Sealing structure of split type selenium drum and selenium drum

Abstract

The application discloses a sealing structure of a split selenium drum and the selenium drum, and relates to the technical field of laser printing. The sealing structure of the split selenium drum comprises a carbon powder box and a photosensitive developing unit. The carbon powder box comprises a box body and a first cover body, the box body is provided with a powder outlet, the first cover body is arranged at the powder outlet, the first cover body is provided with a powder guide hole, and the first cover body is configured to be movable relative to the box body so as to completely stagger or at least partially coincide the powder guide hole and the powder outlet. The photosensitive developing unit comprises a shell, the shell is detachably connected with the box body, and the shell is provided with a powder inlet opposite to the powder outlet. On the basis of realizing the split setting of the carbon powder box and the photosensitive developing unit, the sealing property during the replacement of the carbon powder box can be ensured, and carbon powder leakage can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser printing technology, and more particularly to a sealing structure and a separate toner cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Laser printer toner cartridges are mainly divided into two types: integrated and separate. Separate toner cartridges are generally configured as follows: the photosensitive unit, consisting of a photosensitive drum, charging roller, cleaning roller, and cleaning blade, is separated from the developing unit, which consists of a developing roller, toner supply roller, developing blade, and toner cartridge. When the toner in the developing unit is depleted, the entire developing unit is replaced, while the photosensitive unit continues to be used.

[0003] However, for separate toner cartridges, because the toner cartridge is integrated with components such as the developing roller, supply roller, and doctor blade, these high-lifespan components are discarded and replaced as consumables once the toner in the cartridge is depleted. This results in low consumable utilization, high consumable costs, and resource waste. A significant obstacle to making toner cartridges independent is the toner cartridge sealing issue: compared to an integrated structure, independent toner cartridges are more prone to toner leakage during replacement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing structure for a split-type toner cartridge and a toner cartridge. By separating the toner cartridge and the photosensitive developing structure in the toner cartridge, the sealing performance during toner cartridge replacement can be guaranteed, and toner leakage can be avoided.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a sealing structure for a split-type toner cartridge, comprising a toner cartridge and a photosensitive developing unit. The toner cartridge includes a cartridge body and a first cover. The cartridge body has a toner outlet, and the first cover is positioned over the toner outlet. The first cover has a toner guide port and is configured to move relative to the cartridge body, such that the toner guide port and the toner outlet are completely offset or at least partially overlapped. The photosensitive developing unit includes a housing, which is detachably connected to the cartridge body. The housing has a toner inlet opposite the toner outlet.

[0007] Optionally, a guide is fixed on the housing; the first cover is configured to reach a first position when the box and the housing are separated, so that the powder guide port and the powder outlet are completely misaligned; the first cover is also configured to contact the guide to move to a second position when the box and the housing are connected, so that the powder guide port and the powder outlet at least partially overlap.

[0008] Optionally, the box body and the shell move relative to each other in a first direction to separate or connect, and the first cover is slidably connected to the box body in a second direction. A guide slope is formed at one end of the first cover in the second direction. The guide is configured to abut against the guide slope when the box body and the shell change from being separated to being connected, so as to guide the first cover to slide from the first position to the second position.

[0009] Optionally, the toner cartridge also includes a resilient element. The resilient element is connected to the first cover and is configured to provide a restoring force to the first cover when the cartridge and housing are separated, allowing the first cover to move from a second position to a first position.

[0010] Alternatively, the elastic element can be a tension spring or a compression spring.

[0011] Optionally, the toner cartridge further includes a first flexible sealing plate and a rigid support plate. The first flexible sealing plate is located at the toner outlet and fixedly connected to the cartridge body. The first flexible sealing plate has a first opening opposite to the toner outlet. The rigid support plate is located between the first flexible sealing plate and the first cover and is fixedly connected to the first flexible sealing plate. The rigid support plate has a second opening opposite to the first opening.

[0012] Optionally, the toner cartridge also includes a fixing member, which is fixedly connected to the cartridge body and forms a sliding cavity between them, with the first cover slidably connected to the sliding cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the photosensitive developing unit also includes a second cover for opening or closing the powder inlet.

[0014] Optionally, the photosensitive developing unit also includes a second flexible sealing plate, which is sealed at the powder inlet and fixedly connected to the housing. The second flexible sealing plate has a third opening opposite to the powder inlet.

