Counting member, developing cartridge and process cartridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to a counting member for being rotatably installed in a developing cartridge provided with a driving force receiving member, the counting member receiving a driving force of the driving force receiving member to interact with a counted member outside the developing cartridge, the counting member comprising a cylindrical body, a power receiving portion and a non-power receiving portion provided in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, a poking protrusion protruding from the cylindrical body, and a blocking portion extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical body; during counting, the power receiving portion is opposite to a driving force output member provided in the developing cartridge, and the poking protrusion interacts with the counted member; when counting is completed, the non-power receiving portion is opposite to the driving force output member, and the blocking portion is blocked so that the counting member cannot rotate; after the blocking of the blocking portion is released, the counting member rotates at least one angle under the action of a reset device combined therewith so that the power receiving portion is opposite to the driving force output member again, and thus the developing cartridge provided with the counting member can be refilled with a developing agent and used again.

Description

[0001] The present patent application is a divisional application of the application filed in the China Patent Office on January 18, 2019, with the title of “Developing cartridge with automatic reset and processing cartridge”, application number 201910049814.7. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging, and in particular to a developing cartridge and a processing cartridge that can be used in an electrophotographic imaging device and a counting member located therein. BACKGROUND

[0003] The developing cartridge is a consumable for printers or copiers and the like office equipment. In order to accurately grasp the remaining amount of the developer in the developing cartridge and to provide the end user with a message of needing to replace the developing cartridge in time, the existing developing cartridge is provided with a counting member, and the printer or copier and the like office equipment is provided with a counted member. When the developing cartridge is working, the printer or copier and the like office equipment records the service life of the developing cartridge by counting the number of times of touching between the counting member and the counted member.

[0004] The existing developing cartridge is generally designed such that when the developer in the developing cartridge is used up, the components in the developing cartridge can still be used. If the end user discards the developing cartridge at this time, not only will the office cost of the end user increase, but also pollution to the current living environment will be caused. Therefore, how to maximize the use of the developing cartridge needs to be considered. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a developing cartridge with automatic reset. When the developer in the developing cartridge is consumed, the end user only needs to add new developer therein and then install the developing cartridge to the printer or copier and the like office equipment for reuse, so as to achieve the purpose of maximizing the use of the developing cartridge.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] The developing cartridge with automatic reset comprises a shell, a power receiving member and a counting member mounted on the shell. The power receiving member is used to receive driving force from the outside and transmit it to the counting member. The counting member comprises a counting member and a reset device combined with the counting member. The reset device comprises a reset action rod that can stretch and retract in the up-down direction of the developing cartridge. After the counting member completes counting, the reset action rod applies force to the counting member to force the counting member to return to the initial position of starting counting.

[0008] The straight line in the stretching and retracting direction of the reset action rod intersects the rotation axis of the counting member.

[0009] When the developing cartridge is completed, the reset action rod protrudes downward of the developing cartridge.

[0010] The developing cartridge also includes an end cap mounted on the same side as the counting assembly, and the reset device includes a first elastic element, a second elastic element, and a pushing part; the first elastic element is installed between the counting element and the end cap and is used to push the counting element toward the housing; the second elastic element is combined with the reset rod, so that the reset rod is telescopic; the pushing part is inclined relative to the rotation axis and is used to push the counting element that has completed counting toward the initial position of starting counting under the combined action of the first elastic element.

[0011] Under the combined action of the pushing part and the first elastic element, the counting element that has completed counting can be pushed and rotated by a first angle.

[0012] The counter includes a cylinder and a blocking part protruding from the cylinder. After the counter has finished counting, the reset rod contacts the blocking part to limit the rotation of the counter.

[0013] The blocking part includes a pushing surface and a blocking surface disposed therein. After the counter has finished counting, the reset rod is opposite to the blocking surface.

[0014] Before the counter reaches the reset state, the reset lever is opposite to the push surface, and the counter can be forced to rotate a second angle.

[0015] The present invention also provides a processing cartridge comprising a drum assembly coupled together with a developing cartridge as described above, the developing cartridge being detachably mounted in the drum assembly.

[0016] The drum assembly includes a base plate and a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, and a fourth plate extending in the same direction around the base plate. The first plate, the second plate, the third plate, the fourth plate, and the base plate together form a receiving groove for accommodating a developing cartridge. The developing cartridge is detachably fixed to the receiving groove. When the developing cartridge is installed in the receiving groove, the reset lever is pressed back by the base plate and retracted. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing cartridge involved in this invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the drum assembly involved in this invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view of a portion of the developing cartridge involved in this invention, viewed vertically.

