A developing device

Abstract

A developing device is detachably mounted on a main assembly of an image forming device having a detection component, comprising: a box body; a first protective cover, which is arranged at one end of the box body; a developing roller, which is arranged on the box body along the X direction; a detection rotating member, which is arranged on the box body; a detected member, which is used to be driven by the detection rotating member to trigger the detection component of the main assembly to move, thereby triggering the detection component to swing around a swing center; a moving device, which is used to move the detected member from a first position to a second position, the distance between the detected member and the swing center of the detection component when the detected member is in the first position is different from the distance between the detected member and the swing center of the detection component when the detected member is in the second position; when the detected member is in the first position, the detected member triggers the detection component to swing at a first angular velocity; when the detected member is in the second position, the detected member triggers the detection component to swing at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device, and in particular to a developing device. Background Art

[0002] The developer cartridge is a common printing consumable for laser printers. Different developer cartridges have different models and specifications, and are compatible with different printer models. Therefore, the printer needs to test the model and specifications of the developer cartridge to confirm whether it is compatible. In the existing technology, chips, detection gears and other methods are commonly used for detection. However, chips are expensive, and high costs will lead to an increase in the price of developer cartridges. The detection gear is a mechanical structure that can completely replace the chip, and also provide some information to partially replace the chip, reducing the amount of information stored in the chip, thereby reducing the cost of the chip.

[0003] The existing detection gear is provided with multiple protrusions. When the detection gear rotates, the multiple protrusions touch the detection rod in the main component of the image forming device, so that the image forming device can judge the model and specifications of the developing cartridge according to the number of times the detection rod is touched.

[0004] However, this detection method is relatively simple, and with the continuous expansion of the developer cartridge product line, there are many models of developer cartridges. The developer cartridges are detected by having multiple protrusions touch the detection rod, and the number of protrusions that need to be set is increasing. Due to the existence of manufacturing tolerances, the more protrusions there are, the more likely errors will occur in the detection, resulting in the problem that the developer cartridge cannot be correctly detected by the image forming device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device detachably mounted on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus having a detecting member, comprising:

[0006] Box body;

[0007] a first protective cover, which is arranged at one end of the box body;

[0008] a developing roller, which is arranged on the box body along the X direction;

[0009] A detection rotating member, which is arranged on the box body;

[0010] a detected member, which is used to be driven by the detection rotating member to trigger the detection component of the main assembly to move, thereby triggering the detection component to swing around the swing center;

[0011] a moving device for moving the detected member from a first position to a second position, wherein the distance between the detected member and the swing center of the detection component when the detected member is in the first position is different from the distance between the detected member and the swing center of the detection component when the detected member is in the second position;

[0012] When the detected member is in the first position, the detected member triggers the detecting component to swing at a first angular velocity;

[0013] When the detected member is in the second position, the detected member triggers the detecting component to swing at a second angular velocity that is different from the first angular velocity.

[0014] The present invention provides a new detection method, which changes the distance between the detected part and the swing center of the detection component through a moving device, so that the detected part triggers the detection component at different positions. The detection component is triggered at different angular velocities, thereby sending a detection signal to the main component. This detection method is simple and has good working stability.

[0015] In some embodiments, the detection rotating member has a first rotation process and a second rotation process in sequence; when the detection rotating member is in the first rotation process, the detected member performs a first triggering movement at the first position, so that the detection component swings at a first angular velocity; before the detection rotating member enters the second rotation process, the moving device moves the detected member from the first position to the second position; when the detection rotating member is in the second rotation process, the detected member performs a second triggering movement at the second position, so that the detection component swings at a second angular velocity.

[0016] In some embodiments, there is at least one first rotation process, and the first triggering movement is performed at least once; the detected part performs a return movement after triggering the detection component; the return movement of the detected part after the last first triggering movement in the first position has a different stroke compared to the previous return movement, so that the detected part moves to a position capable of triggering the moving device, and the moving device moves the detected part from the first position to the second position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the developing device further includes an annular acting member, which is fixed relative to the box body. When the detection rotating member rotates, it can act on the annular acting member, causing the detection rotating member to be displaced in the X direction, thereby driving the detected member to perform triggering movement or return movement.

[0018] In some embodiments, the developing device further includes: a third elastic member for keeping the detecting rotating member in contact with the annular acting member.

[0019] In some embodiments, the annular action member has a first recess, a first slope, a first protrusion, a second recess, a second slope, and a second protrusion in sequence along the circumferential direction, and the first recess, the first slope, and the first protrusion are at least one set; the detection rotating member is provided with an action portion for contacting and interacting with the annular action member;

[0020] When the detection rotating member is in the first rotation process, the action portion moves from the first concave position along the first slope to the first protruding position, and the detection rotating member moves along the X direction from the second axial position to the first axial position, so that the detected member performs the first triggering movement at the first position;

[0021] When the action portion leaves the last first protruding position and moves to the second recessed position, the detection rotating member moves along the X direction from the first axial position to the third axial position, and the distance between the first axial position and the third axial position is different from the distance between the second axial position and the first axial position, so that the detected member moves to a position capable of triggering the moving device, and the moving device moves the detected member from the first position to the second position;

[0022] When the detection rotating member is in the second rotation process, the action portion moves from the second concave position along the second slope to the second protruding position, and the detection rotating member moves from the third axial position to the first axial position along the X direction, so that the detected member performs a second triggering movement at the second position.

[0023] In some embodiments, a distance between the first axial position and the third axial position is greater than a distance between the second axial position and the first axial position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the annular action member further has a third recessed position and a third protruding position in sequence after the second protruding position in the axial direction;

[0025] When the detected member completes the second triggering movement, the action portion leaves the second protruding position and enters the third recessed position, and the detection process is completed;

[0026] After the developing device is disassembled from the main assembly, the detection rotating member can be rotated so that the action portion moves from the third recessed position to the third protruding position, and the detected member can be moved and reset from the second position to the first position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the annular action member further has an initial fall-back slope and an initial protrusion position in sequence after the third protrusion position in the axial direction;

[0028] When the initial position of the action portion is located at the initial return slope, and the developing device is installed, the action portion moves from the initial return slope to the initial protruding position, the detection rotating member rotates to a position capable of receiving drive, the detection rotating member moves along the X direction to a first axial position, and the detected member triggers the detection component;

[0029] The detection rotating member is driven to rotate, so that the action portion moves from the initial protruding position to the first recessed position, and the detection rotating member moves from the first axial position to the second axial position along the X direction, so that the detected member performs a return motion;

[0030] After the developing device is disassembled from the main assembly, the detected member is reset to the first position, the detecting rotating member can continue to rotate, and the acting portion moves from the third protruding position to the initial falling slope.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lengths of the initial protrusion, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion along the X direction are equal, the length of the third protrusion along the X direction is greater than the length of the second protrusion along the X direction, the length of the second concave position along the X direction is less than the length of the first concave position along the X direction, and the slopes of the first slope and the second slope are the same.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second position is closer to the swing center of the detection component than the first position, so that the second angular velocity of the detection component is greater than the first angular velocity.

[0033] In some embodiments, the developing device further comprises a rotating shaft fixedly connected to the box body, the detected member is rotatably disposed on the rotating shaft, and the detected member is configured to rotate in a first position and a second position, respectively, thereby triggering the detection component.

[0034] In some embodiments, a locking portion is provided on the rotating shaft, and an unlocking portion interacting with the locking portion is provided on the detected member; the moving device includes a first elastic member, and the first elastic member causes the detected member to abut against the locking portion and thus be locked in the first position; when the unlocking portion rotates with the detected member to a position aligned with the locking portion, the first elastic member acts to move the detected member from the first position to the second position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the detected part is further provided with a reset part that interacts with the locking part. After the developing device is removed from the main component, when the reset part rotates with the detected part to a position aligned with the locking part, the detected part can move from the second position to the first position.

