Developing cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a developing cartridge detachably installed in an image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge comprising a housing, a rotating member rotatably installed in the housing, and a driving force receiving member and a detection mechanism located at the end of the housing, the driving force receiving member being used to receive driving force from a driving force output member and drive the rotating member and the detection mechanism to work, the detection mechanism comprising a transmission member and a poking member, the transmission member being provided with a transmission portion, and the poking member being provided with a force receiving portion and a poking portion, when the transmission portion and the force receiving portion abut, the poking member rotates around another rotation axis, and the poking portion pokes a poking lever, the number of at least one of the transmission portion and the force receiving portion is set to be multiple which are distributed in a first direction, a spacing portion is formed between the multiple transmission portions or the multiple force receiving portions in the first direction, when the transmission member rotates to the spacing portion opposite to the transmission portion or the force receiving portion, the poking member remains stationary, the structure of the detection mechanism is simplified, and accordingly, the assembly of the developing cartridge will also become simple.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging, and in particular to a developing cartridge which is detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The developing cartridge is a consumable component widely used in imaging devices such as laser printers / copiers, and when the developer in the developing cartridge is used up, the imaging device will remind the user to replace a new developing cartridge.

[0003] A detection mechanism is provided on each of the two longitudinal ends of the developing cartridge, and the detection mechanism is used to interact with a lever provided in the imaging device. The imaging device detects the number of interactions between the detection mechanism and the lever, the duration of each interaction, the time interval between two interactions, and other parameters, or the service life and model of the developing cartridge, to ensure that the user is reminded correctly.

[0004] As disclosed in Chinese Utility Model Patent CN216792683U and Chinese Invention Patent Application CN111240168A, the detection mechanism and the activation assembly are both configured to transmit the driving force from the side where the driving force receiving member is located to the side where the detection mechanism is located through a transmission member such as a stirring member rotating shaft, and then force a detection member that can rotate around a shaft to rotate through a component such as a lever or a rack. While the detection member rotates, the detection member interacts with the lever in the imaging device. In addition, the detection mechanism or the activation assembly also needs to be provided with an elastic member that abuts against the detection member, so that the detection member can be reset after interacting with the lever.

[0005] The existing detection mechanism or activation assembly has the problems of complex structure and difficult assembly. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the present application provides a developing cartridge that simplifies the structure of the detection mechanism to simplify the structure of the developing cartridge and make the assembly of the developing cartridge simple.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] The developing cartridge is detachably installed in an image forming device provided with a lever and a driving force output member, and includes a housing, a rotating member rotatably installed in the housing, and a driving force receiving member and a detection mechanism located at the end of the housing, the driving force receiving member is used to receive the driving force from the driving force output member and drive the rotating member to rotate around a rotating axis extending in a first direction, the detection mechanism includes a transmission member and a lever member, the transmission member is used to receive the driving force of the driving force receiving member and is provided with a transmission part, the lever member is provided with a force receiving part and a lever part, when the transmission part and the force receiving part abut, the lever member rotates around another rotating axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the lever part leverages the lever, the number of at least one of the transmission part and the force receiving part is set to be multiple distributed in the first direction, and the transmission part or the force receiving part forms a spacing part in the first direction, when the transmission member rotates to the spacing part opposite to the transmission part or the force receiving part, the lever member remains stationary; compared with the detection mechanism in the prior art, the detection mechanism in the scheme is further simplified, and therefore, the assembly of the developing cartridge will also be simpler.

[0009] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the driving force receiving member and the detection mechanism are located at the two ends of the housing respectively, the rotating member is a stirring member used to stir the developer contained in the housing, and the transmission member is driven by the stirring member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further includes a first gear and a third gear disposed on the same side of the driving force receiving member, the first gear is connected with the driving force receiving member and coaxially arranged, the third gear is located at one end of the stirring member, and the first gear and the third gear are engaged.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rotating member is a developing member used to carry the developer contained in the housing, the developing cartridge further includes a conductive support electrically connected with the developing member, and the lever member is further provided with an electric power transmission part used to abut against the conductive support, when the transmission part and the force receiving part abut, the electric connection between the electric power transmission part and the conductive support is disconnected.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lever member has a far end part away from the housing and a near end part close to the housing with the rotating axis of the lever member as a boundary, the lever part is located in the far end part, and the mass of the far end part is greater than that of the near end part.

