arranged at the upper edge of the outer guide ring, and the locking structure protrudes from the outer surface of the limiting column.

[0008] In some embodiments, the working part is provided with a force-bearing protrusion, the driving part is provided with a force-applying protrusion, the working part and the driving part are coaxially arranged, and the driving part provides a rotational thrust to the force-bearing protrusion through the force-applying protrusion during rotation. When the force-bearing protrusion completes one circle of rotation, the locking structure falls on the last fixed-point structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, a spring assembly is further included, and the working part is connected to the driving part through the spring assembly, and the spring assembly is configured to provide a pre-tightening force toward the guide part to the working part.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fixed-point structure includes a first fixed-point structure and a last fixed-point structure, the notch depth of the last fixed-point structure is greater than the notch depth of the first fixed-point structure, and when the locking structure is embedded in the last fixed-point structure, the force-bearing protrusion is disengaged from the force-applying protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the final position fixing structure is provided with a first guiding inclined surface, and the locking structure is provided with a second guiding inclined surface matching with the first guiding inclined surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the final position fixing structure is provided with a first guiding chamfer, and the locking structure is provided with a third guiding inclined surface matching with the first guiding inclined surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the working part is provided with a plurality of blocks, the detecting part comprises a first elastic member and a first pendulum member, one end of the first elastic member is in a fixed state, and the other end is connected to the first pendulum member, and the plurality of blocks provide thrust to the first pendulum member in turn when the working part rotates.

[0014] In some embodiments, the driving part includes a power driving wheel and a driving driven wheel, the power driving wheel is drivingly connected to the driving driven wheel, the driving driven wheel is connected to a stirring frame arranged in the developing box, and the stirring frame, the driving driven wheel, the working part and the guide part are coaxially arranged.

[0015] In some embodiments, the detection portion also includes a second pendulum and a connecting shaft, the first pendulum and the second pendulum are connected by the connecting shaft, the first pendulum and the second pendulum are respectively arranged on both sides of the developing box, and the connecting shaft is arranged on the outside of the developing box.

[0016] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0017] Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving part pushes the working part to rotate, and the locking structure gradually moves from the positioning structure in the most initial state to the last positioning structure. During this process, the working part pushes the detection part at least once, so that the detection part senses and transmits the detection signal. When the locking structure is located at the last fixed point structure, the driving part is disengaged from the force connection with the working part, and the detection is completed within one working cycle of the working part. The assembly and manufacturing are simple, the precision requirements are not high, and the production cost is low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention is further described using the accompanying drawings, but the embodiments in the accompanying drawings do not constitute any limitation to the present invention. A person skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on the following drawings without creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 The present invention discloses a front view of a developing box with a detection function.

[0020] Figure 2 The present invention discloses a top view of a developing box with a detection function after removing left and right cover plates.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a developing box with a detection function disclosed by the present invention from a bottom perspective after the left and right cover plates are removed.

[0023] Figure 5 The invention discloses a partial schematic diagram of the cooperation between the operating part and the guide part of a developing box with a detection function in the initial stage.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure explosion.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram from the perspective behind the center edge.

[0026] Figure 8 The invention discloses a partial schematic diagram of the cooperation between the working part and the guide part of a developing box with a detection function in the middle stage.

[0027] Fig. 9 The invention discloses a partial schematic diagram of the cooperation between the working part and the guide part of a developing box with a detection function in the final stage.

[0028] Fig.10It is a partial schematic diagram of the cooperation between the working part and the guide part of a developing box with a detection function disclosed by the present invention in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, when it is described that a specific device is located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intermediate device between the specific device and the first device or the second device. When it is described that a specific device is connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other devices without an intermediate device, or may not be directly connected to the other devices but have an intermediate device.

[0032] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0033] The applicant's research found that:

[0034] Since the developer cartridge is easy to disassemble and replace and is easily consumable, the imaging device needs to detect the status of the developer cartridge to determine whether the developer cartridge is new or old or the number of printed pages, etc. In the prior art, there is a developer cartridge that implements this detection function through a complex structure, resulting in high assembly precision requirements for the developer cartridge, complex manufacturing process, high production cost, and other problems.

[0035] In view of this, refer to Figures 1 to 5 , in the present disclosure, a developing cartridge with a detection function is provided, which is installed in an image forming device and includes a driving portion 100, an operating portion 200, a guiding portion 300 and a detecting portion 400;

[0036] The driving part 100 is used to provide a force to the working part 200. The force can be a thrust in a linear direction or a thrust in a circumferential direction. The driving part 100 drives the working part 200 to move linearly or rotate in a circumferential direction.