[0036] In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a transmission rod, the box body having a first end and a second end along the X direction, the detection rotating member is arranged at the first end of the box body, and the detected member is arranged at the second end of the box body, the detection rotating member is capable of moving along the X direction and transmitting power to the detected member along the X direction through the transmission rod to perform triggering movement or return movement.

[0037] In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a first track located at a first position and a second track located at a second position; the detected component is configured to be able to perform translational motion on the first track and the second track respectively, thereby triggering the detection component.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first track and the second track are arranged along the XY plane, and the detected component performs triggering motion and return motion along the Y direction on the first track and the second track.

[0039] In some embodiments, the moving device includes a second elastic member; the detected member performs a return movement after the last first trigger movement at the first position, leaving the first track, thereby interacting with the second elastic member and moving to the second position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first track and the second track are arranged along an XY plane, and the detected component performs a triggering motion and a return motion along an X direction on the first track and the second track.

[0041] In some embodiments, the moving device includes a first moving inclined surface; the detected part performs a return movement after the last first trigger movement at the first position, leaving the first track, thereby interacting with the first moving inclined surface and moving to the second position.

[0042] In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a second movable inclined surface; the detected member performs a return movement after performing a second triggering movement at the second position, disengages from the second track, and thereby interacts with the second movable inclined surface to move to the first position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the developing device further comprises:

[0044] a transmission rod, wherein the box body has a first end and a second end along the X direction, the detection rotating member is arranged at the first end of the box body, and the detected member is arranged at the second end of the box body, the detection rotating member is capable of moving along the X direction, and transmits power to the detected member along the X direction through the transmission rod to perform triggering movement or return movement; and

[0045] A flexible member, through which the transmission rod transmits power to the detected member.

[0046] In some embodiments, the annular action member is provided on the first protective cover.

[0047] The present invention also provides a developing device that is detachably mounted on a main assembly of an image forming device, comprising:

[0048] Box body;

[0049] a first protective cover, which is arranged at one end of the box body;

[0050] A detection rotating member, which is arranged on the box body;

[0051] a detected member, which is used to be driven by the detection rotating member to trigger the detection component of the main assembly;

[0052] a transmission rod, which is arranged on the box body;

[0053] The flexible member, the detection rotating member, the transmission rod, the flexible member and the detected member are sequentially connected in transmission, and the flexible member is used to transmit the power of the transmission rod to the detected member.

[0054] The provision of the flexible member makes the transmission between the transmission rod and the detected member smoother.

[0055] In some embodiments, the moving direction of the transmission rod is different from the moving direction of the detected component.

[0056] In some embodiments, the transmission rod is displaced in the X direction, and the detected component is displaced in the Y direction.

[0057] In some embodiments, the transmission rod is displaced in the X direction, and the detected component is displaced in the Z direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the developing device and the detecting component of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first end of the developing device (omitting the first protective cover) according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first protective cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second end of the developing device (omitting the second protective cover) and the detection component according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the detected component in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a planar expansion of an annular active member according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the motion process of the detection rotating member and the transmission rod according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the transmission rod in the initial axial position and the detected component in the first position according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the first axial position and the detected component in the first position in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the second axial position and the detected component in the first position in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the detected component when the transmission rod is located at the third axial position in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the detected component in the transmission rod of the first embodiment of the present invention at the third axial position, with the view facing the +Y direction;

[0070] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the third axial position and the detected component in the second position according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the view facing the +Y direction;

[0071] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the transmission rod in the first embodiment of the present invention located at the third axial position and the detected component located at the second position;

[0072] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the first axial position and the detected component in the second position according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the detected component when the transmission rod is located at the fifth axial position in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of the developing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a detection unit located at the second end of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the transmission rod in the initial axial position and the detected component in the first position according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the second axial position and the detected component in the first position in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 21This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the first axial position and the detected component in the first position in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the third axial position and the detected component in the second position in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the first axial position and the detected component in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the transmission rod in the fifth axial position and the detected component in the second position in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 25 This is a schematic structural diagram of the developing device at the second end according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 26 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second protective cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 27 Schematic diagram of the structure of the detected component and the flexible component in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the detected component in the first position when the transmission rod is in the second axial position according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the detected component in the second position when the transmission rod is in the third axial position according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the position of the detected component in the second position when the transmission rod is in the fifth axial position according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Reference numerals:

[0089] Detection component 1; swing center 11; box body 2; accommodating groove 21; clamping portion 22; guide mechanism 23; driving portion 3; transmission portion 4; developing roller 5; first protective cover 6; annular action member 61; initial return slope 611; initial protrusion 612; first first return position 613a; first first recess 614a; first first slope 615a; first first protrusion 616a; second first return position 613b; second first recess 614b; second first slope 615b; second first protrusion 616b; second return position 617; second recess 618; second slope 619; second protrusion 620; third recess 621; third protrusion 622; mounting shaft 63; second protective cover 7; detection rotating member 81; toothless portion 8 11; action part 812; transmission rod 82; block 821; accommodating hole 822; third elastic member 83; detected member 84; mounting hole 841; unlocking part 842; reset part 843; sliding rod 844; side 845; rotating shaft 85; locking part 851; lifting device; first elastic member 861; second elastic member 862; top ball 863; lifting slope 864; descending slope 87; flexible member 88; guide structure 9; first guide part 91; second guide part 92; third guide part 93; fourth guide part 94; fifth guide part 95; first track 96; second track 97; initial axial position A0; first axial position A1; second axial position A2; third axial position A3; fourth axial position A4; fifth axial position A5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0091] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0092] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "fixed," and the like should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0093] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0094] In the above description, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0095] Example 1

[0096] See Figure 1 The image forming apparatus of this embodiment includes a main assembly, a developing device, and a drum assembly detachably mounted on a main assembly mounting bay. In some embodiments, the drum assembly and the developing device may be detachably assembled into a single-piece process cartridge, which may then be detachably mounted in the mounting bay.

[0097] A detection component 1 is disposed within the mounting compartment of the main assembly. Detection component 1 is configured to be triggered by a detection member 84 of the developing device when the developing device is installed in the main assembly, thereby enabling the main assembly to determine information such as the model and specifications of the developing device based on the triggering of detection component 1. Detection component 1 can be configured as a detection rod that, when triggered, swings about a swing center 11. The main assembly can determine information about the developing device based on the number of times detection component 1 is triggered and the angular velocity of the swing when triggered.

[0098] In this embodiment, a three-dimensional coordinate system is established, including mutually intersecting X, Y, and Z directions. The developing device has a first end and a second end in the X direction. The first end is used to receive the driving force of the main assembly, and in this embodiment, the first end is in the +X direction. The second end is the non-driven end, and in this embodiment, the second end is in the -X direction. In the Y direction, the developing roller is located at one end of the developing device, and in the Y direction, the handle is located at the other end of the developing device. The Z direction intersects both the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the X direction is also the length direction of the developing device, the Y direction is also the width direction of the developing device, and the Z direction is also the height direction of the developing device. This may be different in other embodiments. The direction of the developing device close to the detection component 1 is the +Z direction, that is, upward, and the direction away from the detection component 1 is the -Z direction, that is, downward. In the developing device, the direction close to the developing roller 5 is the +Y direction, and the direction away from the developing roller 5 is the -Y direction. This may be different in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0099] The developing device comprises a box body 2, a driving part 3, a transmission part 4, a developing roller 5, a first protective cover 6, a second protective cover 7 and a detection unit. The box body 2 has a first end and a second end. Figure 2 The drive unit 3 is located at the first end of the housing 2 and receives power from the main assembly. The developing roller 5 is mounted on the housing 2 along the X-axis. The housing 2 also includes a powder hopper for storing developer and a stirring mechanism for stirring the developer. A first protective cover 6 is removably fixed to the first end of the housing 2, while a second protective cover 7 is removably fixed to the second end of the housing 2 to protect the components of the housing 2. An annular actuator 61 and a mounting shaft 63 are fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the first protective cover 6, extending along the X-axis.