[0013] In the detection process of the detection mechanism, the transmission member rotates around the rotation axis extending in the first direction, and at the same time, the transmission member gradually moves away from the shell. Specifically, the developing cartridge further comprises an end cover arranged on the same side as the detection mechanism, and the side of the end cover facing the shell protrudes to form a protruding portion, the protruding portion has an internal thread or an external thread, and the transmission member is provided with an engaging portion for engaging with the internal thread or the external thread. The transmission member is provided with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion arranged opposite in the radial direction of the transmission member. In the first direction, the position of the first engaging portion for engaging with the threaded groove is farther away from the shell than the position of the second engaging portion for engaging with the threaded groove.

[0014] When the force receiving portions are arranged as a plurality of portions spaced apart in the first direction, along a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, the force receiving portions closer to the shell are higher than the force receiving portions farther away from the shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge to which the present application relates.

[0016] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the developing cartridge to which the present application relates.

[0017] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the drive end of the developing cartridge to which the present application relates, after the drive end cover is hidden.

[0018] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the detection mechanism and the shell of the developing cartridge to which the first embodiment of the present application relates, after the detection mechanism is separated from the shell.

[0019] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the transmission member in the detection mechanism to which the first embodiment of the present application relates.

[0020] Figure 3C is a broken view of the transmission member cut along the rotation axis of the actuating member.

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the inner side of the detection end cover to which the first embodiment of the present application relates.

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge to which the first embodiment of the present application relates, after the detection end cover and the shell are combined.

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the detection mechanism and the shell of the developing cartridge to which the second embodiment of the present application relates, after the detection mechanism is separated from the shell.

[0024] Figure 7 is a side view of the detection member in the detection mechanism to which the second embodiment of the present application relates, viewed in the first direction.

[0025] Figures 8-10This is a schematic diagram of the testing process of the testing institution involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of observing the transmission part and the first force receiving part from the initial contact to the separation of contact during the detection process of the detection mechanism involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention along the first direction.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of observing the transmission part and the second force receiving part from the initial contact to the separation of contact during the detection process of the detection mechanism involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, along the first direction.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the third variation of the detection mechanism involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] [Structure of the developing chamber]

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge involved in this invention; Figure 2A This is a perspective view of some components of the developing cartridge involved in the present invention, after disassembly. Figure 2B This is a perspective view of the driver end of the developing cartridge involved in this invention, with the driver end cover hidden.

[0032] The developing cartridge 100 includes a housing 1, a rotating member 2 rotatably mounted in the housing 1, and a driving force receiving member 3 and a detection mechanism 4 located at the end of the housing. The housing 1 forms a storage cavity 10 for containing developer. The rotating member 2 is used to stir the developer or deliver the developer outward. The driving force receiving member 3 is used to receive driving force from the driving force output member of the imaging device to drive the rotating member 2 to rotate. At the same time, the detection mechanism 4 also receives the driving force from the driving force receiving member 3 and interacts with the lever in the imaging device.

[0033] For clarity in the following description, the following definition is provided: The developing cartridge has a length extending along a first direction / longitudinal direction, a width extending along a second direction / lateral direction, and a height extending along a third direction / longitudinal direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect.

[0034] The driving force receiver 3 and the detection mechanism 4 can be located at the two longitudinal ends of the housing 1, or they can be located at the same longitudinal end of the housing 1. However, regardless of how the driving force receiver 3 and the detection mechanism 4 are distributed, the detection mechanism 4 can be driven by the driving force from the driving force receiver 3 to work. The following focuses on describing the driving force receiver 3 and the detection mechanism 4 located at the two longitudinal ends of the housing 1, respectively. The side where the driving force receiver 3 is located can be referred to as the driving end, and the side where the detection mechanism 4 is located can be referred to as the detection end.

[0035] The rotating component 2 extends along the first direction and also rotates around the rotation axis extending along the first direction, as shown in Figure 2. The rotating component 2 can be a developing component 21 for carrying the developer, or it can be a stirring component 22 located in the storage cavity 10. When the developing cartridge 100 is working, the stirring component 22 stirs the developer in the storage cavity 10, on the one hand preventing the developer from clumping, and on the other hand supplying the developer to the developing component 21. The developing component 21 rotates around the first axis L1, and the stirring component 22 rotates around the second axis L2. The first axis L1 and the second axis L2 both extend along the first direction and remain parallel to each other.

[0036] Furthermore, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a first end cap / drive end cap 11 and a second end cap / detection end cap 12 located at the two longitudinal ends of the housing 1, respectively. The first end cap 11 is disposed on the same side as the drive force receiver 3, allowing the drive force receiver 3 to be exposed through the first end cap 11. The second end cap 12 is disposed on the same side as the detection mechanism 4, allowing the detection mechanism 4 to be exposed through the opening 121 of the second end cap 12. Additionally, the developing cartridge 100 includes a cover 122 covering the opening 121, protecting the first directional end of the detection mechanism 4 by covering at least a portion of it with the cover 122. As shown in FIG2, the housing 1 includes a first cover 1a and a second cover 1b joined together in a third directional direction, with the stirring member 22 rotatably mounted on the second cover 1b.

