Developing cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a developing cartridge detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus provided with a detection device; the developing cartridge includes a housing, a rotating member rotatably provided in the housing, and a driving force receiving member for receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus to drive the rotating member to rotate; the developing cartridge further includes a detected device which is kept in contact with the detection device in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus; an electrical connection of the detected device is switched between being disconnected and being connected as the driving force receiving member rotates; and the image forming apparatus judges parameter information of the developing cartridge according to the number of times of connection and / or disconnection of the electrical connection of the detected device detected within a predetermined time, which can at least one of simplify the structure of the developing cartridge and improve the design freedom of the developing cartridge.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the prior application filed by the applicant on September 13, 2023 with the Chinese Patent Office, application number 202322497125.7, entitled "Developer Box", all contents of which are cross-referenced in this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] A developer cartridge is a toner container that can be detachably installed in an imaging device. Typically, there is a one-to-one correspondence between a developer cartridge and the imaging device it is compatible with. Therefore, there are devices that include a testing device in the developer cartridge and a testing device in the imaging device that can be adapted to the testing device. Through the interaction between the testing device and the testing device, the imaging device can determine parameters such as the model, lifespan, and whether it is a new developer cartridge.

[0004] A developing cartridge is provided with a driving force receiving element and a detection device respectively arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Figure 1A This is a simplified schematic diagram of a detection device in an imaging device suitable for existing developing cartridges. The detection device includes a switch device 125 and an electrical contact 121. The switch device 125 has a first contact end 123 and a second contact end 126 located at its two ends, and an abutting end 127 located between the two contact ends. The first contact end 123 is used for electrical connection with the power supply of the imaging device. Before the developing cartridge is loaded into the imaging device, the switch device 125 is disconnected from the electrical contact 121.

[0005] Figure 1B It is a side view of the interaction between the device being tested and the detection device, observed along the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge after the existing developing cartridge is installed in the imaging equipment. Figure 1C It is a side view of the device under test and the detection device without interaction, observed along the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge after the existing developing cartridge is installed in the imaging equipment.

[0006] like Figure 1BAs shown, when the developing cartridge is installed into the imaging device, the contact end 127 of the switching device 125 is electrically connected to the electrode 88 in the developing cartridge. At the same time, the second contact end 126 is electrically connected to the electrical contact 121. At this time, the voltage detection unit in the imaging device can detect the voltage on the developing cartridge. The CPU of the imaging device recognizes that a developing cartridge has been installed, starts preheating, and transmits driving force to the driving force receiver. The driving force receiver then transmits the driving force to the toggle block 52, which is located on the same side as the electrode 88. During the rotation of the toggle block 52, when the toggle block 52 pushes the switching device 125, the switching device 125 loses electrical contact with the electrode 88. At the same time, the switching device 125 also loses electrical contact with the electrical contact 121. At this time, the voltage detection unit in the imaging device cannot detect the voltage on the developing cartridge.

[0007] When the toggle block 52 moves away from the switching device 125, the switching device 125 returns to the position of being in electrical contact with the electrode 88. At the same time, the switching device 125 makes electrical contact with the electrical contact 121 again, and the voltage detection unit detects the voltage on the developing cartridge again.

[0008] The imaging device determines the parameter information of the developing cartridge by calculating the number of times the voltage is detected by the voltage detection unit. However, since the switch device 125 has been fixedly set in a predetermined position of the imaging device, as mentioned above, the driving force for driving the lever 52 needs to be transmitted from a driving force receiving device that is not set on the same side as the lever 52. This method not only requires a driving force transmission mechanism to be set in the developing cartridge, which makes the structure of the developing cartridge complicated, but also hinders the miniaturization of the developing cartridge and reduces the degree of freedom in the position design of the lever 52. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a developing cartridge, which simplifies the structure of the developing cartridge and increases the design freedom of the push-button by at least one of the following technical solutions.

[0010] A developing cartridge is detachably mounted on an imaging device equipped with a detection device. The developing cartridge includes: a housing; a rotating component rotatably disposed within the housing; and a driving force receiver for receiving driving force from the imaging device to drive the rotating component to rotate. The developing cartridge also includes: a device under test, which remains in contact with the detection device while the developing cartridge is mounted on the imaging device. As the driving force receiver rotates, the electrical connection of the device under test switches between disconnection and connection. The imaging device determines the parameter information of the developing cartridge based on the number of times the electrical connection of the device under test is connected and / or disconnected within a predetermined time.

[0011] The device under test includes a switching component and a control component. The control component receives the driving force from the driving force receiver and controls the switching component to disconnect or connect, thereby realizing the switching of the electrical connection of the device under test between disconnection and connection.

[0012] The movement of the control component is at least one of rotation, translation, and reciprocating oscillation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the switching component includes at least a first conductive element and a third conductive element, wherein one end of the first conductive element is used to connect to a low voltage, at least a portion of the third conductive element is configured to be movable relative to the housing, and a control element controls the third conductive element to be electrically connected to or disconnected from the first conductive element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the device under test further includes an intermediate conductive element, one end of which is used for electrical connection with a third conductive element, and the other end of which is used for electrical connection with the detection device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the device being detected further includes an intermediate conductive element and an end conductive element; the intermediate conductive element is used to electrically connect with the third conductive element and the end conductive element, and the end conductive element is also used to electrically connect with the detection device.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first conductive element is configured to move between a retracted state and an extended state, wherein in the extended state, at least a portion of the first conductive element is connected to a low voltage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further includes a chip holder and an end cap, the end cap being used to allow the drive force receiver to be exposed, and the chip holder being used to carry the chip assembly; a portion of a first conductive element is movably disposed on at least one of the housing, the end cap, and the chip holder.

[0018] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge also includes a protective element detachably coupled to the chip holder for protecting the chip assembly; as the protective element is mounted toward the chip holder, at least a portion of the first conductive element moves from an extended state to a retracted state.

[0019] In some embodiments, the chip assembly is provided with an electrical contact portion for electrical contact with a stylus in an imaging device; the chip holder includes a chip holder body and a chip mounting portion, the chip holder body is connected to an end cap or housing, a first conductive element is disposed on the chip holder body, and at least the electrical contact portion is disposed on the chip mounting portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first conductive element includes a movable element and an elastic element. The movable element is movably disposed on the chip holder body. One end of the movable element is used to directly or indirectly contact a metal component in the imaging device, and the other end is used to directly or indirectly connect to a third conductive element. The elastic element is used to push the movable element toward an extended state.

[0021] The moving parts move by rotation or sliding; at least a portion of the moving parts are made of conductive material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first conductive element further includes a movable block, at least a portion of which is disposed on the movable block, the movable block being made of a non-conductive material.

