A process cartridge and a developing cartridge

Abstract

The application provides a developing box and a processing box. The developing box comprises a box body and an end cover at a first end of the box body. A first mounting column is arranged at a first end of the end cover. A second mounting column is arranged at a second end of the box body. The developing box is provided with an elastic member. The elastic member is arranged on a second end of the end cover or on an outer lateral wall of the box body. A rebound force of the elastic member is directed to a side where the first mounting column is located. The processing box comprises a drum frame and the developing box. Both ends of the drum frame are provided with mounting slots. The first mounting column and the second mounting column of the developing box are respectively detachably arranged in the corresponding mounting slots. A first acting part is arranged at a first end of the drum frame. A second locking member for locking the developing box is arranged at a second end of the drum frame. A protruding part is arranged in the middle of the drum frame. The elastic member arranged on the end cover is connected with the first acting part in a matched mode. Alternatively, the elastic member arranged on the outer lateral wall of the box body is connected with the protruding part in a matched mode. The application has the advantages of simple structure and good installation stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging equipment, specifically to a developing cartridge and a processing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging equipment, such as laser printers, are equipped with removable developing cartridges.

[0003] The developing box is arranged longitudinally with a rotatable developing roller, a rotatable powder feeding roller, a rotatable stirring frame, and a powder dispensing knife. One end of the developing box is provided with a drive gear, a developing roller gear, a powder feeding roller gear, a stirring frame gear, and a detection wheel. The drive gear drives the developing roller gear, the powder feeding roller gear, the stirring frame gear, and the detection wheel to rotate.

[0004] The developing tank is detachably mounted on the drum unit, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a positioning protrusion 10 is provided downwardly on the bottom of the developing cartridge 100, and an elastic member 20 is provided upwardly on the inner side of the drum frame 200. The positioning protrusion 10 and the elastic member 20 are connected in cooperation. When the elastic member 20 on the drum frame 200 lifts the positioning protrusion 10 of the developing cartridge, the force exerted on the developing cartridge 100 is tilted away from the developing roller 30, that is, the developing cartridge 100 has a tendency to move to the right. This makes the installation of the developing cartridge 100 and the drum frame 200 not tight enough, resulting in poor installation stability of the developing cartridge and the drum frame. In addition, after multiple developing cartridges 100 are used in conjunction with the drum frame, the elastic performance of the elastic member 20 on the drum frame 200 will deteriorate, which may seriously affect the normal cooperation between the developing cartridge 100 and the drum frame 200. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a developing cartridge with a simple structure and good installation stability.

[0006] A second object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge comprising the above-described developing cartridge.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned first objective, the present invention provides a developing cartridge, comprising a cartridge body and an end cap. The end cap is disposed at a first end of the cartridge body, and a first mounting post is provided protruding from the first end of the end cap. A second mounting post is provided protruding outward from the second end of the cartridge body. The developing cartridge is provided with an elastic member, which is disposed on the second end of the end cap, or the elastic member is disposed on the outer side wall of the cartridge body, and the rebound force of the elastic member is directed toward the side where the first mounting post is located.

[0008] As can be seen from the above solution, by setting an elastic member on the developer cartridge with its rebound force directed towards the side where the first mounting post is located, when the developer cartridge and drum frame are installed and mated, the elastic member is compressed by the drum frame, causing the reaction force of the drum frame on the elastic member to be directed towards the direction of the first mounting post. This makes the developer cartridge tend to move into the mounting groove of the drum frame, which helps to firmly press the developer cartridge into the mounting groove, preventing the developer cartridge from separating from the drum frame and improving the installation stability of the developer cartridge and drum frame. In addition, this embodiment sets the elastic member on the developer cartridge, which, compared with the prior art, sets the elastic member on the drum frame. This can effectively ensure the elastic performance of the elastic member, preventing the elastic member from failing after a drum frame has used multiple developer cartridges, thus affecting the fit between the drum frame and the developer cartridge. Setting the rebound force of the elastic member towards the direction of the first mounting post is more conducive to the contact between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, ensuring print quality.