[0037] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge 100 further includes a driving force transmission section 3a, a second gear 32, and a third gear 33 disposed on the same side as the driving force receiving member 3. The second gear 32 is mounted on the end of the developing member 21, and the third gear 33 is mounted on one end of the stirring member 22. The stirring member 22 provides the driving force required for the operation of the detection mechanism 4. The driving force transmission section 3a is connected to the driving force receiving member 3 and is used to transmit the driving force of the driving force receiving member 3. Preferably, the driving force transmission section 3a and the driving force receiving member 3 are coaxially disposed, and more preferably, the two are integrally formed. The second gear 32 and the third gear 33 are simultaneously engaged with the driving force transmission section 3a, so that when the driving force receiving member 3 rotates, the developing member 21 and the stirring member 22 are simultaneously driven to rotate. Specifically, the driving force transmission section 3a is configured as a gear (first gear) 31. Along the first direction, the first gear 31 is closer to the housing 1 than the driving force receiving section 3, and the second gear 32 and the third gear 33 simultaneously mesh with the first gear 31.

[0038] Preferably, the transmission ratio between the third gear 33 and the first gear 31 is in the range of 1.5-1.9. For example, the number of teeth of the first gear 31 is set to 31 and the number of teeth of the third gear 33 is set to 53. In this way, the rotation speed of the stirring component 22 can be effectively controlled, and consequently, the detection accuracy of the detection mechanism 4 driven by the stirring component 22 can be improved.

[0039] In some embodiments, the rotating member may also be a supply member (not shown) rotatably mounted in the housing 1, which contacts the developing member 21 and is used to supply developer to the developing member 21. In this case, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a fifth gear 35 disposed on the same side as the driving force receiving member 3. The fifth gear 35 is coaxially disposed with the supply member, and the second gear 32, the third gear 33, and the fifth gear 35 simultaneously mesh with the first gear 31.

[0040] In some embodiments, when a supply member and a fifth gear 35 are provided, the driving force transmission unit 3a further includes a fourth gear 34 coaxially arranged with the first gear 31. Along a first direction, the fourth gear 34, the first gear 31, and the driving force receiving member 3 are arranged sequentially and gradually move away from the housing 1. Preferably, the fourth gear 34, the first gear 31, and the driving force receiving member 3 are integrally formed. The first gear 31 meshes with the third gear 33, and the second gear 32 and the fifth gear 34 simultaneously mesh with the fourth gear 34. When the driving force receiving member 3 rotates, the second gear 32 and the fifth gear 35 are driven by the fourth gear 34, thereby driving the developing member 21 and the supply member. The third gear is driven by the first gear 31, thereby driving the stirring member 22 to rotate.

[0041] It is understandable that, in addition to transmitting driving force through gear meshing as described above, the driving force transmission unit 3a can also transmit driving force through friction between teeth and rubber parts, or through belt friction.

[0042] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge 100 further includes a chip holder 13 coupled with a first end cap 11 or a second end cap 12. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in a predetermined position of the imaging device, the chip installed in the chip holder 13 makes electrical contact with the imaging device, thereby establishing a communication connection between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device. Alternatively, the chip can also be placed in other positions of the developing cartridge 100 according to design requirements.

[0043] When the third gear 33 directly meshes with the first gear 31 to transmit driving force, the structure on the side where the driving force receiving member 3 is located can be simplified, and the number of gears used to transmit driving force is reduced. In some embodiments, an idler gear (not shown) may also be provided between the third gear 33 and the first gear 31. The driving force of the driving force receiving member 3 is transmitted to the stirring member 22 in sequence through the first gear 31, the idler gear, and the third gear 33. The stirring member 22 can also drive the detection mechanism 4 to work.

[0044] Testing Institutions

[0045] [Example 1]

[0046] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the detection mechanism and the developing cartridge housing after separation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3B This is a perspective view of the actuating component in the detection mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3C It is a cross-sectional view of the actuating component cut along its rotation axis. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the inner side of the detection end cap according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the detection end cap and the housing in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0047] (Overall structure of the testing organization)

[0048] like Figure 3A As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a conductive bracket 14 disposed at the detection end. The developing element 21 is electrically connected to the conductive bracket 14. At the same time, the detection mechanism 4 is also configured such that after the detection mechanism 4 completes the detection, the detection mechanism 4 remains electrically connected to the conductive bracket 14. In this way, the power supplied by the imaging device can be supplied to the developing element 21 through the detection mechanism 4 and the conductive bracket 14.

