Switching device for the powder outlet of a toner supply

Abstract

The present application relates to the powder supply container powder outlet drive switch technology, propose a kind of switch device of toner container powder outlet, including: base (1), for accommodating toner container, base (1) has powder outlet (1-7);Rotary block (3), it has powder passage (3-1), rotary block (3) is rotatably combined in base (1);Drive sliding plate (6), it can drive the rotary block (3) rotation;Wherein, when rotary block (3) is rotated to powder passage (3-1) and powder outlet (1-7) communicate, toner container powder outlet opens, powder passage (3-1) and powder outlet (1-7) do not communicate when toner container powder outlet is closed.The switch device of the present application simple structure, installation is smooth, protects machine internal installation structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to toner supply container outlet drive switch technology, and more specifically, to a switch device for the toner container outlet. Background Technology

[0002] Toner containers are essential components of printers and copiers, especially the toner outlet; the smoothness of its opening and closing affects print quality. Canon's U10209667B2 patent discloses a toner container with the following drawbacks: 1. The toner outlet structure is relatively complex, and installation and removal can be difficult due to a sticking sensation. 2. The structure involves multiple slender plastic components; deformation of these small components during operation will affect the proper installation or removal of the toner container. 3. The numerous slender components in the installation process place high demands on production and storage; deformation of these components will affect assembly and installation results, and in severe cases, may damage the internal structure of the machine. 4. During the initial installation and removal process, if the switch slider malfunctions and fails to return to its proper position, it will affect subsequent installations. Furthermore, users are generally unfamiliar with the operating principles, and forced installation will damage the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems in the background art, the present invention proposes a switching device for the toner container outlet, comprising: a base for accommodating the toner container, the base having an outlet; a rotating block having an outlet channel, the rotating block being rotatably coupled to the base; and a driving sliding plate capable of driving the rotating block to rotate; wherein, when the rotating block rotates to the point where the outlet channel and the outlet are connected, the toner container outlet opens; and when the outlet channel and the outlet are not connected, the toner container outlet closes.

[0004] Optionally, the switching device includes: a connecting rod, the first end of which is coupled to the rotating block to drive the rotating block to rotate, and the second end of which is connected to the driving sliding plate.

[0005] Optionally, the switching device includes: a compressed sealing cotton, which is attached to the rotating block and located between the base and the rotating block after installation. The compressed sealing cotton has a powder outlet hole, which is fitted onto the powder outlet channel of the rotating block.

[0006] Optionally, the drive sliding plate has a slide groove, and the base has a slide rail, with the slide groove engaging with the slide rail to achieve a sliding fit.

[0007] Optionally, the switching device includes a reset spring, which is engaged between the spring top plate of the driving slide plate and the spring top plate of the base, and is compressed when the driving slide plate slides.

[0008] Optionally, the switching device includes: a fixed cover plate that engages with the base, a compression sealing cotton, a rotating block, a connecting rod, and a driving sliding plate located between the fixed cover plate and the base, the fixed cover plate having a powder outlet hole, and the powder outlet hole of the fixed cover plate and the powder outlet of the base being coaxial.

[0009] Optionally, the rotating block has a rotating block plate portion, which closes the toner outlet of the base when the toner outlet channel rotates to a position where it is no longer connected to the toner outlet of the base, thereby closing the toner container outlet.

[0010] Optionally, the drive slide plate has a machine top position that pushes the drive slide plate to slide when the toner container is loaded.

[0011] Optionally, the rotating block can be circular, fan-shaped, V-shaped, or other irregular shapes.

[0012] Optionally, the return spring is compressed when the toner container is inserted, and returns to its original position when the toner container is pulled out.

[0013] The advantages of this invention include: smooth installation and protection of the internal installation structure of the machine. The toner outlet automatically closes when the toner container is removed from the machine. The structural shape is simplified compared to existing technologies, requiring less stringent manufacturing processes and resulting in a low failure rate. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To facilitate understanding of the invention, it will be described in more detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection of the invention.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the base of the device of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the compressed sealing cotton of the device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the rotating block of the device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the connecting rod of the device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the reset spring of the device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the driving sliding plate of the device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the fixing cover plate of the device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8This is a perspective view of the screw in the device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the main structure of the device of the present invention assembled and installed, with the powder outlet closed.

[0024] Figure 10 A perspective view of the main structure of the device of the present invention after assembly and installation, showing the state during the opening of the powder outlet.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the main structure after assembly and installation, with the powder outlet open.

[0026] Figure 12 for Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the assembled main structure corresponds to... Figure 9 The powder outlet was not open.

[0027] Figure 13 for Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the assembled main structure corresponds to... Figure 10 During the powder outlet opening process.