[0009] A further embodiment is that the elastic member provided on the end cap includes a mounting part and an elastic hook, the connecting end of the elastic hook is connected to the mounting part, and the free end of the elastic hook protrudes beyond the end cap; the elastic hook includes an arm, and the arm has an arm working surface on its side facing away from the first mounting post.

[0010] As can be seen from the above scheme, by setting up the arm, when the developing cartridge and the drum stand are installed and matched, the arm abuts against the first working part of the drum stand, and the reaction force causes the first working part to push the developing cartridge into the mounting groove, thereby stabilizing the developing cartridge and the drum stand in the left and right directions.

[0011] A further improvement is to install pads on the working surface of the arm with the elastic hook.

[0012] As can be seen from the above scheme, the pads provide a buffering effect.

[0013] A further embodiment is that a first locking member is provided at the second end of the cartridge body, and the first locking member and the second mounting post are respectively located on the two sides of the cartridge body in the lateral direction; the elastic hook also includes a hook part, which is located on the free end of the arm; on the cross-section of the developing cartridge, the rebound force of the hook part is directed towards the side where the first locking member is located.

[0014] As can be seen from the above scheme, by setting the hook, when the developing cartridge and the drum stand are installed and matched, the hook abuts against the second working part of the drum stand, and the reaction force causes the drum stand to push the developing cartridge towards the first locking member, thereby stabilizing the developing cartridge and the drum stand in the vertical direction, which is conducive to further improving its stability.

[0015] A further option is to provide a limiting part on the mounting part of the elastic member, with the limiting part and the elastic hook both protruding to the same side, and a cavity provided between the connecting end of the limiting part and the elastic hook, with the arm part located outside the cavity.

[0016] As can be seen from the above scheme, by setting a cavity, when the developing cartridge and the drum stand are installed and matched, the first action part of the drum stand can extend into the cavity. While the arm pushes the first action part to the right, the limiting part stops the first action part to limit the deformation of the first action part to the right, which helps to increase the reaction force of the first action part on the arm.

[0017] A further option is that the elastic member set on the outer wall of the box includes a fixing part and a compression part. The first end of the compression part is fixedly connected to the first end of the fixing part. The second end of the compression part and the second end of the fixing part both extend toward the same side, and the second end of the compression part intersects the fixing part at a preset angle. The second end of the compression part can move elastically toward the fixing part, and the rebound force of the compression part is tilted toward the side where the first mounting post is located.

[0018] As can be seen from the above scheme, by setting the compression part and the fixing part to intersect at a preset angle, when the developing cartridge and the drum frame are installed and fitted, the compression part abuts against the third contact surface. Using the reaction force, the drum frame tilts upward and pushes the developing cartridge in the direction between the mounting groove and the second locking member, so as to simultaneously achieve the function of stabilizing the developing cartridge and the drum frame in the left-right and up-down directions, which is beneficial to improving its installation stability.

[0019] A further alternative is that the compression part is made of an elastic material, or that the second end of the compression part can rotate around its first end, and that the compression part has an elastic element on its side facing the fixing part, the elastic element elastically abutting between the compression part and the fixing part, the elastic element being a compression spring or a torsion spring.

[0020] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the present invention provides a processing box, including a drum frame and the aforementioned developing box. Both ends of the drum frame are provided with mounting grooves, and the first and second mounting posts of the developing box are detachably disposed within their respective mounting grooves. A first actuating part is provided at the first end of the drum frame, and a second locking member for securing the developing box is provided at the second end of the drum frame. The second locking member engages with the first locking member at the second end of the developing box. A protrusion is provided in the middle of the drum frame, with both the first actuating part and the protrusion facing the same side. An elastic member disposed on the end cap engages with the first actuating part, or an elastic member disposed on the outer wall of the box body engages with the protrusion.

[0021] A further embodiment is that the first actuating part has a first abutting surface on the side facing the mounting groove; the drum frame has a second actuating part on the side facing the mounting groove of the first actuating part, and a second abutting surface on the side facing the second locking member of the second actuating part; the elastic member provided on the end cap abuts against both the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface.

