Developing cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a developing cartridge suitable for an image forming apparatus provided with a detection component, the developing cartridge is provided with a driving force receiving member and a counting component, the driving force receiving member receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus and transmits to the counting component, the counting component is provided with a counting member for interacting with the detection component, the counting component further comprises a time delay device for prolonging the counting duration of the counting member, the developing cartridge further comprises a re-start device; the time delay device is used for temporarily cutting off the driving force received by the counting member, the re-start device is used for re-starting the driving force received by the counting member after the time delay of the time delay device, the structure of the component in the counting member for contacting the detection component can not be changed to achieve the purpose of prolonging the counting duration of the counting component, and the structure of the counting component is simplified.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to the prior art of the applicant, Chinese application filed on November 19, 2021, entitled "Developer Box", application number CN202122860826.3, all contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging, and more particularly to a developing cartridge that can be detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device. Background Technology

[0003] A developing cartridge is a consumable product used in imaging devices such as laser printers or copiers. It stores toner required for imaging. During operation, a power receiver in the developing cartridge receives driving force from the imaging device. Both the toner feeder and the developing element installed in the developing cartridge rotate in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined speed. The toner feeder supplies toner to the surface of the developing element, and the developing element supplies toner to the surface of a photosensitive element on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image.

[0004] To enable imaging equipment to accurately monitor the usage status of the developing cartridge, existing developing cartridges are equipped with a component called a "counting component". When the developing cartridge is first installed in the imaging equipment and begins to work, the counting component touches with the detection component in the imaging equipment. Through parameters such as the contact duration, contact interval, and number of contact between the counting component and the detection component, information such as the lifespan and model of the developing cartridge is obtained by the imaging equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Today, end-users have increasingly diverse needs, which requires more and more model information for developing cartridges. For developing cartridges that require a longer counting time, it is common practice to extend the part of the counting element that touches the detection element along the circumference of the counting element. At the same time, the structure of the counting element, especially the structure of the part that touches the detection element, will become more complex.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides another method for extending the counting time of the counting component in the developing cartridge, wherein the structure of the component for contacting the detection component remains unchanged, specifically...

[0007] A developing cartridge is suitable for imaging devices equipped with a detection component. The developing cartridge includes a driving force receiver and a counting assembly. The driving force receiver receives driving force from the imaging device and transmits it to the counting assembly. The counting assembly includes a counter for interacting with the detection component and further includes a delay device to extend the counting time of the counter. The developing cartridge also includes a restart device. The delay device temporarily cuts off the driving force received by the counter, and the restart device restarts the counter to receive driving force again after the delay. In this developing cartridge, after the counter has counted for a predetermined time, the delay device temporarily cuts off the driving force source of the counter, keeping the counter in the counting state before the driving force was cut off until the restart device restarts the counter to continue counting. The predetermined counting time can be the time it takes for the developing cartridge to start counting simultaneously with its installation in the imaging device, before it receives driving force from the imaging device, or the time it takes for the counter to rotate a certain angle after receiving driving force in the imaging device.

[0008] The counting assembly also includes a rotating body that drives the counting element to rotate, and a delay device is disposed on the rotating body; the developing cartridge also includes a driving element opposite to the counting assembly, and a restart device is disposed on the driving element.

[0009] Preferably, the counting area and the non-counting area are arranged adjacent to each other on the circumference of the rotating body. When the counting component is in the counting state, the driving component is opposite to the counting area. When the counting component finishes counting, the driving component is opposite to the non-counting area. The delay device is located in the counting area. The rotating body is also provided with a driving part. Along the rotation direction of the rotating body, the driving part is arranged adjacent to the delay device. When the delay device is opposite to the driving component, the counting component stops rotating. Under the action of the restart device, the driving component is opposite to the driving part.

[0010] In some embodiments, one drive unit and one delay device are provided, with the drive unit initially facing the delay device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of driving units is one more than the number of delay devices. Along the rotation direction of the rotating body, each delay device is located between two adjacent driving units. The driving unit is initially opposite one of the driving units, which is not the last driving unit in the rotation direction of the rotating body. At this time, the number of restarting devices is the same as the number of delay devices.

[0012] In some embodiments, the shape of the non-counting region on the circumferential surface of the rotating body is the same as the shape of the delay device.

[0013] Preferably, along the rotation direction of the rotating body, the counting area and the non-counting area are arranged adjacent to each other on the circumference of the rotating body. When the counting component is in the counting state, the driving component is opposite to the counting area. When the counting component finishes counting, the rotation center of the driving component and the rotation center of the rotating body move away from each other; or, the counting component is no longer driven by the rotating body and remains stationary. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge involved in this invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of some components of the driving end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of some components of the conductive end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, taken along a plane parallel to its front and rear directions.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an overall side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when viewed from below.

[0019] Figure 6A This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below when viewed from above, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which is parallel to its front-back direction and passes through the driving force receiving member and the driving gear.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an overall side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with the top cover hidden and viewed from top to bottom.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of some components of the driving end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9A This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below when viewed from above, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9B This is a side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention when viewed from left to right.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention when viewed from left to right.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below when viewed from above, according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the driver end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention after the driver end cover is hidden.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention when viewed from left to right along its left-right direction.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from above when viewed from below, according to Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below when viewed from above, according to Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 16A and Figure 16B This is a perspective view of the counting part in the counting component according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 17A This is a top view of the counting component of the counting assembly according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, viewed along its rotation axis.

[0033] Figure 17B This is a bottom view of the counting part of the counting component according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, when viewed along its rotation axis.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the stirring gear involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0035] Figures 19A-19F This is a schematic diagram of the counting process in the counting component of the counting assembly involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the counting part in the counting component according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the counting part in the counting component according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 22 This is a top view of the counting component and the driving component according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] [Overall structure of the developing chamber]

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge of the present invention. The developing cartridge C has a front-back direction, a left-right direction, and a top-bottom direction as shown in the figure. It can be installed into the imaging device in the front direction 101 and removed in the rear direction 102. The end used to receive driving force from the imaging device is called the driving end 103, corresponding to the left side of the figure, and the end used to receive electricity from the imaging device is called the conductive end 104, corresponding to the right side of the figure.

[0042] The developing cartridge C includes a housing 1 for containing toner, a rotating component 2 rotatably mounted in the housing 1, a driving force receiving component 3 located at the drive end 103, a counting component 5 disposed on the same side as the driving force receiving component 3, and a gear set 4 for transmitting driving force between the driving force receiving component 3 and the counting component 5. The driving force receiving component 3 receives driving force from the imaging device and drives the rotating component 2 and the counting component 5 to operate. The rotating component 2 extends along the left-right / length / longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge and is rotatably supported by the housing 1. Specifically, the developing component 21 for supplying toner is a type of rotating component, and the powder feeding component 22 (e.g., [missing information]) contacts the developing component 21 and is used to deliver toner to the developing component 21. Figure 4 The agitator 23 (shown) is also a type of rotating component, used to stir the toner to prevent it from clumping, and also to convey the toner to the powder feeding component 22.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the developing element 21 is positioned near the front of the developing cartridge C. Along the front-back direction, the driving force receiving element 3 is located behind the developing element 21, and the counting component 5 is located behind the driving force receiving element 3. Therefore, the driving force receiving element 3 is closer to the developing element 21 than the counting component 5. In comparison, during the operation of the developing cartridge C, the resistance experienced by the developing element 21 during rotation is much greater than the resistance experienced by the counting component 5 during rotation. At this time, the driving force receiving element 3 is positioned closer to the developing element 21, which can ensure that the transmission of driving force between the driving force receiving element 3 and the developing element 21 is more efficient.

[0044] Continue as Figure 1 As shown, the developing cartridge C also includes a drive end cover 11 installed on the drive end 103. The drive force receiving element 3 and the counting component 5 are both exposed through the drive end cover 11. Therefore, when the drive force is transmitted to the counting component 5, the counting element 51 in the counting component 5 can interact with the detection component in the imaging device.

