Powder box and detection mechanism thereof

Abstract

The application provides a powder box and a detection mechanism thereof. The detection mechanism comprises a rotating wheel and a driving source. The driving source drives the rotating wheel to rotate. The driving source is an elastic member. The restoring force of the driving source forces the rotating wheel to rotate. The detection mechanism further comprises a rotating speed control assembly. The rotating speed control assembly is in contact with the rotating wheel and controls the rotating speed of the rotating wheel. The detection mechanism can reduce the torque generated by the rotation of the powder box during operation, so as to ensure that the powder box can be effectively recognized by an imaging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of consumables for electronic imaging equipment, and more specifically, to a toner cartridge and its testing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Imaging equipment typically uses removable toner cartridges to supply toner, which develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive element and then transfers it onto a medium such as paper to form a visible image.

[0003] A toner cartridge includes a cartridge body. A drive head and a detection gear with missing teeth are respectively located at two axial ends of the cartridge body. The cartridge body has a developer chamber for containing developer and a toner outlet. A stirring rack for stirring the developer is located within the developer chamber. A developing roller is positioned at the toner outlet. A gear system driving the stirring rack and developing roller to rotate is mounted on the outside of the cartridge body. A first stirring gear is located at the first axial end of the stirring rack. Both the drive head and the first stirring gear mesh with an intermediate transmission gear and transmit rotational driving force to the stirring rack. A second stirring gear is located at the second axial end of the stirring rack. A detection gear can mesh with the second stirring gear, and a triggering part is provided on the detection gear to trigger a contacted component in an imaging device. When a new toner cartridge is installed in an imaging device, the drive gear system consisting of the drive head, the first stirring gear, and the second stirring gear is driven to rotate, which in turn drives the meshing detection gear to rotate. The triggering part on the detection gear rotates and triggers the contacted component in the imaging device, allowing the imaging device to detect that the toner cartridge is new. When the detection gear rotates to the point where the missing tooth section faces the second stirring gear, it no longer meshes with the second stirring gear, and the detection gear no longer rotates with the second stirring gear.

[0004] Because the drive head needs to rotate the developing roller, the toner feeding roller, and the stirring frame, while the stirring blades on the stirring frame continuously stir the toner in the toner hopper, and the stirring frame also needs to drive the detection gear on the other side to rotate, enabling the imaging equipment to detect and identify the toner cartridge, the drive head experiences a large rotational torsional force and torque after a series of rotational transmissions. This can easily damage the transmission head in the imaging equipment and may also cause the imaging equipment to fail to accurately and effectively identify the toner cartridge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first objective of this invention is to provide a detection mechanism for toner cartridges that can reduce the torque generated by the rotation of the toner cartridge during operation, thereby ensuring that the toner cartridge can be effectively identified by the imaging device.

[0006] A second objective of this invention is to provide a powder box having the aforementioned detection mechanism.

[0007] A third objective of this invention is to provide another powder box having the aforementioned detection mechanism.

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned first objective, the present invention provides a detection mechanism for a powder box, comprising a rotating wheel and a drive source, wherein the drive source drives the rotating wheel to rotate, the drive source being an elastic element, and the restoring force of the drive source forces the rotating wheel to rotate; the detection mechanism further comprises a rotation speed control component, which contacts the rotating wheel and controls the rotation speed of the rotating wheel.

[0009] As can be seen from the above solution, by setting a drive source to provide rotational driving force to the rotating wheel, the torque on each rotating component inside the toner cartridge is significantly reduced, preventing damage to the force transmission components in the toner cartridge or the transmission head of the imaging device due to excessive torque. Simultaneously, by setting a rotation speed control component to control the rotation speed of the rotating wheel, the wheel rotates at a preset frequency, thus ensuring that the toner cartridge can be effectively detected.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation speed control component includes a toothed buckle and a toggle member. The outer peripheral wall of the rotating wheel is provided with teeth, and the middle of the toothed buckle is provided with a hinge. The toothed buckle can form a limiting engagement with the teeth on the downstream side of the rotating wheel's rotation direction. The toggle member can rotate and drive the toothed buckle to swing around the hinge.

[0011] As can be seen above, before the toner cartridge is installed into the imaging device, the drive source is in a charged state. The teeth of the buckle form a limiting engagement with the teeth on the downstream side of the rotating wheel's rotation direction to prevent the rotating wheel from rotating. After the toner cartridge is installed into the imaging device, the drive force receiving head receives the rotational drive force applied by the transmission head of the imaging device, which drives the rotating component to rotate. At the same time, the rotating component drives the actuating component to rotate, and the actuating component releases the limiting engagement between the buckle and the teeth. At this time, the rotating wheel rotates under the restoring force of the drive source. During the rotation of the rotating wheel, the triggering part of the detection mechanism triggers the contacted component in the imaging device, and the imaging device detects that the toner cartridge is new. When a used toner cartridge is installed into the imaging device, the drive source is in a non-charged state, so the rotating wheel no longer rotates, and the triggering part no longer triggers the contacted component of the imaging device, thus the toner cartridge is detected as not new.

[0012] Because the rotating wheel in the toner cartridge of the present invention is driven to rotate by a drive source, only a small force is needed for the rotating component to apply to the toothed buckle through the actuating component to release the toothed buckle, so that the drive source drives the rotating wheel and drives the trigger part to rotate, thus completing the installation test of the toner cartridge. Therefore, the torque generated by the rotation of the rotating component can be reduced, avoiding damage to the transmission head in the imaging equipment, while ensuring that the imaging equipment can effectively identify the toner cartridge.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating wheel and the actuating element are respectively positioned on opposite sides of the toothed buckle; the toothed buckle is equipped with two limiting hooks and two unlocking protrusions, with the two limiting hooks located at both ends of the toothed buckle and the two unlocking protrusions located in the middle of the toothed buckle and spaced apart; both limiting hooks are located on the side of the toothed buckle facing the rotating wheel and can extend into the space between two adjacent teeth, while both unlocking protrusions are located on the side of the toothed buckle facing the actuating element. During rotation, the actuating element applies force to the two unlocking protrusions sequentially.