[0028] Figure 14 for Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the assembled main structure corresponds to... Figure 11 The powder outlet is open.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a 3D view of the rotating block installed on the assembly diagram.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a 3D view of the connecting rod mounted on the sliding block.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a 3D view of the return spring mounted on the base.

[0032] Figure 18 A perspective view of the sliding plate mounted on the base.

[0033] Figure 19 This is an exploded view of the device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 20 A three-dimensional view showing the cover plate mounted on the base.

[0035] Figure 21 for Figure 20 Partial sectional view after installation.

[0036] Figure 22 This is an exploded view of the device of the present invention and the toner container installed together.

[0037] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the toner container with its outer casing removed and the internal structure of the machine.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the machine without removing the outer casing, toner container, and internal components.

[0039] Figure 25-27 This is a perspective view of several embodiments of the rotating block of the device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure Labels

[0041] Base 1, Buckle Hole 1-1, Column Position 1-2, Slide Rail 1-3, Screw Hole 1-4, Spring Top Plate 1-5, Sealing Cotton Column Position 1-6, Powder Outlet 1-7, Spring Groove 1-8; Compressed Sealing Cotton 2, Powder Outlet Position 2-1, Shaft Position Hole 2-2; Rotating Block 3, Powder Outlet Channel 3-1, Sliding Position Hole 3-2, Connecting Rod Column 3-3, Rotating Block Plate Part 3-4; Connecting Rod 4, Drive Sliding Plate Hole Position 4-1, Rotating Block Hole Position 4-2; Reset Spring 5; Drive Sliding Plate 6, Slide Groove 6-1, Machine Top Position 6-2, Top Position 6-3, Spring Top Plate 6-4, Column Position 6-5, Groove 6-6; Fixed Cover Plate 7, Buckle 7-1, Hole Position 7-2, Powder Outlet 7-3, Hole Position 7-4, Pressing Flat 7-5, Screw Hole Position 7-6; Fixed Screw 8; Drive Sliding Plate Top Position 9. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present invention. However, the listed embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and the technical features in the embodiments can be combined with each other, wherein the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the switching device for the toner supply container outlet of the present invention includes: a base 1, a compressed sealing cotton 2, and a rotating block 3. The base 1 is provided with a toner outlet 1-7, and a column position 1-6 is provided beside the toner outlet 1-7. The toner outlet 1-7 is the first channel for the toner container to output toner. The bottom of the base 1 is also provided with a spring groove 1-8 for accommodating a return spring 5. The position of one end of the return spring 5 is limited by the spring top plate 1-5. The bottom of the base 1 is also provided with a slide rail 1-3 for engaging with the slide groove 6-1 of the drive sliding plate 6 (see...). Figure 6 (to be combined)

[0044] Figure 2 The structure of the compression sealing cotton 2 is shown. The compression sealing cotton 2 is similar to a triangle, but with a smooth arc around its circumference. The compression sealing cotton has a powder outlet hole 2-1 and a shaft hole 2-2. The compression sealing cotton 2 is installed below the base 1, with the powder outlet hole 2-1 aligned with the powder outlet 1-7, and the shaft hole 1-6 inserted into the shaft hole 2-2.

[0045] Figure 3 The structure of rotating block 3 is shown. Rotating block 3 is also a similar triangular shape.

[0046] Preferably, the compressed sealing cotton 2 is adhered to the rotating block 3, which is located below the compressed sealing cotton 2 and then installed below the base 1. Preferably, the base 1 has a groove for accommodating the rotating block 3. The shape of the compressed sealing cotton 2 is preferably the same as that of the rotating block 3. The powder outlet hole 2-1 on the compressed sealing cotton 2 is fitted onto the powder outlet channel 3-1 (which has a certain height) of the rotating block 3.

[0047] The rotating block 3 includes a rotating block plate 3-4, on which a powder outlet channel 3-1, a sliding positioning hole 3-2, and a connecting rod 3-3 are provided. The powder outlet position 2-1 is coaxial with the powder outlet channel 3-1. That is, when the compressed sealing cotton 2 is installed, the powder outlet channel 3-1, the powder outlet position 2-1, and the powder outlet 1-7 are coaxial (see...). Figure 12 The column 1-6 passes through the shaft hole 2-2 and the sliding positioning hole 3-2, connecting the rotating block 3 to the base 1, wherein the sliding positioning hole 3-2 is in sliding fit with the column 1-6. The connecting rod column 3-3 passes through the rotating block hole 4-2 connecting the connecting rod 4 (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 16 The axial positioning hole 2-2 is coaxial with the sliding positioning hole 3-2.

