A developing box

Abstract

The present invention relates to a developing box that can be detachably installed in an image forming device. The image forming device includes a first shell and a detection switch rotatably installed on the shell, and the detection switch includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion. The developing box includes a second shell, a rotatable member, a power receiving portion and a counting member. The rotatable member is installed in the second shell and can rotate around an axis located in a second direction. The power receiving portion is used to receive a driving force from the image forming device. The counting member is used to toggle the detection switch to rotate. The first contact portion of the detection switch is spaced apart from the second contact portion along the first direction, and the first contact portion is closer to the developing box than the second contact portion. The counting member further includes a counting lever extending along the first direction, and the counting lever can push the detection switch to rotate when the developing box is installed in the image forming device and when the rotatable member rotates, thereby sending a first signal or a second signal to the image forming device respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a developing cartridge, and in particular to a developing cartridge detachably mounted to a laser image forming device. Background Art

[0002] The developer cartridge is an essential printing consumable in laser image forming devices. After the laser image forming device has been operating for a period of time, the toner in the developer cartridge will be completely consumed, and a new developer cartridge will need to be replaced.

[0003] For some models of developer cartridges, manufacturers usually provide a counting mechanism on the developer cartridge, which can be used in conjunction with a detection switch on the image forming device to indicate to the image forming device whether the developer cartridge is a new developer cartridge, thereby restarting the calculation of the service life of the developer cartridge, or indicating other characteristics of the developer cartridge.

[0004] In the prior art, the detection switch of some image forming devices is located in a recessed portion of the side wall of the device housing. To achieve this counting function and ensure that the developer cartridge can be removably installed in the image forming device, a portion of the counting mechanism must have a retractable structure. When the developer cartridge is installed or removed, the counting mechanism retracts to prevent interference with the side wall of the device housing. When the developer cartridge is installed and operating, the counting mechanism extends to contact the detection switch of the image forming device, thereby achieving the counting function. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge that can provide another solution to meet the detection timing requirements of an image forming device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a developing cartridge according to the present invention is removably mountable in a first direction to an image forming device. The image forming device includes a first housing and a detection switch rotatably mounted on the housing, the detection switch including a first contact portion and a second contact portion. The developing cartridge includes a second housing, a rotatable member, a power receiving member, and a counting member. The rotatable member is mounted within the second housing and is rotatable about an axis extending in a second direction. The power receiving member is configured to receive driving force from the image forming device and drive the rotatable member to rotate. The counting member is configured to rotate the detection switch according to a predetermined timing sequence. The first contact portion of the detection switch is spaced apart from the second contact portion in the first direction and is closer to the developing cartridge than the second contact portion. The counting member further includes a counting lever extending in the first direction. The counting lever is configured to contact and push the first contact portion to rotate the detection switch to a first signal position when the developing cartridge is mounted to the image forming device, and further push the first contact portion to rotate the detection switch to a second signal position when the rotatable member rotates.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the developing box includes an end cover, and the counting member is located between the end cover and the second shell.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the end cover includes a first opening, and the first opening passes through the end cover along the first direction; the counting lever contacts the first contact portion through the first opening.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the counting lever is detachably pivoted to the counting member, so that the counting lever can rotate while being moved by the counting member, which helps the counting lever to better push the first contact portion.

[0010] In a specific embodiment, the counting lever is provided with a cylindrical protrusion, and the counting member is provided with a circular hole that matches the cylindrical protrusion. After the counting lever is mounted to the counting member, the cylindrical protrusion extends into the circular hole.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the counting lever is provided with a guide protrusion, and the end cap is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove, and the guide protrusion can move along the guide groove when the counting lever moves. The arc-shaped guide groove facilitates the counting lever to move according to a predetermined optimal trajectory.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the center of the arc-shaped guide groove is coaxial with the rotation center of the detection switch, so as to ensure that the counting rod can push the first contact part through the second opening as deeply as possible, thereby avoiding the counting rod not having enough travel to push the first contact part through the opening, thereby failing to push the detection switch to the second signal position.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a developing cartridge can be removably mounted in a first direction in an image forming device. The image forming device includes a first housing and a detection switch rotatably mounted on the housing, the detection switch including a first contact portion and a second contact portion. The developing cartridge includes a second housing, an end cap, a rotatable member, a power receiving portion, and a counting member. The rotatable member is mounted within the second housing and is rotatable about an axis in a second direction. The power receiving portion is configured to receive driving force from the image forming device and drive the rotatable member to rotate. The counting member is configured to rotate the detection switch in a predetermined sequence. The first contact portion of the detection switch is spaced apart from the second contact portion in the first direction and is closer to the developing cartridge than the second contact portion. The counting member further includes a counting lever extending in the first direction. When the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming device, the end cap contacts and pushes the first contact portion to rotate the detection switch to a first signal position. When the rotatable member rotates, the counting lever contacts and pushes the first contact portion to further rotate the detection switch to a second signal position.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the end cover includes a first opening, which passes through the end cover along the first direction; the counting lever is located between the end cover and the second shell, and the counting lever contacts the first contact portion through the first opening.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the end cover includes a contact protrusion, and the contact protrusion is located at an edge of the first opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1a It is a schematic diagram of an image forming device to which the developing cartridge of the present invention is applied.