[0014] Therefore, when the actuating component contacts one of the unlocking protrusions, the toothed buckle rotates around the hinge axis by a certain angle. One limiting hook disengages from the teeth, and the rotating wheel rotates by a preset angle under the action of the drive source. The other limiting hook then engages with the teeth, stopping the rotating wheel's rotation. As the actuating component continues to rotate with the rotating component, the above actions are repeated, thereby controlling the time required for the rotating wheel to rotate by the preset angle, which in turn controls the rotational speed of the rotating wheel.

[0015] A further design involves dividing the toothed buckle into a first locking segment and a second locking segment by its hinge pin. One limiting hook and one unlocking protrusion are located on the first locking segment, while the other limiting hook and the other unlocking protrusion are located on the second locking segment.

[0016] Therefore, by setting a limiting hook and the corresponding unlocking protrusion on the same locking section, it is ensured that when the unlocking protrusion is subjected to force, it can drive the toothed buckle to rotate and cause the corresponding limiting hook to disengage from the tooth.

[0017] A further embodiment is that the rotating wheel includes a one-way toothed section, which includes multiple teeth arranged circumferentially, and the teeth restrict the rotating wheel to rotate only in the opposite direction; the limiting hook is provided with intersecting stop walls and guide walls, and the teeth are provided with intersecting limiting walls and guide walls; the stop wall can cooperate with the limiting wall on the downstream side of the rotating wheel's rotation direction to limit the rotation of the rotating wheel; when the rotating wheel is driven to rotate in the opposite direction, the guide wall can slide relative to the teeth along the guide wall.

[0018] As can be seen, the rotating wheel can rotate in the opposite direction, which facilitates the reset of the rotating wheel. The cooperation between the limiting wall and the stop wall ensures the effective limiting of the rotating wheel, and the cooperation between the guide wall and the guide wall ensures the smooth reset process of the rotating wheel.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is that the actuating element is provided with a force-applying protrusion, and the unlocking protrusion is located on the rotation path of the force-applying protrusion. The force-applying protrusion protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral wall of the actuating element and can abut against the unlocking protrusion. The force-applying protrusion and the outer peripheral wall of the actuating element transition smoothly.

[0020] It can be seen that when the actuating component rotates to the position where the force-applying protrusion abuts, the toothed buckle rotates at a certain angle under force. This unlocking structure is simple and can effectively unlock the toothed buckle. The force-applying protrusion and the outer peripheral wall of the actuating component transition smoothly, preventing jamming between the actuating component and the toothed buckle and ensuring the smoothness of the unlocking process.

[0021] A further option is to have two or more force-applying protrusions, with multiple force-applying protrusions spaced apart and evenly distributed along the circumference of the actuating component.

[0022] Therefore, it can be seen that the rotation time of the rotating wheel can be adjusted by changing the number and arrangement of the force-applying protrusions.

[0023] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the present invention provides a toner cartridge, comprising a cartridge body, a rotating component, a driving force receiving head, a first gear train, and a detection mechanism. The cartridge body has a toner receiving portion. The rotating component is rotatably supported between a first end wall and a second end wall of the cartridge body. The driving force receiving head is disposed on the first end wall for receiving rotational driving force. Teeth are provided on the peripheral wall of the driving force receiving head. The first gear train is disposed on the first end wall and meshes with the teeth. The detection mechanism is disposed at the second end wall.

[0024] To achieve the third objective mentioned above, the present invention provides another toner cartridge, comprising a cartridge body, a rotating component, a driving force receiving head, a first gear train, and a detection mechanism. The cartridge body has a toner receiving portion. The rotating component is rotatably supported between a first end wall and a second end wall of the cartridge body. The driving force receiving head is disposed on the first end wall for receiving rotational driving force. Teeth are provided on the peripheral wall of the driving force receiving head. The first gear train is disposed on the first end wall and meshes with the teeth. The detection mechanism is disposed on the second end wall. The rotating component drives the actuating component to rotate and releases the limiting engagement between the teeth and the pinions.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating component includes a developing roller, and the actuating element is disposed at the axial end of the developing roller.

[0026] Therefore, it can be seen that the developing roller is usually located at the toner outlet of the cartridge. The torque it experiences during rotation is small. The locking mechanism is unlocked by driving the actuating component through the developing roller. The overall torque experienced by each component of the toner cartridge is still relatively small, which will not damage the drive head of the imaging equipment, while also ensuring effective detection of the toner cartridge.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating component includes a powder feeding roller; the detection mechanism further includes a second gear train disposed on the second end wall, the second gear train including a powder feeding roller gear and a drive gear connected by a drive, the powder feeding roller gear being disposed at the axial end of the powder feeding roller; the drive gear further includes an integrally formed gear portion and a moving member, the gear portion and the moving member being arranged along the axial direction of the drive gear.

[0028] It can be seen that by transmitting the rotational force from the powder feeding roller to the powder feeding roller gear through the second gear system, the rotational wheel has greater freedom in its position setting.

[0029] A preferred embodiment is that the rotating wheel is provided with a mounting groove, the opening of which faces the housing, and the drive source is located inside the mounting groove; the drive source is a torsion spring, one torsion arm of which is connected to the second end wall, and the other torsion arm of which is connected to the rotating wheel.