[0045] [Example 1]

[0046] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of some components of the driving end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of some components of the conductive end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, taken along a plane parallel to its front-back direction. Figure 5 This is an overall side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when viewed from below.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 1 includes a bottom shell 1a and a top cover 1b that are joined together. The toner chamber 10 is located between the bottom shell 1a and the top cover 1b. The bottom shell 1a has a left side wall 1a1 located at the drive end 103 and a right side wall 1a2 located at the conductive end 104. The toner chamber 10 is located between the left side wall 1a1 and the right side wall 1a2. The developing element 21, the powder feeding element 22, and the stirring element 23 are supported by the left side wall 1a1 and the right side wall 1a2, respectively. The powder filling port 13 is provided on the left side wall 1a1 or the right side wall 1a2. When the toner in the toner chamber 10 is consumed, the user can replenish new toner in the toner chamber 10 through the powder filling port 13.

[0048] The gear set 4 includes a first gear 41 coupled with the driving force receiver 3, a second gear 42 and a third gear 43 located at the ends of the developing element 21 and the powder feeding element 22 respectively, and a fourth gear 44 coupled with the counting component 5. Therefore, the second gear 42 can be called the developing element gear, and the third gear 43 can be called the powder feeding element gear. The first gear 41 meshes with the second gear 42 and the third gear 43 simultaneously. In the front-back direction, the first gear 41 and the fourth gear 44 are spaced apart from each other, and the driving force is transmitted between them through an intermediate transmission component. The first gear 41 and the driving force receiver 3 can be integrally formed or separately formed, as long as the driving force of the driving force receiver 3 can be stably transmitted to the first gear 41. Preferably, the first gear 41 and the driving force receiver 3 are coaxially arranged.

[0049] In this embodiment, the rotation axis L23 of the stirring element 23 is parallel to the rotation axis of the developing element 21. The fourth gear 44 is coaxially arranged with the stirring element 23 and can be referred to as the stirring element gear. The driving force received by the driving force receiving element 3 is first transmitted from the driving end 103 to the conductive end 104, and then transmitted back from the conductive end 104 to the driving end 103. Figure 3As shown, at least one of the developing element 21 and the powder feeding element 22 can be used to transmit driving force from the driving end 103 to the conductive end 104. Correspondingly, the gear set 4 also includes a fifth gear 45 disposed on the conductive end 104 and a seventh gear 47 coaxially disposed with the stirring element 23. The connection method between the fifth gear 45 and the seventh gear 47 can be adjusted according to the rotation direction requirements of the counting component 5, the size requirements of the developing cartridge, etc. For example, the two can be directly meshed to achieve connection, or they can be connected through one or more sixth gears 46. In this embodiment, the seventh gear 47 located on the conductive end 104 can be regarded as the driving force input gear of the stirring element 23, and the fourth gear 44 located on the driving end 103 can be regarded as the driving force output gear. For the counting component 5, the fourth gear 44 can be regarded as the driving gear.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing cartridge C also includes a conductive end cap 12 installed on the conductive end 104. The fifth gear 45, the sixth gear 46 and the seventh gear 47 are all located between the right side wall 1a2 of the bottom shell and the conductive end cap and are protected. Therefore, the driving force received by the driving force receiving member 3 is first transmitted to the conductive end 104 through the developing member 21 and / or the powder feeding member 22, and then transmitted to the stirring member 23 through the fifth gear 45, the sixth gear 46 and the seventh gear 47. Finally, it is transmitted by the stirring member 23 to the fourth gear 44, and then the fourth gear 441 drives the counting component 5 to work.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the developing cartridge C also includes a first pushing part 14a and a second pushing part 14b disposed on the left and right sides. When the developing cartridge is installed, the first pushing part 14a and the second pushing part 14b receive a pushing force, thereby forcing the developing cartridge C to remain in a predetermined position where the developing element 21 contacts the photosensitive element (not shown). Optionally, the first pushing part 14a and the second pushing part 14b can be disposed on the end caps on the left and right sides, or they can be formed by protruding from the left and right sides of the housing 1. Along the left and right direction, the first pushing part 14a and the second pushing part 14b are substantially aligned (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown by the dashed line, along the width direction / front-back direction / lateral direction of the developing cartridge C, the first pushing part 14a and the second pushing part 14b are closer to the front 104 / developing element 21, and the pushing force can be more effectively transmitted to the developing element 21.

[0052] Figure 6A This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below and above according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which is parallel to its front-back direction and passes through the driving force receiving member and the driving gear.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first pushing part 14a is integrally formed with the driving end cover 11, therefore, in Figure 6A In the middle, the first pushing part 14a is hidden together with the drive end cover 11. The counting assembly 5 includes a counting element 51 and a driven body 52 that are connected to each other, as well as a pushing element 57 for pushing the driven body 52. ​​The drive gear 44 is connected to the driven body 52. ​​The driving force is transmitted to the counting element 51 through the drive gear 44 and the driven body 52 in sequence. The counting element 51 interacts with the detection component in the imaging device during rotation. Under the action of the pushing element 57, the driven body 52 and the drive gear 44 maintain a good connection. Furthermore, the counting assembly 5 also includes a support body 53 that is connected to the driven body 52. ​​Along the left and right direction, the support body 53 and the counting element 51 are located on both sides of the driven body 52. ​​The support body 53, the driven body 52 and the counting element 51 can be collectively referred to as the counting part of the counting assembly 5, and the pushing element 57 can be referred to as the pushing part of the counting assembly 5. The counting part can be formed integrally or separately, which is not limited here. In this embodiment, the counting part is installed by point support, as shown in the figure. Multiple positioning protrusions 17 are formed on the left side wall 1a1. The multiple positioning protrusions 17 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the counting part / driven body 52. ​​The inner or outer circumferential surface of the support body 53 contacts the positioning protrusions 17 to realize the positioning of the counting part in the housing 1. Compared with the existing shaft hole mating method, the circumferential area of ​​the support body 53 is larger, which makes the rotation more stable.

[0054] Continue as Figure 2 As shown, the end cap 11 has an end cap body 110 and a first through hole 111, a second through hole 112 and an extension plate 113 provided on the end cap body. The driving force receiving member 3 is exposed through the first through hole 111, and at least the counting member 51 in the counting assembly 5 is exposed through the second through hole 112. Furthermore, the side of the extension plate 113 facing the housing 1 is also provided with a plurality of auxiliary protrusions 114. When the end cap 11 is installed, the auxiliary protrusions 114 are combined with the counting member 51. At this time, both the left and right sides of the counting part are positioned, thus ensuring the stability of the counting part during the counting process.

[0055] As described above, the drive gear 44 is coaxial with the stirring member 23 and is driven by the stirring member 23 to transmit the driving force to the counting component 5. That is, the drive gear 44 only needs to receive the driving force of the stirring member 23 and transmit the driving force to the counting component 5. For the counting component 5, the drive gear 44 can be regarded as the driving member of the counting component. Therefore, in the left and right direction, the distance between the drive gear 44 and the support of the left side wall 1a1 and the distance between the counting component 5 and the left side wall 1a1 can be shortened to the maximum extent. The left and right dimensions of the developing cartridge C and the corresponding positions of the drive gear 44 and the counting component 5 can be reduced. Even if the distance between the counting component 5 and the left side wall 1a1 cannot be changed due to the position of the detection component in the imaging device, the driven body 52 can be set close to the left side wall 1a1. Specifically, the left side surface 52a of the driven body 52 is close to the left side wall 1a1, which can also achieve the purpose of reducing the size of the developing cartridge C.

