Powder box

Abstract

The invention provides a powder box which can be detachably installed in imaging equipment, an in-place detection assembly and a guide rail groove are arranged in the imaging equipment, and in the installation direction of the powder box, the in-place detection assembly is located on the downstream side of the guide rail groove; a guide part and an in-place triggering mechanism are arranged on the first end wall in the length direction of the powder box, the guide part can be in sliding fit with the guide rail groove, and the in-place triggering mechanism is arranged on the downstream side of the guide part in the mounting direction of the powder box and can trigger the in-place detection assembly; the in-place triggering mechanism comprises a connecting part, a triggering part and an elastic deformation part; the connecting part is connected with the first end wall, and the triggering part can be switched between a triggering position and an avoiding position; when the trigger part is located at the avoiding position, the trigger part can be in sliding fit with the guide rail groove; when the trigger part is in the trigger position, the trigger part can trigger the in-place detection assembly. The powder box is simple in structure and convenient to assemble, and a user can conveniently judge whether the powder box falls in place in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic imaging, and in particular to a powder box. Background Art

[0002] Imaging devices typically use a detachable toner cartridge to supply them with toner to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive component and then transfer it to a medium such as paper to form a visible image.

[0003] Chinese invention patent publication number CN107924154B discloses a toner container equipped with a detection component (referred to herein as a protrusion) that can contact a detection member (referred to herein as a sensor) within an image forming device, enabling the image forming device to detect whether a developing device is correctly installed. The detection component's contact requires the image forming device's door cover to contact the mating surface of the toner container's housing, thereby driving a connecting rod, which in turn drives the protrusion via a number of transmission components. Therefore, when the toner container is installed in a printer, the detection component on the toner container does not immediately trigger the printer's detection component, preventing the printer from verifying whether it is correctly installed. Instead, the user must close the printer door cover, which activates the linkage component, triggering the corresponding movement of the protrusion on the toner container to trigger the printer's detection component, thereby determining whether the toner container is correctly installed. This prevents the user from immediately determining whether the toner container is correctly installed, making the installation process complex and cumbersome, and impacting the user experience. Moreover, the provision of transmission parts and connecting rods not only increases the number of parts, makes the structure complex, and makes assembly difficult, but also greatly occupies the volume of the toner container, thereby reducing the practical volume of the toner container. In addition, the excessive number of parts leads to extremely high requirements on the matching precision of each component, and the components are also easily damaged, resulting in damage to the toner container or a high failure rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a powder box which has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and is convenient for a user to promptly judge whether it has been placed in the machine in place.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned object of the present invention, the present invention provides a powder box, which can be detachably installed in an imaging device, and the imaging device is provided with an in-place detection component and a guide rail groove. In the installation direction of the powder box, the in-place detection component is located on the downstream side of the guide rail groove; the first end wall of the powder box in the longitudinal direction is provided with a guide member and an in-place trigger mechanism, the guide member can slide with the guide rail groove, and in the installation direction of the powder box, the in-place trigger mechanism is arranged on the downstream side of the guide member, and the in-place trigger mechanism can trigger the in-place detection component; the in-place trigger mechanism includes a connecting portion, a trigger portion and an elastic deformation portion; the connecting portion is connected to the first end wall, and the trigger portion can switch between a trigger position and an avoidance position; when the trigger portion is in the avoidance position, the trigger portion can slide with the guide rail groove; when the trigger portion is in the trigger position, the trigger portion can trigger the in-place detection component; as the powder box is installed, the trigger portion enters the guide rail groove, and under the action of the guide rail groove, the elastic deformation portion is compressed and deformed, and the trigger portion moves to the avoidance position; when the powder box moves to the position where the trigger portion is separated from the guide rail groove, the trigger portion moves to the trigger position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic deformation portion.

[0006] As can be seen from the above, when installing the powder box to the imaging device, the trigger part enters the guide rail groove before the guide part, and the side wall of the guide rail groove applies a force to the trigger part, forcing the trigger part to move to the avoidance position. At this time, the elastic deformation part is in a force storage state, and then the guide part slides and cooperates with the guide rail groove to realize the installation guidance of the powder box. When the powder box moves to the position where the trigger part is separated from the guide rail groove, the trigger part is no longer affected by the force of the guide rail groove. At this time, the trigger part moves from the avoidance position to the trigger position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic deformation part to trigger the arrival detection component.

[0007] Therefore, under the action of the elastic deformation part in the in-place trigger mechanism arranged on the end wall of the powder box, the trigger part can cooperate with the guide rail groove to realize the movement of the trigger part between the trigger position and the avoidance position. There is no need for a complicated transmission structure to push the trigger part to move. The structure is simple, the number of parts is greatly reduced, and the assembly is convenient. At the same time, the volume occupied is small, which comprehensively improves the performance of the powder box and reduces the failure and damage rate of the powder box.