[0023] One end of the device being tested is in contact with the detection device to have a detection position. The control member is driven by the driving force of the driving force receiving member to move between a first position and a second position to control the switching component to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first position, the switching component is in a first state of being connected or disconnected, and the detection position has a first voltage value. In the second position, the switching component is in a second state of being disconnected or connected, and the detection position has a second voltage value different from the first voltage value. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1A This is a simplified schematic diagram of the detection device in an imaging device suitable for existing developing cartridges.

[0025] Figure 1B It is a side view of the interaction between the device being tested and the detection device, observed along the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge after it has been installed in the imaging equipment.

[0026] Figure 1C It is a side view of the device under test and the detection device without interaction, observed along the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge after the existing developing cartridge is installed in the imaging equipment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the developing cartridge after it is installed into the imaging device, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, after the developing cartridge comes into contact with the detection device in the imaging device.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the device under test in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention after separation from the housing.

[0030] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the driving end of the developing cartridge when the control component of the detection device in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is in the first position.

[0031] Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge from the drive end when the control component of the detection device in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is in the second position.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a simplified circuit diagram of the detection device located in the imaging device before the developing cartridge is installed in the imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7A This is a simplified circuit diagram of the device under test and the detection device when the control component of the device under test in the developing cartridge is in the first position, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7B This is a simplified circuit diagram of the device under test and the detection device when the control component of the device under test in the developing cartridge is in the second position, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8A This is a simplified circuit diagram of the device under test and the detection device when the control component of the device under test is in the first position in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8B This is a simplified circuit diagram of the tested device and the detection device when the control component of the tested device is in the second position in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the processing box driver end in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the device being tested after it has been separated from the housing in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the first conductive element in the detection device in a retracted state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the device being tested after it has been separated from the end cap in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 13A and Figure 13B These are perspective views of the first conductive element in the detection device in the extended state and the retracted state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the device being tested after it has been separated from the housing in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the first conductive element in the detection device in the extended state in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] [Structure of the developing chamber]

[0046] The developing cartridge 100 can be detachably installed into an imaging device. The developing cartridge 100 includes a housing 1 and a rotating member rotatably disposed in the housing 1. The housing 1 contains toner required for developing the developing cartridge. The rotating member can rotate about a rotation axis extending in a first direction.

[0047] Generally, the developing cartridge 100 is provided with a stirring frame for stirring toner and a developing roller 11 for carrying toner. The stirring frame is used to stir the toner contained in the housing, and the developing roller 11 is used to carry the toner and supply it to the photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The photosensitive drum can be located inside or outside the developing cartridge 100. When the developing cartridge 100 is used for development in an imaging device, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum are arranged opposite to each other and close to each other. The rotation axis of the developing roller 11 is L1. In some embodiments, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a toner feeding roller 16 rotatably disposed in the housing 1 (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown), the powder feeding roller 16 contacts the developing roller 11 and is used to convey toner toward the developing roller 11. Therefore, the developing roller 11, the powder feeding roller 16 and the stirring frame (not shown) can each be regarded as a rotating component.

[0048] Furthermore, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a driving force receiver 13 for receiving driving force from the imaging device and an end cap 12 for exposing the driving force receiver 13. The driving force receiver 13 transmits the received driving force to each rotating component via the driving force transmission assembly 3 described below. In a typical configuration, the driving force receiver 13 is disposed at one end of the developing cartridge 100 / housing 1 along a first direction. For ease of description, the end of the developing cartridge 100 where the driving force receiver 13 is disposed is designated as the driving end F, and the end opposite the driving end F is designated as the non-driving end NF. Along the first direction, the driving end F and the non-driving end NF are located at opposite ends of the housing 1. In some embodiments, the non-driving end NF is also used to receive power from the imaging device; therefore, the non-driving end NF is also referred to as the conductive end.

[0049] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge 100 further includes a chip assembly (not shown) for establishing a communication connection with an imaging device and a chip holder 15 for carrying the chip assembly. Preferably, the chip holder 15 is movably connected to the end cap 12 or the housing 1, which reduces the risk of contact failure between the chip assembly and the stylus in the imaging device due to shaking of the developing cartridge 100.

[0050] [The device being tested]

[0051] Example 1

[0052] The developing cartridge 100 involved in this embodiment also includes a detection device 2. The imaging device is equipped with a detection device PE. The voltage value at the detection position (the contact position between the developing cartridge 100 / the detection device 2 and the detection device PE) in the developing cartridge 100 is detected by the detection device PE. The parameter information of the developing cartridge 100 (including but not limited to the model, service life, and whether it is a new developing cartridge) can be determined by the imaging device.

[0053] See Figure 7A and Figure 7B The detection device PE in the imaging equipment includes a switching device 125, a CPU, a voltage detection unit, a power supply, and electrical contacts 121. The switching device 125 includes a first contact end 123, a second contact end 126, and a contacted end 127 located between the first contact end 123 and the second contact end 126. The power supply provides voltage to the developing cartridge 100; generally, the power supply can be external power to the imaging equipment or power supplied by a battery. The voltage detection unit detects the voltage value at the detection location. The CPU compares the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit with a preset voltage threshold and performs a comparison accordingly. As a result, parameter information of the developing cartridge 100 is obtained. For example, when the electrical connection of the device under test 2 is in the off state, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit exceeds the threshold, and the imaging device obtains a high voltage signal. Conversely, when the electrical connection of the device under test 2 is in the on state, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit does not exceed the threshold, and the imaging device obtains a low voltage signal. In practice, except for the contact end 127, the other components of the detection device PE are housed in the main assembly of the imaging device, which is shown in the figure with a dashed box. Therefore, the detection position is the position where the developing cartridge 100 / the device under test 2 contacts the contact end 127.

[0054] As described in the background section, before the developing cartridge 100 is installed into the imaging device, the electrical connection inside the detection device PE is disconnected. Figure 6As shown, the first contact end 123 is connected to both the power supply and the contacted end 127, but the second contact end 126 is not in contact with the electrical contact 121. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, through the interaction between the detected device 2 and the detection device PE, the detected device 2 pushes the contacted end 127, causing the second contact end 126 to contact the electrical contact 121. The electrical connection inside the detection device PE changes from a disconnected state to a connected state. Before the developing cartridge 100 is removed from the imaging device, the detected device 2 and the contacted end 127 remain in contact, and the detection device PE remains in a connected state. Accordingly, the imaging device can detect the developing cartridge 100. Specifically, the imaging device can determine the various parameter information of the developing cartridge 100 based on the number of times the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is connected and / or disconnected within a predetermined time. In other words, the imaging device can determine the various parameter information of the developing cartridge 100 based on the number of high voltage signals and / or low voltage signals obtained within a predetermined time.