[0048] Rotating block 3 can also be other shapes, such as Figure 25-27 As shown, the shapes are circular, fan-shaped, and V-shaped. The rotating block 3 only needs to be able to rotate and have a powder outlet and a stop. It should be noted that... Figure 26 In the V-shaped branch shape shown, the rotating block plate part 3-4 is branched, one branch is provided with a powder outlet channel 3-1, and the other branch is without holes and is used to stop the powder outlet 1-7.

[0049] Figure 4 The structure of connecting rod 4 is shown. Both ends of connecting rod 4 are provided with rotating block holes 4-2 and drive sliding plate holes 4-1. As mentioned earlier, rotating block holes 4-2 are rotatably engaged with connecting rod post 3-3 (see...). Figure 16 The drive sliding plate hole 4-1 is rotatably engaged with the drive sliding plate 6's post 6-5 (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 18 Therefore, when the sliding plate 6 slides left and right, it can drive the connecting rod 4 to slide left and right. The connecting rod 4 drives the rotating block 3 to swing back and forth, so the powder outlet 1-7 can switch between open and closed states.

[0050] Figure 5 The structure of the return spring 5 is shown. The two ends of the return spring 5 are positioned at the spring top plate 1-5 at the bottom of the base 1 (see...). Figure 1 ) and spring top plate 6-4 (see Figure 6 After installation, if Figure 17 As shown.

[0051] Figure 6 The structure of the drive sliding plate 6 is shown. The drive sliding plate has a groove 6-6 in the middle, and a spring top plate 6-4 is provided at one end of the groove 6-6. The spring top plate 6-4 cooperates with the spring top plate 1-5, causing the return spring 5 to compress or unfold between them. Figure 16-18 As shown, after installation, the drive sliding plate 6 is attached to the self-contained main body 1, and the two are slidably attached. In one embodiment, the drive sliding plate 6 is provided with a slide groove 6-1, which is engaged with the slide rail 1-3 of the base 1, allowing it to slide left and right (or the drive sliding plate 6 can have a slide rail, while the base 1 has a slide groove). The post position 6-5 of the drive sliding plate is rotatably engaged with the drive slider hole position 4-1 of the connecting rod 4, resulting in the structure shown below. Figure 18 As shown. Preferably, two return springs 5 ​​and two spring top plates 6-4 and spring top plate 1-5 are used to increase the spring return force.

[0052] Thus, during the toner container insertion process, the drive sliding plate 6 moves under the reverse force of the internal structure of the machine during the toner container insertion process. The drive sliding plate 6 moves in the opposite direction of the insertion direction, the reset spring 5 is compressed, the drive sliding plate 6 drives the connecting rod 4 to move, the sliding block 3 rotates, and the toner outlet channel 3-1 and the toner outlet 1-7 are connected, so toner can be dispensed.

[0053] Conversely, when the toner container is removed from the machine, the spring force of the reset spring 5 pushes the drive sliding plate 6, the drive sliding plate 6 pulls the connecting rod 4, the connecting rod 4 pulls the rotating block 3, the rotating block 3 rotates, the toner outlet channel 3-1 and the toner outlet 1-7 are no longer connected, and the toner outlet of the toner container is closed.

[0054] The invention features smooth installation and protection of the internal machine structure. The toner outlet automatically closes when the toner container is removed from the machine. Furthermore, it has a simple structure, low requirements for manufacturing processes, and a low failure rate.

[0055] Preferably, the device of the present invention further includes a fixing cover plate 7. Figure 7 The structure of the fixed cover plate 7 is shown. The snap fastener 7-1 of the fixed cover plate 7 engages with the snap fastener hole 1-1 of the base 1. The post 1-2 of the base 1 is inserted into the hole 7-2 of the fixed cover plate 7. The figure shows six posts and six holes. The post 1-6 of the base 1 is inserted into the hole 7-4 of the fixed cover plate 7, and a pressing surface 7-5 is provided to make the base 1 and the fixed cover plate 7 horizontal. The screw holes 7-6 of the fixed cover plate 7 and the screw holes 1-4 of the base 1 are connected by a through-hole mechanism. Figure 8The self-tapping screws 8 shown are joined together. The base 1 and the fixing cover 7 are joined together, which can press the rotating block 3 with the compressed sealing cotton 2 attached onto the base 1. In addition, the fixing cover 7 also has a powder outlet hole 7-3, which is coaxial with the powder outlet 1-7. Figure 19 This is an exploded view of this embodiment. Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of the device and toner container of the present invention after installation. Figure 21 for Figure 20 A sectional view.