[0100] The detection unit includes a detection rotating member 81, a transmission rod 82, a third elastic member 83, a detected member 84, a rotating shaft 85, and a moving device. The detection rotating member 81 receives power rotation from the driving unit 3 through the transmission unit 4, moves in the X direction through interaction with the annular actuator 61, and transmits this motion to the detected member 84 through the transmission rod 82, causing the detected member 84 to trigger the detection component 1 to swing around the swing center 11.

[0101] See Figure 2 In this embodiment, the transmission part 4 is specifically a stirring gear, that is, a gear that drives the stirring mechanism, which is arranged at the first end of the box body 2. The detection rotating member 81 is specifically a detection gear, and in other embodiments it can also be other rotating parts. The detection gear has a toothless portion 811. When it rotates to the toothless portion 811, it no longer engages with the stirring gear, stops receiving power from the driving part 3 and stops rotating, and the detection process of the developing device is terminated. The detection rotating member 81 is arranged at the first end of the box body 2 and is rotatably mounted on the mounting shaft 63 of the first protective cover 6. The detection rotating member 81 is provided with an action portion 812 for interacting with the annular action member 61 on the +X side relative to the annular action member 61, so that the detection rotating member 81 moves along the X direction according to the concave and convex shape of the annular action member 61. In other embodiments, it is not limited to strictly move along the X direction, and at least displacement can be generated in the X direction, that is, partial displacement can be generated. In this embodiment, the action portion 812 is based on Figure 5 , contacting the structures on the annular action member 61 in sequence in a clockwise direction.

[0102] See Figure 1 and 2 The box body 2 is provided with a receiving groove 21 along the X-direction, and a clamping portion 22 is provided in the receiving groove 21. The transmission rod 82 is movably provided on the receiving groove 21 along the X-direction. The first end and the second end of the transmission rod 82 are respectively in transmission connection with the detection rotating member 81 and the detected member 84. Specifically, the first end of the transmission rod 82 abuts against the detection rotating member 81. The movement of the transmission rod 82 along the X-direction is substantially synchronized with the movement of the detection rotating member 81 along the X-direction. That is, when the detection rotating member 81 is displaced in the X-direction, the transmission rod 82 is also displaced in the X-direction. The third elastic member 83 is used to maintain contact between the action portion 812 of the detection rotating member 81 and the annular action member 61. That is, when the third elastic member 83 accumulates force, it causes the detection rotating member 81 to tend to move in the +X direction. In this embodiment, the first end of the transmission rod 82 abuts the -X side of the detection rotating member 81. The third elastic member 83 is sleeved on the transmission rod 82, with one end abutting the clamping portion 22 in the accommodating groove 21 and the other end abutting the block 821 on the transmission rod 82. The third elastic member 83 applies an elastic force in the +X direction to the block 821, so that the first end of the transmission rod 82 maintains contact with the detection rotating member 81. The second end of the transmission rod 82 is provided with a accommodating hole 822.

[0103] See Figure 3 The rotating shaft 85 is fixedly mounted on the second end of the box body 2 and extends along the Z direction. Figure 4The detected part 84 has a mounting hole 841, which is rotatably arranged on the rotating shaft 85 through the mounting hole 841 and can rotate in the XY plane. The first end of the detected part 84 is connected to the receiving hole 822 of the transmission rod 82, and can be raised and lowered within the receiving hole 822 along the Z direction within a certain range. The second end of the detected part 84 is used to trigger the detection component 1 on the main component. The rotating shaft 85 is provided with a locking portion 851, and the detected part 84 is provided with an unlocking portion 842 that interacts with the locking portion 851. In this embodiment, the locking portion 851 is a protrusion provided on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 85, and the unlocking portion 842 is a groove provided on the inner circumference of the mounting hole 841 of the detected part 84. The moving device is a first elastic member 861, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft 85, with one end abutting against the box body 2 and the other end abutting against the detected member 84. The detected member 84 is located below the locking portion 851 and is abutted below the locking portion 851 by the first elastic member 861, thereby being locked in the first position. When the detected member 84 rotates to the position where the locking portion 851 is aligned with the unlocking portion 842, the detected member 84 is pushed upward along the Z axis by the first elastic member 861, and the detected member 84 passes over the locking portion 851 and rises to the second position.

[0104] See Figure 4 In this embodiment, the detected member 84 is further provided with a reset portion 843, which can be a groove on the inner wall of the mounting hole 841 of the detected member 84. When the detected member 84 is rotated to a position where the locking portion 851 is aligned with the reset portion 843, the user can press down on the detected member 84 to move it from the second position to the first position, thereby resetting the detected member 84.

[0105] See Figure 5The annular action member 61 is arranged on the inner wall of the first protective cover 6 facing the -X direction and protrudes toward the -X direction. It is provided with an initial fall-back slope 611, an initial protruding position 612, a first first fall-back position 613a, a first first recessed position 614a, a first first slope 615a, a first first protruding position 616a, a second first fall-back position 613b, a second first recessed position 614b, a second first slope 615b, a second first protruding position 616b, a second fall-back position 617, a second recessed position 618, a second slope 619, a second protruding position 620, a third recessed position 621 and a third protruding position 622 in sequence along the circumference of the annular member in a clockwise direction. Among them, the first fall-back position, the first recessed position, the first slope and the first protruding position are a group. In this embodiment, there are two adjacent groups, and the two groups are completely identical. In other embodiments, before the second recessed position 618, the first fall-back position, the first recessed position, the first slope and the first protruding position can be provided as one or more groups. The annular action member 61 is fixed relative to the box body 2. During the process of the detection rotating member 81 receiving power to rotate, the action portion 812 interacts with the annular action member 61. When the detection rotating member 81 rotates to different positions or sections, the action portion 812 interacts with the corresponding positions of the annular action member 61, so that the detection rotating member 81 is pushed by the annular action member 61 to move in the X direction.

[0106] For ease of understanding, Figure 6 The circumferential structural plane of the annular action member 61 is unfolded, and the left end and the right end in the figure are actually connected. Figure 5 For understanding. In this embodiment, with the YZ plane of the inner wall of the first protective cover 6 as a reference, among adjacent protrusions and recesses, the protrusion protrudes longer in the X-direction relative to the inner wall of the first protective cover 6 than the recess. Specifically, the initial protrusion 612, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion 620 have equal lengths in the X-direction. The length of the first recess protruding in the X-direction relative to the inner wall of the first protective cover 6 is longer than the length of the second recess 618 protruding in the X-direction relative to the inner wall of the first protective cover 6 (the protrusion length of the second recess 618 may be 0), such that the length L1 of the first return position and the first slope in the X-direction is shorter than the length L2 of the second return position 617 and the second slope 619 in the X-direction. The first slope and the second slope 619 have the same slope. The difference between the length of the third recess 621 protruding in the X-direction and the length of the second protruding position 620 in the X-direction is L3, and L3 is shorter than L1 and L2. The length of the third protrusion 622 protruding along the X-direction is greater than the length of the second protrusion 620 protruding along the X-direction, and the difference between the two is L4. In this embodiment, the first return position is arranged along the X-direction, that is, perpendicular to the inner wall of the first protective cover 6, so that the detected member 84 can return quickly. In other embodiments, the first and second return positions 617 can be arranged obliquely with respect to the X-direction, that is, arranged as a slope, so that the return movement of the detected member 84 has a corresponding linear velocity.

