A toner cartridge for Kyocera printers

Abstract

This invention discloses a toner cartridge suitable for Kyocera printers, comprising a toner cartridge body. The toner cartridge body has a stop that prevents the rotation of a rotating component in the printer's toner cartridge identification device. The stop extends from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body toward the printer's toner cartridge identification device. The purpose of this invention is to provide a solution that cleverly blocks the rotating component on the printer by using a stop extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body toward the printer's toner cartridge identification device, preventing the rotating component from rotating. This achieves the effect of allowing the printer to detect that the toner cartridge is installed correctly and function normally without the need to produce a specific model of toner cartridge. Compared to existing solutions on the market, this invention has a simpler structure, better versatility, and does not require clearance slots for specific locations on printers in different regions, effectively saving production costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printer accessories, and more particularly to a toner cartridge suitable for Kyocera printers. Background Technology

[0002] Kyocera printers, as widely used photocopying devices, rely heavily on toner cartridges as a crucial consumable. However, currently, Kyocera printers in different countries and regions use proprietary toner cartridges; that is, the same model of Kyocera printer uses different toner cartridges in different countries and regions. Although the plastic components of these cartridges are over 90% similar, the only difference lies in the structure of the clearance slot in the toner cartridge identification device. This results in a single toner cartridge model being compatible only with machines in one country, leading to poor versatility. The production of these proprietary toner cartridges presents several challenges for companies. First, since each country and region requires a different toner cartridge, companies must produce different cartridges for different markets, resulting in small-scale production and increased costs. Second, the high similarity in the plastic components of the toner cartridges, coupled with the need for minor modifications for different markets, further increases the difficulty of production. Due to constantly changing market demands and the difficulties in toner cartridge production, some companies have begun producing universal toner cartridges. These cartridges use replaceable inserts, with different inserts installed in the corresponding slots of the printer's identification device, to accommodate different printers in different shipping regions. However, this method cannot guarantee quality and stability, and assembly errors are prone to occur, causing significant losses to both buyers and manufacturers in export sales. Furthermore, this method requires adhesive to bond the inserts to the substrate during assembly, increasing costs and increasing the risk of them falling off during transportation and use.

[0003] Therefore, how to solve the problem of poor versatility of toner cartridges and improve the production efficiency and quality of toner cartridges has become an important issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a toner cartridge that is simple in structure, versatile, easy and convenient to manufacture, and suitable for Kyocera printers.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following solution: a toner cartridge suitable for Kyocera printers, comprising a toner cartridge body, wherein the toner cartridge body is provided with a stop member that can prevent the rotation of a rotating component in the printer toner cartridge identification device, the stop member extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body toward the printer toner cartridge identification device.

[0006] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the stop member includes a stop piece extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body toward the printer toner cartridge identification device. The outer end of the stop piece can be inserted into the gap at the top of the rotating part in the printer toner cartridge identification device and abut against the rotation path of the anti-return block extending upward from the rotating part.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end edge of the stop plate has a chamfer.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stop piece is semi-circular.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the stop member includes a stop post extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body toward the printer toner cartridge identification device. The stop post is telescopically inserted into the wall surface of the toner cartridge body. The outer end of the stop post can be inserted into a slot on the rotating part of the printer toner cartridge identification device and abut against the top inner edge of the slot.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a recessed telescopic groove is provided on the outer wall of the powder box body, the stop post is telescopically accommodated in the telescopic groove, and an elastic element is provided in the telescopic groove to keep the stop post extending outward from the telescopic groove.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter of the telescopic groove is larger than the opening diameter of the telescopic groove, and a retaining ring is provided on the outer circumferential wall surrounding the stop post. The retaining ring is accommodated in the inner cavity of the telescopic groove, and the diameter of the retaining ring is larger than the opening diameter of the telescopic groove.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element is a spring, with one end of the spring abutting against the back of the retaining ring and the other end of the spring abutting against the inner wall of the end of the telescopic groove.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end of the stop post pointing towards the printer toner cartridge identification device is rounded.

[0014] In summary, the advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows: This invention cleverly uses a stop extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body towards the printer's toner cartridge identification device to abut against the rotating component on the printer, preventing it from rotating back. This achieves the effect of allowing the printer to recognize the toner cartridge's proper installation and normal operation without the need to produce toner cartridges of the corresponding model. Compared to existing solutions on the market, this invention has better versatility, eliminating the need to produce numerous inserts to accommodate the clearance slots in specific locations on printers in different regions, effectively saving production costs. It also eliminates the need for complex assembly processes, improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the simple stop structure further enhances quality and robustness, preventing incorrect assembly during the process and eliminating the risk of it falling off during transportation and use. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A 3D diagram showing the installation of an existing original toner cartridge onto a printer toner cartridge identification device, along with a magnified view of a specific area within the diagram.