[0056] For existing developing cartridges, at least one intermediate gear is also provided between the first gear 41 and the drive gear 44, such as... Figure 6A As shown, along the left-right direction, the distance between the first gear 41 and the left side wall 1a1 is greater than the distance between the driven body 52 and the left side wall 1a1. Obviously, in order for the driving force to be transmitted from the first gear 41 to the driven body 52, the intermediate gear must be set to have at least two stages. Correspondingly, the driving gear 44 also needs to be set to have two stages. At this time, the size of the developing cartridge in the left-right direction, especially the positions corresponding to the intermediate gear and the driving gear 44, cannot be reduced.

[0057] like Figure 6BAs shown, when cut along a plane parallel to the front-back direction and passing through both the driving force receiver and the driving gear, a portion of the first pushing part 14a will be retained. The rotation center of the driving force receiver 3 / first gear 41 is M, and the rotation center of the stirring member 23 / driving gear 44 is N. Along the line MN connecting the two rotation centers, the maximum distance between the first gear 41 and the driving gear 44 is S3, the minimum distance is S2, and the distance between the two rotation centers is S1. The first pushing part 14a is at least located within the area defined by the maximum distance S3. Furthermore, the first pushing part 14a is located within the area defined by the distance S1 between the two rotation centers, and a portion of the first pushing part 14a is opposite to the area defined by the minimum distance S2. Within the area defined by the minimum distance S2, since no other components are provided, this area forms a void, which is beneficial for the first pushing part 14a to adjust its position and shape according to needs within this void. For example, when two models of developing cartridges differ only slightly in the position of the first pushing part 14a, the production mold of the developing cartridge can be simplified, thereby reducing production and management costs; or, when a certain model of developing cartridge requires a larger pushing force, a reinforcing part that can strengthen the first pushing part 14a can be provided in the empty area.

[0058] On the other hand, the drive gear 44 only needs to be set at one level and is set close to the left side wall 1a1. The diameter of the drive gear 44 and its size in the left and right directions are reduced. In this embodiment, the first pushing part 14a is set on the drive end cover 11. Along the left and right directions, the overlapping area between the first pushing part 14a and the drive gear 44 can be reduced, or even no overlapping area appears. During the assembly of the developing cartridge C, the interference between the drive end cover 11 and the drive gear 44 can be reduced or eliminated. In the following embodiment, when the first pushing part 14a protrudes from the left side wall 1a1, there will be no interference between the reduced diameter drive gear 44 and the first pushing part 14a. That is to say, on the plane perpendicular to the left and right directions, the first pushing part 14a and the drive gear 44 do not overlap.

[0059] In actual operation, after counting is completed, the counting component 5 needs to disengage from the drive gear 44 and remain stationary. The driven body 52 is configured to have a toothed portion 522 (e.g., Figure 8 As shown) and the "half-tooth gear" of tooth 521 is the first method. During the counting process, tooth 521 is opposite to drive gear 44. When the counting is completed, toothed part 522 is opposite to drive gear 44; the driven body 52 is set as a full-tooth gear (as shown). Figure 6BAs shown), the second method is to set the counting element 51 and the driven body 52 to be detachably coupled. During counting, the counting element 51 can receive the driving force of the driven body 52. ​​When counting is completed, the counting element 51 is disengaged from the driven body 52. ​​The third method is to set at least one of the driving gear 44 and the driven body 52 to be movable along a moving direction intersecting the left and right directions. During counting, the driving gear 44 and the driven body 52 are coupled to each other. When counting is completed, at least one of the driving gear 44 and the driven body 52 moves in the moving direction to disengage them.

[0060] The first method described above places high demands on the accuracy of the driven body 52. ​​The second method requires the counting component 51 and the driven body 52 to be set as separate parts, which not only complicates the assembly process but, more importantly, is detrimental to maintaining the working stability of the counting component 5. When using the third method, preferably, the driving gear 44 is configured to move in the moving direction; more preferably, the moving direction is orthogonal to the left-right direction. Simultaneously, since the driving gear 44 is also separated from the first pushing part 14a, as... Figure 6B As shown, an interval S4 is formed between the drive gear 44 and the first pushing part 14a, so the drive gear 44 has a larger space to move, and the device that allows the drive gear 44 to move will have greater design freedom.

[0061] It should be noted that the absence of other components in the aforementioned empty and spaced areas means that no functional components, such as protrusions or grooves for supporting a component, are provided. However, protrusions or grooves provided due to the needs of the product's mold are permitted.

[0062] [Example 2]

[0063] Figure 7 This is an overall side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with the top cover hidden and viewed from top to bottom.

[0064] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that when the driving force is transmitted from the conductive end 104 to the driving end 103, the stirring element 23 is no longer used. Instead, a transmission shaft 24 parallel to the stirring element 23 is used, and the rotation axis L24 of the transmission shaft 24 is also parallel to the rotation axis of the developing element 21. Preferably, in the front-rear direction, the transmission shaft 24 is closer to the front 101 than the stirring element 23. The driving gear 44 is coaxially arranged with the transmission shaft 24, but there is still a gap between the driving gear 44 and the first gear 41.

[0065] like Figure 7As shown, the drive gear 44 is separated from the driven body 52 in the counting assembly, and the drive gear 44 is configured to move in the moving direction. Before the developing cartridge C is installed, the drive gear 44 is separated from the driven body 52. ​​In this way, during the transportation of the developing cartridge C, the drive gear 44 will not come into contact with either the first gear 41 or the driven body 52, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the drive gear 44, the first gear 41, and the driven body 52. ​​During the installation process of the developing cartridge C or when the developing cartridge C is installed in the predetermined position and starts working, the drive gear 44 returns to the position engaged with the driven body 52, so that the counting assembly 5 can receive the driving force required for counting. After counting is completed, the drive gear 44 returns to the position separated from the driven body 52 again.

[0066] Similarly, in this embodiment, the drive gear 44 only needs to be set at one stage, and an interval S4 will also be formed between it and the first pushing part 14a. The interval and the empty area provide space for the movement of the drive gear 44, and the device that enables the drive gear 44 to move will have greater design freedom.

[0067] Alternatively, depending on the stage at which the counting component 5 is in, the drive shaft 24 can be controlled to transmit driving force from the conductive end 104 to the driving end 103. When the counting component 5 needs to count, the drive shaft 24 can transmit driving force from the conductive end 104 to the driving end. When the counting component 5 finishes counting, the transmission process of the drive shaft 24 is cut off. The cutting off can be done at any position of the drive shaft 24, or between the drive shaft 24 and its left gear or between the drive shaft 24 and its right gear.

[0068] [Example 3]

[0069] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of some components of the driving end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 9A This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below when viewed from above, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 9B This is a side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention when viewed from left to right.

[0070] Unlike the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the driving force received by the driving force receiver 3 is not transmitted to the conductive end 104, but is transmitted to the counting component 5 at the driving end 103. Specifically, the belt 15 is used as a transmission component to connect with the driving force receiver 3 or the first gear 41 and the driving gear 44 respectively.

[0071] like Figure 8As shown, the driving force receiving member 3 or the first gear 41 is provided with a driving part that engages with the belt 15. The driving gear 44 includes a driven part 441 and a gear body 442 that engage with each other, wherein the driven part 441 is further away from the housing 1 than the gear body 442; as Figure 9A As shown, the first pushing part 14a protrudes from the housing 1 to the left. Along the left-right direction, the belt 15 is further away from the left side wall 1a1 than the first pushing part 14a. The installation and operation of the belt 15 are not restricted by the first pushing part 14a.