[0049] The stirring member 22 has a stirring shaft 221 that passes through the housing 1 in a first direction, as shown in the figure. The stirring member 221 is exposed at the detection end. The detection mechanism 4 includes an intermediate member 41 coupled with the stirring shaft 221, a transmission member 42 coupled with the intermediate member 41, and a toggle member 43 that can be actuated by the transmission member 42. The intermediate member 41 is installed at the other end of the stirring member 21. When the stirring member 21 rotates, the stirring shaft 221 drives the intermediate member 41 and the transmission member 42 to rotate. Then, the toggle member 43 is actuated by the transmission member 42 and interacts with the lever in the imaging device. Therefore, the stirring shaft 221 can be regarded as the force input member of the detection mechanism 4.

[0050] The intermediate component 41 is configured to rotate with the rotation of the stirring shaft 221. Preferably, the intermediate component 41 is fixedly connected to the stirring shaft 221. As shown in the figure, the intermediate component 41 includes a first connecting portion 411 and a second connecting portion 412 extending along a first direction. The first connecting portion 411 is connected to the stirring shaft 221, and the second connecting portion 412 is connected to the transfer component 42. The transfer component 42 includes a third connecting portion 421 connected to the second connecting portion 412 and a transfer portion 422 that can rotate with the third connecting portion 421. The transfer portion 422 is used to actuate the actuating component 43. In some embodiments, the intermediate component 41 can be omitted. In this case, the transfer component 42 will be directly connected to the stirring shaft 221. Overall, the transfer component 42 is formed as a cam, the third connecting portion 421 is formed as a cylinder that can rotate about the second rotation axis L2, and the transfer portion 422 extends radially outward from the circumferential surface of the cylinder.

[0051] The actuating element 43 is configured to rotate about a third rotation axis L3 extending in a second direction, as shown in the figure. The actuating element 43 includes a actuating portion 432, a force receiving portion 431, and a power transmitting portion 433 connected to the actuating portion 432. A rotation shaft 434 passes through the actuating portion 432. The force receiving portion 431 is actuated by the transmitting portion 422, causing the actuating element 43 to rotate as a whole about the third rotation axis L3 in the direction indicated by r. Simultaneously, the actuating portion 432 interacts with a lever in the imaging device. At least a portion of the actuating element 43 is made of a conductive material. When the force receiving portion 431 does not receive actuation from the transmitting portion 422... When powered, the power transmission part 433 abuts against the conductive bracket 14 to achieve electrical connection between the actuating part 43 and the conductive bracket 14, and the actuating part 432 abuts against the power output part in the imaging device. Therefore, the power in the imaging device can be transmitted to the developing element 21 in sequence through the actuating part 43 and the conductive bracket 14. When the actuating part 43 rotates around the third rotation axis L3 in the direction r, the power transmission part 433 disengages from the conductive bracket 14 and the electrical connection is broken. When the actuating part 43 rotates around the third rotation axis L3 in the opposite direction of the direction r, the power transmission part 433 abuts against the conductive bracket 14 again to achieve electrical connection.

[0052] The detection mechanism 4 is configured such that during the detection process, the transfer member 42 gradually moves away from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41 / housing 1. When the detection is completed, the transfer member 42 disengages from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41, which means that the transmission of driving force between the stirring member 22 and the detection mechanism 4 is interrupted, the detection mechanism 4 stops working, but the stirring member 22 will continue to rotate.

[0053] (The driving force transmission of the testing agency is interrupted)

[0054] In the known prior art, there are various structures (hereinafter referred to as "separation structures") in which the transfer member 42 and the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41 rotate together and then separate. For example, an elastic member is provided between the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41 / shell 1 and the transfer member 42. This elastic member can push the transfer member 42 towards the original direction of the shell 1. After the detection mechanism 4 completes the detection, the elastic member forces the transfer member 42 to disengage from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41. Alternatively, an elastic member can be provided between the transfer member 42 and the second end cap 12, allowing the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41 to rotate together and then separate from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41. The intermediate component 41 / housing 1 is provided with a receiving portion that can accommodate the transfer component 42. The elastic element forces the transfer component 42 to be pushed towards the housing 1. When the detection mechanism 4 completes the detection, the transfer component 42 is forced to be pushed to the receiving portion. Alternatively, an elastic element is provided between the transfer component 42 and the second end cap 12. The stirring shaft 221 / intermediate component 41 / housing 1 is provided with a notch or protrusion. The transfer component 42 is provided with a protrusion or notch that can cooperate with the notch or protrusion. When the detection mechanism 4 completes the detection, the transfer component 42 forces the protrusion into the notch and disconnects the driving force transmission of the detection mechanism 4.