[0037] Combination Figures 6 to 9 The working part 200 is connected to the guide part 300. The guide part 300 is provided with at least one fixed point structure 310. The working part 200 is provided with a locking structure 201 cooperating with the fixed point structure 310. The locking structure 201 is configured to pass through the fixed point structure 310 in sequence under the action force. The fixed point structures 310 are arranged in sequence on the guide part 300 according to the moving track of the locking structure 201. In the initial stage, the locking structure 201 is located in the first fixed point structure 310 for limiting. When the driving part 100 starts to work and drives the working part 200 When a change occurs, the positioning structure 201 is separated from the first fixed-point structure 310 and reaches the last fixed-point structure 310 along its moving trajectory, wherein the working part 200 acts on the detection part 400 at least once under the force. This action relationship can be the number of times the working part 200 hits the detection part 400, or the time or intensity of the force applied thereto. The detection part 400 can be moved accordingly through the transmission of force, and then the detection part 400 transmits a detection signal to the imaging device, and the imaging device senses the signal and makes a judgment;

[0038] Finally, when the locking structure 201 is located at the last fixed-point structure 310, due to the sliding connection between the working part 200 and the guide part 300, the sliding direction is the direction in which the driving part 100 and the working part 200 are disconnected from the force connection, that is, when the working part 200 runs to a certain position, the driving connection of the driving part 100 will be disconnected at the same time when the detection is completed. The detection is one-time, and by detecting this signal, it can reflect whether a developing box 501 is new or old, or its printed page quantity and other information, which has the advantages of simple assembly and manufacturing, low precision requirements and low production cost.

[0039] In addition, a working cycle of the working unit 200 is marked by the fixed-point structures 310 arranged in sequence. When the working unit 200 moves from the first fixed-point structure 310 to the last fixed-point structure 310, its working cycle is completed. However, for the driving unit 100, it may not correspond to a working cycle. The driving unit 100 can move or rotate to a certain extent and then dock with the working unit 200. In this case, the driving unit 100 moves or rotates a little more and then synchronizes with the working unit 200. It can also dock with the working unit 200 from the very beginning and move or rotate synchronously for a working cycle until the working unit 200 separates from the driving unit 100.

[0040] Combination Figure 6In the present embodiment, the guide part 300 comprises an outer guide ring 301, a limiting column 202 is arranged at the bottom of the working part 200, the working part 200 is coaxially arranged with the guide part 300, the limiting column 202 is rotatably limitedly connected to the inner wall of the outer guide ring 301, the outer wall of the limiting column 202 and the inner wall of the outer guide ring 301 are in a sliding connection relationship, the outer guide ring 301 is limitedly connected with the limiting column 202 so that the working part 200 can only move up and down along the central axis while rotating, the fixed point structure 310 is arranged at the upper edge of the outer guide ring 301, the locking structure 201 protrudes from the outer surface of the limiting column 202, when the limiting column 202 is not separated from the connection of the outer guide ring 301, the protruding thickness of the locking structure 201 is consistent with the thickness of the outer guide ring 301, and the locking structure 201 can be rotated while being positioned at each fixed point structure 310 in turn.

[0041] In addition, in order to improve the connection stability between the guide part 300 and the working part 200, the guide part 300 may also include an inner guide ring 302, and a guide groove 303 is formed between the outer guide ring 301 and the inner guide ring 302. The center of the limiting column 202 is also hollowed out and is also annular. The limiting column 202 is inserted into the guide groove 303 and is clamped in the middle by the outer guide ring 301 and the inner guide ring 302.

[0042] In this embodiment, the working part 200 is provided with a force-bearing protrusion 203, and the driving part 100 is provided with a force-applying protrusion 101. The working part 200 and the driving part 100 are coaxially arranged, and there is no intermediate structure connecting the force-bearing protrusion 203 and the force-applying protrusion 101, that is, they are two independent structures, and the two are only touched by the rotation of the driving part 100. During the rotation process, the driving part 100 provides a rotational thrust to the force-bearing protrusion 203 through the force-applying protrusion 101. 3 drives the entire working part 200 to rotate, and the locking structure 201 is located at the last fixed point structure 310 during the process of the force-bearing protrusion 203 completing a circle of rotation. Furthermore, the driving part 100 rotates clockwise. In the initial state, the force-applying protrusion 101 can be in the clockwise direction of the force-bearing protrusion 203, that is, the right side, and then act on the force-bearing protrusion 203 when it rotates to the left side of the force-bearing protrusion 203; it can also rotate synchronously in the counterclockwise direction of the force-bearing protrusion 203, that is, the left side.

[0043] As an embodiment, it also includes a spring assembly 205. The working part 200 is connected to the driving part 100 through the spring assembly 205. The spring assembly 205 is configured to provide a pre-tightening force toward the guide part 300 to the working part 200. Similarly, the direction of this pre-tightening force is also the direction in which the driving part 100 and the working part 200 are separated. This pre-tightening force enables the locking structure 201 to fit more closely on the fixed structure 310. During the rotation of the working part 200, the locking structure 201 can better change its matching depth and height as the depth of the groove of the fixed structure 310 changes, so as to adjust the lifting and lowering of the working part 200.