[0008] A further solution is that the in-place trigger mechanism also includes an elastic reset member and a trigger member; the elastic deformation part is located on the elastic reset member, and the connecting part and the trigger part are both located on the trigger member; the two ends of the elastic reset member are respectively connected to the trigger member and the first end wall.

[0009] As can be seen from the above, the elastic reset member is provided to facilitate the reset of the trigger member after it moves to the avoidance position under the action of the guide rail groove. There is no need to drive the transmission member to move by closing the door cover of the imaging device, so that the transmission member drives the trigger part of the trigger mechanism to move. The number of parts is greatly reduced, the structure is simplified, and manufacturing and production are convenient.

[0010] A further solution is that a hinge shaft is also provided on the first end wall, and the connecting part cooperates with the hinge shaft for rotation; the elastic reset member is a torsion spring, and the spring coil of the torsion spring is sleeved outside the connecting part; a first mounting portion is also provided on the trigger member, and the first mounting portion cooperates with the first torsion arm limit of the torsion spring; a second mounting portion is also provided on the first end wall, and the second mounting portion cooperates with the second torsion arm limit of the torsion spring.

[0011] A further solution is that the elastic deformation portion is made of an elastic material, and the connecting portion is connected to the triggering portion via the elastic deformation portion.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, the elastic deformation part is made of elastic material, and the action of the trigger mechanism can be realized by relying on its own elasticity without using an elastic reset part, which simplifies parts, facilitates manufacturing and processing, and is also convenient for installation.

[0013] A further solution is that a positioning column is provided on the first end wall, and a first limiting protrusion is provided on the positioning column, and the first limiting protrusion protrudes outward from the outer wall of the positioning column along the radial direction of the positioning column; a positioning groove cooperating with the positioning column and a first limiting groove cooperating with the first limiting protrusion are provided on the connecting part.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, the first limiting protrusion provided on the positioning column, the positioning groove provided on the connecting portion and cooperating with the positioning column, and the first limiting groove cooperating with the first limiting protrusion can effectively fix the trigger mechanism in place.

[0015] A further solution is that the in-position trigger mechanism also includes a limiting portion, which is arranged close to the trigger portion; a second limiting groove is also opened on the first end wall, and the limiting portion extends into the second limiting groove and slidably cooperates with the second limiting groove.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, the limiting portion is limited by the provided second limiting groove to prevent the limiting portion from moving beyond the travel range.

[0017] A further solution is that a second limiting protrusion is provided on the limiting portion, the second limiting protrusion is provided at the free end of the limiting portion, and the second limiting protrusion and the trigger portion are respectively limited and matched with the first end wall on both sides in the thickness direction of the first end wall.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, the second limiting protrusion provided on the limiting portion enables the second limiting protrusion and the trigger portion to cooperate with the first end wall on both sides in the thickness direction of the first end wall to prevent the limiting portion from escaping from the second limiting groove.

[0019] A further solution is that a mounting groove is also provided at the bottom end of the second limiting groove. In the extension direction of the second limiting groove, the size of the second limiting groove is larger than the size of the mounting groove. The second limiting protrusion can be inserted into the mounting groove and slideably cooperate with the inner surface of the first end wall.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, the installation groove is provided to facilitate the installation of the limiting portion with the second limiting protrusion on the first end wall.

[0021] A further solution is that a guide surface is provided on the trigger part, and the guide surface is inclined upward; an abutment boss is provided on the top wall of the guide groove near the entrance end, and the guide surface and the abutment boss slide together to force the trigger part to move toward the avoidance position.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the trigger part is forced to move from the trigger position to the avoidance position by setting the abutment boss, and there is no need to close the door cover to drive it, which greatly simplifies the structure and manufacturing. The set guide surface enables the in-position trigger mechanism to smoothly enter the guide rail groove and enables the trigger part to move smoothly from the trigger position to the avoidance position.

[0023] A further solution is that the second mounting portion is located on the guide member and is arranged close to the in-place trigger mechanism.

[0024] In summary, the powder box provided in the present invention is provided with a trigger mechanism for providing a powder box in place, which has a simple structure, is easy to produce and assemble, and has a low cost. It can facilitate users to promptly determine whether the powder box has been placed in place, while improving the overall performance of the powder box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a structural diagram of a first embodiment of a powder box of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a partial exploded view of the first embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the first end cover and the trigger mechanism of the first embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the first changing state of the trigger mechanism when the first embodiment of the powder cartridge of the present invention is installed in an imaging device.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the second changing state of the trigger mechanism when the first embodiment of the powder cartridge of the present invention is installed in an imaging device.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0031] Figure 7 1 is an exploded view of the first end cover and the trigger mechanism of the second embodiment of the powder box of the present invention.