[0017] Figure 1b yes Figure 1a An enlarged view of a portion of the interior of the image forming device is shown.

[0018] Figure 1c This is a perspective view of a detection switch of the image forming apparatus.

[0019] Figure 2a It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge of the present invention according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2b yes Figure 2a A perspective view of the developer cartridge is shown with the end cap removed.

[0021] Figure 2c It is a three-dimensional diagram of the working relationship between the end of the developing box and the detection switch.

[0022] Figure 3a and 3b It is a three-dimensional view of the end cover with the counter piece installed.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a partial exploded view of the developing cartridge of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5a and 5b They are respectively a front view and a stereoscopic view of the end cover of the developer box shown in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 6a and 6b They are respectively three-dimensional views of the counting members of the developing box of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a partial enlarged view of the guide track of the developer box of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8a and 8b They are respectively three-dimensional views of the stirring frame gear of the developer box of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9a It is a three-dimensional diagram of the matching relationship between the counting member and the stirring frame gear in the developer box of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9b yes Figure 9a The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the initial position of the guide protrusion in the guide track of the developer box of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9c It is a schematic diagram of the first actuating protrusion in the developing box of the present invention starting to contact the actuating device.

[0031] Figure 10a It is a three-dimensional diagram showing another matching relationship between the counting member and the stirring frame gear in the developing box of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10b yes Figure 10a The figure shows a schematic diagram of the middle position of the guide protrusion in the guide track of the developer box of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11a It is a three-dimensional diagram showing another matching relationship between the counting member and the stirring frame gear in the developing box of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11b yes Figure 11a The diagram shows another middle position of the guide protrusion in the guide track of the developer box of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 12a and Figure 12b The present invention is a schematic diagram of the position change of the counting lever in the developing box moving along the opening to push the detection switch.

[0036] Figure 13a It is a three-dimensional diagram showing another matching relationship between the counting member and the stirring frame gear in the developing box of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 13b yes Figure 13a Schematic diagram of the final position of the guide protrusion in the guide track of the developer box of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 14a and Figure 14b 2 is a schematic diagram of an end cover structure of a developing cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 15 is a partial exploded view of a developing cartridge of the present invention according to a third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional view of the end cover of the developer box of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 17a yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional view of the counting member of the developer box of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 17b yes Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the combined relationship between the counting member and the counting lever of the developing box of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 18 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the counting mechanism of the developing cartridge of the present invention according to the third embodiment.

[0044] Figure 19 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the counting lever of the developing cartridge of the present invention according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The structure and other aspects of the developing cartridge of the present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The developing cartridge of the present invention can be detachably installed in an image forming device along a first direction X, and cooperates with other structures in the image forming device to form an image on paper (printing medium).

[0047] like Figures 1a to 1cAs shown, the image forming device 9 includes a housing (first housing) 90 and an installation opening 91 for removably installing and removing the developer cartridge 1 into or from the image forming device 9. The housing 90 has two opposing side walls (first side walls) 92, on which a detection switch 10 is rotatably mounted. The detection switch 10 includes a first contact portion 101, a second contact portion 102, and a rotational axis 103. The first and second contact portions 101, 102 are rotatable about the rotational axis 103. Along the second direction Y, the first contact portion 101 is spaced apart from the second contact portion 102 and is closer to the developer cartridge 1 than the second contact portion 102. The second contact portion 102 is disposed within a recess 921 in the housing side wall 92. The recess 921 has an opening (second opening) 923 provided on the side wall 922. The first contact portion 101 enters and exits the recess 921 through the opening 923.