[0030] A preferred embodiment is that a bearing plate assembly is provided on the second end wall, the bearing plate assembly is provided with a support column and a hinge shaft, both of which extend from the bearing plate assembly along the axial direction of the rotating wheel away from the box body, the rotating wheel is sleeved on the support column and can rotate around the support column, and the hinge part of the toothed snap is sleeved on the hinge shaft.

[0031] Therefore, by setting the support columns and hinge shafts on the bearing plate assembly, not only is the structure of the box simplified and the molding process of the box made simpler, but also when these vulnerable structures such as the support columns and hinge shafts are damaged, only the bearing plate assembly needs to be replaced, thereby reducing costs.

[0032] A further embodiment is that the bearing plate assembly includes a first bearing plate and a second bearing plate arranged along the width direction of the housing, the second bearing plate having a developing roller support hole and a powder feeding roller support hole; the support column is located on the first bearing plate, and the hinge shaft is located on the second bearing plate.

[0033] A further proposed solution is that both the second bearing plate and the rotating wheel are made of conductive material, and the second bearing plate is electrically connected to the rotating wheel.

[0034] It is evident that power is supplied to the developing roller and the powder feeding roller through a second bearing plate and a rotating wheel made of conductive material, resulting in a simple structure and high reliability.

[0035] A further option is to provide an electrical contact protrusion on the side wall of the second bearing plate away from the housing, and the electrical contact protrusion contacts the end wall of the rotating wheel.

[0036] This shows that using a direct contact method can simplify the structure and facilitate assembly.

[0037] A further design involves a groove on the second bearing plate, within which a cantilever is installed. One end of the cantilever is connected to the inner circumferential wall of the groove, and at least one electrical contact protrusion is provided on the cantilever. The elastic restoring force of the cantilever forces the electrical contact protrusion to fit tightly against the rotating wheel.

[0038] It can be seen that by closely fitting the electrical contact protrusions on the cantilever with the rotating wheel, a stable electrical connection between the rotating wheel and the second bearing plate is ensured.

[0039] A preferred embodiment is that a limiting protrusion is provided on the second bearing plate near the hinge shaft, and the limiting protrusion is located on one side of the toothed buckle in the swing direction of the toothed buckle to limit the swing angle of the toothed buckle.

[0040] Therefore, by limiting the swing angle of the toothed buckle, it is possible to prevent the toothed buckle from rotating too much and failing to reset.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the powder box further includes an end cap, which is fixed to the second end wall of the box body. A positioning opening is provided through the side wall of the end cap opposite to the second end wall, and the axial end of the rotating wheel away from the box body extends out from the positioning opening.

[0042] Therefore, the axial end of the rotating wheel extends from the end cover, which on the one hand facilitates triggering the contacted components in the imaging device, and on the other hand, allows the user to rotate the rotating wheel in the opposite direction to reset it.

[0043] A preferred embodiment is that a reset part is provided on the axial end of the rotating wheel away from the box body, the reset part extends radially along the rotating wheel and protrudes from the positioning opening.

[0044] Therefore, after the toner in the toner cartridge is used up, applying force to the reset part causes the rotating wheel to rotate in the opposite direction, which can reset the detection component. After the toner cartridge is refilled and installed, the printer still recognizes the toner cartridge as new and can print repeatedly.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the detection mechanism is provided with a trigger part, which is disposed on the rotating wheel and protrudes from the end cover.

[0046] Therefore, it can be seen that during the rotation of the rotating wheel, the triggering part of the detection mechanism rotates together with the rotating wheel and triggers the contacted component in the imaging device, and the imaging device detects that the toner cartridge is new.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the detection mechanism further includes a contact member hinged to the end cover and located between the end cover and the rotating wheel. The rotating wheel has at least one protrusion on the side away from the housing. The contact member has a contact portion and a trigger portion. The contact portion can abut against the protrusion, and the trigger portion is exposed outside the end cover.

[0048] As can be seen above, the rotating wheel rotates under the restoring force of the driving source. During the rotation of the rotating wheel, the protrusion on the rotating wheel rotates together with the rotating wheel. During the rotation of the protrusion, the contact member swings, thereby causing the trigger part at the second end of the contact member to trigger the contacted member in the imaging device. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the conductive end of the powder box according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a partial view of the powder box according to the first embodiment of the present invention after the second end cap is hidden.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a state diagram of the detection mechanism in the first position in the first embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a state diagram of the detection mechanism in the second position in the first embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a state diagram of the detection mechanism in the third position in the first embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the second end cap and detection mechanism in the second embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the second end cap and detection mechanism in the second embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the third embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 11 This is a partial view of the powder box according to the third embodiment of the present invention, after the second end cap is hidden.

[0060] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the detection mechanism in the third embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Front view of the local structure.

[0063] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the structure of the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 17 This is a partial view of the second end cap, conductive torsion spring, limiting torsion spring, and stirring frame in the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 18 This is an assembly diagram of the second end cap, conductive torsion spring, limiting torsion spring, motor and stirring frame in the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 19 This is a state diagram of the motor, rotating wheel, conductive torsion spring and stirring frame in the initial state of the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention, when the second torsion arm of the conductive torsion spring is in the position separated from the second access end of the motor.

[0068] Figure 20 This is a state diagram of the motor, conductive torsion spring, and stirring rack when the second torsion arm of the conductive torsion spring is in contact with the second access end of the motor in the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the state of the motor, rotating wheel, and conductive torsion spring when the second torsion arm of the conductive torsion spring contacts and then separates from the second access end of the motor in the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0070] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0071] First embodiment of powder box:

[0072] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The powder box includes a box body 1, a first end cap 21, a second end cap 22, a rotating component 3, a driving force receiving head 10, a first gear system 4, and a detection mechanism 5.