[0107] The detection rotatable member 81 has a first rotation process. In this embodiment, the rotation of the detection rotatable member 81 during the first rotation process corresponds to the action portion 812 moving along the first slope. Before the second rotation process, the detection rotatable member 81 may have one or more first rotation processes, with the number of first rotation processes equal to the number of first slopes. After the first rotation process, the detection rotatable member 81 has a second rotation process. In this embodiment, the rotation of the detection rotatable member 81 during the second rotation process corresponds to the action portion 812 moving along the second slope 619.

[0108] The working process of the developing device is as follows:

[0109] Since the movement of the transmission rod 82 along the X direction is synchronized with the movement of the detection rotating member 81 along the X direction, the changes in the axial positions and the movement distances of the transmission rod 82 and the detection rotating member 81 are also equivalent. Therefore, in the following description, the axial positions and movement distances of the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 are expressed uniformly without distinction. The movement positions can be referred to in Figure 7 .

[0110] The first step (installation step):

[0111] It should be noted that when the developing device is manufactured and shipped, the factory setting is such that the action portion 812 is located in the initial protruding position 612, and the stirring gear directly engages with the detection rotatable member 81. Therefore, the initial installation of the developing device skips this first step and begins directly with the second step. However, after the developing device has been installed once, the detection rotatable member 81 rotates one revolution and finally reaches the initial return slope 611. The developing device is removed from the main assembly and then installed again, and this first step occurs. This is the only difference between the initial installation of the developing device and the reinstallation (second and subsequent times). The following description uses the reinstallation as an example.

[0112] In the initial state before the developing device is reinstalled, the action portion 812 is located on the initial falling slope 611, and the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 are located at the initial axial position A0 (see FIG. Figure 8 ), the detected member 84 is at the first height and the first position. The action portion 812 can be located at any position of the initial fall slope 611, and the difference between the length of the action portion 812 protruding along the X direction at the initial position and the length of the second protrusion protruding along the X direction is L0.

[0113] When the developing device is installed in the main assembly again, since the action portion is located at the initial return slope 611, the rotation angle of the detected member 84 is at a position that can trigger the detection member 1. The second end of the detected member 84 directly triggers the detection member 1 to swing. The main assembly thus detects the installation of the developing device and outputs power to the developing device. The detection rotating member 81 rotates, so that the action portion 812 of the detection rotating member 81 moves from the initial return slope 611 to the initial protrusion 612, and the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the initial axial position A0 along the +X direction to the first axial position A1 (see Figure 9 , due to the small moving distance, Figure 8 The difference is not obvious), the moving distance is L0, and the detected part 84 rotates clockwise (with Figure 8-14 This slight rotation of the detection rotating member 81 causes the toothless portion 811 of the detection rotating member 81 to rotate away from the stirring gear, and the toothed portion of the detection rotating member 81 rotates closer to the stirring gear and successfully meshes with the stirring gear.

[0114] Second process (first trigger movement):

[0115] The detection rotating member 81 receives power from the main assembly through the stirring gear and the driving part 3, and the detection rotating member 81 rotates, and the action portion 812 moves from the initial protruding position 612 along the first first return position 613a to the first first recessed position 614a, so that the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 return from the first axial position A1 to the second axial position A2 in the +X direction (see FIG. Figure 10 ), its moving distance in the X direction is equal to the length L1 of the first falling position in the X direction, and the detection rotating member 81 drives the detected member 84 to rotate clockwise through the transmission rod 82, and rotates back from the trigger position to stop triggering the detection component 1. At this time, the unlocking portion 842 on the detected member 84 has not rotated to the position aligned with the locking portion 851, and the detected member 84 is still locked below the locking portion 851, that is, in the first position.

[0116] The detecting rotating member 81 rotates to the first rotation process, the acting portion 812 moves along the first first slope 615a, and the detected member 84 is moved from the second axial position A2 to the first axial position A1 along the -X direction (see Figure 9 ), its movement distance is the length L1 of the first slope along the X-direction. The transmission rod 82 drives the detected member 84 to rotate counterclockwise in the first position, performing the first triggering motion. The detection component 1 is triggered and swings at the first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the first first slope 615a to the first first protrusion 616a.

[0117] The third process (second first trigger movement):

[0118] This process is basically the same as the second process. The action portion 812 moves along the second first return position 613b to the second first recessed position 614b, and the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 return from the first axial position A1 toward the +X direction to the second axial position A2 (see Figure 10 ), the moving distance is equal to the length L1 of the first falling position in the X direction, the detecting rotating member 81 drives the detected member 84 to rotate clockwise through the transmission rod 82, and rotates back from the trigger position. At this time, the unlocking portion 842 on the detected member 84 has not rotated to the position aligned with the locking portion 851, and the detected member 84 is still locked under the locking portion 851.

[0119] The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate and enters the second first rotation process. The action portion 812 moves along the second first slope 615b. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the second axial position A2 to the first axial position A1 along the -X direction (see FIG. Figure 9 ), its movement distance being the length L1 of the first slope along the X-direction. The detecting rotating member 81, via the transmission rod 82, drives the detected member 84 to rotate counterclockwise in the first position, performing the first triggering motion again. The detecting component 1 is triggered and oscillates at the first angular velocity. The acting portion 812 moves from the second first slope 615b to the second first protrusion 616b.

[0120] The fourth process (movement process):

[0121] The action portion 812 moves along the second falling position 617 to the second recessed position 618, and the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move along the +X direction from the first axial position A1 to the third axial position A3 (see FIG. Figure 11 and 12 ), the moving distance is the length L2 of the second slope 619 along the X direction. The detecting rotating member 81 drives the detected member 84 to rotate clockwise through the transmission rod 82, and rotates back from the trigger position. L2 and L1 are set to have different values. In this embodiment, L2 is set to be greater than L1. The return movement of the detecting rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 has a larger stroke than the return movement in the second process and the third process, so that the rotation angle of the detected member 84 is larger. The unlocking portion 842 on the detected member 84 rotates to a position aligned with the locking portion 851, and the detected member 84 is unlocked. It moves from the first position to the second position along the Z direction through the action of the first elastic member 861 (see Figure 13 and 14 ). The second position is closer to the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 than the first position.

[0122] Fifth process (second trigger movement):

[0123] The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate and enters the second rotation process. The action portion 812 moves along the second slope 619. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the third axial position A3 to the first axial position A1 along the -X direction (see FIG. Figure 15 ), its moving distance is the length L2 of the second slope 619 along the X direction, and the detection rotating member 81 drives the detected member 84 to rotate counterclockwise in the second position through the transmission rod 82, performing the second triggering movement, and the detection component 1 is triggered and swings at the second angular velocity. Since the slopes of the first slope and the second slope 619 are equal, the detected member 84 triggers the detection component 1 at the same linear velocity, but since the position of the detected member 84 in the second position is closer to the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 than the first position, the second angular velocity at which the detection component 1 is triggered is greater than the first angular velocity. In other embodiments, the slopes of the first slope and the second slope 619 may also have a slight deviation, and the detected member 84 can trigger the detection component 1 at slightly different linear velocities, as long as the second angular velocity at which the detection component 1 is triggered is still greater than the first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the second slope 619 to the second protrusion 620.

[0124] The sixth stage (test completed):

[0125] The detection rotatable member 81 continues to rotate to the third recessed position 621. The detection rotatable member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the first axial position A1 along the +X direction to the fourth axial position A4, a movement distance L3. This causes the toothless portion 811 of the detection rotatable member 81 to rotate to a position opposite the stirring gear, causing the stirring gear to disengage from the detection rotatable member 81. The detection rotatable member 81 no longer receives power from the drive unit 3 and stops. The detection process is completed, and the image forming apparatus can begin operation. Since the third recessed position 621 is recessed relative to its adjacent second and third protrusions, it prevents the detection rotatable member 81 from continuing to rotate due to inertia or unexpected external forces, which could cause it to accidentally engage with the stirring gear, resulting in an error in the main assembly and a failure to print.