[0055] In one feasible manner, the moment when the detected device 2 pushes the abutted end 127 can occur during the installation of the developing cartridge 100 toward the predetermined position of the imaging device, or it can occur after the developing cartridge 100 has been installed in the predetermined position of the imaging device, by triggering the detected device 2 through a trigger element, thereby causing the detected device 2 to abut against the abutted end 127. In the latter manner, the installation resistance of the developing cartridge 100 can be reduced, and the installation process will be smoother.

[0056] In one feasible manner, after the tested device 2 comes into contact with the contact end 127, the contact end 127 and the component of the tested device 2 used to contact the contact end 127 can either remain stationary or be made movable according to design requirements, relative to the housing of the developing cartridge 100.

[0057] Understandably, when the electrical connection of the device being tested 2 is in a connected state, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit at the detection position can be either 0V or a value greater than 0V and less than the threshold (intermediate value). Both 0V and intermediate value can be referred to as low voltage. In some embodiments, the intermediate value can also be equal to the threshold.

[0058] (The device being tested)

[0059] The detection device 2 includes an on / off component 2a, an intermediate conductive element 2b, an end conductive element 2c, and a control element 2d. At least a portion of the on / off component 2a, the intermediate conductive element 2b, and the end conductive element 2c are made of conductive material and are electrically connected in sequence. Preferably, the on / off component 2a is not located at the non-driving end NF, at least a portion of the intermediate conductive element 2b extends along a first direction, and at least a portion of the end conductive element 2c is located at the non-driving end NF. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the end conductive element 2c is electrically connected to the detection device PE. The control element 2d is used to control the switching of the on / off component 2a between a first state and a second state. Figure 3 As shown, the end conductive element 2c includes a conductive support 14 and an electrode 88 that are electrically connected to each other. The conductive support 14 is used to support the developing roller 11 and / or the powder feeding roller 16, and the electrode 88 is used to electrically connect / make contact with the abutting end 127. Preferably, after the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, or in other words, when the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the end conductive element 2c is always electrically connected to the detection device PE, so that the detection device 2 can obtain a stable voltage supply.

[0060] Commonly, both the developing roller 11 and the powder feeding roller 16 include a rotating shaft extending along a first direction and a coating layer covering the outer surface of the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the coating layer are preferably made of metal. For example, the developing roller 11 includes a developing roller shaft 111 extending along the first direction and a developing layer 112 covering the outer surface of the developing roller shaft, with toner carried by the developing layer 112. The powder feeding roller 16 includes a powder feeding roller rotating shaft 161 extending along the first direction and a powder feeding layer covering the outer surface of the powder feeding roller rotating shaft. Therefore, both the developing roller shaft 111 and the powder feeding roller shaft 161 can be regarded as an intermediate conductive element 2b. The developing roller shaft 111 and / or the powder feeding roller shaft 161 are electrically connected to the conductive support 14. In this way, the switching component 2a is electrically connected to the end conductive element 2c through the developing roller shaft 111 and / or the powder feeding roller shaft 161.

[0061] The switching component 2a includes a first conductive element 21, a second conductive element 22, and a third conductive element 23. At least a portion of the third conductive element 23 is configured to be movable relative to the housing 1 and has a first connection end 231 and a second connection end 232. The first connection end 231 is used to be electrically connected to the first conductive element 21, and the second connection end 232 is used to be electrically connected to the second conductive element 22. The first conductive element 21 is also used to be directly grounded. The second conductive element 22 has a third connection end 221 and a fourth connection end 222. The third connection end 221 is used to be electrically connected to the second connection end 232, and the fourth connection end 222 is used to be electrically connected to the intermediate conductive element 2b.

[0062] The control element 2d is configured to be movable relative to the housing 1. Specifically, through the driving force transmission assembly 3, the control element 2d receives the driving force from the driving force receiver 13 and moves accordingly. Its movement can be rotation, translation, or reciprocating oscillation. Figure 4 As shown, the control component 2d includes a driving force receiving part 2d1, a toggle part (toggle block) 2d2, and a driving force disconnecting part 2d3. The driving force receiving part 2d1 is used to cooperate with the driving force transmission component 3 to receive driving force. The driving force disconnecting part 2d3 is used to disconnect the driving force transmission component 3 from the driving force receiving part 2d1. As the control component 2d moves, the toggle block 2d2 / control component 2d moves from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the switching component 2a is in a first state, and the detection position has a first voltage value. In the second position, the switching component 2a is in a second state, and the detection position has a second voltage value. The first voltage value is different from the second voltage value. When the detection device PE completes the detection, the driving force used to drive the control component 2d is disconnected by the driving force disconnecting part 2d3.

[0063] Continue as Figure 4 As shown, in this preferred embodiment, the control element 2d is configured as a gear with missing teeth, the driving force receiving part 2d1 is the tooth of the gear, the driving force disconnecting part 2d3 is the missing tooth of the gear, the shift block 2d2 is disposed on the gear, and the number of shift blocks 2d2 can be set to one or more according to the detection requirements of the imaging device.

[0064] When the toggle block 2d2 / control element 2d is in the first position where it is not in contact with the third conductive element 23

[0065] (1) The third conductive element 23 is disconnected from the first conductive element 21. In this case, the first connection end 231 is disconnected from the first conductive element 21, but the second connection end 232 is electrically connected to the third connection end 221. This situation can be referred to Figure 5A and Figure 7A As shown, at the same time, Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of the fourth connection end 222 being electrically connected to the powder feeding roller shaft 161 is also given. Alternatively, the fourth connection end 222 can also be electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 111; or...

[0066] (2) The third conductive element 23 is disconnected from the electrical connection of the second conductive element 22. In this case, the first connecting end 231 is electrically connected to the first conductive element 21, but the second connecting end 232 is disconnected from the third connecting end 221; or

[0067] (3) The first conductive element 21 and the second conductive element 22 are simultaneously disconnected from the third conductive element 23. At this time, the first connection end 231 is disconnected from the first conductive element 21, and the second connection end 232 is also disconnected from the third connection end 221.

[0068] For the device under test 2, since the electrical connection of the switching component 2a is disconnected, the voltage applied to the developing cartridge 100 (developing roller 11) is greater than the preset threshold of the detection device PE. This voltage can be detected by the voltage detection unit in the detection device PE. That is, the detection position has the high voltage. Even if the electrical connection between the switching component 2a and the intermediate conductive member 2b, the electrical connection between the intermediate conductive member 2b and the end conductive member 2c, and the electrical connection between the end conductive member 2c and the detection device PE / the abutted end 127 are still connected, the electrical connection of the device under test 2 is still in a disconnected state. At this time, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit in the detection device PE is the high voltage, and the imaging device records that the voltage value of the developing cartridge 100 has been detected.