[0022] A further option is to have a third abutment surface inclined toward the side where the mounting groove is located, and the third abutment surface abuts against an elastic member provided on the casing of the developing cartridge. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box in the prior art.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the drum frame in the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the second embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the developing cartridge in the second embodiment of the processing cartridge of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the drum frame in the second embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Processing box first embodiment:

[0033] See Figures 2 to 4 The processing cartridge provided in this embodiment includes a drum frame 2 and a developing cartridge 1, both extending longitudinally. The drum frame 2 has mounting slots 21 at both ends longitudinally, each slot being L-shaped, with corresponding mounting slots at both ends. The developing cartridge 1 has protruding mounting posts at both ends longitudinally, each mounting post being detachably mounted within its corresponding mounting slot 21. The developing cartridge 1 has a first locking member (not shown in the figure) at its second end. The drum frame 2 has a second locking member mounting position 22 at its second end, located behind the mounting slot 21. Here, "rear" refers to the end opposite to the first mounting position when the processing cartridge is installed in the printer. Figure 4The second locking member mounting position 22 is located on the left side of the mounting groove 21. A second locking member (not shown in the figure) is provided on the second locking member mounting position 22. The first locking member and the second locking member cooperate to connect and detachably fix the developing cartridge 1 to the drum unit 2. The structure and principle of the second locking member and the first locking member are common knowledge in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0034] The developing cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 11 and an end cap 12, with the end cap 12 located at the first end of the cartridge body 11. The cartridge body 11 houses a developing roller, a powder feeding roller, a stirring frame, and a powder dispensing blade. The end cap 12 contains a drive gear, a developing roller gear, a powder feeding roller gear, a stirring frame gear, and a detection wheel. The drive gear drives the developing roller gear, the powder feeding roller gear, the stirring frame gear, and the detection wheel to rotate. The positions and connections between the various components within the developing cartridge 1 are common knowledge in the art and will not be described further here.

[0035] A first mounting post 121, located on the first side of the end cap 12, is disposed on the first end of the developing cartridge 1. The first mounting post 121 protrudes outward from the surface of the end cap 12. A second mounting post, located on the second end of the developing cartridge 1, is disposed on the second end of the cartridge body 11. The second mounting post protrudes outward from the end face of the second end of the cartridge body 11. The first mounting post 121 and the second mounting post are correspondingly disposed.

[0036] The developing cartridge 1 is provided with an elastic member 3. In this embodiment, the elastic member 3 is provided on the second side of the end cover 12 in the transverse direction. The elastic member 3 is fixed to the end cover 12, or it can be detachably provided on the end cover 12. The rebound force of the elastic member 3 is directed toward the side where the first mounting post 121 is located. The rebound force mentioned here is the reaction force generated by the drum frame 2 on the elastic member 3 when the elastic member 3 is connected with the drum frame 2.

[0037] The drum frame 2 has a first working part 23 and a second working part 24 disposed on the inner side of its first longitudinal end. The first working part 23 protrudes towards the end cover 12, and the second working part 24 extends obliquely in the transverse direction. The first working part 23 and the second working part 24 are disposed adjacent to each other, and the first working part 23 and the second working part 24 are located on two intersecting planes. In the cross-section of the processing box, the first working part 23 has a first abutting surface on the side facing the mounting groove 21, and the second working part 24 has a second abutting surface on the side facing the second locking member. In this embodiment, the elastic member 3 is simultaneously connected to both the first working part 23 and the second working part 24.

[0038] The elastic member 3 includes a mounting part 31 and an elastic hook. The mounting part 31 is fixed to the outside of the end cap 12 via a connector. The connecting end of the elastic hook is connected to the mounting part 31, and the free end of the elastic hook protrudes downward beyond the end cap 12. The elastic hook includes an arm part 32 and a hook part 33. The hook part 33 is disposed on the free end of the arm part 32. In the vertical direction, the hook part 33 is lower than the arm part 32. The arm part 32 is correspondingly disposed with the first actuating part 23, and the hook part 33 is correspondingly disposed with the second actuating part 24. The rebound force of the arm part 32 is directed towards the side where the first mounting post 121 is located. The rebound force referred to here is the reaction force generated by the first actuating part 23 on the arm part 32 when the arm part 32 abuts against the first abutting surface and elastically presses against the first actuating part 23. The arm part 32 has an arm working surface on its side facing away from the first mounting post 121. The arm working surface can be a plane or an arc-shaped surface. The working surface of the arm can directly abut against the first contact surface of the drum unit, or a cushioning pad 34 can be provided on the working surface of the arm. The pad 34 is located between the arm 32 and the first contact surface, and the pad 34 is preferably felt. In the cross-section of the developing cartridge 1, the rebound force of the hook 33 is directed towards the side where the first locking member is located. The rebound force referred to here is the reaction force generated by the second action part 24 on the hook 33 when the hook 33 abuts against the second contact surface and elastically presses against the second action part 24.