[0073] The first end cap 21 is fixed on the first end wall 11 of the box body 1, the second end cap 22 is fixed on the second end wall 12 of the box body 1, the first gear train 4 is located in the space enclosed by the first end cap 21 and the box body 1, and the detection mechanism 5 is located in the space enclosed by the second end cap 22 and the box body 1.

[0074] The rotating component 3 includes a developing roller 31, a powder feeding roller 32, and a stirring frame 33. The housing 1 has a toner receiving section 13 and a powder outlet 14. The stirring frame 33 and the powder feeding roller 32 are both located in the toner receiving section 13, and the developing roller 31 is located at the powder outlet 14. The powder feeding roller 32 and the developing roller 31 are arranged in parallel and their outer peripheral walls are in contact. The powder feeding roller 32 is used to transfer the toner in the toner receiving section 13 to the developing roller 31.

[0075] Rotating components 3, such as the developing roller 31, the powder feeding roller 32, and the stirring frame 33, are rotatably supported between the first end wall 11 and the second end wall 12 of the housing 1. A driving force receiving head 10 is disposed on the first end wall 11 to receive rotational driving force. Teeth are provided on the peripheral wall of the driving force receiving head 10. The first gear system 4 includes a developing roller gear 41, a powder feeding roller gear, a stirring frame gear, and an intermediate transmission gear. The first gear system 4 is disposed on the first end wall 11 of the housing 1. The developing roller gear 41 is disposed at the first axial end of the developing roller 31, the powder feeding roller gear is disposed at the first axial end of the powder feeding roller 32, and the stirring frame gear is disposed at the first axial end of the stirring frame 33. The developing roller gear 41, the powder feeding roller gear, and the intermediate transmission gear all mesh with the teeth of the driving force receiving head 10. The stirring frame gear is connected to the teeth of the driving force receiving head 10 through the intermediate transmission gear.

[0076] See Figures 2 to 4 The detection mechanism 5 is disposed on the second end wall 12. The detection mechanism 5 includes a drive source, a rotating wheel 51, and a rotation speed control component. In this embodiment, the drive source is a torsion spring 54. The elastic restoring force of the torsion spring 54 forces the rotating wheel 51 to rotate. The rotation speed control component is used to control the rotation speed of the rotating wheel. The rotation speed control component includes a toothed buckle 52 and a toggle member 53. The rotating wheel 51 is rotatably supported on a first bearing plate 61 fixed to the second end wall 12. The rotating wheel 51 includes a one-way toothed portion 511 and a trigger portion 512. The one-way toothed portion 511 includes a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially, and the plurality of teeth are located on the outer peripheral wall of the rotating wheel 51. A positioning opening 221 is provided through the side wall of the second end cover 22 opposite to the second end wall 12. The trigger portion 512 is disposed on the end of the rotating wheel 51 away from the housing 1. The trigger portion 512 extends from the positioning opening 221 to the outside of the second end cover 22. The trigger portion 512 is used to trigger the contacted component in the imaging device.

[0077] A bearing plate assembly 6 is provided on the second end wall 12. The bearing plate assembly 6 includes a first bearing plate 61 and a second bearing plate 62 arranged along the width direction of the housing 1. A support column 611 is provided on the first bearing plate 61. The support column 611 extends from the bearing plate assembly 6 along the axial direction of the rotating wheel 51 away from the housing 1. The rotating wheel 51 is sleeved on the support column 611 and can rotate around the support column 611. At the same time, a positioning column 121 integrally formed with the housing 1 is also provided on the second end wall 12. The support column 611 is sleeved on the positioning column 121 and realizes accurate positioning of the rotating wheel 51. The second bearing plate 62 also has a developing roller support hole 621 and a powder feeding roller support hole 622. The second axial end of the developing roller 31 is supported in the developing roller support hole 621, and the second axial end of the powder feeding roller 32 is supported in the powder feeding roller support hole 622. The rotating wheel 51 is provided with a mounting groove 511, the opening of which faces the box 1. The torsion spring 54 is disposed in the mounting groove 511 and sleeved on the support column 611. One torsion arm of the torsion spring 54 is connected to the first bearing plate 61, and the other torsion arm is connected to the rotating wheel 51. The restoring force of the torsion spring 54 can force the rotating wheel 51 to rotate.

[0078] The second bearing plate 62 is provided with a hinge shaft 623. The hinge shaft 623 extends from the bearing plate assembly 6 along the axial direction of the rotating wheel 51 away from the box body 1. The center of the toothed buckle 52 is provided with a shaft hole 521 as a hinge part. The toothed buckle 52 is sleeved on the hinge shaft 623 through the shaft hole 521 and can swing around the hinge shaft 623.

[0079] The toothed buckle 52 forms a limiting engagement with the teeth on the downstream side of the rotating wheel 51 in the direction of rotation, and the toothed buckle 52 restricts the rotating wheel 51 to rotate only in the opposite direction.

[0080] The actuating element 53 is disposed at the second axial end of the developing roller 31. In the width direction of the cartridge body 1, the rotating wheel 51 and the actuating element 53 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the toothed buckle 52. The developing roller 31 drives the actuating element 53 to rotate and releases the limiting engagement between the toothed buckle 52 and the teeth.

[0081] The toothed buckle 52 is provided with two limiting hooks 522 and two unlocking protrusions 523. The two limiting hooks 522 are respectively located at both ends of the toothed buckle 52, and the two unlocking protrusions 523 are both located in the middle of the toothed buckle 52 and are arranged at intervals. The two limiting hooks 522 are both located on the side of the toothed buckle 52 facing the rotating wheel 51 and can both extend into the corresponding two adjacent teeth. The two unlocking protrusions 523 are both located on the side of the toothed buckle 52 facing the actuating member 53.