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] First embodiment of powder box See also Figures 1 to 3 The powder cartridge provided in this embodiment includes a housing 1, a first end cap 2, and a second end cap 3. The housing 1 has a powder hopper 10 for storing toner. The first end cap 2 and the second end cap 3 are respectively disposed at the longitudinal ends of the housing 1. A guide groove 4 and a position detection assembly 5 are provided within the imaging device. In the direction of installation of the powder cartridge, the position detection assembly 5 is located downstream of the guide groove 4.

[0034] The first end cap 2 has a first end wall 20, and the second end cap 3 has a second end wall (not shown). The first end wall 20 and the second end wall face each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 1. A guide member 6 and a position trigger mechanism 7 are provided on the first end wall 20. The guide member 6 is capable of slidingly engaging with the guide rail groove 4. An abutment boss 40 is provided on the top wall of the guide rail groove 4 near the inlet end. The position trigger mechanism 7 is located downstream of the guide member 6 in the installation direction of the powder cartridge.

[0035] The in-position trigger mechanism 7 includes a trigger member 8 and an elastic reset member 71. The trigger member 8 is provided with a connecting portion 80, a limiting portion 82 and a trigger portion 83. The limiting portion 82 is provided near the trigger portion 83, and the elastic deformation portion is located on the elastic reset member 71. A hinge shaft 9 is provided on the first end wall 20, and the connecting portion 80 rotates with the hinge shaft 9. The elastic reset member 71 is a torsion spring. A torsion spring column 81 is provided on the connecting portion 80, and the torsion spring coil is sleeved on the torsion spring column 81. A first mounting portion 85 is provided on the trigger member 8, and a second mounting portion 60 is provided on the guide member 6. The first mounting portion 85 is limited to the first torsion arm of the torsion spring, and the second mounting portion 60 is limited to the second torsion arm of the torsion spring. A second limiting groove 11 is provided on the first end wall 20, and the limiting portion 82 extends into the second limiting groove 11 and slides with the second limiting groove 11. Alternatively, the second limiting groove 11 may be eliminated or replaced with another structure such as a limiting column, with the elastic return member 71 being a spring or other elastic component. A mounting groove 21 is further provided at the bottom end of the second limiting groove 11. In the direction in which the second limiting groove 11 extends, the size of the second limiting groove 11 is larger than the size of the mounting groove 21. The second limiting protrusion 19 can be inserted through the mounting groove 21 and then slidably engaged with the surface of the first end wall 20.

[0036] Preferably, a second limiting protrusion 19 is provided on the limiting portion 82, and the second limiting protrusion 19 is provided at the free end of the limiting portion 82. The second limiting protrusion 19 and the trigger portion 83 are respectively limited and matched with the first end wall 20 on both sides of the thickness direction of the first end wall 20.

[0037] The trigger portion 83 is provided with a guide surface 84, which is tilted upward. The guide surface 84 interacts with the abutment boss 40 to force the trigger portion 83 to move toward the avoidance position. Preferably, the abutment boss 40 has a curved surface that interacts with the trigger portion 83, with the opening of the curved surface facing away from the trigger portion 83. This allows the trigger portion 83 to move more smoothly when the powder cartridge is installed.

[0038] The connecting portion 80 is connected to the first end wall 20 , and the trigger portion 83 can switch between a trigger position and an avoidance position. During the installation process, when the trigger portion 83 is in the avoidance position, the trigger portion 83 slides and cooperates with the guide rail groove 4 .

[0039] Optionally, the second limiting groove 11 is square, and the torsion spring can also be replaced by a spring.

[0040] Combine Figures 4 to 6 During the process of installing the powder box on the imaging device, the guide surface 84 of the in-place trigger mechanism 7 contacts the abutment boss 40, and the trigger part 83 moves from the trigger position to the avoidance position. The trigger part 83 enters the guide rail groove 4 and is slidably connected with the guide rail groove 4, and continues to push the powder box forward until the trigger part 83 leaves the guide rail groove 4. Under the action of the elastic deformation part, the trigger part 83 returns from the avoidance position to the trigger position, thereby triggering the in-place detection component 5 on the imaging device. The in-place detection component 5 transmits the information that the powder box is installed in place to the control device.

[0041] Alternatively, the in-place detection component 5 may be a micro switch or a photoelectric sensor.