[0016] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an existing original toner cartridge installed on a printer toner cartridge identification device, and an enlarged view of a portion of the image.

[0017] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram showing the toner cartridge being installed into the toner mounting area of ​​an existing printer.

[0018] Figure 4 An exploded view of the toner cartridge and an existing printer toner cartridge identification device.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the rotating component and the rotating component fixing bracket in an existing printer toner cartridge identification device.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the toner cartridge in the first embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view of a local area in the figure.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of the toner cartridge installed in the toner mounting area of ​​an existing printer in the first embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view of a partial area in the figure.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a top view of the structure in the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge and the printer toner cartridge identification device installed together, and an enlarged view of a partial area in the figure.

[0023] Figure 9This is a rear cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge being installed in the toner mounting area of ​​an existing printer in a first embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view of a portion of the area in the figure.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the toner cartridge in the second embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view of a local area in the figure.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the toner cartridge being installed in the toner mounting area of ​​an existing printer in a second embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view of a partial area in the figure.

[0026] Figure 12 This is one of the side sectional views of a toner cartridge installed in the toner mounting area of ​​an existing printer in a second embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view of a portion of the area in the figure.

[0027] Figure 13 The second embodiment of the present invention shows a side sectional view and an exploded view of the toner cartridge being installed in the toner mounting area of ​​an existing printer, as well as an enlarged view of a portion of the figure.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Toner cartridge body; 2. Stop; 3. Rotating component; 4. Toner cartridge identification device; 5. Toner installation area; 6. Toner cartridge locking lever; 7. Insert; 10. Original toner cartridge; 11. Telescopic groove; 12. Locking point; 21. Stop plate; 22. Stop post; 23. Elastic component; 24. Retaining ring; 31. Gap; 32. Check block; 33. Rotating component fixing bracket; 34. Slot; 35. Secondary slot; 36. Arc-shaped slot; 41. Clearance slot; 51. Circular opening; 52. Conductive spring; 60. Slot; 61. Lever; 62. Top pressure spring; 63. Angle gap. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following detailed description provides various embodiments or examples for carrying out the present invention. Of course, these are merely embodiments or examples and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, repeated reference numerals, such as repeated numbers and / or letters, may be used in different embodiments. These repetitions are for the purpose of simple and clear description of the invention and do not represent a specific relationship between the different embodiments and / or structures discussed.

[0030] Furthermore, spatial terms may be used, such as "below," "lower," "from the inside out," "above," "upper," and similar terms. These relational terms are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between some elements or features in the drawings and other elements or features. These spatial relational terms include different orientations of the device in use or operation, as well as the orientations described in the drawings. The device may be rotated 90 degrees or otherwise to different orientations, and the spatially related adjectives used therein can be interpreted in the same way. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the invention. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: Figures 1 to 5 The diagram shows the structure of an existing original toner cartridge installed in the printer's toner cartridge identification device 4. Kyocera printers such as the 5018, 5021, 5223, 5330, 5430, 5323, 5333, 5244, 5240, and 5526 typically have a toner cartridge identification device 4 within the toner installation area 5. This device detects whether the toner cartridge is installed correctly and whether it is an original cartridge. Therefore, Kyocera printers sold in different regions globally make minor modifications to the toner cartridge identification device 4. Specifically, the position of the clearance slot 41 in the toner cartridge identification device 4 is moved to different positions on the rotating bracket 33. This requires toner cartridges sold in those regions to mate with this clearance slot 41 for installation and use. This presents a significant challenge for companies producing replacement original toner cartridges. If sold to different countries and regions simultaneously, the number of molds required would be enormous, causing considerable inconvenience.