[0072] Along the front-to-back direction, the first pushing part 14a is located between the driving part and the driven part 441, specifically as follows: Figure 9B As shown, the active part is coaxially arranged with the driving force receiving member 3 / first gear 41, and the driven part 441 is coaxially arranged with the gear body 442. Therefore, the rotation center of the active part is M, and the rotation center of the driven part is N. Along the line MN connecting the two rotation centers, the maximum distance between the active part and the driving gear 44 is S3. As in Embodiment 1, the first pushing part 14a is at least located in the area defined by the maximum distance S3. Furthermore, the first pushing part 14a is located in the area defined by the distance S1 between the two rotation centers, and a part of the first pushing part 14a is opposite to the area defined by the minimum distance S2. The area defined by the minimum distance S2 forms a gap area. This gap area is conducive to the first pushing part 14a adjusting its position and shape according to needs within the gap area.

[0073] Furthermore, when viewed along the left-right direction, the first pushing part 14a does not overlap with the gear body 442 of the drive gear 44, forming a gap S4 between them. After counting is completed, the interruption of the driving force between the drive gear 44 and the counting component 5 can still be achieved by setting at least the gear body 442 of the drive gear 44 to be movable in the moving direction. Preferably, the drive gear 44 as a whole is set to be movable in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. Since the belt 15 is farther away from the housing 1 than the first pushing part 14a, the driven part 441 will not interfere with the first pushing part 14a when the drive gear 44 as a whole moves. Figure 9B As shown, in this embodiment, a toothed gear with teeth 521 and missing teeth 522 is used to interrupt the transmission of driving force between the drive gear 44 and the counting component 5.

[0074] [Example 4]

[0075] Figure 10 This is a side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention when viewed from left to right. Figure 11 This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below when viewed from above, according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0076] This embodiment is an alternative implementation of Embodiment 3. The difference is that in this embodiment, the active part and the third gear / powder feeding gear 43 are coaxially arranged, and a gap area still needs to be formed between the active part and the driven part 441. The driving force is transmitted between the two through the belt 15. The plane in which the movement direction of the belt 15 is located can be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the active part or at an angle to it, as long as the belt 15 can transmit the driving force from the active part to the driven part 441. From the perspective of saving effort and the stability of driving force transmission, it is preferable that the plane in which the movement direction of the belt 15 is located is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the active part.

[0077] like Figure 11 As shown, along the left-right direction, the belt 15 is further away from the left side wall 1a1 than the first pushing part 14a, so that the installation and operation of the belt 15 will not interfere with the first pushing part 14a; as Figure 10 As shown, the rotation center of the driving part is P, and the driven part 441 is still coaxially arranged with the drive gear 44, with its rotation center being N. Along the line PN connecting the two rotation centers, the maximum distance between the driving part and the driven part 441 is S3, the minimum distance is S2, and the distance between the two rotation centers is S1. The first pushing part 14a is located within the area defined by the maximum distance S3. Furthermore, the first pushing part 14a is located within the area defined by the distance S1. Even further, the first pushing part 14a is entirely located within the area defined by the minimum distance S2, that is, the first pushing part 14a is entirely located in the empty area. At the same time, when viewed along the left-right direction, the first pushing part 14a does not overlap with the gear body 442 of the drive gear 44 at least, forming a gap area S4 between them. Compared with the above embodiment, the drive gear 44 / gear body 441 in this embodiment has a larger movable space, and the design freedom of the first pushing part 14a is also higher.

[0078] [Example 5]

[0079] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the driver end of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention after the driver end cover is hidden. Figure 13 This is a side view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention when viewed from left to right along its left-right direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, the transmission of driving force between the driving force receiving member 3 / first gear 41 / third gear 43, which directly serves as the active part or is equipped with an active part, and the driving gear 44, which serves as the driven part, is replaced by a gear rod 16 instead of a belt. That is, in this embodiment, the transmission member is a gear rod 16. As shown in the figure, the gear rod 16 includes a rod body 163 and a first connecting part 161 and a second connecting part 162 located at both ends of the rod body 163. The first connecting part 161 is used to engage with the active part, and the second connecting part 162 is used to engage with the driving gear 44. The rod body 163 does not contact the first pushing part 14a. Similarly, the rotation axis of the gear rod 16 can be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the active part or at an angle to it, as long as the gear rod 16 can transmit the driving force from the active part to the driven part. Preferably, the rotation axis of the gear rod 16 / rod body 163 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the active part. In the following description, the engagement of the first connecting part 161 with the first gear 41 is taken as an example.

[0081] Preferably, both the first coupling portion 161 and the second coupling portion 162 are provided with multiple teeth along their rotational direction. The drive gear 44 includes a positioning portion 443 and a gear body 441 that are engaged with each other. The positioning portion 443 is used to position the drive gear 44 relative to the drive end cover 11. The gear body 441 is engaged with both the second coupling portion 162 and the counting component 5, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the distance between the rotation center M of the driving force receiving component 3 and the rotation center N of the gear body 441 is S1. Along the line connecting the two rotation centers MN, the minimum distance between the first gear 41 and the gear body 441 is S2, forming a gap area. The first pushing part 14a is entirely located in this gap area. At least the rod 161 of the gear body 16 is located in the gap area. Viewed from left to right, the first pushing part 14a is separated from the gear rod. Simultaneously, a gap area S4 is also formed between the first pushing part 14a and the gear body 441. Similar to Embodiment 4, the driving gear 44 / gear body 441 in this embodiment has a larger movable space, and the design freedom of the first pushing part 14a is also higher. Alternatively, the first connecting part 161 of the gear rod can also be connected to the powder feeding gear / third gear 43, the rotation axis of which is parallel to the rotation axis of the driving force receiving component.

[0082] [Example 6]

[0083] Figure 14 This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from above and below according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a side view of the driving end of the developing cartridge as viewed from below when viewed from above, according to Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0084] Unlike Embodiment 5, the driving gear 44 in this embodiment no longer has a positioning part 443. Therefore, the driving gear 44 in this embodiment is the gear body 441 in Embodiment 5, and the second engagement part 162 of the gear rod 16 engages with the driving gear 44. Similar to Embodiment 5, a gap area is still formed between the first gear 41 and the driving gear 44, and the first pushing part 14a is entirely located in the gap area. At the same time, a gap area S4 is also formed between the first pushing part 14a and the driving gear 44. Therefore, the driving gear 44 has a larger movable space, and the design freedom of the first pushing part 14a is also higher.

[0085] Furthermore, since the positioning part 443 is eliminated, the size of the drive gear 44 can be reduced in the left-right direction, and correspondingly, the size of the developing cartridge C at the position corresponding to the drive gear 44 and the gear rod 16 can be reduced.

[0086] The regions defined by the minimum distance S2, the distance S1, and the maximum distance S3 refer to the regions corresponding to the distances S1 / S2 / S3 in the spatial direction perpendicular to the straight line MN / PN. Therefore, the empty area can be understood as the region corresponding to the minimum distance S2 in the spatial direction perpendicular to the straight line MN / PN, and a part of the transmission member 15 / 16 is located in the empty area; the interval area can be understood as the area between the part of the drive gear 44 that coincides with or is of the same size as the first pushing part 14a and the first pushing part 14a when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0087] [Example 7]

[0088] Figure 16A and Figure 16B This is a perspective view of the counting part in the counting component according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention; Figure 17A This is a top view of the counting part of the counting component according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, when viewed along its rotation axis; Figure 17B This is a bottom view of the counting part of the counting component according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, when viewed along its rotation axis.

[0089] As described above, the process of transmitting driving force from the driving force receiver 3 to the driving gear 44 is no longer achieved through the gear disposed between the driving force receiver 3 and the driving gear 44. Therefore, compared with the method of transmission using the gear, the driving gear 44 in this invention may not be consistent with the predetermined rotation speed, or the rotation speed of the driving gear 44 may be faster or slower than the predetermined rotation speed. Consequently, the counting component 5 will also rotate faster or slower than the predetermined rotation speed, making it impossible for the counting component 5 to perform the counting function. Alternatively, the diameter of the counting component 5 may be reduced to lower its manufacturing cost, in which case the rotation speed of the counting component 5 will also become faster.