[0039] When the developing cartridge 1 and the drum unit 2 are installed and fitted, the arm 32 abuts against the first actuating part 23 of the drum unit 2. Using the reaction force, the first actuating part 23 pushes the developing cartridge 1 into the mounting groove 21. Figure 3 In the middle, the first actuating part 23 pushes the developing cartridge 1 to the left, so that the first mounting post 121 is stably set in the mounting groove 21, realizing the function of stabilizing the developing cartridge 1 and the drum 2 in the left and right direction; when the developing cartridge 1 and the drum 2 are installed and engaged, the hook part 33 abuts against the second actuating part 24 of the drum 2, and the reaction force causes the drum 2 to push the developing cartridge 1 towards the first locking member, that is, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the second actuating part 24 pushes the developing cartridge 1 upward, and with the cooperation of the second locking member, it stabilizes the developing cartridge 1 and the drum frame 2 in the vertical direction. This embodiment simultaneously fixes the developing cartridge 1 in the horizontal and vertical directions, which helps to improve the installation stability of the developing cartridge 1.

[0040] The elastic member 3 has a limiting part 311 on the mounting part 31. The limiting part 311 and the elastic hook both protrude to the same side. A cavity 312 is provided between the connecting end of the limiting part 311 and the elastic hook, and the arm part 32 is located outside the cavity 312. When the developing cartridge 1 and the drum frame 2 are installed and fitted, the first actuating part 23 of the drum frame 2 can extend into the cavity 312. While the arm part 32 pushes the first actuating part 23 to the right, the limiting part 311 stops the first actuating part 23 to limit the deformation of the first actuating part 23 to the right, which helps to increase the reaction force of the first actuating part 23 on the arm part 32.

[0041] Second embodiment of the processing box:

[0042] See Figures 4 to 8 Based on the first embodiment of the processing cartridge described above, this embodiment of the processing cartridge has an elastic member 4 provided in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge 1. The elastic member 4 is located on the outer wall of the cartridge body. The elastic member 4 can be fixed to the cartridge body or detachably provided on the cartridge body. The rebound force of the elastic member 4 is inclined towards the space between the second locking member and the mounting groove. A protrusion 25 is provided in the middle of the drum frame 2 protruding outward towards the developing cartridge 1. A third abutment surface is provided on the side of the protrusion 25 facing the developing cartridge 1. The front of the third abutment surface faces the space between the mounting groove and the second locking member. The elastic member 4 is engaged with the third abutment surface of the protrusion 25.

[0043] In this embodiment, the elastic member 4 includes a fixing part 41 and a compression part 42. The first end of the compression part 42 is fixedly connected to the first end of the fixing part 41. The second ends of the compression part 42 and the fixing part 41 both extend towards the same side, and the second end of the compression part 42 intersects the fixing part 41 at a preset angle, preferably an acute angle. The second end of the compression part 42 can elastically move towards the fixing part 41. The rebound force of the compression part 42 extends obliquely upward between the mounting groove and the second locking member. The rebound force mentioned here is the reaction force generated by the protrusion 25 on the compression part 42 when the compression part 42 abuts against the third abutting surface and elastically presses against the protrusion 25.