[0042] Second embodiment of powder box See also Figure 7 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a positioning post is provided on the first end wall 12. The in-position trigger mechanism 15 is made of an elastic material. The elastic deformation portion 22 is located between the connecting portion 16 and the trigger portion 23. The positioning post 13 is provided with a first limiting protrusion 14, which protrudes outward from the outer wall of the positioning post 13 in the radial direction of the positioning post 13. The connecting portion 16 includes a positioning groove 17 that cooperates with the positioning post 13 and a first limiting groove 18 that cooperates with the first limiting protrusion 14. The positioning groove 17 is connected to the first limiting groove 18. In this way, there is no need for a torsion spring. During the installation of the powder cartridge, the in-position trigger mechanism 15 can be reset under the action of its own elastic force. Optionally, the positioning groove 17 and the first limiting groove 18 can also be provided separately. Optionally, the second limiting groove 24 can be eliminated, and the in-position trigger mechanism 15 can return to its original position under the action of its own elastic restoring force.

[0043] In summary, the powder box of the present invention is provided with a trigger mechanism with a simple structure, convenient production and assembly, low cost, and can facilitate users to promptly determine whether the powder box is in place, while improving the overall performance of the powder box.

Claims

1. A powder box, which can be detachably installed in an imaging device, wherein an in-place detection component and a guide rail groove are provided in the imaging device, wherein in the installation direction of the powder box, the in-place detection component is located at the downstream side of the guide rail groove; The first end wall of the powder box in the length direction is provided with a guide member and an in-position trigger mechanism, the guide member can be slidably matched with the guide rail groove, and the in-position trigger mechanism is arranged on the downstream side of the guide member in the installation direction of the powder box, and the in-position trigger mechanism can trigger the in-position detection component; Features: The in-position trigger mechanism comprises a connecting portion, a trigger portion and an elastic deformation portion; The connecting portion is connected to the first end wall, and the triggering portion can be switched between a triggering position and an avoidance position; When the trigger part is in the avoidance position, the trigger part can be slidably matched with the guide rail groove; When the trigger part is in the trigger position, the trigger part can trigger the in-position detection component; As the powder box is installed, the trigger portion enters the guide rail groove, and under the action of the guide rail groove, the elastic deformation portion is compressed and deformed, and the trigger portion moves to the avoidance position; When the powder box moves to a position where the trigger portion is separated from the guide rail groove, the trigger portion moves to the trigger position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic deformation portion.

2. The powder box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The in-position trigger mechanism also includes an elastic reset member and a trigger member; The elastic deformation portion is located on the elastic reset member, and the connecting portion and the triggering portion are both located on the triggering member; Two ends of the elastic reset member are respectively connected to the trigger member and the first end wall.

3. The powder box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first end wall is also provided with a hinge shaft, and the connecting portion is rotatably matched with the hinge shaft; The elastic return member is a torsion spring, and the spring coil of the torsion spring is sleeved outside the connecting portion. The trigger member is also provided with a first mounting portion, and the first mounting portion is limitedly matched with the first torsion arm of the torsion spring. The first end wall is also provided with a second mounting portion, and the second mounting portion is limitedly matched with the second torsion arm of the torsion spring.

4. The powder box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic deformation part is made of elastic material, and the connecting part is connected to the triggering part through the elastic deformation part.

5. The powder box according to claim 4, characterized in that: A positioning column is disposed on the first end wall, and a first limiting protrusion is disposed on the positioning column, and the first limiting protrusion protrudes outward from the outer wall of the positioning column along the radial direction of the positioning column; The connecting portion is provided with a positioning groove matched with the positioning column and a first limiting groove matched with the first limiting protrusion.

6. The powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The in-position trigger mechanism further includes a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is arranged close to the trigger portion; A second limiting groove is also formed on the first end wall, and the limiting portion extends into the second limiting groove and slidably cooperates with the second limiting groove.

7. The powder box according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting portion is provided with a second limiting protrusion, which is provided at the free end of the limiting portion. The second limiting protrusion and the trigger portion are respectively limitedly matched with the first end wall on both sides in the thickness direction of the first end wall.

8. The powder box according to claim 6, characterized in that: A mounting groove is also provided at the bottom end of the second limiting groove. In the extension direction of the second limiting groove, the size of the second limiting groove is larger than the size of the mounting groove. The second limiting protrusion can be inserted into the mounting groove and then slidably cooperate with the inner surface of the first end wall.

9. The powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The trigger portion is provided with a guide surface, and the guide surface is arranged to be inclined upward; An abutment boss is arranged on the top wall of the guide rail groove near the entrance end, and the guide surface is slidably matched with the abutment boss to force the trigger part to move toward the avoidance position.

10. The powder box according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The second mounting portion is located on the guide member and is disposed close to the in-place trigger mechanism.

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