[0090] To this end, the present invention also provides a speed adjustment component located between the drive gear 44 and the counting component 5, used to adjust the rotational speed of the counting component 5 when driven by the drive gear 44 according to the counting requirements of the counting component 5, so that the counting component 5 can ultimately realize its counting function. When the rotational speed of the drive gear 44 is slower than the predetermined rotational speed, it is necessary to increase the rotational speed of the counting component 5. Commonly, this can be achieved by simple methods such as increasing the diameter of the drive gear 44 while decreasing the diameter of the driven body 52.

[0091] In this embodiment, the example is described with the rotational speed of the drive gear 44 being faster than the predetermined rotational speed. In this case, the speed adjustment component is actually a delay device. Without changing the rotational speed of the drive gear 44, the average speed of the counting component 5 during the counting process is reduced, so that the time required for the counting component 51 to rotate a predetermined angle during the counting process is extended.

[0092] like Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, in this embodiment, the counting part of the counting component 5 includes a counting element 51 and a driven element 52 that are combined with each other. Similarly, the counting element 51 and the driven element 52 can be formed integrally or separately. The driven element 52 is used to receive the driving force of the driven part, thereby driving the counting element 51 to rotate around the rotation axis L5 in the direction shown by r1, and interacting with the detection component in the imaging device. In this embodiment, the counting element 51 is directly or indirectly disposed on the left side surface 52a of the driven element 52.

[0093] The counting component 51 includes a cylinder 510 connected to the driven body 52 and at least one counting protrusion extending radially outward along the cylinder 510. During the counting process of the counting component 5, the counting protrusion pushes or presses the detection component in the imaging device. In this embodiment, the counting component 51 is provided with a first counting protrusion 511 and a second counting protrusion 512 arranged at intervals along the rotation direction r1. It is understood that the cylinder 510 can be omitted, and the first counting protrusion 511 and the second counting protrusion 512 are directly connected to the driven body 52 and rotate with the rotation of the driven body 52.

[0094] The counting section also includes a triggered element 55 for driving the driven body 52 to rotate. When the driven body 52 is in a stopped rotation state, the triggered element 55 is triggered by an external trigger element 445 (such as...). Figure 18(As shown) After triggering, the driven body 52 continues to rotate. Preferably, the triggered member 55 is a force-bearing protrusion that is coupled to at least one of the driven body 52 and the support body 53. More preferably, the triggered member 55 is coupled to both the driven body 52 and the support body 53, and the triggered member 55 protrudes radially outward from the circumferential surface of the support body 53, but the protrusion of the triggered member 55 does not exceed the driven body 52 to prevent unnecessary interference. When the counting part is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the counting part also includes a sleeve 54 coupled to the driven body 52, the sleeve 54 extending from the right side surface 52b of the driven body 52 along the rotation axis L5.

[0095] The driven body 52 is configured as a rotating body that can rotate about the rotation axis L5. The driving part 521 and the non-driving part 522 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating body. The driving part 521 is used to receive external driving force to make the rotating body 52 rotate, and the non-driving part 522 is used to cut off the driving force transmitted to the rotating body 52 so that the rotating body 52 stops rotating. In this embodiment, the driving part 521 is configured as a toothed part arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating body, and the non-driving part 522 is configured as a toothed part arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating body.

[0096] When the counting component 5 and the drive gear 44 are disengaged in the first manner described in Embodiment 1, the drive part 521 includes at least a first drive part 521a and a second drive part 521b spaced apart along the rotation direction of the rotating body, and the non-drive part 522 includes at least a first non-drive part 522a and a second non-drive part 522b spaced apart along the rotation direction of the rotating body. When the counting component 5 is in the counting state, the first drive part 521a, the second drive part 521b and the second non-drive part 522b are opposite to the drive gear 44; when the counting component 5 finishes counting, the first non-drive part 522a is opposite to the drive gear 44.

[0097] like Figure 17A and Figure 17BAs shown, along the rotation direction r1 of the rotating body, the first driving part 521a, the second non-driving part 522b, the second driving part 521b, and the first non-driving part 522a are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence. During the counting process of the counting component 5, when the second driving part 521b is opposite to the driving gear 44, the rotating body 52 receives driving force and rotates. As the second non-driving part 522b is opposite to the driving gear 44, the rotating body 52 no longer receives driving force and stops rotating. Therefore, the second non-driving part 522b can be regarded as an embodiment of the cutting part, which is used to temporarily cut off the driving gear 44 and the rotating body. The driving force is transmitted between 52; when the triggered element 55 is triggered by an external component, the rotating body 52 starts to rotate again until the first driving part 521a is opposite to the driving gear 44. Then, the rotating body 52 continues to rotate. When the first non-driving part 522a is opposite to the driving gear 44, the counting component 5 completes the counting and the rotating body 52 remains stationary. The first non-driving part 522a can be regarded as a formal embodiment, which is used to completely cut off the driving force transmission between the driving gear 44 and the rotating body 52. ​​Regardless of whether the driving gear 44 continues to rotate, the rotating body 52 remains stationary.

[0098] Regarding the position of the triggered element 55, based on the inventive concept of the present invention, when the triggered element 445 triggers the triggered element 55, the triggered element 55 can drive the rotating body 52 to start rotating again; as a preferred embodiment, when viewed along the rotation axis L5, the triggered element 55 is opposite to the second non-driving part 522b. More preferably, along the rotation direction r1, the triggered element 55 is approximately located at the middle position of the arc corresponding to the second non-driving part 522b, which can ensure that when the triggered element 55 is triggered, the first driving part 521a and the driving gear 44 can mesh smoothly.

[0099] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the stirring gear involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0100] The drive gear 44 includes a main body 440, teeth 441 arranged along the circumferential direction of the main body, a D-shaped portion 444 located within the main body 440, and a trigger member 445 extending radially outward along the circumferential surface of the main body. The stirring member 23 or the drive shaft 24 is engaged with the D-shaped portion 444, so that the drive gear 44 can obtain the driving force transmitted from the stirring member 23 or the drive shaft 24. The trigger member 445 is configured to push the extended protrusion of the triggered member 55.

[0101] Figures 19A-19F This is a schematic diagram of the counting process in the counting component of the counting assembly involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0102] Before describing the working process of the counting component, let's first combine... Figure 16A and Figure 17AThe structure of the second counting protrusion 512 involved in this embodiment is described in the figure. Along the rotation direction r1, the first counting protrusion 511 and the second counting protrusion 512 are arranged at intervals. The second counting protrusion 512 is formed as a fan-shaped extension, having an upper side plate 5121 located upstream, a lower side plate 5122 located downstream, and an arc plate 5123 located between the upper side plate and the lower side plate. The arc plate 5123 has a front end point 512a located at the upstream end and a rear end point 512b located at the downstream end. An arc surface 512c with an arc length of m is formed on the radially outer side of the arc plate 5123.

[0103] The following is combined with Figures 19A-19F The counting process of the counting component 5 is described. To more clearly illustrate the working process of the counting part, only the drive gear 44 and the counting part are shown in the figure.

[0104] When the developing cartridge C is installed in the imaging device but has not yet started working, the counting protrusion and the detection component 9 in the imaging device may or may not be in contact with each other, and the speed adjustment assembly involved in this invention is applicable regardless of their relative positions. Figure 19A In the process, before the developing cartridge C starts working, the first counting protrusion 511 abuts against the detection component 9, and the teeth 441 of the drive gear 44 mesh with the second drive part 521b. When the driving force of the drive force receiving component 3 causes the drive gear 44 to start rotating in the direction shown in r2, the rotating body 52 is driven to rotate around the direction shown in r1, and the detection component 9 and the first counting protrusion 511 continue to interact.