[0126] The seventh process (detection unit reset):

[0127] When the developing device needs to be disassembled or replaced, the developing device is removed from the main assembly installation compartment. At this time, the action portion 812 of the detection rotating member 81 is still located at the third recessed position 621. The first protective cover 6 is provided with a notch for exposing the detection rotating member 81. The detection rotating member 81 is manually rotated through the notch so that the action portion 812 moves from the third recessed position 621 to the third protruding position 622. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the fourth axial position A4 along the -X direction to the fifth axial position A5 (see FIG. Figure 16), the moving distance is L3+L4, that is, the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 further protrude L4 in the -X direction relative to the first axial position A1 at the fifth axial position A5, so that the reset portion 843 on the detected member 84 rotates counterclockwise with the detected member 84 to a position aligned with the locking portion 851. At this time, the detected member 84 is pressed downward and moved from the second position to the first position. The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate, so that the action portion 812 moves from the third protruding position 622 to the initial return slope 611. The action portion 812 returns to the initial position. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the fifth axial position A5 to the initial axial position A0 along the +X direction (see Figure 8 ), the moving distance is L4-L0, the reset portion 843 rotates clockwise with the detected member 84 to a position offset from the locking portion 851, and the detected member 84 is released at this time. The first elastic member 861 abuts the detected member 84 under the locking portion 851, so that the detected member 84 is re-locked in the first position, the detected member 84 returns to the initial position, and the detection unit completes the reset.

[0128] This embodiment provides a new detection method. By using a moving device to change the distance between the detected member 84 and the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 in the Z direction, the detected member 84 triggers the detection component 1 at different heights. The detection component 1 is triggered at different angular velocities, thereby sending a detection signal to the main assembly. This detection method is simple and has good operational stability. Secondly, to accommodate more models of developing devices, the first triggering motion can be performed multiple times, requiring only the provision of multiple first ramps and related structures. This ramp has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and can improve detection accuracy.

[0129] In some embodiments, the annular action member 61 may not be fixed relative to the box body 2, but may be arranged on the detection rotating member 81. The detection rotating member 81 does not move in the X direction. When the detection rotating member 81 rotates, the annular action member 61 rotates, and the transmission rod 82 contacts the annular action member 61 and moves in the X direction, thereby triggering the movement of the detected member 84.

[0130] In some embodiments, the detecting rotating member 81 and the detected member 84 may also be arranged at the same end of the box body 2 . In this case, the transmission rod 82 may be omitted, and the detected member 84 may be directly driven by the detecting rotating member 81 .

[0131] In some embodiments, the movement of the detected part 84 between the first position and the second position may not be strictly along the Z direction, and may be inclined at a certain angle relative to the Z direction, as long as the distance from the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 can be changed.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first position can be at a closer distance from the swing center of the detection component than the second position, so that the first angular velocity is greater than the second angular velocity. That is, as long as the first position and the second position are at different distances from the swing center of the detection component, the first angular velocity and the second angular velocity can be different.

[0133] In some embodiments, the distance L2 between the first axial position and the third axial position may be smaller than the distance L1 between the second axial position and the first axial position. As long as L1 and L2 have different values, the configuration of the moving device can be modified as needed.

[0134] Example 2

[0135] See Figure 17-19 The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the structure and movement mode of the detected component 84 are different.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the detected member 84 is configured as a slider, and its mode of motion is translational motion. The detected member 84 has a sliding rod 844 extending toward the +X direction. The box body 2 of the present embodiment is provided with a guide structure 9 on the second end, and the guide structure 9 is provided with a first guide portion 91 and a second guide portion 92 from bottom to top, thereby forming a first track 96 between the outer surface of the box body 2 and the first guide portion 91, the first track 96 corresponding to the first position of the detected member 84, the first track 96 close to the end of the -Y direction is the first end, and the end close to the +Y direction is the second end. A second track 97 is formed between the first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92, the second track 97 corresponding to the second position of the detected member 84, the second track 97 close to the end of the -Y direction is the first end, and the end close to the +Y direction is the second end. The detected member 84 slides in the first track 96 and the second track 97 through the sliding rod 844.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the first track 96 and the second track 97 are arranged along the Y direction, and the detected member 84 moves along the Y direction in the first track 96 and the second track 97, and the detected member 84 can trigger the detection component 1 of the main component through its side 845 facing +Y. In other embodiments, the first track 96 and the second track 97 can be arranged along an angle inclined to the Y direction on the XY plane, and the detected member 84 can also move along an angle inclined to the Y direction on the XY plane. In some embodiments, the first track 96 and the second track 97 can even be arranged along an angle inclined to the XY plane, and the detected member 84 can also move along an angle inclined to the XY plane, as long as the detected member 84 can move in a translational manner to trigger the detection component 1. The first track 96 and the second track 97 can also extend in the Z direction, so that the detected member 84 can move in the Z direction along the first track 96 and the second track 97 and touch the detection component 1.

[0138] The moving device is arranged outside the first end of the first track 96, and includes a second elastic member 862 and a push ball 863 arranged on the second elastic member 862. The push ball 863 facilitates pushing the detected member 84.

[0139] The detection unit also includes a flexible member 88, which is in transmission connection with the transmission rod 82 and the detected member 84, respectively. The box body 2 is also provided with a guide mechanism 23 for guiding the movement of the flexible member 88. The guide mechanism 23 is arc-shaped and is arranged at the bend of the flexible member 88, thereby limiting the deformation and movement direction of the flexible member 88. This allows the flexible member 88 to turn the power of the transmission rod 82 along the X direction 90 degrees and transfer it to the detected member 84, allowing the detected member 84 to move along the Y direction. In addition, the flexible member 88 can also adapt to the different heights of the detected member 84 and can transmit power to the detected member 84 in both the first position and the second position. The flexible member 88 can be made of a plurality of twisted steel wires.

[0140] The provision of the flexible member enables the power of the transmission rod to be transmitted to the detected member even when the movement direction of the transmission rod and the movement direction of the detected member are different. In other embodiments, the transmission rod is displaced in the X direction and the detected member is displaced in the Y direction, or the transmission rod is displaced in the X direction and the detected member is displaced in the Z direction.

[0141] The arrangement of the developing device at the first end of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0142] The working process of the developing device is as follows:

[0143] In this embodiment, the moving distance of the detected member 84 along the Y direction is equal to the moving distance of the detecting rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 along the X direction, which will not be described in detail below.

[0144] The first step (installation step):

[0145] In the initial state before the developing device is reinstalled, the action portion 812 is located on the initial falling slope 611, the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 are located at the initial axial position A0, and the detected member 84 is located on the first track 96 (see FIG. Figure 19). The action portion 812 can be located at any position of the initial return slope 611, and the difference between the length of the protrusion of the action portion 812 in the X direction at the initial position and the length of the protrusion of the second protrusion in the X direction is L0. When the developing device is reinstalled into the main assembly, since the action portion is located at the initial return slope 611, the rotation angle of the detected member 84 is at a position that can trigger the detection component 1. The second end of the detected member 84 directly triggers the detection component 1 to swing. The main assembly thereby detects the installation of the developing device and outputs power to the developing device. The detection rotating member 81 rotates, causing the action portion 812 of the detection rotating member 81 to move from the initial return slope 611 to the initial protruding position 612. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the initial axial position A0 along the +X direction to the first axial position A1, with a movement distance of L0. This slight rotation of the detection rotating member 81 causes its toothless portion 811 to rotate away from the stirring gear, and the toothed portion on the detection rotating member 81 rotates close to the stirring gear and successfully engages with it.