[0055] The existing technologies described above generally suffer from a large number of components and complex structures. The present invention provides a simple separation structure as described below.

[0056] The transfer member 42 also includes a first engaging portion 423 and a second engaging portion 424 arranged radially opposite to each other in the third connecting portion. The second end cap 12 is also provided with a protrusion 123 on the side (inner side) facing the housing. The outer surface of the protrusion 123 is provided with threads. The first engaging portion 423 and the second engaging portion 424 are engaged in the grooves of the threads. As the stirring shaft 221 rotates, the first engaging portion 423 and the second engaging portion 423 move in the grooves of the threads along the extension direction of the threads, thereby realizing the separation of the transfer member 42 from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41.

[0057] In practice, the grooves of the thread extend away from the housing 1. Along the first direction, the positions of the first engaging part 423 and the second engaging part 423 in the groove are at different distances from the housing 1. To keep the rotation axis of the transmission member 42 coincident with the second axis L2, such as Figure 3B andFigure 3C As shown, along the second axis L2 / first direction, the part of one engaging portion that engages with the thread is further away from the housing 1 than the part of the other engaging portion that engages with the thread. Specifically, the part of the first engaging portion 423 that engages with the thread groove (upper engaging portion 4231) is further away from the housing 1 than the part of the second engaging portion 424 that engages with the thread groove (lower engaging portion 4241).

[0058] In some embodiments, the protrusion 123 may also be provided with an internal thread, and the transmission member 42 still achieves the purpose of gradually moving away from the housing 1 by engaging with the first engaging part 423 and the second engaging part 424 with the internal thread; in some embodiments, the protrusion 123 provided with an internal thread or an external thread may also be interchanged with the transmission member 42 so that the transmission member 42 gradually moves away from or closer to the housing 1, thereby achieving the separation of the transmission member 42 from the stirring member shaft 221 / intermediate member 41.

[0059] The separation mechanism described above does not require the installation of an elastic element. Through the engagement of the locking part and the threaded engagement, as the transmission part 42 rotates, the position of the locking part and the threaded engagement also changes. In this way, the transmission part 42 can move closer to or away from the housing 1 according to the extension direction of the thread, and ultimately achieve the purpose of separating the transmission part 42 from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate part 41.

[0060] (Testing process)

[0061] Before the detection mechanism 4 starts working, along the first direction, the transmission part 422 is closer to or further away from the housing 1 than the force receiving part 431, that is, the transmission part 422 and the force receiving part 431 are arranged in a staggered manner, or in other words, the transmission part 422 and the force receiving part 431 are not opposite each other in the second / third direction. When the detection mechanism 4 is configured such that after the detection is completed, the transmission part 42 is separated from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate part 41 by moving away from the housing 1, before the detection mechanism 4 starts working, along the first direction, the transmission part 422 is closer to the housing 1 than the force receiving part 431.

[0062] When the driving force receiving unit 3 starts to rotate, the driving force is transmitted to the transmission unit 42 through the stirring shaft 221. The transmission unit 422 starts to rotate with the transmission unit 42. As the transmission unit 42 gradually rotates away from the housing 1, the transmission unit 422 presses the force receiving unit 431. The actuating unit 43 rotates around the third rotation axis L3 in the direction indicated by r. The power transmission unit 433 disengages from the conductive support 14. The actuating unit 432 actuates the lever in the imaging device. When the transmission unit 422 no longer presses the force receiving unit 431, the actuating unit 43 rotates around the third rotation axis L3 in the opposite direction indicated by r. The power transmission unit 433 abuts against the conductive support 14 again. At the same time, the transmission unit 43 separates from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate unit 41. The detection mechanism 4 will no longer receive driving force and will remain stationary.

[0063] Preferably, the actuating member 43 is configured such that, with the third rotation axis L3 as the boundary, the actuating member 43 has a distal end 43a away from the housing 1 and a proximal end 43b close to the housing 1, and the actuating part 432 is located in the distal end 43a. The mass of the distal end 43a is greater than the mass of the proximal end 43b. That is, the actuating member 43 is configured as a lever tilted relative to the third direction. In this case, the actuating member 43 can use its own weight to keep the power transmission part 433 in contact with the conductive support 14, without the need to install elastic members or other auxiliary members. Thus, the structure of the detection mechanism 4 is simplified.