[0020] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the power receiving element in the developing cartridge involved in this invention.

[0021] Figure 4B This is a top view taken along the rotation axis of the power receiving element in the developing cartridge according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the structure of the counting component in the developing cartridge that relates to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the counting device involved in this invention.

[0024] Figure 6C This is a top view of the counting device involved in the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a perspective view of the second frame in the developing cartridge involved in this invention.

[0026] Figure 7C This is a side view of the second frame in the developing cartridge that relates to the present invention.

[0027] Figures 8A-8D This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the components of the counting assembly before the developing cartridge of the present invention is installed.

[0028] Figures 9A-9D This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the components of the counting assembly of the developing cartridge before it begins operation after installation, as per the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the counting component when it starts counting, as per the present invention.

[0030] Figures 11A-11D This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of each component after the counting assembly of the present invention has completed counting. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. To make the description more accurate, the orientations of the processing box involved in the present invention will first be defined with reference to the orientation of the developing box. The length direction of the developing box 10 is defined as longitudinal X, the width direction of the developing box 10 is defined as transverse Y, and the height direction of the developing box 10 is defined as vertical Z.

[0032] [Structure of the developing and processing cartridges]

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing cartridge involved in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the drum assembly involved in this invention.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, the developing cartridge 10 can be installed along the installation direction A, including a housing 11, a rotating member 12 rotatably installed in the housing, an end cap 13 located at the end of the housing 11, and a power receiver 20 and a counting assembly 30 installed on the housing 11. The power receiver 20 is used to receive driving force from the outside and transmit it to the counting assembly 30. The two longitudinal ends of the housing 11 are a driving end Q and a conductive end E, respectively. The end cap 13 is fixedly installed at one longitudinal end of the housing 11. The power receiver 20 and the counting assembly 30 are rotatably installed at the longitudinal end of the housing 11. That is, they can be located at the same longitudinal end of the housing 11 or at the two longitudinal ends of the housing 11 respectively. However, regardless of how the power receiver 20 and the counting assembly 30 are arranged, the counting assembly 30 always receives the driving force of the power receiver 20 and works. In this embodiment of the invention, the counting assembly 30 and the power receiver 20 are both located at the driving end Q of the housing 11, and the power receiver 20 is exposed through the end cap 13.

[0035] The power receiving unit 20 is used to receive driving force from the outside, rotates about the rotation axis L2, and transmits the driving force to the rotating member 12 and the counting component 30 respectively; the counting component 30 is also exposed through the end cover 13 and rotates about the rotation axis L3 along the installation direction A, with the rotation axis L2 located downstream of the rotation axis L3; further, the housing 11 includes a first frame 111 and a second frame 112 connected to each other, the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 enclosing a receiving cavity for containing developer, when the developing cartridge 10 is working, the developer located in the receiving cavity is supplied to the rotating member 12.

[0036] Regarding the orientation of the aforementioned developing cartridge 10 / processing cartridge, the mounting direction A of the developing cartridge 10 is parallel to the lateral direction Y. Furthermore, the direction from the conductive end E of the developing cartridge 10 to the driving end Q is defined as the +X direction, the lateral direction in the same direction as the mounting direction A is defined as the +Y direction, and the direction from the second frame 112 to the first frame 111 is defined as the +Z direction.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the drum assembly 50 includes a base plate 59 and a first plate 51, a second plate 52, a third plate 53, and a fourth plate 54 extending in the same direction around the base plate 59. The first plate 51, the second plate 52, the third plate 53, the fourth plate 54, and the base plate 59 enclose a receiving groove 55 for accommodating the developing cartridge 10. The developing cartridge 10 is detachably fixed to the receiving groove 55. The developing cartridge 10 and the drum assembly 50 are combined to form a processing box. The processing box is detachably installed in office equipment such as printers or copiers. When the developing agent contained in the developing agent receiving chamber is consumed, the end user removes the processing box from the equipment and then removes the developing cartridge 10 from the receiving groove 55 to replenish the developing cartridge 10 with new developing agent or replace it with a new developing cartridge. Similarly, according to the orientation of the developing cartridge 10 defined above, the drum assembly 50 also has the same orientation.

[0038] [Power receiver]

[0039] Figure 3 This is a side view of a portion of the structure of the developing cartridge involved in this invention, viewed vertically. Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the power receiving component in the developing cartridge involved in the present invention. Figure 4B This is a top view taken along the rotation axis of the power receiving element in the developing cartridge according to the present invention.