[0146] Second process (first trigger movement):

[0147] The detection rotating member 81 receives power from the main assembly through the stirring gear and the driving part 3. The detection rotating member 81 rotates, and the action portion 812 moves from the initial protruding position 612 along the first first return position 613a to the first first recessed position 614a, so that the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 return from the first axial position A1 in the +X direction to the second axial position A2. The moving distance is equal to the length L1 of the first return position in the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the -Y direction to the first end of the first track 96 (see Figure 20 ), but the sliding rod 844 does not reach the position of the top ball 863.

[0148] The detecting rotating member 81 rotates to the first rotation process, the acting portion 812 moves along the first first slope 615a, and the detected member 84 is moved along the -X direction from the second axial position A2 to the first axial position A1, and the moving distance is the length L1 of the first slope along the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the +Y direction to the second end of the first track 96 (see Figure 21 ), a first triggering movement is performed, the detection component 1 is triggered and swings at a first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the first first slope 615a to the first first protrusion 616a.

[0149] The third process (second first trigger movement):

[0150] This process is basically the same as the second process. The action portion 812 moves along the second first return position 613b to the second first recessed position 614b. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 return from the first axial position A1 in the +X direction to the second axial position A2. The moving distance is equal to the length L1 of the first return position in the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the -Y direction to the first end of the first track 96 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 20 ), but the sliding rod 844 does not reach the position of the top ball 863.

[0151] The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate and enters the second first rotation process. The action portion 812 moves along the second first slope 615b. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 are moved along the -X direction from the second axial position A2 to the first axial position A1. The moving distance is the length L1 of the first slope along the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the +Y direction to the second end of the first track 96 (see FIG. Figure 21 ), the first triggering movement is performed again, the detection component 1 is triggered and swings at the first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the second first slope 615b to the second first protrusion 616b.

[0152] The fourth process (movement process):

[0153] The action portion 812 moves along the second return position 617 to the second recessed position 618. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move along the +X direction from the first axial position A1 to the third axial position A3. The movement distance is the length L2 of the second slope 619 along the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the -Y direction to the first end of the first track 96. L2 and L1 are set to have different values. In this embodiment, L2 is set to be greater than L1. The return movement of the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 has a longer stroke than the return movement in the second and third processes, so that the movement distance of the detected member 84 is greater. The detected member 84 moves to the outside of the first end of the first track 96. The sliding rod 844 is located above the top bead 863 and moves from the first position to the second position along the Z direction under the action of the second elastic member 862 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 22 ), namely, the second track 97. The second position is closer to the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 than the first position.

[0154] Fifth process (second trigger movement):

[0155] The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate and enters the second rotation process. The action portion 812 moves along the second slope 619. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the third axial position A3 to the first axial position A1 along the -X direction. The moving distance is the length L2 of the second slope 619 along the X direction. The detected member 84 enters the second track 97 along the +Y direction and moves to the second end of the second track 97 (see Figure 23 ), performing a second triggering motion, triggering the detection component 1 to swing at a second angular velocity. Because the slopes of the first and second slopes 619 are equal, the detected member 84 triggers the detection component 1 at the same linear motion velocity. However, because the detected member 84 is closer to the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 in the second position than in the first position, the second angular velocity at which the detection component 1 is triggered is greater than the first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the second slope 619 to the second protruding position 620.

[0156] The sixth stage (test completed):

[0157] The detection rotatable member 81 continues to rotate to the third recessed position 621. The detection rotatable member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the first axial position A1 along the +X direction to the fourth axial position A4, a movement distance L3. This causes the toothless portion 811 of the detection rotatable member 81 to rotate to a position opposite the stirring gear, causing the stirring gear to disengage from the detection rotatable member 81. The detection rotatable member 81 no longer receives power from the drive unit 3 and stops. The detection process is completed, and the image forming apparatus can begin operation. Since the third recessed position 621 is recessed relative to its adjacent second and third protrusions, it prevents the detection rotatable member 81 from continuing to rotate due to inertia or unexpected external forces, which could cause it to accidentally engage with the stirring gear, resulting in an error in the main assembly and a failure to print.

[0158] The seventh process (detection unit reset):

[0159] When the developing device needs to be disassembled or replaced, the developing device is removed from the main assembly installation chamber. At this time, the action portion 812 of the detection rotating member 81 is still located at the third recessed position 621. A notch is provided on the first protective cover 6 to expose the detection rotating member 81. The detection rotating member 81 is manually rotated through the notch, so that the action portion 812 moves from the third recessed position 621 to the third protruding position 622. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the fourth axial position A4 along the -X direction to the fifth axial position A5, and the movement distance is L3+L4. That is, the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 further protrude L4 in the -X direction relative to the first axial position A1 at the fifth axial position A5, so that the detected member 84 moves along the +Y direction to the outside of the second end of the second track 97, and the sliding rod 844 of the detected member 84 extends out of the edge of the second end of the first guide portion 91 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 24), at which point the detected member 84 is pressed downward, moving from the second position to the first position. The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate, causing the action portion 812 to move from the third protruding position 622 to the initial drop slope 611. The action portion 812 returns to the initial position. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the fifth axial position A5 along the +X direction to the initial axial position A0, a movement distance of L4-L0. The detected member 84 enters the second end of the first track 96 along the -Y direction and returns to the initial position, completing the reset of the detection unit.

[0160] Example 3

[0161] See Figures 25-28 The main difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that the movement direction of the detected component 84 is different.

[0162] See Figure 26 In this embodiment, a guide structure 9 is provided inside the second protective cover 7. The guide structure 9 is provided with a third guide portion 93, a fourth guide portion 94 and a fifth guide portion 95 from bottom to top. A first track 96 is formed between the third guide portion 93 and the fourth guide portion 94. The first track 96 corresponds to the first position of the detected part 84. The end of the first track 96 close to the +X direction is the first end, and the end close to the -X direction is the second end. A second track 97 is formed between the fourth guide portion 94 and the fifth guide portion 95. The second track 97 corresponds to the second position of the detected part 84. The end of the second track 97 close to the +X direction is the first end, and the end close to the -X direction is the second end. Figure 27 The detected member 84 has a sliding rod 844 extending toward the −Y direction and tilted toward the +X direction. The detected member 84 slides in the first track 96 and the second track 97 through the sliding rod 844 .

[0163] In this embodiment, the first track 96 and the second track 97 are arranged along the X direction, and the detected member 84 moves along the X direction in the first track 96 and the second track 97. The detected member 84 can trigger the detection component 1 of the main component through its inclined side 845 toward the +Y direction. In other embodiments, the first track 96 and the second track 97 can be arranged at an angle inclined to the X direction on the XY plane, and the detected member 84 can also move at an angle inclined to the X direction on the XY plane. In some embodiments, the first track 96 and the second track 97 can even be arranged at an angle inclined to the XY plane, and the detected member 84 can also move at an angle inclined to the XY plane, as long as the detected member 84 can move in a translational manner to trigger the detection component 1.

[0164] The moving device is arranged outside the first end of the first track 96, and is specifically implemented as a first moving inclined surface 864 arranged on the side of the third guide portion 93 located in the +X direction. In other embodiments, the moving device of this embodiment may also adopt the second elastic member 862 and the top ball 863 structure of Example 2, and the moving device of Example 2 may also adopt the first moving inclined surface 864 of this embodiment. The detection unit of this embodiment also includes a descending device, which is arranged outside the second end of the second track 97, and is specifically implemented as a second moving inclined surface 87 arranged on the side of the fourth guide portion 94 located in the -X direction. When the detected part 84 moves to the bottom of the second moving inclined surface 87, it will be pushed to descend by itself, without the user manually pressing down the detected part 84. In other embodiments, the descending device may not be adopted, but the user manually presses down the detected part 84, and Example 2 may also be provided with a descending device, without the user manually pressing down the detected part 84.