[0044] As another embodiment, the preload force direction of the spring assembly 205 is the direction of the interlocking action between the working part 200 and the driving part 100, so that the action between the two is closer. As the position of the last fixed point structure 310 on the outer guide ring 301 rises suddenly, the force-bearing protrusion 203 and the force-applying protrusion 101 are staggered. In the subsequent rotation, the force-bearing protrusion 203 is not on the moving trajectory of the force-applying protrusion 101, which is equivalent to breaking away from the force connection relationship.

[0045] Combination Figures 5 to 9 In the present embodiment, the fixed point structure 310 includes a first fixed point structure 311 and a last fixed point structure 312. The upper edge of the outer guide ring 301 is a horizontal plane, and the first fixed point structure 311 and the last fixed point structure 312 are respectively provided with notches, the notches are lower than the horizontal plane, and the notch depth of the last fixed point structure 312 is greater than the notch depth of the first fixed point structure 311. When the locking structure 201 is embedded in the last fixed point structure 312, the force-bearing protrusion 203 is disconnected from the force-applying protrusion 101, that is, when the driving part 100 is disconnected from the working part 200, the working part 200 moves downward, so that the force-bearing protrusion 203 is staggered from the force-applying protrusion 101. In addition, in the initial state, the locking structure 201 is limitedly connected to the first fixed point structure 311, and leaves the first fixed point structure 311 through rotation, and finally falls into the last fixed point structure 312.

[0046] Combination Figure 6 As an implementation mode, the final position fixing structure 312 is provided with a first guiding inclined surface 313, and the locking structure 201 is provided with a second guiding inclined surface 206 matching with the first guiding inclined surface 313. When the locking structure 201 rotates clockwise to the position of the final position fixing structure 312, through the inclined surface guiding cooperation of the first guiding inclined surface 313 and the second guiding inclined surface 206, the working part 200 will move downward along this matching surface and generate a downward acceleration, causing its speed to change.

[0047] Combination Fig.10As another embodiment, the final fixed point structure 312 is provided with a first guide chamfer 314, and the locking structure 201 is provided with a third guide slope 207 matched with the first guide slope 313. Different from the previous embodiment, the final fixed point structure 312 adopts the first guide chamfer 314 to be slidably connected with the third guide slope 207, and finally the locking structure 201 can smoothly fall into the final fixed point structure 312, and can generate a downward acceleration to change its speed.

[0048] Correspondingly, the locking structure 201 also includes a vertical limiting surface. When the locking structure 201 falls into the final fixed point structure 312, in order to prevent the working part 200 from continuing to rotate, this vertical limiting surface is used to abut against the side of the notch of the outer guide ring 301 to improve the stability of the limiting connection.

[0049] In this embodiment, the working part 200 is provided with a plurality of blocks 204, the diameter of the virtual circle surrounded by the blocks 204 is greater than the diameter surrounded by the force-bearing protrusion 203, the detection part 400 includes a first elastic member 401 and a first swing member 402, one end of the first elastic member 401 is in a fixed state, and the other end is connected to the first swing member 402, wherein the first elastic member 401 can be a torsion spring, and its fixed end abuts against the end plate of the developing box 501, and during the swinging process of the first swing member 402, the position of the fixed end remains unchanged, and the plurality of blocks 204 provide thrust to the first swing member 402 in turn when the working part 200 rotates. Since there are more than one blocks 204, in one working cycle of the working part 200, a plurality of blocks 204 hit the first swing member 402 in turn, causing the first swing member 402 to swing and reset under the action of the first elastic member 401.

[0050] As an implementation mode, the first ornament 402 is directly connected to the relevant sensing part 502 of the imaging device to transmit the detection signal.

[0051] Combination Figure 4 As another embodiment, the detection unit 400 further includes a second pendulum 403 and a connecting shaft 404. The first pendulum 402 and the second pendulum 403 are connected via the connecting shaft 404. The first pendulum 402 and the second pendulum 403 are respectively arranged on both sides of the developing box 501. The connecting shaft 404 is arranged outside the developing box 501. The second pendulum 403 is connected to the relevant sensing unit 502 of the imaging device to realize signal transmission at the end of the second pendulum 403. In this solution, the first elastic member 401 can also be installed on one side of the second pendulum 403 to realize the same reset function.