[0040] As described above, along the lateral direction Y, the developing cartridge 10 also includes a power transmission assembly 40 located between the power receiver and the counting assembly 30, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the power transmission assembly 40 includes a first gear 41 that meshes with the power receiver 20 and a second gear 42 that meshes with the counting assembly 30. The first gear 41 and the second gear 42 mesh with each other. When the power receiver 20 receives an external driving force, the driving force is transmitted to the counting assembly 30 in sequence through the first gear 41 and the second gear 42. Therefore, the second gear 42 can be considered as the power input component of the counting assembly 30. After receiving the driving force input by the power input component 42, the counting assembly 30 will rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the direction shown by r.

[0041] To facilitate differentiation of products sold in different countries and regions, manufacturers of office equipment such as printers or copiers may design different shapes for a certain part of the same type of processing cartridge / developer cartridge. For example, the location where the processing cartridge / developer cartridge is combined with the printer or copier may be designed differently, or the size of the power output component that combines the printer or copier with the power receiver 20 in the developer cartridge 10 may be designed differently.

[0042] When manufacturers differentiate products for different countries or regions by designing the power output components in different sizes, compatible product design manufacturers, due to their shorter production and sales chains, can design the power receiver 20 as a universal version. That is, by changing or redesigning the power receiver 20, the power receiver 20 can be used universally with the same type of processing box but applicable to different countries or regions.

[0043] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the power receiver 20 of the present invention can be used with two types of power output devices. Therefore, the developing cartridge 10 equipped with the power receiver 20 can also be used with two types of office equipment such as printers or copiers.

[0044] The power receiving component 20 includes a cylindrical rotating body 21 and a power output part 22 connected to the rotating body 21. The rotating body 21 has an outer surface 21a and an inner surface 21b, a base 21c protruding radially inward from the inner surface 21b, and a first connecting part 21d and a second connecting part 21e protruding further inward from the base 21c. The first connecting part 21d and the second connecting part 21e are respectively used to connect with different power output components. Along the rotation direction r' of the power receiving component 20, a clearance groove 21h is also provided between the first connecting part 21d and the second connecting part 21e. The clearance groove 21h allows the power output component connected with the second connecting part 21e to smoothly reach the position where it connects with the second connecting part 21e.

[0045] As shown in the figure, in the power receiving component 20, the base 21c and the first joint 21d and the second joint 21e are each provided in two sets, and are arranged radially opposite to each other. Here, only one set is described. The first joint 21d and the second joint 21e have a first joint surface 21f and a second joint surface 21g, respectively. Along the rotation direction r', the first joint surface 21f is located upstream of the first joint 21d, and the second joint surface 21g is located upstream of the second joint 21e. The clearance groove 21h is formed by the portion between the first joint surface 21f and the second joint surface 21g being recessed away from the rotation center. Therefore, the clearance groove 21h has a clearance surface 21j, which is an arc surface, such as... Figure 4B As shown, when viewed along the rotation axis L2, the clearance surface 21j is a smooth curve, and one end of the clearance surface 21j is connected to the first mating surface 21f, and the other end is connected to the second mating surface 21g; when the second mating part 21d is mated with the corresponding power output component, the power output component can smoothly pass through the clearance groove 21h and mat with the second mating surface 21g.

[0046] The power receiver 20 also includes a support plate 21i that is coupled to the inner surface 21b. The support plate 21i is used to support the base 21c. When the power output component is coupled to the power receiver 20, the support plate 21i is also used to support the power output component. Furthermore, the side of the support plate 21i facing the base is set as a non-smooth surface. Therefore, when the power output component is coupled to the power receiver 20, the swaying of the power output component relative to the power receiver 20 is effectively suppressed, and the power receiver 20 can receive the driving force output by the power output component more stably.

[0047] Furthermore, in Figure 4B In the process, a straight line L is drawn through the center of rotation. This straight line L also passes through the midpoint of two arcs located between the first joint 21d and the second joint 21e along the rotation direction r'. The first joint surface 21f and the second joint surface 21g form angles α and β with respect to the straight line L, respectively. In this embodiment of the invention, α < β is satisfied. Therefore, it can be ensured that the second joint surface 21g has a larger contact area with the corresponding power output component, and the contact between the two is more stable, without slippage.