[0015] The present invention also provides a toner cartridge, which includes the sealing structure of the split toner cartridge as described above.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] This invention provides a sealing structure for a split-type toner cartridge and the cartridge itself. After the toner in the cartridge is depleted, the cartridge can be detached from the housing, and a new cartridge can be attached, allowing for toner cartridge replacement without replacing the photosensitive developing unit. This improves consumable utilization and reduces consumable costs. During toner cartridge replacement, by moving the first cover, the toner guide port and toner outlet on the new cartridge are completely misaligned, keeping the toner outlet closed initially. After the new cartridge is attached to the housing, the toner guide port and toner outlet are aligned to open the toner outlet, effectively preventing toner leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the sealing structure of the split-type toner cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the photosensitive developing unit provided by the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of the sealing structure of the split-type toner cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the connection between the box body and the first cover body provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection between the box body and the first cover provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial bottom view of the toner cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a partial top view of the photosensitive developing unit provided by the present invention.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Toner cartridge; 11. Cartridge body; 111. Toner outlet; 112. Mounting groove; 12. First cover; 1211. Toner guide port; 1212. Guide slope; 13. First flexible sealing plate; 14. Rigid support plate; 15. Fixing element; 151. Protrusion; 152. Limiting part; 16. Sliding cavity; 17. Elastic element;

[0028] 2. Photosensitive developing unit; 21. Housing; 211. Powder inlet; 22. Guide component; 23. Second cover; 231. Flexible plate; 232. Rigid plate; 24. Second flexible sealing plate; 25. Torsion spring. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0033] like Figures 1-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a sealed structure for a split-type toner cartridge, which includes a toner cartridge 1 and a photosensitive developing unit 2.

[0034] Among them, reference Figure 2 and Figures 4-6 The toner cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 11 and a first cover 12. The cartridge body 11 holds toner and has a toner outlet 111. The first cover 12 covers the toner outlet 111 and has a toner guide port 1211. The first cover 12 is configured to move relative to the cartridge body 11, either completely misaligning the toner guide port 1211 with the toner outlet 111 to close the toner outlet 111, or at least partially overlapping the toner guide port 1211 with the toner outlet 111 to open the toner outlet 111. (Reference) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The photosensitive developing unit 2 includes a housing 21, which is detachably connected to the box body 11. The housing 21 is provided with a powder inlet 211 opposite to the powder outlet 111.

[0035] With the above settings, after the toner in toner cartridge 1 is depleted, cartridge 11 can be removed from housing 21, and a new cartridge 11 can be connected to housing 21 to replace toner cartridge 1 without replacing photosensitive developing unit 2, thereby improving consumable utilization and reducing consumable costs.

[0036] Specifically, during the replacement of toner cartridge 1, after removing the old cartridge 11 from the housing 21, the new cartridge 11 should initially have its toner inlet 1211 and outlet 111 completely offset, keeping the outlet 111 closed. Once the new cartridge 11 is attached to the housing 21, the toner inlet 1211 and outlet 111 should then be aligned to open the outlet 111. This effectively prevents toner leakage from the new cartridge 11. Understandably, once the outlet 111 is open, the toner in the cartridge 11 can enter the housing 21 through the inlet 211 for printing.

[0037] In this embodiment, the photosensitive developing unit 2 is the main body of the toner cartridge. The housing 21 contains components such as a photosensitive drum, charging roller, cleaning roller, cleaning blade, developing roller, toner supply roller, developing blade, and stirring shaft. When toner enters the housing 21, it is stirred by the stirring shaft and evenly supplied to the toner supply roller. Influenced by the electrical potential, it is adsorbed onto the developing roller. Under the action of the developing blade and the developing roller, a certain thickness of toner is finally formed on the developing roller. As the surface of the photosensitive drum is exposed, the negatively charged toner is evenly adsorbed onto the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum. After transfer and fixing steps, printing is completed.

[0038] Preferably, the box body 11 is provided with a plurality of powder outlets 111. (Reference) Figure 7 Multiple powder guide ports 1211 are also provided, and these multiple powder guide ports 1211 are disposed on a first cover 12. Therefore, when the first cover 12 moves, it can simultaneously open or close multiple powder outlets 111. In this embodiment, the powder guide ports 1211 and the powder outlets 111 are the same size and shape so that they can completely overlap, allowing the toner to flow more smoothly out of the powder outlets 111. For example, both the powder guide ports 1211 and the powder outlets 111 are triangular.