[0048] like Figures 2a to 2c As shown, in one embodiment, the developer cartridge 1 of the present invention includes a transmission assembly 2, a rotatable member 3, an end cap 4, and a housing (second housing) 8. The housing 8 includes two side walls 81 on either side of the developer cartridge and a cavity formed therein for accommodating the rotatable member 3 or toner (developer). The rotatable member 3 may include, for example, a developing roller, a powder feed roller, or a stirring frame. The rotatable member 3 is rotatable about an axis in the second direction Y, with both ends of the rotatable member 3 rotatably mounted on the two side walls of the developer cartridge. The transmission assembly 2 is mounted at one end of the housing 8 and located between the side wall 81 and the end cap 4. The transmission assembly 2 is used to drive the developing roller, powder feed roller, or stirring frame to rotate. The transmission assembly 2 generally includes a driving force input gear 20, a stirring frame gear 21, a developing roller gear 22, and an intermediate gear 23. The driving force input gear 20 is coaxially mounted with a power receiving port 24 (power receiving portion). The developing roller gear 22 and the stirring frame gear 21 are coaxially mounted with the developing roller and stirring frame, respectively, to drive the developing roller and stirring frame. Depending on the model of the developing cartridge, the gear system of the transmission assembly can be adjusted or arranged according to actual needs.

[0049] In the prior art, when the developer cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming device 9, it first contacts the first contact portion 101 of the detection switch 10, causing the detection switch 10 to rotate to the first signal position to transmit a first signal to the image forming device 9. At this point, the first contact portion 101 exits the groove 921 through the opening 923 and is located outside the groove 921, or only a small portion of the first contact portion 101 is located within the groove 921. After the image forming device 9 is activated, the detection switch 10 needs to be further rotated to the second signal position to transmit a second signal to the image forming device 9. Because the first contact portion 101 has exited the groove 921 through the opening 923 and due to interference from the groove sidewall 922 of the groove 921, the counting mechanism of the developer cartridge 1 cannot continue to push the first contact portion 101 to transmit the second signal to the image forming device 9, and can only push the second contact portion 102 located within the groove 921.

[0050] Because the second contact portion 102 is disposed within the recess 921 of the side wall 92, the counting mechanism is retracted during installation or removal of the developer cartridge 1 to prevent interference between the counting mechanism and the side wall 92 of the housing of the image forming device 9. When the developer cartridge is installed within the image forming device for operation, the counting mechanism is extended. Specifically, the counting mechanism extends into the recess 921 to contact and push the second contact portion 102 of the detection switch 10, causing the detection switch 10 to rotate to the second signal position and thereby transmit a second signal to the image forming device.

[0051] The developer cartridge of the present invention offers another solution, eliminating the need for a telescopic counter mechanism. Instead, the developer cartridge utilizes a portion of the counter mechanism to laterally move, further pushing the first contact portion 101 of the detection switch 10 , causing the detection switch 10 to rotate to a second signal position, thereby transmitting a second signal to the image forming device.

[0052] like Figure 3a-3b and Figure 4 As shown, the developer cartridge of the present invention further includes a counting mechanism 5, which is used to trigger a detection switch within the image forming device to send a corresponding indication signal to the image forming device. The counting mechanism 5 further includes a counting member 51, a guide rail 52, an elastic member 53, and an actuator 54. The counting member 51 is used to contact the detection switch of the image forming device. The guide rail 52 has a triangular profile and is used to control the counting member 51 to move from an initial position 525 to an intermediate position 526 to a final position 527 when a force is applied to the counting member 51. The elastic member 53 is used to apply elastic force to the counting member 51 to move the counting member 51 along the guide rail 52. The actuator 54 is used to force the counting member 51 to move along the guide rail 52.

[0053] like Figure 5a and 5bAs shown, in one embodiment, the end cap 4 of the developer cartridge of the present invention includes a circular first through-hole 41, an elongated second through-hole 42, and an opening (first opening) 44. The power receiving port 24 mounted on the developer cartridge passes through the first through-hole 41 and engages with the drive head of the image forming device, thereby transmitting the driving force of the image forming device to the developer cartridge. The second through-hole 42 communicates with the opening 44, which faces the first contact portion 101 of the detection switch 10 along the first direction X. A portion of the counter element 51 passes through the elongated second through-hole 42 and is exposed to the outside of the end cap 4 through the opening 44 (described in detail below). The guide rail 52 is disposed on the inner side of the end cap 4, proximal to the side wall 81 of the developer cartridge. The end cap 4 also has an opening 45, through which at least a portion of the counter element 51 is exposed to the outside of the end cap 4. A user can touch the counter element 51 through the opening 45 to push it from the final position 527 to the initial position 525. In the developing cartridge of the present invention, the opening 45 is provided at the bottom of the end cover 4 .