[0032] Specifically, the toner cartridge identification device 4 of the Kyocera printer mentioned above is located within each toner mounting area 5. Each toner mounting area 5 has a toner cartridge locking lever 6 that can slide up and down. The toner cartridge locking lever 6 is inverted "U" shape with a through-hole in the center. A circular opening 51 passes through the toner mounting area 5 in the through-hole area in the center of the toner cartridge locking lever 6. The circular cap-shaped area in the center of the rotating component fixing bracket 33 is embedded in the circular opening 51. A rotating component 3 is rotatably mounted in the center of the back of the rotating component fixing bracket 33. The rotating component 3 is circular in shape. The circular cap-shaped area in the center of the rotating component fixing bracket 33 is fastened to the rotating component 3. The rotating component 3 has a groove 34 on its front side, and a protruding check block 32 on the top of its periphery. The rotating component fixing bracket 33 has a circular cap-shaped area in the center, with a corresponding slot 35 of the same shape running through the groove 34. One end of the toner cartridge locking rod 6 near the groove 34 extends into a lever 61 that can fit into the groove 34. The top of the circular cap-shaped area in the center of the rotating component fixing bracket 33 has an arc-shaped groove 36 that accommodates the protruding check block 32. After extending out of the arc-shaped groove 36, the check block 32 extends upward into the gap 31 between the top of the circular cap-shaped area in the center of the rotating component fixing bracket 33 and the circular opening 51. A clearance groove 41 is also provided on the front side of the rotating component 3, and an opening is also provided on the front side of the circular cap-shaped area in the center of the rotating component fixing bracket 33 corresponding to the clearance groove 41. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the original toner cartridge 10 has a triangular insert 7. This insert 7 is used when the original toner cartridge 10 is inserted into the central area of ​​the toner cartridge locking lever 6. It passes through the opening of the circular cover-shaped area in the center of the rotating component fixing bracket 33, corresponding to the opening of the clearance groove 41, and presses the left and right inclined surfaces of the clearance groove 41, causing the rotating component 3 to rotate clockwise. Since there are sensing points, usually two conductive springs 52 that can contact each other, on the back of the rotating component 3 and in its corresponding toner installation area 5, when the rotating component 3 rotates clockwise, the two conductive springs 52 separate, and no electrical signal passes through. The printer will then determine that the toner cartridge is installed in place. Thus, the purpose of the insert 7 is to prevent the rotating component 3 from rotating back after clockwise rotation. However, the position of the clearance groove 41 varies in different countries and regions. Therefore, if the position of the insert 7 is fixed, it is impossible to insert the insert 7 into the clearance groove 41, and the toner cartridge cannot be installed and will be pushed up by the insert 7. Therefore, only one original toner cartridge 10 can be used on the same type of printer, and they are not universally compatible. After long-term research, the inventor made the following technical improvements.

[0033] like Figures 6 to 13The toner cartridge shown is suitable for Kyocera printers and includes a toner cartridge body 1, i.e., the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge body 1 is provided with a stop 2 that can prevent the rotation of the rotating part 3 in the printer toner cartridge identification device 4. The stop 2 extends from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body 1 toward the printer toner cartridge identification device 4.

[0034] Among them, such as Figures 6 to 9 The first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The stop member 2 includes a stop piece 21 extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body 1 toward the printer toner cartridge identification device 4. The stop piece 21 is integrally formed with the toner cartridge body 1. The stop piece 21 is semi-arc-shaped and has chamfered edges at its ends. The outer end of the stop piece 21 can be inserted into the printer toner cartridge identification device 4 at the top of the rotating member 3 when the toner cartridge body 1 is installed into the toner mounting area 5. Figure 9 The gap 31 shown is blocked on the rotation path of the anti-return block 32 extending upward from the rotating part 3. In this way, no matter where the anti-return groove 41 is located, the rotating part 3 can not rotate, the two conductive springs 52 are separated, and the printer can determine that the toner cartridge is installed in place and can be used normally.