[0052] Combination Figure 6Optionally, the driving unit 100 includes a power driving wheel 102 and a driving driven wheel 103, the power driving wheel 102 is connected to the driving driven wheel 103 by transmission, the power driving wheel 102 can be connected to the driving driven wheel 103 through a related transmission gear 104, the driving driven wheel 103 is connected to the stirring frame 504 arranged in the developing box 501, the stirring frame 504, the driving driven wheel 103, the working unit 200 and the guide unit 300 are coaxially arranged, it should be noted that the power driving wheel 102 is used as a power source, the power driving wheel 102 is connected to the driving driven wheel 103 by transmission gear 104, wherein the power driving wheel 102 is simultaneously meshed with the driving gears of the powder feeding roller 503 and the developing roller 506 The driving driven wheel 103 is connected to the driving gear of the stirring frame 504 in the developing box 501. The stirring frame 504 is sealed and connected to the end plate of the developing box 501 through a sealing gasket 208 to prevent powder leakage. The stirring frame 504 is directly clamped at the driving driven wheel 103 through the clamping structure 505 at the end of the shaft. In the coaxial direction of the stirring frame 504, the guide part 300, the working part 200, and the driving driven wheel 103 are connected outward in sequence. The guide part 300 can be integrally formed with the end plate on this side to save space, simplify the structure, and improve the strength. A cover plate is arranged on the outer side of the driving part 100, and the cover plate protects the power driving wheel 102, the driving driven wheel 103, the working part 200 and the guide part 300.

[0053] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a developing box with a detection function, in which the driving part 100 drives the working part 200 to rotate, and the locking structure 201 gradually moves from the positioning structure in the most initial state to the last positioning structure. During this process, the working part 200 pushes the detection part 400 at least once, so that the detection part 400 moves and transmits the detection signal. When the locking structure 201 is located at the last fixed point structure 310, the driving part 100 is disconnected from the working part 200 by force, and the detection is completed within one working cycle of the working part 200. The assembly and manufacturing are simple, the precision requirement is not high, and the production cost is low.

[0054] Finally, it should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned implementation mode. The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing box with a detection function, installed in an imaging device, characterized in that: It includes a driving part, an operating part, a guiding part and a detecting part; The driving part is used to provide a force to the working part, the working part is connected to the guide part, the guide part includes an outer guide ring, the guide part is provided with at least one fixed point structure, the fixed point structure is provided on the upper edge of the outer guide ring, the working part is provided with a clamping structure matched with the fixed point structure, the clamping structure is configured to pass through the fixed point structure in sequence under the push of the force, the working part is provided with a force-bearing protrusion, the driving part is provided with a force-applying protrusion, the driving part provides a rotational thrust to the force-bearing protrusion through the force-applying protrusion during the rotation process, the working part is configured to act on the detection part under the push of the force, and the detection part is used to transmit a detection signal to the imaging device; The fixed-point structures are arranged on the guide part in sequence according to the moving trajectory of the locking structure. In the initial stage, the locking structure is located in the first fixed-point structure for limiting. When the locking structure is located in the last fixed-point structure, the driving part is disconnected from the working part by force.

2. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting column is provided at the bottom of the working part. The working part is coaxially arranged with the guide part. The limiting column is rotatably limitedly connected to the inner wall of the outer guide ring. The locking structure protrudes from the outer surface of the limiting column.

3. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The operating part is coaxially arranged with the driving part, and the locking structure is located at the last fixed point structure when the force-bearing protrusion completes one rotation.

4. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a spring assembly, the working part is connected to the driving part through the spring assembly, and the spring assembly is configured to provide a pre-tightening force toward the guide part to the working part.

5. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The fixed point structure includes a first fixed point structure and a last fixed point structure. The notch depth of the last fixed point structure is greater than the notch depth of the first fixed point structure. When the locking structure is embedded in the last fixed point structure, the force-bearing protrusion is disconnected from the force-applying protrusion.

6. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The final position fixing structure is provided with a first guiding inclined surface, and the locking structure is provided with a second guiding inclined surface matched with the first guiding inclined surface.

7. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The final position fixing structure is provided with a first guiding chamfer, and the locking structure is provided with a third guiding inclined surface matched with the first guiding inclined surface.

8. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The working part is provided with a plurality of blocks, and the detecting part comprises a first elastic member and a first pendulum member, one end of the first elastic member is in a fixed state, and the other end is connected to the first pendulum member, and the plurality of blocks provide thrust to the first pendulum member in turn when the working part rotates.

9. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The driving part includes a power driving wheel and a driving driven wheel, the power driving wheel is drivingly connected to the driving driven wheel, the driving driven wheel is connected to a stirring frame arranged in the developing box, and the stirring frame, the driving driven wheel, the working part and the guide part are coaxially arranged.

10. A developing box with a detection function as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The detection part also includes a second swing member and a connecting shaft, the first swing member and the second swing member are connected through the connecting shaft, the first swing member and the second swing member are respectively arranged on both sides of the developing box, and the connecting shaft is arranged outside the developing box.

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