[0082] The hinge pin 623 of the toothed buckle 52 divides the toothed buckle 52 into a first locking section 524 and a second locking section 525. The hinge pin 623 of the toothed buckle 52 is close to the plane formed by the central axis of the rotating wheel 51 and the central axis of the toggle member 53. One of the limiting hooks 522 and one of the unlocking protrusions 523 are located on the first locking section 524, and the other limiting hook 522 and the other unlocking protrusion 523 are located on the second locking section 525.

[0083] The limiting hook 522 is provided with intersecting stop wall 5221 and guide wall 5222, and the teeth are provided with intersecting limiting wall 5111 and guide wall 5112. The stop wall 5221 can cooperate with the limiting wall 5111 to limit the rotation of the rotating wheel 51 on the downstream side of the rotation direction of the rotating wheel 51. When the rotating wheel 51 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction, the guide wall 5112 can slide relative to the teeth 52 along the guide wall 5222.

[0084] The toggle member 53 is provided with two force-applying protrusions 531, which are arranged opposite each other along the radial direction of the toggle member 53. The two unlocking protrusions 523 are located on the rotation path of the force-applying protrusions 531. The force-applying protrusions 531 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral wall of the toggle member 53 and can abut against the unlocking protrusions 523. The force-applying protrusions 531 and the outer peripheral wall of the toggle member 53 are smoothly transitioned.

[0085] Both the second bearing plate 62 and the rotating wheel 51 are made of conductive material, and the second bearing plate 62 is electrically connected to the rotating wheel 51. Three electrical contact protrusions 624 are provided on the side wall of the second bearing plate 62 away from the housing 1, and these protrusions 624 contact the end wall of the rotating wheel 51. A groove 625 is formed on the second bearing plate 62, and a cantilever 626 is provided within the groove 625. One end of the cantilever 626 is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the groove 625, and one of the electrical contact protrusions 624 is located at the free end of the cantilever 626. The elastic restoring force of the cantilever 626 forces the electrical contact protrusion 624 to fit tightly against the rotating wheel 51.

[0086] The second bearing plate 62 is provided with a limiting protrusion 627 near the hinge shaft 623. The limiting protrusion 627 is located on one side of the toothed buckle 52 in the swing direction of the toothed buckle 52 to limit the swing angle of the toothed buckle 52.

[0087] Before the toner cartridge is inserted into the imaging device, the torsion spring 54 is in a charged state, such as... Figure 5As shown, the limiting hook 522 at the upper end of the toothed buckle 52 forms a limiting engagement with a tooth on the downstream side of the rotating wheel 51 in the direction of rotation, thereby preventing the rotating wheel 51 from rotating. After the toner cartridge is inserted into the imaging device, the driving force receiving head 10 receives the rotational driving force applied by the transmission head of the imaging device, which drives the developing roller 31 to rotate. At the same time, the developing roller 31 drives the actuating member 53 to rotate. When the force-applying protrusion 531 of the actuating member 53 abuts against the unlocking protrusion 523 of the toothed buckle 52, it applies a force to the unlocking protrusion 523, forcing the toothed buckle 52 to swing clockwise by a certain angle, and causing the upper limiting hook 522 to disengage from the tooth, that is, releasing the limiting between the upper limiting hook 522 and the tooth. At this time, the rotating wheel 51 rotates under the action of the restoring force of the torsion spring 54, and at the same time... Figure 6 As shown, the lower limiting hook 522 will enter between two adjacent teeth to limit the angle of rotation of the rotating wheel 51 each time, thereby limiting the time required for the rotating wheel 51 to rotate to the predetermined angle. During the continuous rotation of the developing roller 51, as... Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the two force-applying protrusions 531 alternately apply force to the two unlocking protrusions 523, thereby causing the rotating wheel 51 to rotate continuously until the torsion spring 54 is in a non-charged state. During the rotation of the rotating wheel 51, the trigger part 512 rotates together with the rotating wheel 51 and triggers the contacted component in the imaging device, and the imaging device detects that the toner cartridge is new.

[0088] When a used toner cartridge is installed into the imaging device, the torsion spring 54 is in a non-charged state. Therefore, the rotating wheel 51 no longer rotates, and the trigger 512 no longer triggers the contacted components of the imaging device, thus the toner cartridge is detected as not new. Since the trigger 512 extends from the positioning opening 221 to the outside of the second end cover 22, after the toner in the toner cartridge has been used up and refilled, the rotating wheel 51 can be reset by applying force to the trigger 512 and rotating it in the opposite direction, and the toner cartridge can be reused as a new toner cartridge.

[0089] As can be seen from the above, since the rotating wheel in the toner cartridge of the present invention is driven to rotate by a drive source, only a small force is needed for the rotating component to apply to the toothed buckle through the actuating component to release the toothed buckle, thereby causing the drive source to drive the rotating wheel to rotate, which can complete the installation test of the toner cartridge. Therefore, the torque generated by the rotation of the rotating component can be reduced, avoiding damage to the transmission head in the imaging device, while ensuring that the imaging device can effectively identify the toner cartridge.

[0090] Second embodiment of powder box:

[0091] As an explanation of the second embodiment of the powder box of the present invention, the following description only focuses on the differences from the first embodiment of the powder box described above.

[0092] See Figure 8 and Figure 9In this embodiment, a reset part 250 is provided on the rotating wheel 251. The reset part 250 extends outward from the positioning opening 2201 of the second end cover 222 from the end wall 2501 away from the box body of the rotating wheel 251, and the reset part 250 passes through the central axis of the rotating wheel 251 and extends in a radial direction of the rotating wheel 251.