[0069] As the control member 2d rotates, the toggle block 2d2 gradually moves from a first position where it is not in contact with the third conductive member 23 to a second position where it is in contact with the third conductive member 23. During the rotation of the control member 2d, or when the control member 2d rotates to the second position, the third conductive member 23 is simultaneously electrically connected to the first conductive member 21 and the second conductive member 22. For example, the third conductive member 23 is held in a holding state where it is disconnected from at least one of the first conductive member 21 and the second conductive member 22 by the holding member. The release of the holding state can be accomplished by toggle block 2d2 to move the holding member, or by toggle block 2d2 to move the third conductive member 23.

[0070] Corresponding to the first case above, such as Figure 5B and Figure 7B As shown, the pusher 2d2 pushes the first connection end 231 of the third conductive element 23 toward the first conductive element 21. In the second position, the first connection end 231 / the third conductive element 23 is electrically connected to the first conductive element 21. At this time, the electrical connection of the detection device 2 is connected, and the voltage applied to the developing cartridge 100 (developing roller 11) is grounded. The voltage value at the detection position detected by the detection device PE is less than 0V of the threshold, which is the low voltage. The imaging device then records that the voltage value of the developing cartridge 100 is not detected.

[0071] As the control element 2d continues to rotate, the toggle block 2d2 gradually disengages from the third conductive element 23, the first connection end 231 returns to a position where it is not electrically connected to the first conductive element 21, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is disconnected again, and the imaging device records the voltage value of the developing cartridge 100 being detected once more.

[0072] As described above, by intermittently applying the toggle block 2d2 to the first connection terminal 231, the electrical connection of the device under test 2 is switched between disconnection and connection. The disconnection of the electrical connection means that no current path is formed inside the device under test 2, that is, the current cannot flow from one end of the device under test 2 to the other end. The disconnection method can be that the current path between at least any two adjacent components in the device under test 2 is broken. The connection of the electrical connection means that a current path is formed inside the device under test 2, that is, the current can flow from one end of the device under test 2 to the other end. Thus, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit in the detection device PE, which is applied to the developing cartridge 100 by the imaging device, switches between high voltage and low voltage. High voltage and low voltage alternate within a predetermined time. When the voltage detection unit detects a high voltage, the imaging device obtains a high voltage signal. When the voltage detection unit detects a low voltage, the imaging device obtains a low voltage signal. As described above, the imaging device can obtain various parameter information of the developing cartridge 100 based on the number of high voltage signals and / or the number of low voltage signals obtained within the predetermined time.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] In some embodiments, the imaging device can also determine the parameter information of the developing cartridge 100 based on the time interval between two adjacent voltage values ​​detected by the voltage detection unit at the detection position. The two adjacent voltage values ​​can both be low voltage, both be high voltage, or one can be low voltage and the other is high voltage. That is, the imaging device can determine the parameter information of the developing cartridge 100 based on the time interval between two adjacent low voltage signals, or the time interval between two adjacent high voltage signals, or the time interval between adjacent low voltage signals and high voltage signals.

[0075] The third conductive element 23 is preferably an elastic element made of conductive material. In this way, the third conductive element 23 itself is elastic, and when an external force is applied to the third conductive element 23, the third conductive element 23 can move relative to the housing 1. As described in the above embodiment, the third conductive element 23 is pushed by the push block 2d2 from a position not electrically connected to the first conductive element 21 to a position electrically connected to the first conductive element 21. Correspondingly, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 also changes from disconnected to connected. When the push block 2d2 no longer pushes the third conductive element 23, the third conductive element 23 returns from the position electrically connected to the first conductive element 21 to the position not electrically connected to the first conductive element 21 under its own elastic force. Correspondingly, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 also changes from connected to disconnected.

[0076] In some embodiments, before the developing cartridge 100 receives the driving force, the third conductive element 23 is pressed by the toggle block 2d2 and remains not electrically connected to the first conductive element 21. As the control element 2d rotates, the toggle block 2d2 gradually stops pressing the third conductive element 23, and under its own elastic force, the third conductive element 23 becomes electrically connected to the first conductive element 21. Therefore, the toggle block 2d2 can act on the third conductive element 23 / first connection end 231 by pushing / toggling or pressing.

[0077] As described above, the movement of the control element 2d can be rotation, translation, or reciprocating oscillation. That is, the control element 2d has at least one of the following movement modes: rotation, translation, and oscillation. For example, the control element 2d is configured to slide between a first position and a second position along a predetermined path. The predetermined path can be a straight path or a curved path. Alternatively, the control element 2d can be configured to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis or reciprocate about a predetermined rotation axis.

[0078] In some embodiments, before the developing cartridge 100 receives the driving force, the third conductive element 23 remains electrically connected to the first conductive element 21 under the elastic force of the third conductive element 23 or under the action of the control element 2d / toggle block 2d2. At this time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is in a connected state. As the control element 2d rotates, the toggle block 2d2 gradually begins to act on the third conductive element 23, and the third conductive element 23 moves from the position electrically connected to the first conductive element 21 to the position not electrically connected to the first conductive element 21. At this time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is in a disconnected state.

[0079] For the third conductive element 23, when the third conductive element 23 is a rigid body, the detection device 2 also needs to provide a reset element to force the third conductive element 23 to reset; alternatively, when the developing cartridge 100 is configured such that only one low voltage or high voltage needs to be detected by the detection device PE, the reset element may not be provided.

[0080] As described above, in one embodiment, the first position can refer to the position where the control element 2d / toggle 2d2 is not in contact with the third conductive element 23, and the switching component 2a is in a first state. Depending on the positional relationship between the third conductive element 23 and the first conductive element 21, the switching component 2a can be in a disconnected state. At this time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also disconnected, and the first voltage value is high. Alternatively, the switching component 2a can be in a connected state, where the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also connected, and the first voltage value is low. Correspondingly, the second position refers to the position where the control element 2d / toggle 2d2 is in contact with the third conductive element 23, and the switching component 2a is in a second state. Depending on the positional relationship between the third conductive element 23 and the first conductive element 21, the switching component 2a can be in a connected state, where the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also connected, and the second voltage value is low. Alternatively, the switching component 2a can be in a disconnected state, where the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also disconnected, and the second voltage value is high.

[0081] In another embodiment, the first position may also refer to the position where the control element 2d / toggle 2d2 is in contact with the third conductive element 23, and the switching component 2a is in a first state. According to the positional relationship between the third conductive element 23 and the first conductive element 21, the switching component 2a may be in a disconnected state. At this time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is disconnected, and the first voltage value is high. The switching component 2a may also be in a connected state. At this time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also connected, and the first voltage value is low. Correspondingly, the second position may also refer to the position where the control element 2d / toggle 2d2 is not in contact with the third conductive element 23, and the switching component 2a is in a second state. According to the positional relationship between the third conductive element 23 and the first conductive element 21, the switching component 2a may be in a connected state. At this time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also connected, and the second voltage value is low. The switching component 2a may also be in a disconnected state. At this time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also disconnected, and the second voltage value is high.