[0039] Furthermore, multiple toner inlets 211 are provided, allowing toner to enter the housing 21 simultaneously from multiple toner inlets 211, thereby increasing the toner supply speed and making the toner distribution more uniform. For example, the toner inlets 211 are rectangular.

[0040] Regarding the structure of toner cartridge 1, as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, it also includes a first flexible sealing plate 13 and a rigid support plate 14. The first flexible sealing plate 13 is fixedly connected to the powder outlet 111 and covers the powder outlet 11. A first opening is provided on the first flexible sealing plate 13, opposite to the powder outlet 111. The rigid support plate 14 is disposed between the first flexible sealing plate 13 and the first cover 12, and is fixedly connected to the first flexible sealing plate 13. A second opening is provided on the rigid support plate 14, opposite to the first opening. In this embodiment, the size and shape of the first and second openings are the same as those of the powder outlet 111.

[0041] With the above configuration, the first flexible sealing plate 13 can effectively prevent toner leakage from the circumferential direction of the toner outlet 111, ensuring the toner is sealed. The rigid support plate 14 ensures that the first flexible sealing plate 13 is subjected to more uniform force when the first cover 12 presses against it.

[0042] In actual production, the first flexible sealing plate 13 and the rigid support plate 14 can be glued together to form a whole, and then the whole can be drilled to obtain the first opening and the second opening at the same time, simplifying the processing flow.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, an installation groove 112 is also provided at the powder outlet 111. The first flexible sealing plate 13 is adhered and fixed in the installation groove 112, and the rigid support plate 14 is adhered and fixed to the bottom of the first flexible sealing plate 13. The sum of the thicknesses of the first flexible sealing plate 13 and the rigid support plate 14 should be greater than the thickness of the installation groove 112 so that the rigid support plate 14 can maintain contact with the first cover 12. Preferably, the rigid support plate 14 is a thin sheet, which can be made of thermoplastic resin or other resin materials; the first cover 12 is a thin metal sheet.

[0044] The installation and relocation of the first cover 12 will be further described below.

[0045] Reference Figure 5 The toner cartridge 1 is provided with a fixing member 15, which is fixedly connected to the cartridge body 11, and a sliding cavity 16 is formed between the fixing member 15 and the cartridge body 11. The first cover 12 is slidably connected to the sliding cavity 16. In this way, the first cover 12 can slide in a predetermined direction to ensure the accuracy of the movement of the first cover 12, and the fixing member 15 and the cartridge body 11 can limit the first cover 12 to a certain extent to prevent the first cover 12 from falling off.

[0046] Preferably, the fixing member 15 is configured as a plate-like structure with a central opening, the central opening being sufficient to expose all powder outlets 111. Figure 5In the indicated direction, the portion of the fixing member 15 near the central opening is vertically spaced from the box body 11 to form a sliding cavity 16. The left and right sides of the first cover 12 extend into the sliding cavity 16 and are slidably connected to it. This restricts the movement of the first cover 12 in a predetermined direction, preventing it from falling off. Furthermore, the fixing member 15 is also provided with protrusions 151, which abut against the left and right sides of the first cover 12 (the side facing away from the rigid support plate 14), so that the first cover 12 can better press against the rigid support plate 14, while reducing the frictional force experienced by the first cover 12 during relative sliding.

[0047] To drive the first cover 12 to move, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 A guide member 22 is fixed on the housing 21. When the box body 11 and the housing 21 are separated, the first cover 12 reaches a first position, completely misaligning the powder guide port 1211 and the powder outlet 111, thus closing the powder outlet 111. Subsequently, when the box body 11 and the housing 21 are connected, the housing 21 contacts the guide member 22, which guides the housing 21 to a second position, causing the powder guide port 1211 and the powder outlet 111 to at least partially overlap, thereby opening the powder outlet 111 and enabling toner supply. In this embodiment, since the powder guide port 1211 and the powder outlet 111 are the same size and shape, when the first cover 12 reaches the second position, the powder guide port 1211 and the powder outlet 111 can be completely overlapped, thus fully opening the powder outlet 111.

[0048] More specifically, the box body 11 and the shell 21 move relative to each other along a first direction to separate or connect, and the first cover 12 is slidably connected to the box body 11 along a second direction. A guide slope 1212 is formed at one end of the first cover 12 along the second direction. When the box body 11 and the shell 21 change from being separated to being connected, the guide member 22 can abut against the guide slope 1212 to guide the first cover 12 to slide smoothly from the first position to the second position, thereby opening the powder outlet 111. In this embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are different. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The first direction refers to the width direction of the box body 11 or the shell 21, and the second direction refers to the length direction of the box body 11 or the shell 21. The length direction of the box body 11 or the shell 21 is the length direction of the developing roller.