[0064] Furthermore, the timing of the pressure receiving part 431 of the transmission part 422 can be adjusted according to the detection requirements of the imaging device. For example, when the third gear 33 is set to directly mesh with the first gear 31, the rotation speed of the stirring shaft 221 may be faster, which in turn causes the rotation speed of the transmission part 42 to increase, and the timing of the pressure receiving part 431 of the transmission part 422 may be advanced. Therefore, the engagement part of the transmission part 42 and the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate part 41 can be set closer to the housing 1, or in other words, further away from the force transmission part 431. At this time, a delay component will be formed between the transmission part 42 and the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate part 41. Even if the rotational speed of the stirring shaft 221 is increased, the delay component can still make the timing of the pressure receiving part 431 of the transmission part 422 accurate; conversely, when the timing of the pressure receiving part 431 of the transmission part 422 may be delayed, the joint between the transmission part 42 and the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate part 41 can be set further away from the housing 1, or closer to the force transmission part 431. At this time, an acceleration component will be formed between the transmission part 42 and the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate part 41. Even if the rotational speed of the stirring shaft 221 is slowed down, the timing of the pressure receiving part 431 of the transmission part 422 can still be made accurate along the acceleration component.

[0065] [Example 2]

[0066] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the detection mechanism and the developing cartridge housing after separation according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a side view of the detection component in the detection mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, viewed along the first direction; Figures 8-10 This is a schematic diagram of the testing process of the testing institution involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the process of observing the transmission part and the first force receiving part from the beginning of contact to the separation of contact in the detection mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention during the detection process. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of observing the transmission part and the second force receiving part from the initial contact to the separation of contact during the detection process of the detection mechanism involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, along the first direction.

[0067] In this embodiment, the actuating member 43 is configured to interact with the lever twice, therefore, the transmission part 422 needs to press the force receiving part 431 twice. As shown in the figure, the structure of the transmission member 42 remains unchanged, and the actuating member 43 is provided with two force receiving parts, referred to as the first force receiving part 431 and the second force receiving part 435, respectively. Along the first direction, the two force receiving parts are arranged at intervals, forming a gap 436 between them. That is, in the first direction, one of the two force receiving parts is closer to the rotation axis 434. In this embodiment, the second force receiving part 435 is closer to the rotation axis 434 as an example.

[0068] When the transmission member 42 moves away from the housing 1 along the first direction, in order to ensure the correct interaction between the actuating part 432 and the lever, the first force receiving part 431 is set higher than the second force receiving part 435 along the third direction. That is, in the direction from the first cover 1a to the second cover 1b, the first force receiving part 431 is higher than the second force receiving part 435. It should be noted that the terms "high" and "low" here refer to the position where the force receiving part contacts the transmission part.

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown, when the transmitting member 42 begins to contact the first force receiving part 431, the distance between the first connecting part 411 and the third connecting part 421 along the first direction is d1. As the transmitting part 422 presses against the first force receiving part 431, the actuating member 43 rotates around the rotation axis L3 along... Figure 3A When the lever is rotated in the direction indicated by r, the actuating part 432 is lifted upward to touch the lever. When the transmitting part 422 is disengaged from the first force receiving part 431, the actuating member 43 rotates around the rotation axis L3 in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by r. The actuating part 432 is disengaged from the lever. This process is the first interaction between the actuating member 43 and the lever.

[0070] like Figure 9As shown, as the transmission member 42 continues to move away from the housing 1 along the first direction, when the transmission part 422 rotates again to be close to the actuating member 43, the transmission part 422 is opposite to the spacer part 436. Along the first direction, the distance between the first connecting part 411 and the third connecting part 421 is d2, d2>d1. Therefore, the actuating member 43 cannot be actuated by the transmission part 422 and remains stationary. That is, the transmission member 42 rotates once, and the transmission member 42 continues to rotate around the second rotation axis L2 and moves away from the housing 1.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, when the transmitting member 42 rotates again to be close to the actuating member 43, along the first direction, the distance between the first connecting part 411 and the third connecting part 421 is d3, d3 > d2. The transmitting part 422 presses against the second force receiving part 435, and the actuating member 43 rotates again around the rotation axis L3 along... Figure 3A When the lever is rotated in the direction indicated by r, the actuating part 432 is lifted upward to touch the lever. When the transmitting part 422 is disengaged from the second force receiving part 435, the actuating member 43 rotates in the opposite direction of the direction indicated by r around the rotation axis L3, and the actuating part 432 is disengaged from the lever. This process is the second interaction between the actuating member 43 and the lever.