[0105] like Figure 19B As shown, when the first counting protrusion 511 moves to disengage from the detection component 9, the detection component 9 begins to abut against the front end 512a of the second counting protrusion 512. The drive gear 44 is opposite to the second non-drive / cut-off portion 522b. At this time, the rotating body 52 remains stationary, and correspondingly, the second counting protrusion 512 and the detection component 9 remain in contact. During the engagement of the drive gear 44 and the second drive portion 521b, both the trigger member 445 and the triggered member 55 move towards the area where the drive gear 44 and the rotating body 52 are opposite, but the trigger member 445 arrives at the area before the triggered member 55. Therefore, the triggered member 55 will not interfere with the trigger member 445.

[0106] As the drive gear 44 continues to rotate in the direction shown by r2, as Figure 19C As shown, along the rotation direction r1, the trigger 445 reaches the upstream of the triggered member 55, and then the triggered member 55 is triggered, and the rotating body 52 starts to rotate again along the direction shown by r1, as... Figure 19D and Figure 19EAs shown, the drive gear 44 begins to mesh with the first drive unit 521a, and the arc-shaped surface 512c abuts against the detection unit 9, until the drive gear 44 is opposite to the first non-drive unit / main unit 522a, as shown. Figure 19F As shown, the counting component 5 stops rotating after completing the counting, while the drive gear 44 continues to rotate in the direction shown by r2. At this time, the detection component 9 disengages from the rear end point 512b of the second counting protrusion 512.

[0107] When the drive gear 44 begins to engage with the cut-off part 522b or when the drive gear 44 just disengages from the second drive part 521b, the trigger member 445 is located at... Figure 19B As shown in the first position, with the rotation of the drive gear 44, when the trigger 445 reaches the point where it begins to trigger the triggered element 55, the trigger 445 is located in... Figure 19C The second position shown is for clarity in describing the first and second positions; therefore, the trigger 445 in the first position and the trigger 445 in the second position are both shown here. Figure 19C As shown in the diagram, the dashed indicator line points to the trigger 445 located in the first position, and the solid indicator line points to the trigger 445 located in the second position. Along the rotation direction r1, the triggers 445 in the two positions are located on both sides of the triggered member 55. Along the rotation direction r2, during the process of the trigger 445 rotating from the first position to the second position, its rotation angle is β, where β < 360°. The second counting protrusion 512 remains in contact with the detection member 9, thus simulating the process of the detection member 9 constantly interacting with the second counting protrusion 512.

[0108] During the engagement of the drive gear 44 with the first drive part 521a, the detection component 9 abuts against the arc-shaped surface 512c. When the drive gear 44 is about to reach the position opposite to the first non-drive part 522a, the detection component 9 reaches the rear end point 512b of the arc-shaped surface 512c. When the drive gear 44 is opposite to the first non-drive part 522a, the detection component 9 disengages from the arc-shaped surface 512c. At this time, the counting is completed.

[0109] Therefore, in this embodiment, the duration of contact between the detection component 9 and the second counting protrusion 512 is equal to the rotation angle α of the drive body 52 (e.g., ...). Figure 17AThe time required (as shown) is the sum of the time required for the drive gear 44 to rotate by an angle β, where angle α is the angle between the front end point 512a and the rear end point 512b, corresponding to the arc length of the arc plate 5123 extending along the direction shown by r1, and angle β corresponds to the arc length corresponding to the rotation of the trigger 445 from the first position to the second position. For existing counting components, in this embodiment, the contact time between the second counting protrusion 512 and the detection component 9 is extended. The extended time is the time required for the drive gear 44 to rotate by an angle β. Therefore, the second non-driving part / cut-off part 522b can be regarded as an embodiment of a delay device. The cut-off part 522b is used to temporarily cut off the driving force received by the rotating body 52, so that the rotating body 52 remains stationary to achieve a delay. The triggered part 55 is used to be triggered by the external trigger 445, so that the rotating body 52 can obtain driving force again and rotate. Therefore, the triggered part 55 can be regarded as an embodiment of a restart device. The process from when the driving force of the rotating body 52 is temporarily cut off until it obtains driving force again is the delay stage. During the delay stage, the counting component 5 is still in the counting state. Specifically, the detection component 9 remains in contact with the second counting protrusion 512. Thus, even if the rotation speed of the drive gear 44 increases, the counting component 5 can still achieve the counting function without changing the structure of the second counting protrusion 512.

[0110] For the second drive unit 521b, it is more advantageous to reduce the arc length of the second drive unit 521b when the tooth 441 of the drive gear is engaged with the upstream end of the second drive unit 521b before the developing cartridge C starts working. When the tooth 411 disengages from the downstream end of the second drive unit 521b, the detection component 9 has at least disengaged from the first counting protrusion 511 or reached the position of engaging with the second counting protrusion 512. In other words, the arc length of the second drive unit 521b must at least be sufficient to make the first counting protrusion 511 rotate to disengage from the detection component 9. When the second driving part 521b is toothed, the number of teeth is at least 6. In this way, when the driving gear 44 disengages from the second driving part 521b or when the driving gear 44 is opposite to the cutting part 522b, the first counting protrusion 511 disengages from the detection component 9. Preferably, the number of teeth is at least 7. This can prevent the detection component 9 from disengaging from the first counting protrusion 511 due to manufacturing errors, but from failing to reach the position abutted by the second counting protrusion 512. In other words, the positional accuracy requirements of the first counting protrusion 511 and the second counting protrusion 512 are reduced.

[0111] Based on the technical concept of this embodiment, the delay device can be set on the rotating body 52 to slow down the rotation speed of the counting component 5 / rotating body 52 / counting protrusions 511 / 512, thereby ensuring that the counting function of the counting component 5 can be realized.

[0112] When only one trigger 445 is provided and its relative position to the drive gear 44 remains unchanged, the position and shape of the counting protrusion can be set according to the total duration and / or interval duration required for the detection component 9 to be contacted during the counting process of the counting component 5. For example, when the total duration of contact between the second counting protrusion 512 and the detection component 9 in this embodiment needs to be further increased / decreased, it can be achieved by extending / shortening the arc length of the arc surface 512c; when the total duration of contact between the first counting protrusion 511 and the detection component 9 in this embodiment needs to be increased, it can be achieved by providing an arc surface on the first counting protrusion 511 that can contact the detection component 9. Correspondingly, the number of teeth of the second drive part 521b needs to be increased, or it can be achieved by shortening the arc length of the second drive part 521b. At this time, the cutting part 522b is already opposite to the drive gear 44, but the first counting protrusion 511 still remains in contact with the detection component 9. A cutting part can also be provided upstream of the second drive part 521b, so that the drive gear 44 is essentially idling until the trigger 445 triggers the triggered component 55. Furthermore, if the total duration of contact between the second counting protrusion 512 and the detection component 9 does not need to be changed, there will be no need to provide a cutting part between the first drive part 521a and the second drive part 521b. The first drive part 521a and the second drive part 521b are connected as one unit, and the drive gear 44 is engaged with the first drive part 521a and the second drive part 521b until the counting is completed. At this time, only one drive part and one cutting part are provided on the circumference of the rotating body 52.

[0113] When the shape of the counting protrusions 511 / 512 remains unchanged, but it is necessary to reduce the duration of contact between the counting protrusions and the detection component 9, one or more triggers can be additionally provided on the drive gear 44. When the drive gear 44 rotates, the additional triggers will trigger the triggered component 55 earlier than the trigger 445 in this embodiment. The rotating body 52 can then transition from a state where the driving force is temporarily cut off to a state where it receives the driving force again earlier, thus reducing the total duration of contact between the second counting protrusion 512 and the detection component 9.

[0114] For a counter 51 with multiple counting protrusions, if it is necessary to control the interval between two adjacent counting protrusions contacting the detection component 9 to be longer, this can be achieved by reducing the arc length of the second drive unit 521b. In this case, the time for the second drive unit 521b to receive driving force from the drive gear 44 is shortened. That is to say, the arc length of the second drive unit 521b only needs to ensure that the previous counting protrusion rotates to disengage from the detection component 9, without requiring the next counting protrusion to reach the position of contacting the detection component 9.