[0048] [Counting Component]

[0049] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the structure of the counting component in the developing cartridge involved in the present invention; Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the counting device involved in the present invention; Figure 6C This is a top view of the counting device involved in the present invention; Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a perspective view of the second frame in the developing cartridge involved in the present invention; Figure 7C This is a side view of the second frame in the developing cartridge that relates to the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 5As shown in the figure, for clarity, only the counting assembly 30 and the housing 11 are shown. The counting assembly 30 includes a counting element 31 and a reset device coupled to the counting element 31. The reset device is used to restore the counting element 31 to its initial counting position after it has finished counting. It includes a reset rod 33, a first elastic element 32, a second elastic element 34, and a pushing part 164. The first elastic element 32 is installed between the counting element 31 and the end cap 13 to push the counting element 31 toward the housing 11. The second elastic element 34 is coupled to the reset rod 33, making the reset rod 33 retractable. The reset rod 33 retracts along the height direction Z of the developing cartridge 10. The pushing part 164 is inclined relative to the rotation axis L3 and is used to push the counting element 31 back to its initial counting position after it has finished counting. Under the combined action of components 32, the counting component 31, which has completed counting, is pushed towards the initial position where counting begins. After the developing cartridge 10 is assembled, the reset rod 33 protrudes from the housing 11 in the direction intersecting with the rotation axis L3. Therefore, the straight line containing the length direction of the reset rod 33 intersects with the rotation axis L3. Preferably, the straight line containing the length direction of the reset rod 33 is orthogonal to the rotation axis L3. Therefore, the straight line containing the extension and retraction direction of the reset rod 33 is orthogonal to the rotation axis L3. More preferably, the reset rod 33 protrudes in the -Z direction. Furthermore, the +Z direction of the developing cartridge is set as the upper direction and the -Z direction as the lower direction. Therefore, the reset rod 33 protrudes downwards from the developing cartridge and extends and retracts in the vertical direction of the developing cartridge.

[0051] During the process of installing the developing cartridge 10 into the receiving groove 55, the reset rod 33 is pressed against the base plate 59 of the drum assembly 50 and retracts in the +Z direction (upward). When the developing cartridge 10 is completely fixed in the receiving groove 55, the reset rod 33 is pressed against the base plate 59, and the second elastic element 34 is compressed and deformed. When the developing cartridge 10 is removed from the receiving groove 55, the base plate 59 no longer presses against the reset rod 33. At this time, the reset rod 33 extends in the -Z direction (downward) under the elastic reset force of the second elastic element 34.

[0052] The second frame 112 of the housing 11 has an end face 14, and the counting component 30 is mounted on the end face 14, as shown in the figure. The developing cartridge 10 also includes a support column 15, a guide rail 16, and a support member 17 disposed on the housing 11 (end face 14). The counting component 31 is rotatably mounted on the support column 15. The reset rod 33 is supported by the support member 17, and the second elastic member 34 is located between the support member 17 and the reset rod 33. To ensure the smooth movement of the reset rod 33, the developing cartridge 10 also includes an auxiliary support member 18 disposed on the housing 11. The reset rod 33 is supported by the support member 17 and the auxiliary support member 18. When the counting component 30 is working, the counting component 31 is guided by the guide rail 16 and gradually moves away from the housing 11. The first elastic member 32 is compressed. After counting is completed, the counting component 31 moves towards the housing 11 under the pushing action of the first elastic member 32. Preferably, the first elastic member 32 and the second elastic member 34 are both compression springs.

[0053] like Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, the counting component 31 includes a cylinder 31a, a power receiving part 31e and a non-power receiving part 31f disposed in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 31a, a pusher protrusion 31g protruding from the cylinder 31a in opposite directions, and a guide rod 31h. The cylinder 31a has a top plate 31b, a bottom surface 31c, and an outer surface 31d. The pusher protrusion 31g protrudes from the top plate 31b, and the guide rod 31h protrudes beyond the bottom surface 31c for engagement with the guide rail 16. The power receiving part 31e and the non-power receiving part 31f are both located on the outer surface 31d. Preferably, the power receiving part 31e is a tooth provided on the outer surface 31d. Therefore, the power receiving part 31e can also be considered as a toothed part on the counting member 31, and the non-power receiving part 31f is a toothless part on the counting member 31. When the toothed part 31e is opposite to the second gear 42, which is a power input member, the counting member 31 can receive the driving force of the second gear 42 and rotate around the rotation axis L3. When the toothless part 31f is opposite to the second gear 42, the power transmission between the counting member 31 and the second gear 42 is interrupted, and the counting member 31 is no longer driven to rotate.