[0056] Figure 22 An exploded schematic diagram of the device and toner container of the present invention is shown. Figure 23 The diagram shows the toner container and machine structure with the outer casing removed. During the installation of the toner container, the top position 9 of the drive sliding plate gradually contacts the top position 6-3 of the drive sliding plate 6. Through the reaction force, as the toner container is continuously pushed in, the drive sliding block 6 moves in the opposite direction of toner loading (opposite direction of arrow F). Simultaneously, through the cooperating linkage 4, it moves in the opposite direction of toner container installation (opposite direction of F). Because the linkage 4 is in sliding engagement with the rotating block 3, the rotating block 3 is rotatably engaged with the column position 1-6, allowing it to rotate. The rotating block 3 begins to rotate under force when the linkage 4 moves. Figure 9 In its initial state, the rotating block gradually rotates under the tension of connecting rod 4 as the toner container is continuously loaded into the machine. Figure 10 The position shown will eventually be rotated to... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram. During this process, the return spring 5 is compressed to its lowest position by the spring top plate 6-4 and the spring top plate 1-5. During the above rotation, the toner container's outlet is gradually opened.

[0057] Figure 12 At the initial position of the rotating block 3, the powder outlet 1-7 is blocked by the sliding block plate 3-4 on the sliding block 3 of the compressed sponge 2. As the powder cylinder is gradually installed into the machine, the rotating block 3 with the compressed sealing cotton 2 attached continuously rotates until... Figure 13 As shown in the diagram, it finally rotates to... Figure 14 As shown in the diagram, the four holes—toner outlet 1-7, toner outlet hole 2-1 of the compressed sealing cotton 2, toner outlet channel 3-1 of the rotating block 3, and toner outlet hole 7-3 of the fixed cover plate 7—are coaxial and interconnected. Toner inside the toner container can flow out through the inner hole.

[0058] When the toner container is removed from the machine, such as Figure 24 As shown, the top position 9 of the drive sliding plate of the toner container gradually disengages from the top positions 6-2 and 6-3 of the machine drive slide plate 6. The return spring 5 rebounds from its lowest compressed position due to the compression of the spring top plate 6-4 and spring top plate 1-5, driving the drive sliding plate 6 and connecting rod 4 to move in the direction of the elastic force of the return spring 5. The connecting rod 4 pushes the rotating block 3 to rotate. Figure 14 The state after Figure 13 State, ultimately Figure 12 Status. Enables the function of closing powder outlets 1-7.

[0059] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The terms "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," "in yet another embodiment," or "in still another embodiment" used in this specification all refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments according to this disclosure. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switching device for the toner container outlet, characterized in that, include: The base (1) is used to hold the toner container and has a toner outlet (1-7). Rotating block (3), which has a powder outlet channel (3-1), is rotatably attached to base (1); A drive sliding plate (6) has a slide groove (6-1) and is capable of driving the rotating block (3) to rotate, wherein the slide groove (6-1) is engaged on the slide rail (1-3) of the base (1) to achieve a sliding fit; Link (4), the first end of which is connected to the rotating block (3) to drive the rotating block (3) to rotate, and the second end of which is connected to the drive sliding plate (6). When the rotating block (3) rotates to the point where the powder outlet channel (3-1) and the powder outlet (1-7) are connected, the powder outlet of the toner container opens; when the powder outlet channel (3-1) and the powder outlet (1-7) are not connected, the powder outlet of the toner container closes.

2. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The compressed sealing cotton (2) is attached to the rotating block (3) and is located between the base (1) and the rotating block (3) after installation. The compressed sealing cotton (2) has a powder outlet hole (2-1) which is fitted onto the powder outlet channel (3-1) of the rotating block (3).

3. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The reset spring (5) is located between the spring top plate (6-4) of the drive sliding plate (6) and the spring top plate (1-5) of the base (1). The reset spring (5) is compressed when the drive sliding plate (6) slides.

4. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The fixed cover plate (7) is engaged with the base (1). The compressed sealing cotton (2), rotating block (3), connecting rod (4) and driving sliding plate (6) are located between the fixed cover plate (7) and the base (1). The fixed cover plate (7) has a powder outlet hole (7-3). The powder outlet hole (7-3) of the fixed cover plate (7) and the powder outlet (1-7) of the base (1) are coaxial.

5. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating block (3) has a rotating block plate (3-4). When the toner outlet channel (3-1) rotates to a position where it is not connected to the toner outlet (1-7) of the base (1), the rotating block plate (3-4) closes the toner outlet (1-7) of the base (1) to achieve the toner container toner outlet closure.

6. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive slide plate (6) has a machine top position (6-2) that pushes the drive slide plate (6) to slide when the toner container is loaded.

7. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating block (3) is circular, fan-shaped or V-shaped.

8. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the toner container is inserted, the return spring (5) is compressed, and when the toner container is pulled out, the return spring (5) is reset.

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