[0082] In a simplified embodiment, the second conductive element 22 can be omitted, and the third conductive element 23 can be directly electrically connected to the intermediate conductive element 2b. Under this approach, even if the second conductive element 22 is still provided, the combination of the second conductive element 22 and the third conductive element 23 can be considered as a new third conductive element, at least a portion of which can be movable relative to the housing 1, and which is also electrically connected to the intermediate conductive element 2b.

[0083] The intermediate conductive element 2b can be the developing roller shaft 111 mentioned above, or it can be the developing layer 112, or the powder feeding roller shaft 161, or the powder feeding layer. When the stirring element is made of conductive material, the intermediate conductive element 2b can also be a stirring frame for stirring the toner in the housing 1. The stirring frame can be used to prevent toner from clumping and to convey the toner to the powder feeding roller 16 / developing roller 11. Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 includes a first housing 1a and a second housing 1b that are joined together. A cavity for containing toner is formed between the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b. The intermediate conductive element 2b can also be at least one of the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b. When the housing 1 is integrally formed, the intermediate conductive element 2b can also be the housing 1.

[0084] In a simplified embodiment, a conductor extending along a first direction can also be installed in the developing cartridge 100. One end of the conductor is used to be electrically connected to the switching component 2a, and the other end is used to be electrically connected to the end conductive element 2c. The conductor can be rotatably disposed in the developing cartridge or fixedly disposed on the housing 1. In this case, the intermediate conductive element 2b is the conductor. The conductor can be formed as a rigid body such as the developing roller shaft 111 or as a flexible body such as a metal sheet. In the above embodiment, the rotating element and the housing made of conductive material can both be regarded as the conductor. In other embodiments, the conductor can also be a powder discharge blade, a sealing scraper, etc., extending along the first direction and contacting the surface of the developing roller 11 (the surface of the developing layer 112). The powder discharge blade is fixedly installed in the housing 1 and is used to adjust the thickness of the toner layer on the surface of the developing roller 11. The sealing scraper is a flexible sheet-like body used to seal the space between the developing roller 11 and the housing 1 to prevent toner from leaking from the space.

[0085] Regardless of how the intermediate conductive element 2b is set, it is acceptable as long as the voltage value at the detection position can meet the detection requirements of the detection device PE.

[0086] In some embodiments, a portion of the switching component 2a is configured to extend along a first direction. For example, a portion of the third conductive element 23 extends from the driving end F to the non-driving end NF and forms an electrical connection with the end conductive element 2c. Meanwhile, a voltage drop element that can meet the detection requirements is provided in the switching component 2a, so that the voltage value at the detection position can meet the detection requirements of the detection device PE. In this case, the intermediate conductive element 2b can be considered to be non-existent.

[0087] In some embodiments, the end conductive element 2c is simplified to only having a conductive support 14, which is electrically connected to the developing roller 11 and / or the powder feeding roller 16. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed to the imaging device, the conductive support 14 also remains electrically connected to the abutting end 127. Alternatively, the end conductive element 2c is simplified to only having an electrode 88, which is electrically connected to the developing roller 11 and / or the powder feeding roller 16. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed to the imaging device, the electrode 88 also remains electrically connected to the abutting end 127. In this way, the developing cartridge 100 is electrically connected to the detection device PE through the end conductive element 2c, so that the developing roller 11 and the powder feeding roller 16 receive power supplied by the imaging device.

[0088] Since the developing layer 112 is directly exposed to the housing 1, according to the above description, when the intermediate conductive element 2b is the developing layer 112, compared with the end conductive element 2c contacting the developing roller shaft 111 or the powder feeding layer or the powder feeding roller shaft 161, it is easier to achieve contact between the end conductive element 2c and the developing layer 112 and the contact is more stable. Furthermore, when the end conductive element 2c is simplified to only setting the conductive support 14 or only setting the electrode 88, the conductive support 14 or the electrode 88 directly contacts the developing layer 112, and a part of the conductive support 14 or the electrode 88 is located at the non-driving end NF. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the detection device 2 can also be configured such that when the developing cartridge 100 is installed on the imaging device, the end of the switching component 2a extending to the non-driving end NF is electrically connected to the abutting end 127. In this case, the end conductive element 2c can also be considered non-existent, and the detection device 2 is simplified to the switching component 2a. Based on this embodiment, it is possible to configure the developing cartridge 100 to receive power from the imaging device PE / abutting end 127 without electrically connecting it to the detection device PE / abutting end 127 via the end conductive element 2c. For example, by providing an additional conductive element in the developing cartridge, the additional conductive element is used to receive power from the imaging device for the developing roller 11 and / or the powder feeding roller 16. The control element 2d is used to control the on / off connection between the switching component 2a and the abutting end 127. In this case, according to the above-described variation, before the developing cartridge 100 receives the driving force, the switching component 2a and the abutting end 127 can be either electrically connected or disconnected.

[0089] As described above, the first voltage value can be a high voltage or a low voltage, where the low voltage is 0V, or an intermediate value. Therefore, a variation of the present invention further includes an impedance element 25 connected in series with the first conductive element 21 in the detection device 2 (e.g., an impedance element 25 connected in series with the first conductive element 21). Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown), the voltage carried by the impedance element 25 is the intermediate value, that is, the voltage carried by the impedance element 25 can also be regarded as a low voltage.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 8A As shown, one end of the impedance element 25 is electrically connected to the first conductive element 21, and the other end is grounded. That is, the first conductive element 21 is indirectly grounded through the impedance element 25. When the toggle block 2d2 / control element 2d is in the first position, the electrical connection between the third conductive element 23 and the first conductive element 21 is disconnected, the electrical connection of the switching component 2a is in the first disconnected state, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is also disconnected, the first voltage value of the detection position detected by the detection device PE is high voltage, and the voltage value of the imaging device recording the first development box 100 is detected.

[0091] like Figure 8B As shown, when the driving force receiver 13 receives the driving force, the toggle block 2d2 / controller 2d moves from the first position to the second position, and the switching component 2a gradually changes from the first state of electrical disconnection to the second state of electrical connection. At the same time, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 also changes from disconnection to connection until the third conductive element 23 is electrically connected to the first conductive element 21, the detected device 2 is grounded, the voltage applied to the developing cartridge 100 (developing roller 11) is grounded, and the second voltage value at the detection position detected by the detection device PE is the low voltage (intermediate value) carried by the impedance element 25. The imaging device then records that the voltage value of the developing cartridge 100 is not detected. In some embodiments, the impedance element 25 can also be disposed between the first conductive element 21 and the electrode 88, and the first conductive element 21 is grounded. Specifically, the grounding method of the first conductive element 21 or the impedance element 25 can be directly electrically connected to the grounding component in the imaging device, or it can be grounded through the photosensitive drum via electrical connection.