[0049] Preferably, the guide member 22 is configured as a guide post, with its axis perpendicular to the relative movement surface of the box body 11 and the housing 21, so as to facilitate contact with the guide inclined surface 1212. The guide inclined surface 1212 is configured as a plane, and the angle between the guide inclined surface 1212 and the second direction is α. When the toner box 1 is installed and the first cover 12 is guided to move by the guide member 22, let L be the distance the box body 11 moves along the first direction and S be the distance the first cover 12 moves along the second direction. Then, S should satisfy S = L / tanα. Optionally, α can be taken as 20°-89°.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the first cover 12 is in the first position, the distance between the powder guide port 1211 and the powder outlet 111 along the first direction is also about S, so that the powder outlet 111 can be fully opened after the first cover 12 moves a distance of S.

[0051] In other embodiments, the guide ramp 1212 may also be configured as a curved surface with a certain curvature.

[0052] Reference Figure 4 The toner cartridge 1 also includes an elastic element 17, which is connected to the first cover 12. When the cartridge body 11 and the housing 21 are separated, the elastic element 17 provides a restoring force to the first cover 12, allowing it to move from the second position to the first position, thereby closing the toner outlet 111. During the restoring process of the first cover 12, the guide element 22 guides the first cover 12 to move smoothly. With the above configuration, the cooperation of the elastic element 17 and the guide element 22 allows the toner outlet 111 to be opened or closed in a timely manner during the installation of the toner cartridge 1, preventing toner leakage and ensuring a normal toner supply.

[0053] Preferably, the elastic element 17 is a tension spring, one end of which is connected to the box body 11. A hook is provided on the first cover 12, and the other end of the elastic element 17 is connected to the first cover 12 via the hook. (Refer to...) Figure 7 A limiting part 152 is also provided on the fixing part 15. When the box body 11 and the shell 21 are separated from the connection, the elastic part 17 will pull the first cover 12 to move until the first cover 12 abuts against the limiting part 152, thereby fixing the first cover 12 in the first position and ensuring that the powder outlet 111 is in the closed state.

[0054] In other embodiments, the elastic element 17 may be configured as a compression spring, and the position of the limiting part 152 may be adjusted accordingly to fix the first cover 12 in the first position.

[0055] Finally, the other features of the sealing structure of this split-type toner cartridge will be introduced.

[0056] like Figure 8As shown, considering the sealing issue of the toner inlet 211, a second cover 23 is provided in the photosensitive developing unit 2. The second cover 23 can be used to open or close the toner inlet 211. Pressing this allows the toner inlet 211 to be temporarily closed before the new cartridge 11 is connected to the housing 21, and then opened when the new cartridge 11 is about to be connected to the housing 21. This effectively prevents dust and other impurities from entering the housing 21 and avoids toner contamination.

[0057] Optionally, the photosensitive developing unit 2 further includes a second flexible sealing plate 24. The second flexible sealing plate 24 is sealed over the powder inlet 211 and fixedly connected to the housing 21. The second flexible sealing plate 24 has a third opening opposite to the powder inlet 211. This allows the second flexible sealing plate 24 to abut against the first cover 12 when the powder inlet 211 is open and aligns with the powder outlet 111, more effectively preventing toner leakage. In this embodiment, the third opening and the powder inlet 211 are the same size and shape.

[0058] Furthermore, the second cover 23 can rotate relative to the housing 21 to fit against the second flexible sealing plate 24, closing the powder inlet 211, or separate from the second flexible sealing plate 24, opening the powder inlet 211. In this way, when the powder inlet 211 is closed, the second flexible sealing plate 24 and the second cover 23 can abut against each other, improving the sealing effect. Specifically, the second flexible sealing plate 24 is made of an elastic material, and thermoplastic resin sheets, flocking, or other materials can be adhered to it.

[0059] In this embodiment, a torsion spring 25 is installed on the housing 21, and the second cover 23 is rotatably connected to the housing 21 via the torsion spring 25. Further, the second cover 23 includes a flexible plate 231 and a rigid plate 232 that are fitted together. The second cover 23 can fit against the second flexible sealing plate 24 via the flexible plate 231 to improve the sealing effect; the rigid plate 232 is used to support and fix the flexible plate 231. In other embodiments, the rotatable connection between the second cover 23 and the housing 21 can also be achieved through other structures such as a rotating shaft, which will not be elaborated here.