[0054] Furthermore, the counting component 31 also includes a mounting post 31k protruding from the top plate 31b in the same direction as the guide rod 31h, the mounting post 31k having a mounting hole that allows the support post 15 to pass through, such as... Figure 6CAs shown, when viewed along the rotation axis L3, an annular groove 31j is formed between the cylinder 31a and the mounting post 31k. Furthermore, the counting element 31 also includes a blocking part 31i that protrudes from the cylinder 31a in the same direction as the guide rod 31h. After counting is completed, the reset rod 33 contacts the blocking part 31i to restrict the rotation of the counting element 31. When the developing cartridge 10 is removed from the receiving groove 55, the reset rod 33 no longer restricts the counting element 31. Under the combined action of the pushing part 164 and the first elastic member 32, the counting element 31 is forced to rotate by a first angle. When the developing cartridge 10 is reinstalled into the receiving groove 55, the reset rod 33 applies a force to the counting element 31, forcing the counting element 31 to rotate around its rotation axis by a certain angle. Specifically, the reset rod 33 pushes the blocking part 31i, causing the counting element 31 to continue rotating by a second angle back to the initial position where counting began.

[0055] like Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, the blocking part 31i includes a pushing surface 31i1 and a blocking surface 31i2 disposed therein. After the counter 31 completes counting, the reset rod 33 faces the blocking surface 31i2. When the developing cartridge 10 is reinstalled into the receiving slot 55, the reset rod 33 faces the pushing surface 31i1. The second angle is the angle θ2 corresponding to the pushing surface 31i1, and the angle θ corresponding to the toothless part 31f.

[0056] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown, the support member 17 and the auxiliary support member 18 are respectively provided with a first support groove 171 and a second support groove 181 for matching with the outer surface of the reset rod 33. The reset rod 33 is cylindrical, therefore, the first support groove 171 and the second support groove 181 are both arc-shaped. The guide rail 16 includes a first part 161, a second part 162 and a third part 163 connected in sequence, wherein the first part 161 is closest to the housing 11, the second part 162 gradually moves away from the housing 11, and the third part 163 is farthest from the housing 11. When viewed along the rotation axis L3, the first part 161, the second part 162 and the third part 163 connect to form a circle. In this embodiment of the invention, the pushing part 164 is an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the rotation axis L3. The pushing part 164 can be directly set on the housing 11 or it can be set on the guide rail 16. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the pushing part 164 is inclined relative to the rotation axis L3. Figure 7A As shown, along the circumferential direction of the guide rail 16, the pushing part 164 is disposed between the third part 163 and the first part 161 of the guide rail 16.

[0057] like Figure 7CAs shown, when viewed along the rotation axis L3, the angle corresponding to the pushing part 164 is θ1, and the first angle of rotation of the counting element 31 is the angle θ1 corresponding to the pushing part 164, satisfying θ≤(θ1+θ2).

[0058] The angle θ1 corresponding to the pushing part 164 and the angle θ corresponding to the toothless part 31f also have the following relationship: When θ≤θ1, that is, the first angle θ1 that the counting element 31 rotates under the action of the pushing part 164 exceeds the angle θ corresponding to the toothless part 31f, the counting element 31 can directly return to the initial state of starting counting. At this time, the pushing surface 31i1 on the blocking part 31i will no longer be necessary; when θ>θ1, the first angle θ1 that the counting element 31 rotates under the action of the pushing part 164 does not exceed the angle θ corresponding to the toothless part 31f, the toothed part 31e has not yet meshed with the second gear 42, and the counting element 31 needs to continue to rotate the second angle θ2 under the action of the reset rod 33. Finally, the toothed part 31e of the counting element 31 meshes with the second gear 42, that is, θ≤(θ1+θ2).

[0059] [Counting and Reset Process of the Counting Component]

[0060] As described above, under certain conditions, the pushing surface 31i1 becomes unnecessary. However, in order to prevent the overall structure of the counting assembly 30 from becoming complicated and to make the movement of the counting element 31 easier to control, it is preferable that the blocking part 31i is provided with the pushing surface 31i1. The following description assumes that the pushing surface 31i1 is provided. When the pushing surface 31i1 is not provided, as long as the pushing part 164 meets the above conditions, the counting process and reset process of the counting element 31 are the same as described below.

[0061] Figures 8A-8D This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the components of the counting assembly in the developing cartridge of the present invention before installation. For ease of description, only the components related to the counting assembly 30 are shown in the figure.