[0165] The detection unit also includes a flexible member 88, which is in transmission connection with the transmission rod 82 and the detected member 84. The housing 2 is also provided with a guide mechanism 23 for guiding the movement of the flexible member 88. The flexible member 88 can adapt to the different heights of the detected member 84 and transmit power to the detected member 84 in both the first and second positions. The flexible member 88 can be formed by twisting multiple strands of steel wire.

[0166] The arrangement of the developing device at the first end of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0167] The working process of the developing device is as follows:

[0168] In this embodiment, the moving distance of the detected member 84 along the X direction is equal to the moving distance of the detecting rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 along the X direction, which will not be described in detail below.

[0169] The first step (installation step):

[0170] In the initial state before the developing device is reinstalled, the action portion 812 is located on the initial falling slope 611, the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 are located at the initial axial position A0, and the detected member 84 is located on the first track 96 (see FIG. Figure 25). The action portion 812 can be located at any position of the initial return slope 611, and the difference between the length of the protrusion of the action portion 812 in the X direction at the initial position and the length of the protrusion of the second protrusion in the X direction is L0. When the developing device is reinstalled into the main assembly, since the action portion is located at the initial return slope 611, the rotation angle of the detected member 84 is at a position that can trigger the detection component 1. The second end of the detected member 84 directly triggers the detection component 1 to swing. The main assembly thereby detects the installation of the developing device and outputs power to the developing device. The detection rotating member 81 rotates, causing the action portion 812 of the detection rotating member 81 to move from the initial return slope 611 to the initial protruding position 612. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the initial axial position A0 along the +X direction to the first axial position A1, with a movement distance of L0. This slight rotation of the detection rotating member 81 causes its toothless portion 811 to rotate away from the stirring gear, and the toothed portion on the detection rotating member 81 rotates close to the stirring gear and successfully engages with it.

[0171] Second process (first trigger movement):

[0172] The detection rotating member 81 receives power from the main assembly through the stirring gear and the driving part 3. The detection rotating member 81 rotates, and the action portion 812 moves from the initial protruding position 612 along the first first return position 613a to the first first recessed position 614a, so that the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 return from the first axial position A1 toward the +X direction to the second axial position A2. The moving distance is equal to the length L1 of the first return position in the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the +X direction to the first end of the first track 96 (see Figure 28 ), but the sliding rod 844 does not reach the position of the first moving inclined surface 864.

[0173] When the detection rotatable member 81 rotates to the first rotation process, the action portion 812 moves along the first first ramp 615a, and the detected member 84 is moved along the -X direction from the second axial position A2 to the first axial position A1. The movement distance is the length L1 of the first ramp along the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the -X direction to the second end of the first track 96, performing the first triggering motion. The detection component 1 is triggered and oscillates at the first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the first first ramp 615a to the first first protrusion 616a.

[0174] The third process (second first trigger movement):

[0175] This process is basically the same as the second process. The acting portion 812 moves along the second first return position 613b to the second first recessed position 614b. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 return from the first axial position A1 toward the +X direction to the second axial position A2. The moving distance is equal to the length L1 of the first return position in the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the +X direction to the first end of the first track 96, but the sliding rod 844 does not reach the position of the first moving inclined surface 864.

[0176] The detection rotatable member 81 continues to rotate, entering the second first rotation process. The action portion 812 moves along the second first ramp 615b, and the detection rotatable member 81 and the transmission rod 82 are moved along the -X direction from the second axial position A2 to the first axial position A1. The movement distance is the length L1 of the first ramp along the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the -X direction to the second end of the first track 96, and the first triggering movement is performed again. The detection component 1 is triggered and swings at the first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the second first ramp 615b to the second first protrusion 616b.

[0177] The fourth process (movement process):

[0178] The action portion 812 moves along the second return position 617 to the second recessed position 618. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move along the +X direction from the first axial position A1 to the third axial position A3. The movement distance is the length L2 of the second slope 619 along the X direction. The detected member 84 moves along the +X direction to the first end of the first track 96. L2 and L1 are set to have different values. In this embodiment, L2 is set to be greater than L1. The return movement of the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 has a longer stroke than the return movement in the second and third processes, resulting in a greater movement distance of the detected member 84. The detected member 84 moves to the outside of the first end of the first track 96. The sliding rod 844 is located above the first moving inclined surface 864 and is moved along the Z direction from the first position to the second position by the action of the first moving inclined surface 864 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 29 ), namely, the second track 97. The second position is closer to the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 than the first position.

[0179] Fifth process (second trigger movement):

[0180] The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate, entering the second rotation process. The action portion 812 moves along the second slope 619. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the third axial position A3 to the first axial position A1 along the -X direction. The movement distance is the length L2 of the second slope 619 along the X direction. The detected member 84 enters the second track 97 along the -X direction and moves to the second end of the second track 97, performing the second triggering movement. The detection component 1 is triggered and swings at the second angular velocity. Because the slopes of the first and second slopes 619 are equal, the detected member 84 triggers the detection component 1 at the same linear motion speed. However, because the position of the detected member 84 in the second position is closer to the swing center 11 of the detection component 1 than the first position, the second angular velocity of the detection component 1 is greater than the first angular velocity. The action portion 812 moves from the second slope 619 to the second protrusion 620.

[0181] The sixth stage (test completed):

[0182] The detection rotatable member 81 continues to rotate to the third recessed position 621. The detection rotatable member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the first axial position A1 along the +X direction to the fourth axial position A4, a movement distance L3. This causes the toothless portion 811 of the detection rotatable member 81 to rotate to a position opposite the stirring gear, causing the stirring gear to disengage from the detection rotatable member 81. The detection rotatable member 81 no longer receives power from the drive unit 3 and stops. The detection process is completed, and the image forming apparatus can begin operation. Since the third recessed position 621 is recessed relative to its adjacent second and third protrusions, it prevents the detection rotatable member 81 from continuing to rotate due to inertia or unexpected external forces, which could cause it to accidentally engage with the stirring gear, resulting in an error in the main assembly and a failure to print.

[0183] The seventh process (detection unit reset):

[0184] When the developing device needs to be disassembled or replaced, the developing device is removed from the main assembly installation compartment. At this time, the action portion 812 of the detection rotating member 81 is still located at the third recessed position 621. A notch is provided on the first protective cover 6 to expose the detection rotating member 81. The detection rotating member 81 is manually rotated through the notch, so that the action portion 812 moves from the third recessed position 621 to the third protruding position 622. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the fourth axial position A4 along the -X direction to the fifth axial position A5. The movement distance is L3+L4. That is, the detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 further protrude L4 in the -X direction relative to the first axial position A1 at the fifth axial position A5, so that the detected member 84 moves along the -X direction to the outside of the second end of the second track 97. At this time, the sliding rod 844 of the detected member 84 is located below the second movable inclined surface 87 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 30), and is pressed downward by the second moving inclined surface 87 from the second position to the first position. The detection rotating member 81 continues to rotate, causing the acting portion 812 to move from the third protruding position 622 to the initial falling slope 611. The acting portion 812 returns to the initial position. The detection rotating member 81 and the transmission rod 82 move from the fifth axial position A5 along the +X direction to the initial axial position A0, a movement distance of L4-L0. The detected member 84 enters the second end of the first track 96 along the +X direction and returns to the initial position, completing the reset of the detection unit.