[0054] In one embodiment, the end cover 4 includes a contact protrusion 441 located at an edge of the opening 44. When the developer cartridge is mounted on the image forming device, the contact protrusion 441 contacts and pushes the first contact portion 101 of the detection switch 10, thereby pushing the detection switch 10 to rotate to the first signal position, thereby sending a first signal to the image forming device.

[0055] like Figure 6a and 6b As shown, in one embodiment, the counting member 51 includes a body 511, a counting lever 512 located on one side of the body 511, and a pressure surface 513 located on the other side of the body 511. The counting lever 512 extends along the first direction X and can be exposed to the outside of the end cover 4 through the opening 44. The counting lever 512 is used to contact the detection switch on the image forming device to thereby send an indication signal to the image forming device. The pressure surface 513 is an arc-shaped structure, and the actuator 54 drives the counting member 51 to rotate by contacting the pressure surface 513. The counting member 51 also includes a guide protrusion 514. The guide protrusion 514 and the counting lever 512 are located on the same side of the body 511. At least a portion of the guide protrusion 514 can extend into the guide track 52 to control the movement path of the counting member 51.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, a first limiting step 521 is provided in the guide track 52 of the developer cartridge of the present invention, and the first limiting step 521 is used to constrain the counting member 51 to the initial position 525. Specifically, the cylindrical surface of the guide protrusion 514 contacts the first limiting step 521 to limit the movement of the guide protrusion 514.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 53 is a compression spring. The elastic member 53 may also be a tension spring. One end of the spring 53 is mounted on the end cover 4, and the other end is mounted on the counter 51. Specifically, a first fixing seat 48 is provided on the end cover 4, and a second fixing seat 515 is provided on the counter 51. One end of the spring 53 is connected to the first fixing seat 48, and the other end is connected to the second fixing seat 515. Figure 3a shown.

[0058] like Figure 8a and 8b As shown, in one embodiment, the actuating device 54 of the developer cartridge of the present invention includes a first actuating protrusion 541 and a second actuating protrusion 542. The first actuating protrusion 541 is used to force the counter 51 to rotate, while the second actuating protrusion 542 is used to force the counter 51 to move. The first actuating protrusion 541 and the second actuating protrusion 542 are mounted on the end surface of the stirring frame gear 21 away from the developer cartridge side wall 81. The first actuating protrusion 541 and the second actuating protrusion 542 are positioned on the end surface of the stirring frame gear 21 so that when the stirring frame gear 21 rotates, the first actuating protrusion 541 contacts the counter 51 before the second actuating protrusion 542. Specifically, the first actuating protrusion 541 drives the counter 51 to rotate by contacting the arc-shaped pressure surface 513. In this embodiment, the second actuating protrusion 542 is positioned closer to the center of the stirring frame gear 21 than the first actuating protrusion 541.

[0059] The working principle and process of the developing box of the present invention, especially the working principle and process of the counting mechanism of the developing box, will be described in detail below.

[0060] When the developing cartridge is in the initial state (i.e., the factory state), the guide protrusion 514 of the counting member 51 is located in the guide rail 52 as shown in FIG. Figure 9b At this time, the actuating device 54 does not function, that is, the first actuating protrusion 541 does not contact the arc-shaped pressure surface 513 of the counting member 51, and the second actuating protrusion 542 does not contact the counting member 51, as shown. Figure 9a The spring 53 is in a compressed state in the initial state of the developing cartridge, and applies elastic force to the counting member 51. Since the guide protrusion 514 of the counting member 51 is constrained by the first limiting step 521, the counting member 51 is constrained in the initial position 525.

[0061] The user installs the developer cartridge in its initial state into the image forming device. At this time, the counting lever 512 of the counting member 51 is in the first position where it does not contact the detection switch of the image forming device. The contact protrusion 441 on the end cover 4 contacts and pushes the first contact portion 101 of the detection switch 10. The user installs the developer cartridge so that the detection switch 10 rotates to the first signal position, thereby sending a first signal to the image forming device. Figure 12a shown.