[0062] When the developing cartridge 10 is not installed, i.e., the developing cartridge 10 is not installed into the receiving slot 55, as shown in the figure, the toothed portion 31e of the counter 31 is about to mesh with the second gear 42, and the toothless portion 31f is opposite to the second gear 42. The counter 31 will not rotate with the rotation of the second gear 42, and the guide rod 31h contacts the first part 161 of the guide rail 16; the reset rod 33 is in the extended state; as Figure 8C and Figure 8D As shown, along the vertical direction Z, the reset rod 33 is opposite to the pushing surface 31i1. When viewed along the vertical direction Z, the reset rod 33 and the pushing surface 31i1 overlap at least partially. Since the counting device 31 cannot perform counting work at this time, the state of the counting device 31 at this time is called the pre-reset state.

[0063] Figures 9A-9D This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the components of the counting assembly of the developing cartridge before it begins operation after installation, as per the present invention.

[0064] When the developing cartridge 10 is installed into the receiving slot 55, the reset lever 33 is subjected to the force of the base plate 59 of the drum assembly 50. The reset lever 33 gradually retracts in the +Z direction, and the second spring 34 is gradually compressed. As described above, since the reset lever 33 is opposite to the pushing surface 31i1, the gradually retracting reset lever 33 will apply a pushing force to the pushing surface 31i1. In this embodiment of the invention, the pushing surface 31i1 is inclined relative to the straight line of the extension and retraction direction of the reset lever 33. Therefore, when the reset lever 33 applies a pushing force to the pushing surface 31i1, the counter 31 will be driven to rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the direction indicated by r by the second angle θ2. Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, the toothed portion 31e of the counter 31 begins to mesh with the second gear 42, as... Figure 9C and Figure 9D As shown, the reset rod 33 no longer overlaps with the push surface 31i1.

[0065] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the counting component when it starts counting, as per the present invention. Figures 11A-11D This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of each component after the counting assembly of the present invention has completed counting.

[0066] After the processing cartridge formed by combining the developing cartridge 10 and the drum assembly 50 is installed in the electrophotographic imaging device, the power receiver 20 can be combined with the power output component provided in the device, and then the power receiver 20 is driven to rotate around the rotation axis L2. As the power receiver 20 rotates, the driving force can be transmitted to the counter 31 through the power transmission assembly 40. Therefore, the counter 31 begins to rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the direction shown by r.

[0067] It should be noted that the position of the blocking part 31i satisfies the following conditions: Figure 6C As shown, the distance d between the point of the blocking part 31i closest to the rotation center and the center of the circle is greater than the maximum radius of the guide rail 16 (e.g., Figure 7C As shown), when the counter 31 is supported by the support 15 and rotates around the rotation axis L3, there will be no interference between the blocking part 31i and the guide rail 16.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, the counter 31 returns to the initial position where counting begins, which can be described as: the first position where the guide rod 31h reaches the adjacent point between the first part 161 and the second part 162 of the guide rail 16; or as... Figures 9A-9DWhen the toothed portion 31e of the counting element 31 begins to mesh with the second gear 42, the position of the counting element 31 is such that the guided rod 31h is located in the second position, which is adjacent to the first part 161 and the second part 162 of the guide rail 16, before reaching the second position; or the guided rod 31h is located in any position between the first position and the second position; that is, the initial position of the counting element 31 can be any one of the above three situations, and when the counting element 31 is in the initial position, the guided rod 31h is located in the position that contacts the first part 161 of the guide rail 16.

[0069] As the counter 31 rotates around the rotation axis L in the direction indicated by r, the guided rod 31h begins to gradually move away from the housing 11 along the second part 162 of the guide rail 16, and the actuating protrusion 31g also gradually moves away from the housing 11. Simultaneously, the first spring 32 located between the counter 31 and the housing 13 is gradually compressed. When the guided rod 31h reaches the third part 163 of the guide rail 16, the counter 31 is furthest from the housing 11, and the actuating protrusion 31g begins to actuate the counter, and the first spring 32 is no longer compressed. After the counter 31 completes counting, the guided rod 31h disengages from the third part 163 of the guide rail 16 and moves towards the housing 11 under the elastic restoring force of the first spring 32. Figure 11A As shown, the guided rod 31h moves from the third part 163 to the position where it contacts the pushing part 164, but the elastic restoring force of the first spring 32 has not yet been fully released, as... Figure 11B As shown, the toothless portion 31f of the counter 31 is opposite to the second gear 42, and the counter 31 stops rotating because it no longer receives the driving force from the second gear 42. Meanwhile, as... Figure 11C and Figure 11D As shown, the blocking surface 31i2 of the blocking part 31i is adjacent to the reset rod 33. Since the pushing part 164 is inclined relative to the rotation axis L3, under the action of the remaining elastic reset force of the first spring 32, the counting member 31 has a tendency to continue to rotate in the direction closer to the housing 11 and in the direction shown by r around the rotation axis. However, the blocking part 31i on the counting member 31 is blocked by the reset rod 33, and the tendency of the counting member 31 to continue to rotate is stopped. Therefore, the counting member 31 can be kept in the state of counting completion, that is, the toothless part 31f of the counting member 31 is opposite to the second gear 42 and is guided by the guide rod 31h to reach the position of contacting the end of the pushing part 164 away from the housing 11.