[0185] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, they may make various modifications and improvements, or freely combine the above technical solutions, including freely combining the technical features of the different embodiments described above, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing device detachably mounted on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus having a detection member, characterized in that: include: Box body; a first protective cover, which is arranged at one end of the box body; a developing roller, which is arranged on the box body along the X direction; A detection rotating member, which is arranged on the box body; a detected member, which is used to be driven by the detection rotating member to trigger the detection component of the main assembly to move, thereby triggering the detection component to swing around the swing center; a moving device for moving the detected member from a first position to a second position, wherein the distance between the detected member and the swing center of the detection component when the detected member is in the first position is different from the distance between the detected member and the swing center of the detection component when the detected member is in the second position; When the detected member is in the first position, the detected member triggers the detecting component to swing at a first angular velocity; When the detected member is in the second position, the detected member triggers the detecting component to swing at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity; It also includes an annular action member, which is fixed relative to the box body. When the detection rotating member rotates, it can act on the annular action member, so that the detection rotating member is displaced in the X direction, thereby driving the detected member to perform triggering movement or return movement; the annular action member has a first recess, a first slope, a first protrusion, a second recess, a second slope and a second protrusion in sequence along the circumferential direction, and the first recess, the first slope and the first protrusion have at least one group; the detection rotating member is provided with an action part for contacting and interacting with the annular action member.

2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein: The detection rotating member has a first rotation process and a second rotation process in sequence; when the detection rotating member is in the first rotation process, the detected member performs a first triggering movement at the first position, so that the detection member swings at a first angular velocity; before the detection rotating member enters the second rotation process, the moving device moves the detected member from the first position to the second position; when the detection rotating member is in the second rotation process, the detected member performs a second triggering movement at the second position, so that the detection member swings at a second angular velocity.

3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein: There is at least one first rotation process, and the first triggering movement is performed at least once; the detected part performs a return movement after triggering the detection component; the return movement of the detected part after the last first triggering movement in the first position has a different stroke compared to the previous return movement, so that the detected part moves to a position capable of triggering the moving device, and the moving device moves the detected part from the first position to the second position.

4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: A third elastic member is used to keep the detecting rotating member in contact with the annular acting member.

5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein: When the detection rotating member is in the first rotation process, the action portion moves from the first concave position along the first slope to the first protruding position, and the detection rotating member moves along the X direction from the second axial position to the first axial position, so that the detected member performs the first triggering movement at the first position; When the action portion leaves the last first protruding position and moves to the second recessed position, the detection rotating member moves along the X direction from the first axial position to the third axial position, and the distance between the first axial position and the third axial position is different from the distance between the second axial position and the first axial position, so that the detected member moves to a position capable of triggering the moving device, and the moving device moves the detected member from the first position to the second position; When the detection rotating member is in the second rotation process, the action portion moves from the second concave position along the second slope to the second protruding position, and the detection rotating member moves from the third axial position to the first axial position along the X direction, so that the detected member performs a second triggering movement at the second position.

6. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein: A distance between the first axial position and the third axial position is greater than a distance between the second axial position and the first axial position.

7. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein: The annular action member is provided with a third recessed position and a third protruding position in sequence along the axial direction after the second protruding position; When the detected member completes the second triggering movement, the action portion leaves the second protruding position and enters the third recessed position, and the detection process is completed; After the developing device is disassembled from the main assembly, the detection rotating member can be rotated so that the action portion moves from the third recessed position to the third protruding position, and the detected member can be moved and reset from the second position to the first position.

8. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein: The annular action member is provided with an initial falling slope and an initial protruding position in sequence after the third protruding position in the axial direction; When the initial position of the action portion is located at the initial return slope, and the developing device is installed, the action portion moves from the initial return slope to the initial protruding position, the detection rotating member rotates to a position capable of receiving drive, the detection rotating member moves along the X direction to a first axial position, and the detected member triggers the detection component; The detection rotating member is driven to rotate, so that the action portion moves from the initial protruding position to the first recessed position, and the detection rotating member moves from the first axial position to the second axial position along the X direction, so that the detected member performs a return motion; After the developing device is disassembled from the main assembly, the detected member is reset to the first position, the detecting rotating member can continue to rotate, and the acting portion moves from the third protruding position to the initial falling slope.

9. The developing device according to claim 8, wherein: The lengths of the initial protrusion, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion along the X direction are equal, the length of the third protrusion along the X direction is greater than the length of the second protrusion along the X direction, the length of the second recessed position along the X direction is less than the length of the first recessed position along the X direction, and the slopes of the first slope and the second slope are the same.

10. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The second position is closer to the swing center of the detection member than the first position, so that the second angular velocity of the detection member is greater than the first angular velocity.

11. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a rotating shaft fixedly connected to the box body, and the detected member is rotatably arranged on the rotating shaft. The detected member is configured to be able to rotate in a first position and a second position respectively, thereby triggering the detection component.

12. The developing device according to claim 11, wherein: A locking portion is provided on the rotating shaft, and an unlocking portion that interacts with the locking portion is provided on the detected member; the moving device includes a first elastic member, which causes the detected member to abut against the locking portion and thus be locked in the first position; when the unlocking portion rotates with the detected member to a position aligned with the locking portion, the first elastic member acts to move the detected member from the first position to the second position.

13. The developing device according to claim 12, wherein: The detected part is also provided with a reset part that interacts with the locking part. After the developing device is removed from the main component, when the reset part rotates with the detected part to a position aligned with the locking part, the detected part can move from the second position to the first position.

14. The developing device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: It also includes a transmission rod, the box body has a first end and a second end along the X direction, the detection rotating member is arranged at the first end of the box body, and the detected member is arranged at the second end of the box body. The detection rotating member can move along the X direction and transmit power to the detected member along the X direction through the transmission rod to perform triggering movement or return movement.

15. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a first track located at a first position and a second track located at a second position; the detected component is configured to be able to perform translational motion on the first track and the second track respectively, thereby triggering the detection component.

16. The developing device according to claim 15, wherein: The first track and the second track are arranged along the XY plane, and the detected part performs triggering motion and returning motion along the Y direction on the first track and the second track.

17. The developing device according to claim 15, wherein: The moving device includes a second elastic member; the detected member performs a return movement after the last first trigger movement at the first position, leaving the first track, thereby interacting with the second elastic member and moving to the second position.

18. The developing device according to claim 15, wherein: The first track and the second track are arranged along the XY plane, and the detected part performs triggering motion and returning motion along the X direction on the first track and the second track.

19. The developing device according to claim 15, wherein: The moving device includes a first moving inclined surface; the detected part performs a return movement after the last first triggering movement at the first position, leaving the first track, thereby interacting with the first moving inclined surface and moving to the second position.

20. The developing device according to claim 15, wherein: It also includes a second moving inclined surface; the detected part performs a return movement after performing a second triggering movement at the second position, and leaves the second track, thereby interacting with the second moving inclined surface and moving to the first position.

21. The developing device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that: Also includes: a transmission rod, wherein the box body has a first end and a second end along the X direction, the detection rotating member is arranged at the first end of the box body, and the detected member is arranged at the second end of the box body, the detection rotating member is capable of moving along the X direction, and transmits power to the detected member along the X direction through the transmission rod, thereby performing triggering movement or return movement; as well as A flexible member, through which the transmission rod transmits power to the detected member.

22. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein The annular action member is arranged on the first protective cover.

23. A developing device detachably mounted on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, characterized in that: include: Box body; a first protective cover, which is arranged at one end of the box body; A detection rotating member, which is arranged on the box body; a detected member, which is used to be driven by the detection rotating member to trigger the detection component of the main assembly; a transmission rod, which is arranged on the box body; The moving direction of the transmission rod is different from the moving direction of the detected part; The flexible member, the detection rotating member, the transmission rod, the flexible member and the detected member are sequentially connected in a transmission manner, and the flexible member is used to transmit the power of the transmission rod to the detected member; the box body is also provided with a guide mechanism for guiding the movement of the flexible member, the guide mechanism is arc-shaped and is arranged at the bending part of the flexible member, thereby limiting the deformation and movement direction of the flexible member.

24. A developing device according to claim 23, characterized in that: The transmission rod is displaced in the X direction, and the detected component is displaced in the Y direction.

25. A developing device according to claim 23, characterized in that: The transmission rod is displaced in the X direction, and the detected component is displaced in the Z direction.

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