[0092] When the low voltage is an intermediate value, in some embodiments, in the first state, the electrical connection of the switching component 2a is in the connected state, at which time the first voltage value is low voltage; in the second state, the electrical connection of the switching component 2a is in the disconnected state, at which time the second voltage value is high voltage.

[0093] Preferably, the impedance element 25 is a resistor with a resistance value not exceeding 1MΩ.

[0094] As can be seen, the toggle 2d2 / controller 2d can be used to control the switching component 2a between the first state and the second state. When the toggle 2d2 / controller 2d is in the first position, the switching component 2a is in the first state. At this time, the switching component 2a can be in the connected state or the disconnected state. Correspondingly, the electrical connection of the detected device 2 can be in the connected state or the disconnected state. At this time, the detection position has a first voltage value. When the toggle 2d2 / controller 2d is in the second position, the switching component 2a is in the second state, and the electrical connection of the detected device 2 is in the connected state. The detection position has a second voltage value. The first voltage value is different from the second voltage value.

[0095] In some embodiments, based on the inventive concept of the present invention, the control element 2d can also be disposed at the non-driving end NF. For example, the driving force can be transmitted from the driving end F to the non-driving end NF by a rotating component. Specifically, a gear can be installed at the non-driving end of the developing roller 11 or the powder feeding roller 16, and the control element 2d is driven by the gear. Furthermore, the switching component 2a can also be disposed at the non-driving end NF. In this case, the first conductive element 21 will be grounded at the non-driving end NF of the developing cartridge 100. Therefore, the control element 2d and the switching component 2a can be disposed at either the driving end F or the non-driving end NF.

[0096] In practice, there are imaging devices that supply positive voltage to the developing cartridge 100 and imaging devices that supply negative voltage to the developing cartridge 100. However, based on the inventive concept of this invention, it should be understood that the first voltage value and the second voltage value mentioned above refer to the absolute value of the voltage value. The technical solution involved in this invention is applicable to both imaging devices that supply positive voltage and imaging devices that supply negative voltage.

[0097] Example 3

[0098] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment focuses on describing the implementation structure of the first conductive element 21. Structures identical to those in the above embodiments will not be repeated, and component numbers identical to those in the above embodiments will be directly referenced in this embodiment.

[0099] like Figure 9As shown, the processing box 100 also includes a protective member 17 detachably coupled to the chip holder 15. The protective member 17 is used to protect the chip assembly carried by the chip holder 15. A first conductive member 21 is movably disposed on at least one of the housing 1, the end cap 12, and the chip holder 15. When the protective member 17 is installed on the chip holder 15, the first conductive member 21 is in a retracted state and protected by the protective member 17. When the protective member 17 is removed from the chip holder 15, the first conductive member 21 moves from the retracted state to the extended state. The first conductive member 21 in the extended state can be connected to a low voltage, for example, the first conductive member 21 is directly or indirectly grounded. Specifically, the first conductive member 21 is directly or indirectly grounded by contact with a metal component in the imaging device.

[0100] That is, at least a portion of the first conductive element 21 is movably disposed on at least one of the housing 1, the end cap 12 and the chip holder 15, and at least a portion of the first conductive element 21 is configured to move between a retracted state and an extended state. In the retracted state, at least a portion of the first conductive element 21 is protected by the protective element 17, and in the extended state, at least a portion of the first conductive element 21 can be directly or indirectly grounded.

[0101] In the following description, the example of the first conductive element 21 being movably disposed on the chip holder 15 will be used.

[0102] The chip holder 15 includes a chip holder body 151 and a chip mounting part 152. The chip holder body 151 is connected to the end cover 12 or the housing 1. The chip assembly is provided with an electrical contact part for electrical contact with a stylus. In the chip assembly, at least the electrical contact part is provided on the chip mounting part 152, and the first conductive element 21 is provided on the chip holder body 151.

[0103] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a movable component 30, which is used to ground the third conductive element 23. Specifically, one end of the movable component 30 is used to electrically connect with the third conductive element 23. In practice, whether one end of the movable component 30 is electrically connected to the third conductive element can be controlled according to the method described in the above embodiment. The other end of the movable component 30 is used to directly or indirectly ground. This embodiment focuses on describing the other end of the movable component 30 used for direct or indirect grounding.

[0104] The active component 30 includes a support base 31 and a first conductive element 21. The support base 31 is configured as part of the chip holder 151, so that the space occupied by the chip holder 15 can be fully utilized, and thus the first conductive element 21 can be effectively set without increasing the size of the developing cartridge 100.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first conductive element 21 includes a separately disposed movable element 32 and an elastic element 33. The elastic element 33 is used to push the movable element 32 towards an extended state. At least a portion of the movable element 32 and at least a portion of the elastic element 33 are made of conductive material, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the movable member 32 is formed as a conductive block made of conductive material. The movable member 32 includes a movable portion 321 and a contact portion 322. The contact portion 322 is used to directly or indirectly abut against a metal component in the imaging device. The movable portion 321 allows the movable member 32 to be movably mounted on the support base 31; for example, the movable member 32 can be rotatably mounted or slidably mounted. In this embodiment, the movable portion 321 and the support base 31 are configured with a shaft-hole fit. Figure 10 In the middle, the movable part 321 is provided with a shaft, and the support base 31 is provided with a hole for cooperating with the shaft. Therefore, the movable part 321 can rotate relative to the support base 31. The elastic element 33 is preferably a torsion spring, and has a first end 331 for contacting the third conductive element 23 and a second end 332 for contacting the movable part 32. As the control member 2d moves, whether the first end 331 of the elastic element 33 and the third conductive element 23 are in an electrically connected state (i.e., they are in contact or out of contact) can be controlled.

[0106] Furthermore, the chip holder 15 is also provided with a storage cavity 153 to allow for a clearer observation of the retracted state of the first conductive element 21. Figure 11 Protective element 17 is not shown, but it should be understood that at least a portion of the chip holder body 151 and at least a portion of the movable component 30 are contained / enclosed by protective element 17 and thus protected; Figure 11 As shown, at least the movable member 32 is housed in the receiving cavity 153, and preferably, the elastic member 33 is also housed in the receiving cavity 153.

[0107] When the protective element 17 is removed from the chip holder 15, the elastic element 33 releases its elastic force, and the movable element 32 rotates / flips around its axis and protrudes from the storage cavity 153, as shown. Figure 9 As shown, the first conductive element 21 is in an extended state, and the movable element 32 can directly or indirectly contact the metal parts in the imaging device.

[0108] In some embodiments, the movable member 32 may also be provided with a guiding mechanism. When the protective member 17 is installed in the first direction from the driving end F to the non-driving end NF, the movable member 32 can be pushed by the protective member 17 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 33 and move from the state of protruding from the mounting cavity 153 to the state of being stored in the receiving cavity 153. During this process, the user or the developer cartridge assembly personnel do not need to operate the movable member 32, thereby improving the operating efficiency.