[0035] In addition, such as Figures 10 to 13The figure shows the second embodiment of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the figure, the stop member 2 in this embodiment includes a stop post 22 extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body 1 toward the printer toner cartridge identification device. The stop post 22 is telescopically inserted into the wall surface of the toner cartridge body 1. The outer end of the stop post 22 can pass through the sub-groove 35 and be inserted into the slot 34 located on the rotating member 3 in the printer toner cartridge identification device 4, and can abut against the top inner edge of the slot 34. When installing the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge locking lever 6 moves upward, and the lever 61 pushes against the slot 34, causing the rotating part 3 to rotate clockwise. At this time, when the toner cartridge is installed in a certain position, the toner cartridge locking lever 6 is pressed downward by the top pressure spring 62. When the lever 61 moves down to a certain angle, an angled gap 63 will appear between the top inner edge of the slot 34 and the top surface of the lever 61. The stop post 22 is inserted into the angled gap 63 at this time, and the top inner edge of the slot 34 will be stuck on the top of the stop post 22. The end of the stop post 22 pointing towards the printer toner cartridge identification device 4 is rounded, which makes it easy for the stop post 22 to be inserted into the angled gap 63. In this way, the rotating part 3 also cannot rotate back, the two conductive springs 52 separate, and the printer can then determine that the toner cartridge is installed in place and can be used normally. At this time, the stop post 22 can be fixed to the wall of the toner cartridge body 1. The stop post 22 can be a protruding cylinder or a protruding sheet. To allow the stop post 22 to smoothly insert into the included angle gap 63, a telescopic groove 11 is provided on the outer wall of the toner cartridge body 1 facing the printer toner cartridge identification device. The stop post 22 can be telescopically accommodated in the telescopic groove 11. An elastic element 23 is provided in the telescopic groove 11 to keep the stop post 22 extending outward from the groove. The telescopic nature of the stop post 22 prevents the end of the stop post 22 from pressing against the front of the lever 61 during downward movement, thus preventing the toner cartridge body 1 from being installed in place in time. During the downward movement of the stop lever 61, the stop post 22 is initially compressed back into the telescopic groove 11 by the front of the lever 61. When the lever 61 moves downward beyond the height of the stop post 22, the elastic element 23 quickly pushes the stop post 22 out of the telescopic groove 11. The rounded end of the stop post 22 can then pass through the secondary groove 35 and insert into the corner gap 63 to hold the rotating part 3 in place, preventing it from continuing to move downward with the lever 61. Specifically, the inner diameter of the telescopic groove 11 is larger than the opening diameter of the telescopic groove 11. A retaining ring 24 is provided on the outer circumference of the stop post 22. The retaining ring 24 is housed in the inner cavity of the telescopic groove 11, and its diameter is larger than the opening diameter of the telescopic groove 11. The elastic element 23 is a spring, with one end of the spring abutting against the back of the retaining ring 24 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the tail end of the inner cavity of the telescopic groove 11.It should also be noted that the slot 34, as shown in the figure, has a trumpet-shaped opening, and the width of its upper and lower openings is greater than the width of the lever 61. Therefore, after the rotating part 3 is blocked by the slot 34, the lever 61 can still fall down, so that the locking points 12 on the left and right sides of the toner cartridge body 1 can be locked into the locking slots 60 provided on the two free ends of the toner cartridge locking lever 6.

[0036] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles and main features of the present invention, as well as its advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A toner cartridge suitable for Kyocera printers, comprising a toner cartridge body (1), characterized in that: The toner cartridge body (1) is provided with a stop (2) that can prevent the rotating part (3) in the printer toner recognition device from rotating. The stop (2) extends from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body (1) toward the printer toner recognition device. The stop (2) includes a stop piece (21) extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body (1) toward the printer toner recognition device or a stop post (22) extending from the outer wall of the toner cartridge body (1) toward the printer toner recognition device. The outer end of the stop piece (21) can be inserted into the gap (31) at the top of the rotating part (3) in the printer toner recognition device and abut against the rotation path of the anti-return block (32) extending upward from the rotating part (3). The stop post (22) is retractably inserted into the wall of the toner cartridge body (1). The outer end of the stop post (22) can be inserted into the slot (34) on the rotating part (3) of the printer toner recognition device and abut against the top inner edge of the slot (34).

2. A toner cartridge for Kyocera printers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end edge of the stop piece (21) has a chamfer.

3. A toner cartridge for Kyocera printers according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stop piece (21) is semi-circular.

4. A toner cartridge for Kyocera printers according to claim 1, characterized in that, A recessed telescopic groove (11) is provided on the outer wall of the powder box body (1). The stop post (22) is telescopically accommodated in the telescopic groove (11). An elastic element (23) is provided in the telescopic groove (11) to keep the stop post (22) extending outward from the telescopic groove (11).

5. A toner cartridge for Kyocera printers according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the telescopic groove (11) is larger than the opening diameter of the telescopic groove (11). A retaining ring (24) is provided on the outer circumferential wall surrounding the stop post (22). The retaining ring (24) is housed in the inner cavity of the telescopic groove (11), and the diameter of the retaining ring (24) is larger than the opening diameter of the telescopic groove (11).

6. A toner cartridge for Kyocera printers according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic element (23) is a spring, with one end of the spring abutting against the back of the retaining ring (24) and the other end of the spring abutting against the inner wall of the end of the inner cavity of the telescopic groove (11).

7. A toner cartridge for Kyocera printers according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stop post (22) is rounded at the end of the printer toner recognition device.

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