[0072] Subsequently, the transfer member 42 continues to rotate around the rotation axis L2 and continues to move away from the housing 1 until the transfer member 42 disengages from the stirring shaft 221 / intermediate member 41. At this point, the detection mechanism 4 completes the detection and remains stationary, no longer receiving driving force. As described above, in the first direction, the second force receiving part 435 is positioned closer to the rotation axis L3 than the first force receiving part 431. Meanwhile, in the third direction, the second force receiving part 435 is lower than the first force receiving part 431. Thus, the moment when the transfer member 422 begins to contact the second force receiving part 435 will be delayed, and the delayed detection function of the detection mechanism 4 is realized.

[0073] like Figure 11 As shown, the initial contact position between the transmission unit 422 and the first force receiving unit 431 is (point) M, and the point at which the transmission unit 422 disengages from the first force receiving unit 431 is (point) N. Therefore, during the contact period between the transmission unit 422 and the first force receiving unit 431, the angle of rotation of the transmission unit 422 is α; Figure 12As shown, the position where the transmission part 422 and the second force receiving part 435 first come into contact is (point) P, and the position where the transmission part 422 and the second force receiving part 435 separate from contact is (point) Q. Therefore, during the contact period between the transmission part 422 and the second force receiving part 435, the transmission part 422 rotates by an angle β, where α > β. Along the rotation direction s of the transmission member 42, point P is located downstream of point M. However, since the second force receiving part 435 is closer to the rotation axis L3 than the first force receiving part 431, according to the lever principle, the height to which the actuating part 432 is lifted can still remain consistent.

[0074] Therefore, the scheme can also have the following variations:

[0075] Change 1: During the detection of the detection mechanism 4, if the time interval between the two movements of the lever is longer than the time interval between the two interactions between the lever and the actuating member 43, the size of the interval 436 in the first direction can be set to be larger. For example, the second force receiving part 435 can be moved further away from the housing 1, or the second force receiving part 435 can be moved further closer to the rotating shaft 434, so that the transmission part 422 contacts the second force receiving part 435 only after idling for two or more times.

[0076] Conversely, when the time interval between two oscillations of the lever is shorter than the time interval between the two interactions between the lever and the actuating member 43, the size of the interval 436 in the first direction can be set smaller. At the same time, another transmission part is provided on the transmission member 42. After the first transmission part 422 presses the first force receiving part 431, the transmission member 42 continues to rotate less than one revolution, and the other transmission part 422 presses the second force receiving part 435.

[0077] Change two: When the lever needs to be actuated by the actuating part 432 for a longer or shorter time, this can be achieved by adjusting the contact time between the transmitting part 422 and the force receiving part. For example, along the second direction, the force receiving part can be positioned closer to the transmitting member 42, thus extending the contact time between the transmitting part 422 and the force receiving part. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The angle α / β in the middle will become larger; or, by extending the transmission part 422 further in the radial direction of the transmission member 42, the purpose of extending the contact time between the transmission part 422 and the force receiving part can also be achieved.

[0078] The third change is that the number of actuating parts 422 can be set to multiple according to the number of times the actuating element 43 needs to actuate the lever. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the third variation of the detection mechanism involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0079] like Figure 13As shown, along the first direction, the transmission member 42 is provided with a first transmission part 422 and a second transmission part 425, and the two transmission parts are spaced apart to form a gap 426. As the transmission member 42 moves away from the housing 1 along the second rotation axis L2, the first transmission part 422 begins to abut against the force receiving part 431, and the actuating member 43 rotates around the rotation axis L3, completing the first interaction between the actuating member 43 and the lever. Subsequently, the transmission member 42 continues to rotate around the rotation axis L2 and moves away from the housing 1, the force receiving part 431 enters the gap 426 between the two transmission parts, the transmission member 43 remains stationary, and the transmission member 42 rotates one revolution. When the transmission member 42 continues to rotate until the second transmission part 425 abuts against the force receiving part 431, the actuating member 43 rotates around the rotation axis L3 again, completing the second interaction between the actuating member 43 and the lever. Finally, the transmission member 42 continues to move away from the housing 1 until the transmission member 42 disengages from the stirring member shaft 221 / intermediate member 41.

[0080] Similar to the two changes mentioned above, the spacing between the first transmission part 422 and the second transmission part 425 in the first direction and their positions in the rotation direction of the transmission member 42 can be changed according to the detection requirements of the lever. Furthermore, the number of force receiving parts can also be changed accordingly. For example, the actuating member 43 is provided with multiple force receiving parts spaced apart in the first direction, while the transmission member 42 is provided with multiple actuating parts spaced apart in its circumferential direction. The multiple transmission parts can be distributed on the same circle or on different circles in the circumferential direction of the transmission member 42. When the multiple transmission parts are distributed on different circles of the transmission member 42, the multiple transmission parts will form a staggered arrangement along the first direction.