[0115] [Example 8]

[0116] Figure 20This is a perspective view of the counting part in the counting component according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0117] Based on Embodiment Seven, this embodiment will further describe the counting section with multiple cutting parts; that is, the delay device in this embodiment includes multiple cutting parts. For example... Figure 20 As shown, the structure of the counter 51 in this embodiment remains unchanged, but two cutting parts are provided on the rotating body 52, which makes the total counting time of the counter 51 longer. Therefore, this embodiment can also be considered as another implementation of the embodiment seven, which extends the total contact time between the second counting protrusion 512 and the detection component 9.

[0118] Along the rotation direction r1, the rotating body 52 includes a first driving part 521a, a second driving part 521b, a third driving part 521c, a first non-driving part 522a, a second non-driving part 522b, and a third non-driving part 522c. When the counting component 5 is in the counting state, the drive gear 44 is opposite to at least one of the first driving part 521a, the second driving part 521b, the third driving part 521c, the second non-driving part 522b, and the third non-driving part 522c. When the counting component 5 finishes counting, the drive gear 44 is opposite to the first non-driving part 522a. Therefore, the first driving part 521a, the second driving part 521b, the third driving part 521c, the third non-driving part 522b, and the third non-driving part 522c. The area containing part 521b, third driving part 521c, second non-driving part 522b and third non-driving part 522c can be referred to as the counting area of ​​the rotating body 52, and the area containing the first non-driving part 522a can be referred to as the non-counting area of ​​the rotating body 52. ​​Similarly, in embodiment seven, the area containing the first driving part 521a, second driving part 521b and second non-driving part 522b can be referred to as the counting area, and the area containing the first non-driving part 522a can be referred to as the non-counting area. Along the rotation direction of the rotating body 52, the counting area and the non-counting area are arranged adjacent to each other on the circumference of the rotating body.

[0119] It should be noted that the counting area and non-counting area here are divided according to whether the counting component 5 is in the counting state, rather than according to the shape or arc length of the respective driving part and non-driving part. That is, even if the arc length of the first driving part 521a is set such that the counting component 5 has completed counting, but the driving gear 44 is still opposite / meshing with the first driving part 521a, then the part of the first driving part 521a that has not yet been opposite / meshing with the driving gear 44 should still be regarded as part of the first non-driving part 522a.

[0120] In the counting region, along the rotation direction r1, the second driving part 521b, the second non-driving part 522b, the third driving part 521c, the third non-driving part 522c and the first driving part 521a are arranged sequentially from upstream to downstream. When the driving gear 44 is opposite to / meshing with the second driving part 521b, the third driving part 521c and the first driving part 521a, the rotating body 52 can receive driving force and rotate. When the driving gear 44 is opposite to / meshing with the second non-driving part 522b and the third non-driving part 522c, the rotating body 52 cannot receive driving force and remains stationary. Therefore, the second non-driving part 522b and the third non-driving part 522c can be regarded as the first cutting part and the second cutting part, respectively.

[0121] like Figure 20 As shown, the restart device in this embodiment includes a first trigger 55 and a second trigger 56 respectively opposite to the first cut-off part 522b and the second cut-off part 522c. The first trigger 55 is used to cause the rotating body 52 to rotate again after being triggered so that the drive gear 44 is opposite to / meets with the third drive part 521c. The second trigger 55 is used to cause the rotating body 52 to rotate again after being triggered so that the drive gear 44 is opposite to / meets with the first drive part 521a. Along the rotation direction r1, the third drive part 521c is located between the first trigger 55 and the second trigger 56.

[0122] As described above, the counting area in this embodiment is provided with multiple cutting parts, which lengthens the total contact / non-contact time between the counting protrusion and the detection component 9 during the counting process, so that the counting function of the counting component 5 can be successfully realized.

[0123] [Example 9]

[0124] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the counting part in the counting component according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0125] This embodiment is a further evolution of Embodiment 8. In this embodiment, the counting element 51 still has a first counting protrusion 511 and a second counting protrusion 512 that are separated from each other along the rotation direction r1. Compared with Embodiment 7, the second counting protrusion 512 is set to have the same shape as the first counting protrusion 511, instead of being an arc-shaped plate extending along the rotation direction r1. In this embodiment, for the two counting protrusions, the counting time of the first counting protrusion 511 is the same as that of the second counting protrusion 512. However, the delay device located in the counting area will make the interval between the first counting protrusion 511 and the second counting protrusion 512 and the detection element 9 be lengthened during the counting process. Therefore, this embodiment can be considered as another implementation of Embodiment 7 for lengthening the interval between the two adjacent counting protrusions and the detection element 9.

[0126] [Example 10]

[0127] Figure 22 This is a top view of the counting component and the driving component according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

[0128] In this embodiment, the diameter of the counting component 5 is reduced as an example. At this time, the diameters of both the rotating body 52 and the counting component 51 are reduced, and their rotation speed is increased. In order for the counting component 5 with reduced diameter to be used in the developing cassette that the counting component before the diameter reduction was applicable, the counting component 5 also needs to be equipped with the above-mentioned delay device.

[0129] like Figure 22 As shown, the first driving part 521a, the second non-driving part 522b / delay device / cutting part, the second driving part 521b and the first non-driving part 522a are arranged sequentially on the circumference of the rotating body 52 along the rotation direction r1 of the rotating body 52. ​​The second non-driving part 522b is located between the first driving part 521a and the second driving part 521b. Due to the increased rotation speed of the rotating body 52, when the second driving part 521b is set as a tooth, the number of teeth can be reduced to no less than 2. That is, when the number of teeth of the second driving part 521b is 2, as the rotating body 52 rotates from a position opposite to the upstream of the second driving part 521b to a position opposite to the downstream of the second driving part 521b, the first counting protrusion 511 can disengage from the detection component 9. Due to the setting of the cutting part 522b, the counting time of the counting component 5 is extended.

[0130] Therefore, the minimum number of teeth in the second drive unit 521b can vary from 2 to 6, and its specific number can vary according to the diameter of the rotating body 52.

[0131] When the counting component 5 described in Embodiments 7-9 completes counting, the rotating body 52 no longer receives driving force by being opposite / meshing with the driving gear 44 through the first non-driving part 522a provided therein, which is the first disengagement method described in Embodiment 1. For Embodiments 7-9, the arc length of the first non-driving part 522a is not less than the circumference of the trigger member 445 when it rotates with the driving gear 44. Therefore, when the driving gear 44 is opposite / meshing with the first non-driving part 522a, even if the driving gear 44 continues to rotate, the trigger member 445 will not trigger the triggered member 55 to cause the rotating body 52 to continue rotating.

[0132] However, when the counting component 5 finishes counting, and the rotating body 52 and the drive gear 44 disengage in the second or third manner described in Embodiment 1, the specific structure of the first non-driving part 522a becomes irrelevant. At this time, the first non-driving part 522a can be configured as a toothless part as described above, or it can be configured as a toothed part. But regardless of the specific structure of the first non-driving part 522a, when the counting component 5 finishes counting, the counting element 51 and the rotating body 52 disengage. Even if the rotating body 52 is still driven to rotate by the drive gear 44, the counting element 51 will remain stationary. Alternatively, at least one of the rotating body 52 and the drive gear 44 will move in a direction intersecting the left and right directions. At this time, the rotation center of the drive gear 44 and the rotation center of the rotating body 52 will move away from each other. Even if the drive gear 44 continues to rotate, the rotating body 52 cannot receive driving force and will remain stationary.