[0044] When the developing cartridge 1 and the drum unit 2 are installed and fitted, the compression part 42 abuts against the third contact surface. Using the reaction force, the drum unit 2 tilts upwards and pushes the developing cartridge 1 towards the mounting groove and the second locking member. Figure 6 In the middle, the drum stand 2 pushes the developing cartridge 1 to the upper left to simultaneously stabilize the developing cartridge 1 and the drum stand 2 in both the left-right and up-down directions.

[0045] In one embodiment, the compression part 42 is made of an elastic material. For example, the compression part 42 and the fixing part 41 are integrally injection molded from plastic material or integrally molded from stainless steel material. Due to the structural design, the compression part 42 can elastically move toward the fixing part 41 when it is subjected to external pressure.

[0046] In another embodiment, the second end of the compression part 42 is rotatable about its first end, and the compression part 42 is provided with an elastic member on the side facing the fixing part 41. The elastic member elastically abuts between the compression part 42 and the fixing part 41. The elastic member is a compression spring or a torsion spring.

[0047] In summary, this invention, by providing an elastic member on the developing cartridge with its rebound force directed towards the first mounting post, ensures that when the developing cartridge and drum unit are installed and engaged, the elastic member is compressed by the drum unit. This causes the drum unit's reaction force on the elastic member to be directed towards the first mounting post, giving the developing cartridge a tendency to move into the drum unit's mounting slot. This helps to firmly press the developing cartridge into the mounting slot, preventing separation between the developing cartridge and the drum unit and improving the installation stability of the developing cartridge and drum unit. Furthermore, by placing the elastic member on the developing cartridge, compared to the prior art where the elastic member is placed on the drum unit, this embodiment effectively ensures the elastic performance of the elastic member, preventing the elastic member from failing after multiple developing cartridges are used on a single drum unit, thus affecting the fit between the drum unit and the developing cartridge. Orienting the rebound force of the elastic member towards the first mounting post further facilitates contact between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, ensuring print quality.

[0048] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge for detachable mounting to a drum unit having a mounting groove, the developing cartridge comprising a cartridge body and an end cap, the end cap being disposed at a first end of the cartridge body, the first end of the end cap having a first mounting post protruding therefrom, and the second end of the cartridge body having a second mounting post protruding outwardly therefrom, characterized in that: The developing cartridge is provided with an elastic member, which is disposed on the second end of the end cap. The rebound force of the elastic member is directed toward the side where the first mounting post is located, so as to stably place the first mounting post in the mounting groove. The elastic member provided on the end cap includes a mounting part and an elastic hook. The connecting end of the elastic hook is connected to the mounting part, and the free end of the elastic hook protrudes beyond the end cap. The elastic hook includes an arm, and the arm has a working surface on its side facing away from the first mounting post. The elastic member is provided with a limiting part on the mounting part. The limiting part and the elastic hook both protrude to the same side. A cavity is provided between the connecting ends of the limiting part and the elastic hook. The arm is located outside the cavity. The cavity is used to accommodate the first action part on the drum frame when the developing cartridge and the drum frame are installed and fitted. The arm abuts against the first action part. Using the reaction force, the first action part pushes the developing cartridge in the direction of the mounting groove. The limiting part is used to stop the first action part and limit the deformation of the first action part to one side.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic hook has a pad on the working surface of the arm.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end of the box is provided with a first locking member, and the first locking member and the second mounting post are respectively provided on the two sides of the box in the horizontal direction. The elastic hook also includes a hook portion, which is disposed on the free end of the arm portion; On the cross-section of the developing cartridge, the rebound force of the hook is directed toward the side where the first locking member is located.

4. A processing cartridge, comprising a drum unit and a developing cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drum frame has mounting slots at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the first and second mounting posts of the developing cartridge are detachably installed in the corresponding mounting slots. The first end of the drum frame is provided with a first working part, and the second end of the drum frame is provided with a second locking member for locking the developing cartridge. The second locking member is connected to the first locking member on the second end of the developing cartridge. The elastic member disposed on the end cap is connected to the first actuating part.

5. The processing box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first functional part is provided with a first abutting surface on the side facing the mounting groove; The drum frame has a second working part on the side of the first working part facing the mounting groove, and the second working part has a second abutting surface on the side of the second locking member. The elastic member disposed on the end cap abuts against both the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface.

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