[0081] As described above, the detection mechanism 4 transmits force between the transmission member 42 and the actuating member 43 through the transmission part 422 and the force receiving part 431. The number of at least one of the transmission part 422 and the force receiving part 431 is set to be a plurality of them spaced apart in a first direction. A spacer 435 / 426 is formed between the plurality of transmission parts 422 or the plurality of force receiving parts 431 in the first direction. When the transmission member 42 rotates to the point where the spacer 435 / 426 is opposite to the transmission part 422 or the force receiving part 431, the actuating member 43 does not receive the force and remains stationary.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the force transmission from the transmission member 42 to the actuating member 43 is achieved by the transmission part pressing the force receiving part, that is, the transmission part contacts the force receiving part from above. However, it is also possible to configure the transmission part to contact the force receiving part from below. In this case, the force transmission from the transmission member 42 to the actuating member 43 is achieved by the transmission part lifting the force receiving part. Therefore, based on the inventive concept of the present invention, the force transmission method between the transmission member 42 and the actuating member 43 can be any one of the above-mentioned pressing method or lifting method. Specifically, the force transmission between the transmission member 42 and the actuating member 43 is achieved by the transmission part 422 and the force receiving part 431 / 435 contacting each other.

[0083] Compared with existing testing mechanisms, the testing mechanism 4 has a simpler structure, making it easier to manufacture and allowing for rapid assembly of the developing cartridge.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge detachably installed in an image forming apparatus provided with a lever and a driving force output member, the developing cartridge comprising a housing, a rotating member rotatably installed in the housing, and a driving force receiving member and a detection mechanism located at an end of the housing, the driving force receiving member is configured to receive a driving force from the driving force output member and drive the rotating member to rotate about a rotating axis extending in a first direction, and the detection mechanism comprises a transmission member configured to receive the driving force from the driving force receiving member and provided with a transmission portion, and a lever provided with a force receiving portion and a lever portion, the lever rotates about another rotating axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction when the transmission portion abuts against the force receiving portion, and the lever portion pushes the lever, and a number of the transmission portions or the force receiving portions is configured to be a plurality of portions spaced apart in the first direction, a space is formed between the plurality of transmission portions or the plurality of force receiving portions in the first direction, and the lever remains stationary when the transmission member rotates to a position where the space is opposite to the transmission portion or the force receiving portion, and the transmission member rotates about the rotating axis extending in the first direction during a detection process of the detection mechanism, and the transmission member gradually moves away from or approaches the housing during the detection process. The developing cartridge further comprises an end cover provided on the same side as the detection mechanism, the end cover protrudes a protruding portion from a side of the housing facing the housing, the protruding portion has an internal thread or an external thread, and the transmission member is provided with an engaging portion for engaging with the internal thread or the external thread. In the first direction, the driving force receiving member and the detection mechanism are located at two ends of the housing respectively, the rotating member is a stirring member for stirring a developer accommodated in the housing, and the transmission member is driven by the stirring member. The developing cartridge further comprises a first gear and a third gear provided on the same side as the driving force receiving member, the first gear is connected with the driving force receiving member and coaxially arranged, the third gear is located at one end of the stirring member, and the first gear and the third gear are engaged. The rotating member is a developing member for carrying the developer accommodated in the housing, the developing cartridge further comprises a conductive support electrically connected with the developing member, and the lever is further provided with an electric power transmission portion for abutting against the conductive support, and the electric connection between the electric power transmission portion and the conductive support is disconnected when the transmission portion abuts against the force receiving portion.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The lever has a distal end portion away from the housing and a proximal end portion close to the housing with the rotating axis of the lever as a boundary, the lever portion is located in the distal end portion, and the mass of the distal end portion is greater than that of the proximal end portion.

3. The process cartridge of claim 2 wherein, The transmission member is provided with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion oppositely arranged in a radial direction of the transmission member, and in the first direction, a position of the first engaging portion for engaging with the threaded groove is farther away from the housing than a position of the second engaging portion for engaging with the threaded groove.

4. The process cartridge of claim 1, wherein, When the force receiving portion is configured to be a plurality of portions spaced apart in the first direction, in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, the force receiving portion close to the housing is higher than the force receiving portion away from the housing.

5. The process cartridge of claim 1, wherein, ​ 6. The process cartridge of claim 1, wherein, ​ 7. The process cartridge of claim 1, wherein, ​

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