[0133] [Beneficial Effects]

[0134] As described above, when the driving force transmission method described in Embodiments 1 and 2 is adopted, the driving force received by the driving force receiver 3 from the imaging device is first transmitted from the driving end 103 to the conductive end 104, and then from the conductive end 104 to the driving end 103. Although gears for transmitting driving force also need to be set on the conductive end 104, the gear density on the side where the driving end 103 is located is effectively reduced. Regardless of whether the developing cartridge C is assembled manually or by machine, gears can be installed on both sides at the same time. Compared with the existing developing cartridge where the driving end has a larger gear density and there is overlap between the gears in the left and right direction, the above method of installing gears on both sides of the developing cartridge at the same time will improve the assembly efficiency.

[0135] The counting component 5 needs to be driven during counting but not when counting is complete. When the driving force is transmitted from the conductive end 104 to the driving end 103 via the drive shaft 24 parallel to the stirring frame 23, the driving force required by the counting component 5 no longer comes from the stirring element 23. Therefore, the load on the stirring element 23 during rotation will not suddenly decrease, ensuring the operational stability of the stirring element 23. On the other hand, when the counting component 5 completes counting, the driving force transmission of the drive shaft 24 can be interrupted. This interruption will not affect the operation of the stirring element 23, and the interruption location has multiple options. For example, the interruption location can be at the conductive end 104, the driving end 103, or the body of the drive shaft 24.

[0136] In the embodiments described in this invention, a gap is formed between the driving force receiving member 3 / first gear 41 / third gear 43, which directly serves as the active part or is provided with an active part, and the driving gear 44, which directly serves as the driven part or is provided with a driven part. In the front-rear direction, the active part is located in front of the driven part, and the driving force is transmitted between the two in a non-gear engagement manner. The position of the counting component 5 can be adjusted in the gap as needed, or the radial dimension of the driven body 52 can be adjusted as needed. Correspondingly, the position of the driving gear 44 can also be adjusted in the gap, so that the developing cartridge C can be used with multiple models.

[0137] The vacant area provides sufficient space for the movement of the drive gear 44. As described above, the interruption of the driving force transmission between the drive gear 44 and the counting component 5 is preferably such that at least one of the drive gear 44 and the driven body 52 moves in the moving direction. Since the driven body 52 is part of the counting component 5, and the counting component 5 also needs to interact with the detection component in the imaging device, the way the drive gear 44 moves in the moving direction is more optimal. The existence of the vacant area allows the control device that controls the movement of the drive gear 44 to have a higher degree of design freedom.

[0138] As described above, at least a portion of the first pushing part 14a is located within the empty area. This not only allows the first pushing part 14a to adjust its position within the developing cartridge C according to the location of the external pushing force applying component, but also enables the first pushing part 14a to be provided with a stronger reinforcing part. For example, when two models of developing cartridges differ only slightly in the position of the first pushing part 14a, the existence of the empty area allows the developing cartridge to become universal. Furthermore, for example, when the pushing force applied by the pushing force applying component applicable to a certain model of developing cartridge is large, the designer can make full use of the empty area to design a reinforcing part for the first pushing part 14a. Conversely, when the pushing force applied by the pushing force applying component is small, the designer can also make full use of the empty area to design a dispersing part for the first pushing part 14a that can disperse the pushing force.

[0139] The vacant area also simplifies the structure of the drive gear 44. Regardless of whether it is coaxially arranged with the stirring component 23, the drive gear 44 only needs to be set at one level. In particular, in the above embodiments one and two, as mentioned above, the size of the drive gear 44 and the counting component 5 can be reduced along the left and right direction. Therefore, the size of the developing box C and the corresponding position of the drive gear 44 and the counting component 5 can also be reduced accordingly.

[0140] In embodiments where the driving force is transmitted from the active part to the driven part using a belt 15 or a gear 16, a gap is still formed between the driving force receiving member 3 / first gear 41 / third gear 43 as the active part and the driving gear 44 as the driven part. On the one hand, the conductive end 104 does not need to be equipped with a gear for transmitting the driving force. On the other hand, the existence of the gap also makes the counting component 5 versatile, provides space for the movement of the driving gear 44, and gives the first pushing part 14a a higher degree of design freedom.

[0141] When the rotation speed of the drive gear 44 is faster or slower than expected, the counting component 5 can be smoothly completed by setting a speed adjustment component in the developing cartridge without changing the structure of the drive gear 44 or the counting component 51. At the same time, the structure of the speed adjustment component can be adjusted according to the counting requirements of the counting component 51 in the target developing cartridge, so that the same counting component 51 can be used for multiple models.

[0142] For a developing cartridge where the speed adjustment component is set as a delay device, the delay device is directly mounted on the rotating body 52. ​​There is no need to reserve additional space in the developing cartridge C for the delay device, which simplifies the overall structure of the developing cartridge C. Furthermore, the delay device can be integrally formed with the rotating body 52, so that the delay device can be installed along with the installation of the rotating body 52 without adding any installation steps to the developing cartridge.

[0143] Specifically, the delay device in this invention achieves the delay by disengaging the rotating body 52 from the driving member 44, causing the rotating body 52 to remain stationary for a predetermined time. Then, the restart device re-engages the rotating body 52 with the driving member 44. Thus, during the entire counting process of the counting component 5, the average speed of the counting component 5 is reduced, and the time required for the counting member to rotate a predetermined angle is lengthened. However, the rotational speed of the driving gear 44 is not changed, nor is the rotational speed of the rotating body 52. ​​This means that the structure of the driving gear 44 does not need to be changed, and the counting component 5 only needs to add a delay device that can be integrally formed with the rotating body 52. ​​The overall cost of the developing cartridge C can be controlled.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, suitable for an imaging device equipped with a detection component, the developing cartridge being provided with a driving force receiver and a counting assembly, the driving force receiver receiving a driving force from the imaging device and transmitting it to the counting assembly, the counting assembly being provided with a counting element for interacting with the detection component, characterized in that, The counting assembly also includes a delay device for extending the counting time of the counting element, and the developing cartridge also includes a restart device; During the counting process of the counting component, the delay device is used to temporarily cut off the driving force received by the counting element, and the restart device is used to restart the counting element to receive the driving force after the delay device has been in place. The counting assembly also includes a rotating body that drives the counting element to rotate, the rotating body being driven to rotate by the driving force, and a delay device is disposed on the rotating body; The developing cartridge also includes a drive unit opposite the counting assembly, and a restart device is mounted on the drive unit.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that... Along the rotation direction of the rotating body, the counting area and the non-counting area are arranged adjacent to each other on the circumference of the rotating body. When the counting component is in the counting state, the driving component is opposite to the counting area. When the counting component finishes counting, the driving component is opposite to the non-counting area. The delay device is located in the counting area.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating body is also provided with a drive unit. Along the rotation direction of the rotating body, the drive unit is arranged adjacent to the delay device. When the delay device is opposite to the drive unit, the counter stops rotating. Under the action of the restart device, the drive unit is opposite to the drive unit.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, One drive unit and one delay device are provided, with the drive unit initially facing the delay device.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of driving units is one more than the number of delay devices. Along the rotation direction of the rotating body, each delay device is located between two adjacent driving units. The driving unit is initially opposite one of the driving units, which is not the last driving unit in the rotation direction of the rotating body.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of restart devices is the same as the number of delay devices.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, On the circumferential surface of the rotating body, the shape of the non-counting region is the same as the shape of the delay device.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the rotation direction of the rotating body, the counting area and the non-counting area are arranged adjacent to each other on the circumference of the rotating body. When the counting component is in the counting state, the driving component is opposite to the counting area. When the counting component finishes counting, the rotation center of the driving component and the rotation center of the rotating body move away from each other.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the rotation direction of the rotating body, the counting area and the non-counting area are arranged adjacent to each other on the circumference of the rotating body. When the counting component is in the counting state, the driving component is opposite to the counting area. When the counting component finishes counting, the counting component is no longer driven by the rotating body and remains stationary.

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