[0109] It should be noted that the installation direction of the protective component 17 does not necessarily have to be along the first direction. Based on the inventive concept of this invention, the protective component 17 can also be installed along a direction intersecting the first direction. It should be understood that the hole in the shaft hole fit can be either a through hole or a groove formed as a blind hole.

[0110] Example 4

[0111] In this embodiment, the first conductive element 21 is still configured to move between an extended state and a retracted state, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the active component 30 still includes a mounting base 31 and a first conductive element 21. The mounting base 31 is still formed as part of the chip holder body 151. In this embodiment, the first conductive element 21 includes a movable element 32, an elastic element 33, and a connecting element 34. The movable element 32 is movable by sliding. At least a portion of the movable element 32 is made of conductive material and includes a movable part 321 and a contact part 322. The movable part 321 is slidably disposed on the mounting base 31, and the contact part 322 is used to directly or indirectly contact the metal parts in the imaging device.

[0112] Preferably, the movable part 321 and the mounting base 31 are also fitted with a shaft hole. The movable part 321 includes at least one of a first guide part 321a and a second guide part 321b. Correspondingly, the mounting base 31 is provided with a first guided part 154 and a second guided part 155, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the first guide part 321a is configured as a hole, the first guided part 154 is configured as a shaft, the second guide part 321b is configured as a shaft, and the second guided part 155 is configured as a hole.

[0113] When the first guide part 321a, the second guide part 321b, the first guided part 154 and the second guided part 155 are provided at the same time, the movement trajectory of the moving part 32 will be more accurate.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the first guide portion 321a and the first guided portion 154 are cut along a plane perpendicular to the joining direction, the cross-sections of the first guide portion 321a and the first guided portion 154 are non-circular. For example, the cross-sections are irregular, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. With such a setting, relative rotation between the first guide portion 321a and the first guided portion 154 can be effectively prevented, thereby making the movement trajectory of the moving part 32 more accurate.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second guide portion 321b and the second guided portion 155 may also have the above-described structure, thereby extending to the point that at least one of the first guide portion 321a and the first guided portion 154 has a non-circular cross-section, and / or at least one of the second guide portion 321b and the second guided portion 155 has a non-circular cross-section.

[0116] The elastic member 33 is used to push the movable member 32 toward the extended state, and is formed as a compression spring or tension spring. At least a portion of the adapter 34 is made of conductive material and has a first adapter portion 341, a second adapter portion 342 and a fixing portion 343. The first adapter portion 341 keeps in contact with the contact surface 323 provided in the movable member 32. The second adapter portion 342 is used to electrically connect with the third conductive member 23. The fixing portion 343 is used to fix the adapter 34 to at least one of the chip holder 15, the end cap 12 and the housing 1.

[0117] Continue as Figure 12 As shown, the chip holder 15 is also provided with a receiving cavity 153, and at least a portion of the first guided portion 154 and at least a portion of the second guided portion 155 are disposed in the receiving cavity 153, such as... Figure 13A As shown, under the elastic force of the elastic member 33, the contact portion 322 protrudes from the receiving cavity 153. At this time, the first conductive member 21 can be regarded as being in an extended state, and the contact surface 323 is in contact with the first transition portion 341. As the protective member 17 is installed, through the cooperation of the guide portion and the guided portion, the movable member 32 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 33 and is received by the receiving cavity 153. The elastic member 33 undergoes elastic deformation and accumulates elastic force. At this time, the first conductive member 21 can be regarded as being in a retracted state, and the contact surface 323 and the first transition portion 341 can either remain in contact or remain in non-contact.

[0118] When the protective member 17 is removed from the chip holder 15, the elastic member 33 releases its elastic force. Through the cooperation of the guide part and the guided part, the movable member 32 protrudes out of the receiving cavity 153 again, and the first conductive member 21 returns from the retracted state to the extended state. The movable member 32 can directly or indirectly contact the metal parts in the imaging device.

[0119] Similarly, in this embodiment, whether the second adapter 342 and the third conductive member 23 are in an electrically connected state can be controlled by the movement of the control member 2d; the installation and removal direction of the protective member 17 can be parallel to the first direction or intersect with the first direction; the movable member 32 can also be provided with the above-mentioned guiding mechanism, so that the user or the developer cartridge assembly personnel do not need to operate the movable member 32, thereby improving the operation efficiency.

[0120] Example 5

[0121] The same structure as in Embodiments 3 and 4 will not be described again. The difference is that the movable part 32 in this embodiment is made of a smaller conductive material. For example, the movable part 32 in this embodiment is made of metal wire. The movable part 32 made of metal wire can form an electrical connection with the third conductive part 23 in a direct contact manner or in an indirect contact manner. Furthermore, under the action of the elastic part 33, the movable part 32 made of metal wire is movable relative to the support base 31. Its movement can be rotation or sliding.

[0122] like Figure 14 As shown, the movable member 32 in this embodiment is rotatably configured, and the movable member 32 still has a movable part 321 and a contact part 322. The movable part 321 is used to contact the second end 332 of the elastic member 33, and the contact part 322 is used to directly or indirectly abut against the metal parts in the imaging device. Further, the first conductive member 21 also includes a movable block 35 that can be movably configured. At least a part of the movable member 32 is configured on the movable block 35. The movable block 35 is made of a non-conductive material and can be rotatably configured or slidably configured. Therefore, at least a part of the movable member 32 can move with the movement of the movable block 35.

[0123] In some embodiments, the movable block 35 is also provided with a receiving groove 351 for accommodating at least a portion of the movable member 32, so that the movable member 32 will have a more precise movement trajectory.

[0124] like Figure 15 As shown, the chip holder 15 has the storage cavity 153. When the protective member 17 is not installed, the contact portion 322 protrudes from the storage cavity 153 under the action of the elastic member 33. At this time, the first conductive member 21 is in the extended state. As the protective member 17 is installed, the movable member 32 / movable block 35 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 33 and moves towards the state of being stored / retracted by the storage cavity 153. At this time, the first conductive member 21 is in the retracted state. When the protective member 17 is removed, the elastic member 33 releases the elastic force, and the contact portion 322 protrudes from the storage cavity 153 again. At this time, the first conductive member 21 is in the extended state again.

[0125] In some embodiments, the elastic element 33 is configured as a torsion spring, which is used to push the movable element 32 toward the extended state. As described above, the elastic element 33 can directly push the movable element 32 toward the extended state, or it can push the movable element 32 toward the extended state by pushing the movable block 35.