[0062] After the image forming device is electrically started, the driving force from the image forming device is transmitted to the stirring frame gear 21 via the driving force input gear 20 to drive the stirring frame gear 21 to rotate. The actuator 54 provided on the stirring frame gear 21 starts to drive the counting member 31 to move. Specifically, when the stirring frame gear 21 rotates, the first actuating protrusion 541 starts to contact the pressure surface 513 of the counting member 51 under the drive of the stirring frame gear 21, as shown in FIG. Figure 9c As the first actuating protrusion 541 continues to move along the pressure surface 513, the counting member 51 is rotated. At the same time, the guide protrusion 514 of the counting member 51 begins to move in the guide track 52 until it moves to Figure 10b The position shown, that is, the counter 51 is in the middle position 526. During this process, the second actuating protrusion 542 does not contact the end surface 518 of the counter 51.

[0063] As the stirring frame gear 21 continues to rotate, the first actuating protrusion 541 is separated from the pressure surface 513 of the counting member 51, and the second actuating protrusion 542 begins to contact the end surface 518 of the counting member 51. Figure 10a As shown. In a preferred embodiment, since a second limiting step 522 is provided within the guide rail 52, the guide protrusion 514 will descend after passing the second limiting step 522. The second limiting step 522 then contacts the cylindrical surface of the guide protrusion 514, thereby restricting the counter 51 from returning to the initial position 525 in the opposite direction. By providing the second limiting step 522, even if the first actuating protrusion 541 momentarily disengages from the pressure-bearing surface 513 of the counter 51 and the second actuating protrusion 542 has not yet contacted the end surface 518 of the counter 51, the counter 51 will not return to the initial position 525 in the opposite direction. This reduces the difficulty in designing and laying out structures such as the first actuating protrusion 541, the second actuating protrusion 542, and the pressure-bearing surface 513.

[0064] The stirring rack gear 21 rotates further, and the second actuating protrusion 542 starts to push the counting member 51 to move under the drive of the stirring rack gear 21 until the guide protrusion 514 of the counting member 51 is released from the Figure 10b Move the position shown to Figure 11b The position shown, that is, the counting member 51 is in another intermediate position 526. At this time, the counting lever 512 of the counting member 51 will pass through the opening 441 and move along the first direction X to push the detection switch on the image forming device to rotate, that is, move from the first position not contacting the detection switch to the second position contacting the detection switch, as shown in FIG. Figure 12b In this process, the first actuating projection 541 has been separated from the pressure surface 314 of the counter 51. The spring 53 is still in a compressed state.

[0065] When the second actuating protrusion 542 continues to push the counting member 51 to move until the guide protrusion 514 passes over the lowest point 519 in the guide track 52, the counting member 51 is moved under the action of the spring 53, and the guide protrusion 514 of the counting member 51 is raised from the bottom of the guide track 52. Figure 11b Move the position shown to Figure 13b The counting member 51 is moved to the position shown, i.e., to its final position 527. Simultaneously, the counting lever 512 of the counting member 51 also moves in the first direction X to disengage from the detection switch of the image forming device, i.e., from the second position contacting the detection switch to the first position not contacting the detection switch. At this point, the counting mechanism 5 completes its counting function. Thereafter, during the cyclic rotation of the stirring frame gear 21, the actuator 54 does not contact the counting member 51 again.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, for certain specific types of image forming devices, due to the particularity of their detection timing control, after the counting lever 512 of the counting member 51 touches the detection switch of the image forming device, the counting lever 512 needs to keep in contact with the detection switch for a certain period of time before it can be separated from the detection switch of the image forming device. In order to achieve this special requirement, in the developing cartridge of the present invention, Figure 11a As shown, the actuator 54 further includes a third actuating protrusion 543 mounted on the end surface of the agitator gear 21. When the agitator gear 21 rotates, the second actuating protrusion 542 contacts the counter element 51 before the third actuating protrusion 543. The second actuating protrusion 542 has a sector-shaped cross-section parallel to the developer cartridge sidewall 81. The second actuating protrusion 542 is configured so that when it continues to push the counter element 51 until the counter lever 512 contacts the detection switch of the image forming device, the end surface 518 of the counter element 51 begins to move along the sector-shaped surface of the second actuating protrusion 542 until it reaches the third actuating protrusion 543. During this process, the counter lever 512 continues to contact the detection switch of the image forming device, and the guide protrusion 514 does not exceed the lowest point 519 within the guide rail 52. Since the third actuating protrusion 543 is farther from the center of the stirring frame gear 21 than the second actuating protrusion 542, when the end surface 518 of the counting member 51 moves to the third actuating protrusion 543, the third actuating protrusion 543 will contact and push the counting member 51 to move further until the guide protrusion 514 passes the lowest point 519 in the guide track 52. The counting member 51 is then moved under the action of the spring 53, and the guide protrusion 514 of the counting member 51 is raised from the bottom. Figure 11b Move the position shown to Figure 13b The counting mechanism 5 has just finished the counting function at this moment. After this, in the process of the cyclic rotation of the stirring frame gear 21, the actuating device 54 can not contact the counting member 51 again.