[0070] The counting process of the counting component 30 has been described above. The reset process of the counting component 30 will be described next.

[0071] When the developing cartridge 10 is removed from the receiving slot 55, the reset lever 33 is no longer pressed against the base plate 59 of the drum assembly 50. Under the elastic reset force of the second spring 34, the reset lever 33 will move in the -Z direction, thus returning from the retracted state. Figure 8B and Figure 8D The extended state shown.

[0072] As described above, after the counting unit 31 finishes counting, the first spring 32 still has some elastic restoring force that has not been released. The guided rod 31h is in contact with the end of the pushing part 164 away from the housing 11. When the reset rod 33 returns from the retracted state to the extended state, the reset rod 33 will no longer be in contact with the blocking part 31i. That is, the blocking part 31i is no longer blocked. The counting unit 31 will rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the direction indicated by r under the combined action of the elastic restoring force of the first spring 32 and the pushing part 164 until the guided rod 31h reaches the end of the pushing part 164 near the housing 11. The counting unit 31 then moves from the counting completed state to the pre-reset state, that is, the guided rod 31h contacts the first part 161 of the guide rail 16. Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the toothed portion 31e of the counter 31 is about to mesh with the second gear 42.

[0073] When the developing cartridge 10 is reinstalled into the receiving slot 55, the reset lever 33 is again pressed against the base plate 59 of the drum assembly 50, and the reset lever 33 reaches... Figure 9B and Figure 9D As shown in the retracted state, the counter 31 returns to the initial position where counting began.

[0074] As described above, the counting component 31 returns to its initial counting position after counting is completed in two processes: the process of removing the developing cartridge 10 from the receiving slot 55 and the process of reinstalling the developing cartridge 10 back into the receiving slot 55. Specifically, during the process of removing the developing cartridge 10 from the receiving slot 55, the counting component 31 moves from the counting completed state to the pre-reset state. Under the combined action of the elastic reset force of the first spring 32 and the pushing part 164, the counting component 31 rotates by a first angle θ1 around the rotation axis L3 in the direction indicated by r. At this time, the counting component 31 will not mesh with the second gear 42 and will not rotate with the rotation of the second gear 42. During the process of reinstalling the developing cartridge 10 back into the receiving slot 55, the counting component 31 moves from the pre-reset state to the reset state. Under the action of the reset rod 33, the counting component rotates by a second angle θ2 around the rotation axis L3 in the direction indicated by r. At this time, the counting component 31 meshes with the second gear 42 and can rotate with the rotation of the second gear 42.

[0075] As described above, when the pushing part 164 satisfies its corresponding angle θ1≥θ, the pushing surface 31i1 is no longer necessary. At this time, the counting element 31 can return from the counting completion to the initial counting position in one process. During the process of the developing cartridge 10 being taken out of the receiving slot 55, the reset rod 33 no longer restricts the counting element 31 through the blocking part 31i. Under the combined action of the elastic reset force of the first spring 32 and the pushing part 164, the counting element 31 rotates by an angle θ1 around the rotation axis L3 in the direction indicated by r, so that the counting element 31 directly reaches the above-mentioned reset state, that is, the toothed part 31e on the counting element 31 meshes with the second gear 42, and the guide rod 31h contacts the first part 161 of the guide rail 16. The counting element 31 can rotate with the rotation of the second gear 42.

[0076] The above describes an embodiment in which the reset lever 33 is pressed against the base plate 59 of the drum assembly 50 when the developing cartridge 10 is installed into the receiving slot 55. However, the reset lever 33 can also be pressed against other parts of the drum assembly 50, such as at least one of the first plate 51, the second plate 52, the third plate 53, and the fourth plate 54 of the drum assembly 50, as long as it can be ensured that the reset lever 33 can receive a force that forces it to retract when the developing cartridge 10 is installed.

[0077] The developing cartridge 10 and processing cartridge provided by this invention allow the counting component 30 in the developing cartridge 10 to automatically reset automatically after the end user adds new developer and reinstalls the developing cartridge 10 into office equipment such as a printer or copier. This eliminates the need for the end user to manually reset the counting component 30, improving the user experience and encouraging the end user to reuse the developing cartridge 10 by adding new developer, thereby maximizing the utilization of the developing cartridge 10.