[0126] In some embodiments, the movable member 32 and the elastic member 33 are integrally formed. In this case, the movable member 32 becomes part of the elastic member 33. The first end 331 of the elastic member 33 contacts the third conductive member 23, and the movable member 32 and the third conductive member 23 are electrically connected. At the same time, the elastic member 33 also abuts against the movable block 35, so that the movable block 35 drives the contact part 322 / first conductive member 21 to move toward the retracted state.

[0127] In some embodiments, the movable part 321 is in direct contact with the third conductive element 23. In this case, the elastic element 33 only serves to push the movable block 35. Since at least a part of the movable part 32 is disposed on the movable block 35, in this structure, the elastic element 33 still has the tendency to cause the contact part 322 / first conductive element 21 to move toward the retracted state.

[0128] In some embodiments, when the first conductive element 21 is grounded at the non-driving end, it can still be configured to move between the retracted state and the extended state as described in embodiments three, four, and five above.

[0129] [Beneficial Effects]

[0130] 1. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the conductive element (part of the detected device 2) located at the non-driving end NF is electrically connected / in contact with the detection device PE / the abutted end 127 in the imaging device. As long as the developing cartridge 100 is not removed from the imaging device, the electrical connection / contact between the conductive element and the abutted end 127 will be maintained. Therefore, the non-driving end NF does not need to be equipped with a lever for moving the abutted end 127, and the structure of the non-driving end NF can be simplified.

[0131] Specifically, the conductive element can be the end conductive element 2c, the middle conductive element 2b, or the on / off component 2a.

[0132] 2. As can be seen from the above description, the switching component 2a only needs to be able to receive the driving force from the driving force receiver 13. Its setting position can be multiple. For example, the switching component 2a can be set at the driving end F, or at the non-driving end NF, or between the driving end F and the non-driving end NF. Similarly, the control component 2d used to control the connection and disconnection of the switching component 2a also has the above multiple setting positions. The design freedom of the toggle block 2d2 / control component 2d can be improved.

[0133] 3. According to the inventive concept of the present invention, in the above-described partial embodiments, although a conductive element extending in the first direction needs to be provided in the detection device 2, the provision of the conductive element is simpler than the provision of a component for transmitting driving force, and the structure of the developing cartridge 100 is also simplified.

[0134] 4. In the active component 30 / detected device 2, the first conductive element 21 is configured to move between an extended state and a retracted state. Before the developing cartridge 100 is put into use, the first conductive element 21 can be in the retracted state. In this way, the packaging size of the developing cartridge 100 does not need to be increased, and the first conductive element 21 can also be prevented from breaking or being worn during the transportation of the developing cartridge 100.

[0135] 5. The mounting base 31 of the movable component 30 is set as part of the chip holder body 151. This structure can make full use of the space of the chip holder body 151 so that the overall size of the developing cartridge 100 will not change even if the movable component 30 is set.

[0136] 6. The protective element 17 not only protects at least a portion of the movable component 30, but also temporarily positions the chip holder 15 so that it cannot move when it is movable relative to the housing 1 / end cap 12 until the protective element 17 is removed. This effectively prevents the chip holder 15 from falling off, being bumped, or the chip assembly from being worn before the developing cartridge 100 is put into use.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus provided with a detection device; the developing cartridge comprising: a housing; a rotating member rotatably provided in the housing; a driving force receiving member for receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus to drive the rotating member to rotate; characterized in that the developing cartridge further comprises: a detected device which is kept in contact with the detection device in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus; an electrical connection of the detected device is switched between being disconnected and being connected as the driving force receiving member rotates; the image forming apparatus judges parameter information of the developing cartridge according to a number of times of connection and / or disconnection of the electrical connection of the detected device detected within a predetermined time; the detected device comprises an on-off assembly and a control member which receives the driving force of the driving force receiving member to control the on-off assembly to be disconnected or connected, thereby realizing the switching of the electrical connection of the detected device between being disconnected and being connected.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a movement mode of the control member is at least one of rotation, translation and reciprocating swing.

3. The process cartridge of claim 1, wherein, the on-off assembly comprises at least a first conductive member and a third conductive member, wherein one end of the first conductive member is used to connect to a low voltage, at least a part of the third conductive member is arranged to be movable relative to the housing, and the control member controls the third conductive member to be electrically connected to or disconnected from the first conductive member.

4. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, the detected device further comprises an intermediate conductive member, one end of which is used to be electrically connected to the third conductive member, and the other end is used to be electrically connected to the detection device.

5. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, the detected device further comprises an intermediate conductive member and a terminal conductive member, the intermediate conductive member is used to be electrically connected to the third conductive member and the terminal conductive member, and the terminal conductive member is further used to be electrically connected to the detection device.

6. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, at least a part of the first conductive member is arranged to be movable between a retracted state and an extended state, and in the extended state, at least a part of the first conductive member is connected to the low voltage.

7. The process cartridge of claim 6 wherein, the developing cartridge further comprises a chip holder and an end cover, the end cover is used to allow the driving force receiving member to be exposed, and the chip holder is used to carry a chip assembly; a part of the first conductive member is movably arranged on at least one of the housing, the end cover and the chip holder.

8. The process cartridge of claim 6 wherein, the developing cartridge further comprises a protection member detachably combined with the chip holder, the protection member is used to protect the chip assembly; as the protection member is mounted towards the chip holder, at least a part of the first conductive member moves from the extended state to the retracted state.

9. The process cartridge of claim 8 wherein, the chip assembly is provided with an electrical contact portion used to be electrically contacted with a stylus in the image forming apparatus; the chip holder comprises a chip holder main body and a chip mounting portion, the chip holder main body is connected with the end cover or the housing, the first conductive member is arranged on the chip holder main body, and at least the electrical contact portion is arranged on the chip mounting portion.

10. The process cartridge of claim 9 wherein, the first conductive member comprises a movable member and an elastic member, the movable member is movably arranged on the chip holder main body, one end of the movable member is used to directly or indirectly abut against a metal part in the image forming apparatus, and the other end is used to directly or indirectly electrically connect to the third conductive member, and the elastic member is used to urge the movable member towards the extended state.

11. The process cartridge of claim 10 wherein, a movement mode of the movable member is rotation or sliding.

12. The process cartridge of claim 10 wherein, at least a part of the movable member is made of a conductive material.

13. The process cartridge of claim 12, wherein, the first conductive member further comprises a movable block in which at least a part of the movable member is arranged, and the movable block is made of a non-conductive material.

14. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1-13 wherein, One end of the detected device is in contact with the detection device to have a detection position, the control member is driven by the driving force of the driving force receiving member to move between the first position and the second position to control the on-off assembly to switch between the first state and the second state; In the first position, the on-off assembly is in the first state of being connected or disconnected, and the detection position has a first voltage value; In the second position, the on-off assembly is in the second state of being disconnected or connected, and the detection position has a second voltage value different from the first voltage value.

Images