[0067] After the developing cartridge has been working in the image forming device for a period of time, the toner in the developing cartridge will be consumed, or after the factory inspection is completed, the user manually moves the reset portion 517 of the counting member 51 through the opening 45, so that the guide protrusion 514 of the counting member 51 moves along the guide track 52 from the Figure 13b Move the displayed position to Figure 9b After the reset developing box is loaded into the image forming device, the counting mechanism 5 cycles the above working process of the present invention, and the image forming device treats the used developing box as a new developing box.

[0068] like Figure 14a and Figure 14b As shown, according to the second embodiment, the opening 44 of the end cover 4 of the developer cartridge of the present invention is not provided with a contact protrusion 441. In the initial state (i.e., before the developer cartridge is installed in the image forming device), at least a portion of the counting lever 512 extends out of the opening 44. When the developer cartridge is installed in the image forming device, the portion of the counting lever 512 extending out of the opening 44 in the first direction X contacts and pushes the first contact portion 101 of the detection switch 10, causing the detection switch 10 to rotate to the first signal position, thereby transmitting a first signal to the image forming device. After the image forming device is electrically activated, the counting mechanism 5 begins operation, and the counting lever 512, driven by the driving force, moves in the first direction X, further pushing the first contact portion 101, causing the detection switch 10 to rotate to the second signal position, thereby transmitting a second signal to the image forming device.

[0069] like Figure 15-16 and Figures 17a-17b As shown, according to the third embodiment, the counting lever 512 of the developer cartridge of the present invention is detachably pivoted to the counting member 51. The counting member 51 is located on one side of the end cover 4, and the counting lever 512 is located on the other side of the end cover 4. The column 51a of the counting member 51 extends to the other side of the end cover 4 through the second through hole 42 on the end cover 4.

[0070] Specifically, a circular hole 51b is provided on the cylindrical body 51a of the counter member 51. Accordingly, a cylindrical protrusion 512a is provided on the counter lever 512. After the counter lever 512 is mounted on the counter member 51, the cylindrical protrusion 512a is inserted into the circular hole 51b. As the cylindrical body 51a of the counter member 51 moves along the second through hole 42, the counter lever 512 is driven to move. Because the counter lever 512 is pivotally connected to the counter member 51, when the counter member 51 moves, the counter lever 512 not only moves along the second through hole 42 but also rotates about the cylindrical protrusion 512a.

[0071] The end cover 4 also includes a protective cover 49, which is provided with a buckle 491. Correspondingly, the end cover 4 is provided with a snap-fitting opening 46 that cooperates with the buckle 491. The provision of the protective cover 49 can, on the one hand, reduce the difficulty of manufacturing the end cover 4 and the counting mechanism 5, and on the other hand, prevent the counting lever 512 from shaking left and right. The protective cover 49 is provided with an opening 492 that is the same as the opening 44 in the first embodiment. At least a portion of the counting lever 512 can be exposed to the outside of the protective cover 49 through the opening 492, so that when the counting lever 512 moves, it pushes the first contact portion 101 of the detection switch 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 18 shown.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, an arc-shaped guide groove 47 is further provided on the end cover 4. Correspondingly, a guide protrusion 512b is provided on the counting lever 512. When the counting member 51 drives the counting lever 512 to move, the guide protrusion 512b moves along the arc-shaped guide groove 47, thereby ensuring that the counting lever 512 moves according to a predetermined trajectory. After the protective cover 49 is snapped onto the end cover 4, the counting lever 512 is stably pivoted to the counting member 51, and the guide protrusion 512b is also stably located in the guide groove 47. In a further preferred embodiment, the center of the arc-shaped guide groove 47 is coaxial with the rotation center of the detection switch 10, thereby ensuring that the end of the counting lever 512 passes through the opening 923 as deeply as possible to push the first contact portion 101 without interfering with other structures, thereby avoiding insufficient travel of the counting lever 512 through the opening 923 to push the first contact portion 101, thereby failing to push the detection switch 10 to the second signal position, such as Figure 19 shown.