[0060] This embodiment also provides a toner cartridge, which includes the sealing structure of the split-type toner cartridge as described above.

[0061] In summary, this embodiment provides a separate sealing structure for a toner cartridge and a toner cartridge, which enables the separation design between the toner cartridge 1 and the photosensitive developing unit 2, which consists of high-lifespan components such as the photosensitive drum, charging roller, cleaning roller, cleaning blade, developing roller, toner supply roller, and developing blade. This allows for the individual replacement of the toner cartridge 1, improving the utilization rate of consumables and reducing consumable costs.

[0062] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 1 is in a free state, this sealing structure ensures the toner is sealed. When the toner cartridge 1 is inserted into the photosensitive developing unit 2, it connects the toner outlet 111 and the toner inlet 211, ensuring a normal toner supply. When the toner cartridge 1 is separated from the photosensitive developing unit 2, this sealing structure can close the toner outlet 111 again to prevent toner leakage.

[0063] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A seal structure of a split type selenium drum, characterized by, The carbon powder cartridge (1) comprises a cartridge body (11) and a first cover (12), the cartridge body (11) is provided with a powder outlet (111), the first cover (12) is arranged at the powder outlet (111), the first cover (12) is provided with a powder guide hole (1211), and the first cover (12) is configured to be movable relative to the cartridge body (11) so that the powder guide hole (1211) and the powder outlet (111) are completely misaligned or at least partially overlapped. A photosensitive developing unit (2) comprises a shell (21), the shell (21) is detachably connected with the cartridge body (11), and the shell (21) is provided with a powder inlet hole (211) opposite to the powder outlet (111). The shell (21) is fixed with a guide member (22). The first cover (12) is configured to reach a first position when the cartridge body (11) and the shell (21) are separated, so that the powder guide hole (1211) and the powder outlet (111) are completely misaligned; and the first cover (12) is further configured to be in contact with the guide member (22) to move to a second position when the cartridge body (11) and the shell (21) are connected, so that the powder guide hole (1211) and the powder outlet (111) are at least partially overlapped. The cartridge body (11) and the shell (21) are relatively moved along a first direction to be separated or connected, the first cover (12) is slidably connected with the cartridge body (11) along a second direction, and one end of the first cover (12) along the second direction is formed with a guide inclined surface (1212).

2. The seal structure of a split type toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The guide member (22) is configured to be in abutment with the guide inclined surface (1212) when the cartridge body (11) and the shell (21) are switched from being separated to being connected, so as to guide the first cover (12) to slide from the first position to the second position. The carbon powder cartridge (1) further comprises:

3. The seal structure of a split type toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein An elastic member (17) connected with the first cover (12), the elastic member (17) is configured to provide a reset force for the first cover (12) when the cartridge body (11) and the shell (21) are switched from being connected to being separated, so that the first cover (12) can be moved from the second position to the first position. The elastic member (17) is provided as a tension spring or a compression spring.

4. The seal structure of the split type selenium drum according to claim 3, wherein The carbon powder cartridge (1) further comprises:

5. The seal structure of a split type toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein A first flexible sealing plate (13) sealingly arranged at the powder outlet (111) and fixedly connected with the cartridge body (11), the first flexible sealing plate (13) is provided with a first opening, and the first opening is opposite to the powder outlet (111); A rigid support plate (14) arranged between the first flexible sealing plate (13) and the first cover (12) and fixedly connected with the first flexible sealing plate (13), the rigid support plate (14) is provided with a second opening, and the second opening is opposite to the first opening. ​ 6. The seal structure of a split type toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The carbon powder box (1) further comprises a fixing member (15) fixedly connected with the box body (11) and forming a sliding cavity (16) therebetween, and the first cover body (12) is in sliding connection with the sliding cavity (16).

7. The seal structure of a split type selenium drum according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The photosensitive developing unit (2) further comprises a second cover body (23) for opening or closing the powder inlet (211).

8. The seal structure of a split type selenium drum according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The photosensitive developing unit (2) further comprises a second flexible sealing plate (24) sealingly arranged at the powder inlet (211) and fixedly connected with the shell (21), and the second flexible sealing plate (24) is provided with a third opening opposite to the powder inlet (211).

9. A selenium drum, characterized by, A sealing structure comprising a split type selenium drum as claimed in any one of claims 1-8.

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