Claims

1. A counting assembly, including a reset device and a counting element for rotatably mounting in a developing cartridge provided with a power receiver, the developing cartridge being detachably mounted in a developing cartridge receiving slot in a drum assembly, the developing cartridge including a housing, an end cap support post, and a guide rail, the support post and guide rail both being disposed on the housing, the end cap being disposed on the same side as the counting assembly, the counting element being rotatably mounted on the support post, the power receiver being mounted on the housing for receiving external driving force, the counting element receiving the driving force from the power receiver to actuate the counted element outside the developing cartridge, the guide rail including a first part, a second part, and a third part connected in one step, wherein... The first part is closest to the shell, the second part gradually moves away from the shell, and the third part is furthest from the shell. When viewed along the rotation axis of the counting element, the first, second, and third parts connect to form a circle. The developing cartridge also includes a power transmission assembly located between the power receiver and the counting assembly. The power transmission assembly includes a first gear that meshes with the power receiver and a power input that meshes with the counting assembly. The first gear and the power input are meshed with each other. The reset device includes a first elastic element, a second elastic element, a reset rod, and a pushing part. The second elastic element is combined with the reset rod so that the reset rod is telescopic. The first elastic element is installed between the counter and the end cover to push the counter toward the housing. The pushing part is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the counter and is located between the third part and the first part of the guide rail. Its features are, The counting device includes a cylinder, a toggle protrusion, a guided rod, a blocking part, and a power receiving part and a non-power receiving part disposed in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. The toggle protrusion and the guided rod protrude from the cylinder in opposite directions, and the blocking part protrudes in the same direction as the guided rod. The cylinder has a top plate, a bottom surface, and an outer surface. The toggle protrusion protrudes from the top plate, the guided rod protrudes beyond the bottom surface, and the power receiving part and the non-power receiving part are disposed on the outer surface. During the counting process, the power receiving part is opposite to the power input part, and the guide rod is guided by the second part of the guide rail and gradually moves away from the housing. When the guide rod reaches the third part of the guide rail, the actuating protrusion actuates the counting part, and the first elastic element is compressed. When the counting is complete, the non-power receiving part is opposite to the power input part, and the reset rod contacts the blocking part to limit the rotation of the counting part; When the developing cartridge is removed from the receiving tank, the reset lever no longer restricts the counter. Under the combined action of the pushing part and the first elastic member, the counter rotates at least one angle so that the power receiving part is once again opposite the power input part.

2. The counting component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail comprises a first part, a second part, and a third part connected in sequence. The first part is closest to the shell, the second part gradually moves away from the shell, and the third part is furthest from the shell. When the developing cartridge is not installed, the guide rod contacts the first part of the guide rail; As the counter rotates, the guide rod begins to move away from the housing along the second part of the guide rail, the first spring is gradually compressed, and the actuating protrusion also moves away from the housing. When the guide rod reaches the third part of the guide rail, the counter is furthest from the housing, and the actuating protrusion begins to actuate the counter. When the counter completes counting, the guide rod disengages from the third part of the guide rail and moves closer to the housing under the elastic restoring force of the first spring.

3. The counting component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking part includes a pushing surface and a blocking surface disposed therein. When the counting is completed, the blocking surface is blocked by a reset rod. The angle corresponding to the non-powered receiving part is θ, and the angle corresponding to the pushing part is the first angle θ1; When the developing cartridge is removed from the receiving tank, the reset lever retracts under the action of the second elastic element to release the obstruction of the blocking surface. During the process of the developing cartridge being installed back into the receiving tank, the reset lever faces the pushing surface, and the pushing surface is subjected to the pushing force, causing the counter to rotate by a second angle θ2, where θ≤(θ1+θ2).

4. The counting component according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of the developing cartridge being removed from the receiving tank, the counting element returns directly from the counting completion state to the initial counting position under the combined action of the elastic element and the pushing part.

5. A developing cartridge, characterized in that, The developing cartridge includes a housing and a counter as described in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the counter and the power receiver are both located at the longitudinal end of the housing.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the counting is completed, the guide rod disengages from the third part and moves towards the housing under the elastic restoring force of the first elastic element. The blocking part is blocked by the restoring rod, and the guide rod abuts against the end of the pushing part away from the housing.

7. A processing box, characterized in that, The processing cartridge includes a drum assembly and a developing cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 5-6, the developing cartridge being detachably coupled to the drum assembly.

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