[0093] Furthermore, the outer surface of the second end cap 222 is provided with a marking portion 223, and the end wall 2501 of the rotating wheel 251 is provided with an indicator portion 2502. Preferably, there are two marking portions 223, which are arranged circumferentially at intervals along the positioning opening 2201. When resetting the rotating wheel 251, the resetting part 250 is operated and the rotating wheel 251 is rotated in the opposite direction until the indicator portion 2502 is located between the two marking portions 223 in the circumferential direction. This position is the initial phase of the rotating wheel 251 and also the reset phase after each reset. The marking portion 223 and the indicator portion 2502 can be grooves, protrusions, or patterns, etc.

[0094] Third embodiment of powder box:

[0095] As an explanation of the third embodiment of the powder box of the present invention, the following description only focuses on the differences from the first embodiment of the powder box described above.

[0096] See Figures 10 to 12 The detection mechanism 35 is disposed on the second end wall 312 and located between the second end wall 312 and the second end cover 322. The detection mechanism 35 includes a rotating wheel 351 and a contact member 352. The rotating wheel 351 is rotatably supported on the second end wall 312. The contact member 352 is hinged to the second end cover 322 and is located between the second end cover 322 and the rotating wheel 351. The rotating wheel 351 has three protrusions 3511 on the side away from the housing 310. The contact member 352 has a contact part 3522 and a trigger part 3521. The contact part 3522 can abut against the protrusions 3511. The trigger part 3521 is exposed on the second end cover 322 and is used to trigger the contacted component in the imaging device.

[0097] The detection mechanism 35 also includes a second gear train 353, which is disposed on the second end wall 312. The second gear train 353 includes a powder feeding roller gear 3531, a drive gear 3532, and two intermediate gears 3533. An actuating element 35322 is located on the drive gear 3532 and is integrally formed with the drive gear 3532. The powder feeding roller gear 3531 is disposed at the axial end of the powder feeding roller 332. The drive gear 3532 also includes a gear portion 35321, and the gear portion 35321 and the actuating element 35322 are arranged along the axial direction of the drive gear 3532. The drive gear 3532 and the gear portion 35321 are connected by two intermediate gears 3533, so that the rotational force received by the powder feeding roller gear 3531 from the powder feeding roller 332 is transmitted to the drive gear 3532 through the two intermediate gears 3533.

[0098] A resetting part 3512 is provided on the axial end of the rotating wheel 351 away from the housing 310, and the resetting part 3512 extends radially along the rotating wheel 351. One axial end of the rotating wheel 351 is rotatably supported in the positioning opening 3201. The resetting part 3512 extends out of the positioning opening 3201, so that the user can apply force to the rotating wheel 351 through the resetting part 3512 to reset the rotating wheel 351.

[0099] See Figure 13 and Figure 14 In this embodiment, a limiting groove 3221 is provided on the inner wall of the second end cap 322, and a limiting rod 3523 is also provided on the contact member 352. The limiting rod 3523 and the trigger part 3521 are respectively located on opposite sides of the hinge part 3520 of the contact member 352. A limiting wall 3222 is provided in the limiting groove 3221. The limiting wall 3222 is located in the extension direction of the swing path of the contact member 352 to limit the swing angle of the contact member 352.

[0100] Furthermore, the number of force-applying protrusions can be one or more, with multiple force-applying protrusions arranged at intervals along the circumference of the actuating member. The number, shape, and arrangement of the electrical contact protrusions on the second bearing plate can be changed as needed. The reset part can also extend along the chord of the rotating wheel. The number and shape of the protrusions on the rotating wheel can also be changed as needed. The drive source can also be other elastic components besides torsion springs. The rotation speed control assembly can also use other components for controlling the rotation speed of the rotating wheel, such as existing brake pad assemblies, which decelerate the speed of the rotating wheel 351 through friction. The above modifications can also achieve the purpose of the present invention.

[0101] Fourth embodiment of powder box:

[0102] As an explanation of the fourth embodiment of the powder box of the present invention, the following description only focuses on the differences from the first embodiment of the powder box described above.

[0103] See Figures 15 to 18 In this embodiment, the detection mechanism 45 consists of a mounting base 452, a rotating wheel 451, a power supply 453, a switch assembly 46, and a motor 40. In this embodiment, the rotating wheel 451 is rotatably supported on a support shaft 4220 on the inner wall of the second end cover 422.

[0104] The drive source includes a motor 40. Consistent with Embodiment 1, the drive source in this embodiment is also independent of the rotational force transmission system composed of the drive force receiving head 413, the gear system, and the rotating components. That is, the rotating wheel 451 is driven to rotate by the motor 40, rather than by the drive force received by the drive force receiving head 413. The motor 40 is a variable speed DC motor. Preferably, the motor 40 is a DC geared motor, and the rated power of the DC geared motor is 0.15W to 0.5W, the rated voltage is 1.3V to 3.3V, the rated current is 0.1A to 0.3A, the rated speed is 22rpm to 28rpm, and the rated torque is 0.03N·m to 0.25N·m.

[0105] A receiving groove 411 is provided at the top of the second end of the box body 410, and the motor 40 is fixed in the receiving groove 411 by the mounting base 452. In order to facilitate the stirring rack 433 to stir the toner and feed it to the powder outlet 414, and at the same time to prevent the toner from clumping in the toner box, the toner is usually not filled to the entire toner container. Therefore, the receiving groove 411 is provided in the receiving groove 411 at the top of the box body 410, which can reduce the size of the toner box without reducing the capacity of the toner container. Preferably, the power supply 453 is a button battery with a voltage in the range of 1.3V to 3.3V.

[0106] The power supply 453 is located at the end of the motor 40 away from the drive shaft 400. The power supply 453 has a first electrode 4531 and a second electrode 4532, one of which is positive and the other is negative. The motor 40 has a first access terminal 401 and a second access terminal 402. The first access terminal 401 is electrically connected to the second electrode 4532, and the second access terminal 402 is located at the end of the motor 40 near the rotating wheel 451.