[0073] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the concept and scope of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, and other improvements to the above embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the art are also within the concept of the present invention. The scope and concept of protection of the present invention are specifically defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A developer cartridge removably mountable in an image forming device along a first direction, the image forming device comprising a first housing and a detection switch rotatably mounted on the housing, the detection switch comprising a first contact portion and a second contact portion; the developer cartridge comprising: a second shell; a rotatable member installed in the second housing and rotatable about an axis located in a second direction; a power receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the image forming device and driving the rotatable member to rotate; as well as A counting member, used to toggle the detection switch to rotate according to a predetermined timing; The first contact portion of the detection switch is spaced apart from the second contact portion along the first direction, and the first contact portion is closer to the developing box than the second contact portion; The counting member further includes a counting lever extending in a first direction, and the counting lever can push the first contact portion to rotate the detection switch to a first signal position when the developing box is installed to the image forming device, and further push the first contact portion to rotate the detection switch to a second signal position when the rotatable member rotates.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The developing box includes an end cover, and the counting member is located between the end cover and the second shell.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The end cover includes a first opening, and the first opening passes through the end cover along the first direction; the counting lever contacts the first contact portion through the first opening.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The counting lever is pivotally connected to the counting member in a detachable manner.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, wherein: The counting lever is provided with a cylindrical protrusion, and the counting piece is provided with a circular hole matched with the cylindrical protrusion. After the counting lever is installed on the counting piece, the cylindrical protrusion is located in the circular hole.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: The counting lever is provided with a guide protrusion, and the end cover is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove. When the counting lever moves, the guide protrusion can move along the guide groove.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The center of the arc-shaped guide groove is coaxial with the rotation center of the detection switch.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing includes a first side wall, the first side wall is provided with a groove, and the second contact portion of the detection switch is located in the groove.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The groove is provided with a groove sidewall, and the groove sidewall is provided with a second opening, and the first contact portion enters or leaves the groove through the second opening.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, wherein: At least a portion of the counting lever passes through the second opening to push the first contact portion to a second signal position.

11. A developing cartridge removably mountable in an image forming device along a first direction, the image forming device comprising a first housing and a detection switch rotatably mounted on the housing, the detection switch comprising a first contact portion and a second contact portion; the developing cartridge comprising: a second shell; an end cap located at an end of the second shell; a rotatable member installed in the second housing and rotatable about an axis located in a second direction; a power receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the image forming device and driving the rotatable member to rotate; as well as A counting member, used to toggle the detection switch to rotate according to a predetermined timing; The first contact portion of the detection switch is spaced apart from the second contact portion along the first direction, and the first contact portion is closer to the developing box than the second contact portion; The counting member further includes a counting lever extending in a first direction, and when the developing cartridge is mounted to the image forming device, the end cover pushes the first contact portion to rotate the detection switch to a first signal position, and when the rotatable member rotates, the counting lever pushes the first contact portion to further rotate the detection switch to a second signal position.

12. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, wherein: The end cover includes a first opening, and the first opening passes through the end cover along the first direction; the counting lever is located between the end cover and the second shell, and the counting lever contacts the first contact portion through the first opening.

13. The developing cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: The end cover includes a contact protrusion located at an edge of the first opening.

14. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, wherein The counting lever is pivotally connected to the counting member in a detachable manner.

15. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, wherein: The counting lever is provided with a cylindrical protrusion, and the counting piece is provided with a circular hole matched with the cylindrical protrusion. When the counting lever is mounted to the counting piece, the cylindrical protrusion extends into the circular hole.

16. The developing cartridge according to claim 15, wherein: The counting lever is provided with a guide protrusion, and the end cover is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove. When the counting lever moves, the guide protrusion can move along the guide groove.

17. The developing cartridge according to claim 16, wherein: The center of the arc-shaped guide groove is coaxial with the rotation center of the detection switch.

Images