[0107] The switch assembly 46 is used to connect or disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply 453 and the motor 40. The switch assembly 46 includes a conductive torsion spring 461, a latch 462, a conductive trigger part 463, and a power-off trigger part 464. A first torsion spring mounting post 4221 is also provided on the inner wall of the second end cover 422. The conductive torsion spring 461 is sleeved on the first torsion spring mounting post 4221. The first torsion arm 4611 of the conductive torsion spring 461 is electrically connected to the first electrode 4531, and the second torsion arm 4612 of the conductive torsion spring 461 can switch between contact and separation positions with the second access end 402. The latch 462 is located on the inner wall of the second end cover 422, such as... Figure 17 and 18 As shown, the hook 462 is used to limit the second torsion arm 4612 to a position separated from the second access end 402.

[0108] like Figure 19 As shown, a conductive trigger 463 is disposed at the axial end of the stirring frame 433. The second torsion arm 4612 can abut against the conductive trigger 463 to release the limiting position of the second torsion arm 4612. The conductive trigger 463 is provided with a receiving groove 4631 and a guide slope 4632. The end of the second torsion arm 4612 is located in the receiving groove 4631. The guide slope 4632 is connected to the bottom wall 4633 of the receiving groove 4631, and the bottom wall 4633 of the receiving groove 4631 is parallel to the axial direction of the stirring shaft 433. The guide slope 4632 is located on the end wall of the stirring frame 433 and is set at an acute angle to the central axis of the stirring frame 433. As the stirring rack 433 rotates, the second torsion arm 4612 moves along the guide slope 4632. After the guide slope 4632 forces the second torsion arm 4612 to disengage from the hook 462, the second torsion arm 4612 moves toward the second access end 402 under the action of the restoring force and abuts against the second access end 402.

[0109] like Figure 16 and 17 As shown, a connecting shaft 4512 is provided on the inner wall 4511 of the rotating wheel 451 facing the motor 40. The drive shaft 400 of the motor 40 and the shaft hole of the connecting shaft 4512 are in a circumferential upper limit fit. The power-off trigger part 464 is located on the inner wall 4511 of the rotating wheel 451, and the power-off trigger part 464 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral wall of the connecting shaft 4512. When the second torsion arm 4612 contacts the second access end 402, the second torsion arm 4612 is located on the rotation path of the power-off trigger part 464. The power-off trigger part 464 can abut against the second torsion arm 4612 and push the second torsion arm 4612 to a position where it is disconnected from the second access end 402 (e.g., Figure 21 (As shown).

[0110] A stop protrusion 4513 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting shaft 4512 near the inner side wall 4511 of the rotating wheel 451. A second torsion spring mounting post 4222 is also provided on the inner wall of the second end cover 422. A limiting torsion spring 47 is sleeved on the second torsion spring mounting post 4222. The third torsion arm 471 of the limiting torsion spring 47 is connected to the second end cover 422. The fourth torsion arm 472 of the limiting torsion spring 47 is located on the rotation path of the stop protrusion 4513 to prevent the rotation of the rotating wheel 451.

[0111] In this embodiment, the working process of the powder box detection mechanism 45 is as follows.

[0112] See Figures 17 to 21 Before the toner cartridge is inserted into the imaging device, such as Figure 19 As shown, the second torsion arm 4612 of the conductive torsion spring 461 abuts against the conductive trigger part 463 at the end of the stirring frame 433 and is located in the receiving groove 4631. Then, the transmission head in the imaging device drives the driving force receiving head 413 to rotate, and then transmits the rotational force to the rotating components such as the stirring frame 433 through the first gear train. The stirring frame 433 rotates and drives the conductive trigger part 463 to rotate. The second torsion arm 4612 moves along the guide slope 4632 toward the end wall of the stirring frame 433 until the second torsion arm 4612 disengages from the hook 462. Figure 20 As shown, after the second torsion arm 4612 disengages from the hook 462, it moves towards the motor 40 under its own elastic restoring force and abuts against the second access end 402, thereby connecting the circuit. Then, after the motor 40 is powered on, it drives the rotating wheel 451 to rotate. The trigger part 4512, located on the side of the rotating wheel 451 away from the cartridge 1, rotates along with the rotating wheel 451 and triggers the contacted component in the imaging device, thereby realizing the installation test of the toner cartridge. At this time, as the rotating wheel 451 rotates, it drives the power-off trigger part 464 to rotate to the position abutting against the second torsion arm 4612. When the rotating wheel 451 rotates further, as... Figure 20 As shown, the power-off trigger unit 464 pushes the second torsion arm 4612 to a position where it is disconnected from the second access terminal 402 of the motor 40, thereby disconnecting the circuit. After the motor 40 is powered off, it no longer drives the rotating wheel 451 to rotate.

[0113] 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 detection mechanism for use on toner cartridges, including: Rotating wheel; A drive source drives the rotating wheel to rotate; Its features are, The driving source is an elastic element, and the restoring force of the driving source forces the rotating wheel to rotate; The detection mechanism further includes a rotation speed control component, which contacts the rotating wheel and controls the rotation speed of the rotating wheel; The rotation speed control component includes a toothed buckle and a toggle member. The outer peripheral wall of the rotating wheel is provided with teeth. The middle part of the toothed buckle is provided with a hinge. The toothed buckle can form a limiting engagement with the teeth on the downstream side of the rotation direction of the rotating wheel. The toggle member can rotate and drive the toothed buckle to swing around the hinge. The rotating wheel and the actuating element are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the toothed buckle; The toothed buckle is provided with two limiting hooks and two unlocking protrusions. The two limiting hooks are respectively located at both ends of the toothed buckle, and the two unlocking protrusions are both located in the middle of the toothed buckle and are arranged at intervals. Both of the limiting hooks are located on the side of the buckle facing the rotating wheel and can extend into the space between two adjacent teeth. Both of the unlocking protrusions are located on the side of the buckle facing the actuating member. During the rotation of the actuating member, force is applied to the two unlocking protrusions in sequence.

2. The testing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge of the toothed buckle divides the toothed buckle into a first locking segment and a second locking segment, wherein one of the limiting hooks and one of the unlocking protrusions are located on the first locking segment, and the other of the limiting hooks and the other of the unlocking protrusions are located on the second locking segment.

3. The testing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating wheel includes a one-way toothed section, which includes a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially, and the teeth restrict the rotating wheel to rotate only in the opposite direction; The limiting hook is provided with intersecting stop walls and guide walls, and the teeth are provided with intersecting limiting walls and guide walls; The stop wall can cooperate with the limiting wall on the downstream side of the rotation direction of the rotating wheel to limit the rotation of the rotating wheel; When the rotating wheel is driven to rotate in the opposite direction, the guide wall can slide relative to the toothed buckle along the guide wall.

4. The testing institution according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The actuating component is provided with a force-applying protrusion, and the unlocking protrusion is located on the rotation path of the force-applying protrusion. The force-applying protrusion protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral wall of the actuating component and can abut against the unlocking protrusion. The force-applying protrusion and the outer peripheral wall of the actuating component transition smoothly.

5. The testing mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of force-applying protrusions is two or more, and the multiple force-applying protrusions are spaced apart and evenly arranged along the circumference of the actuating member.

6. Toner cartridge, including: The box body has a toner receiving section; A rotating component, which is rotatably supported between the first end wall and the second end wall of the housing; A driving force receiving head is disposed on the first end wall and is used to receive rotational driving force. The peripheral wall of the driving force receiving head is provided with teeth. A first gear train is disposed on the first end wall and meshes with the teeth. Its features are: The powder box further includes a detection mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the detection mechanism being disposed at the second end wall.

7. Toner cartridge, including: The box body has a toner receiving section; A rotating component, which is rotatably supported between the first end wall and the second end wall of the housing; A driving force receiving head is disposed on the first end wall and is used to receive rotational driving force. The peripheral wall of the driving force receiving head is provided with teeth. A first gear train is disposed on the first end wall and meshes with the teeth. Its features are: The powder box further includes a detection mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection mechanism is disposed at the second end wall; The rotating component drives the actuating component to rotate and releases the limiting engagement between the teeth and the teeth.

8. The powder box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotating component includes a developing roller, and the actuating element is disposed at the axial end of the developing roller.

9. The powder box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotating component includes a powder feeding roller, and the detection mechanism further includes a second gear system. The second gear system is disposed on the second end wall and includes a powder feeding roller gear and a drive gear that are connected in a drive manner. The powder feeding roller gear is disposed at the axial end of the powder feeding roller. The drive gear also includes an integrally formed gear portion and the actuating element, the gear portion and the actuating element being arranged along the axial direction of the drive gear.

10. The powder box according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The rotating wheel is provided with a mounting groove, the opening of the mounting groove faces the box body, and the drive source is located in the mounting groove; The driving source is a torsion spring, one torsion arm of which is connected to the second end wall, and the other torsion arm of which is connected to the rotating wheel.

11. The powder box according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: A bearing plate assembly is provided on the second end wall. The bearing plate assembly is provided with a support column and a hinge shaft. The support column and the hinge shaft both extend from the bearing plate assembly along the axial direction of the rotating wheel away from the box body. The rotating wheel is sleeved on the support column and can rotate around the support column. The hinge part of the toothed buckle is sleeved on the hinge shaft.

12. The powder box according to claim 11, characterized in that: The bearing plate assembly includes a first bearing plate and a second bearing plate arranged along the width direction of the box body. The second bearing plate is provided with a developing roller support hole and a powder feeding roller support hole. The support column is located on the first bearing plate, and the hinge pin is located on the second bearing plate.

13. The powder box according to claim 12, characterized in that: Both the second bearing plate and the rotating wheel are made of conductive material, and the second bearing plate is electrically connected to the rotating wheel.

14. The powder box according to claim 13, characterized in that: The second bearing plate has an electrical contact protrusion on its side wall away from the housing, and the electrical contact protrusion contacts the end wall of the rotating wheel.

15. The powder box according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second bearing plate has a groove, and a cantilever is provided in the groove. One end of the cantilever is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the groove. At least one electrical contact protrusion is provided on the cantilever. The elastic restoring force of the cantilever forces the electrical contact protrusion to fit tightly against the rotating wheel.

16. The powder box according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second bearing plate is provided with a limiting protrusion near the hinge shaft. The limiting protrusion is located on one side of the tooth in the swing direction of the tooth to limit the swing angle of the tooth.

17. The powder box according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The powder box also includes an end cap, which is fixed to the second end wall of the box body. A positioning opening is provided through the side wall of the end cap opposite to the second end wall, and the axial end of the rotating wheel away from the box body extends out from the positioning opening.

18. The powder box according to claim 17, characterized in that: A reset part is provided on the axial end of the rotating wheel away from the box body. The reset part extends radially along the rotating wheel and protrudes from the positioning opening.

19. The powder box according to claim 17, characterized in that: The detection mechanism is provided with a trigger part, which is located on the rotating wheel and protrudes from the end cover.

20. The powder box according to claim 17, characterized in that: The detection mechanism further includes a contact member hinged to the end cover and located between the end cover and the rotating wheel. The rotating wheel has at least one protrusion on the side away from the box body. The contact member has a contact portion and a trigger portion. The contact portion can abut against the protrusion, and the trigger portion is exposed outside the end cover.

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