Developing box

Abstract

The invention discloses a developing cartridge which can be mounted to an image forming device along a mounting direction, and the developing cartridge comprises a shell; a coupling gear for receiving the driving force and rotatable about an input gear axis extending in a first direction; a developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a chip including an electrical contact surface; the lifted part is used for receiving the force of the imaging device so as to enable the electric contact surface to approach an electric contact component inside the imaging device; the electrical contact surface is inclined relative to the mounting direction; according to the developing box, the problem that the developing chip supported on the developing box is disconnected from the electrical contact of the imaging equipment after the developing box shakes is avoided, and the electrical connection stability of the developing chip and the electrical contact is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging technology, and particularly to a developing cartridge. Background Art

[0002] A developing cartridge is a cartridge storing a developer. After the developer in the developing cartridge is exhausted, after a user purchases a new developing cartridge, the user can replace it by himself without the help of a professional. This simple method is favored by more and more users. And this developing cartridge can cooperate with a drum cartridge and can be detachably installed as a whole into an imaging device.

[0003] A developing cartridge is disclosed in the prior art. The developing cartridge includes a housing capable of accommodating a developer, a developing holder provided at one side end of the housing, and a developing chip supported on the developing holder. Information such as the model of the developing cartridge and whether the developing cartridge is new or old is stored in the developing chip. The developing chip can be in electrical contact with the imaging device to establish a communication connection with the imaging device. However, the developing holder can move relative to the housing within a limited range and stroke, and the developing chip supported on the developing holder will also move along with the movement of the developing holder. This will make the electrical connection between the developing chip and the imaging device unstable and there is a probability of disconnection. Therefore, these situations are obviously not what manufacturers and users want to see. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a developing cartridge to solve the above technical problems, which is mainly achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0005] A developing cartridge that can be installed into an imaging device along an installation direction, the developing cartridge comprising:

[0006] A housing for accommodating a developer, the housing having a first side and a second side separated from each other in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side separated from each other in a second direction;

[0007] A coupling gear for receiving a driving force and rotatable about an input gear axis extending in the first direction, and in the first direction, the input gear is located on the first side of the housing;

[0008] A developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, and in the second direction, the developing roller is located on the third side of the housing;

[0009] A chip including an electrical contact surface, and in the first direction, the electrical contact surface is located on the first side of the housing;

[0010] A lifted portion, which is used to receive the force of the imaging device to bring the electrical contact surface closer to the electrical contact member inside the imaging device;

[0011] The electrical contact surface is inclined relative to the installation direction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the installation direction, the electrical contact surface is inclined towards the downstream side of the installation direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the angle between the electrical contact surface and the installation direction is α, where 10° ≤ α ≤ 20°.

[0014] Furthermore, the developing cartridge further includes a chip bracket for supporting the chip, and the chip bracket is fixedly arranged on the first side of the housing.

[0015] Furthermore, the developing cartridge further includes a forced push protrusion that extends in the first direction;

[0016] In the second direction, the forced push protrusion is closer to the developing roller than the electrical contact surface.

[0017] Furthermore, the developing cartridge further includes a stirring frame that can rotate around a second axis extending in the first direction;

[0018] In the second direction, the second axis is closer to the first axis than the electrical contact surface.

[0019] Furthermore, the developing cartridge further includes a stirring frame gear connected to the end of the stirring frame;

[0020] In the second direction, at least a part of the stirring frame gear overlaps with the electrical contact surface.

[0021] Furthermore, the developing cartridge further includes a locked portion located on the second side of the housing in the first direction;

[0022] In the second direction, the locked portion is closer to the fourth side of the housing than the third side of the housing.

[0023] Furthermore, the lifted portion is configured as a force-receiving protrusion, which extends outward from the fourth side of the housing in the second direction.

[0024] Furthermore, in the second direction, the lifted portion can move relative to the housing between a first position and a second position closer to the electrical contact surface than the first position.

[0025] Beneficial effects:

[0026] In the developing cartridge of the present invention, by fixing the developing holder to the housing, the position of the developing holder relative to the housing will not change, avoiding the problem that the electrical contacts between the developing chip supported thereon and the imaging device are disconnected due to shaking, and improving the stability of the electrical connection between the developing chip and the electrical contacts.

[0027] By setting the electrical contact surface to be inclined with respect to the installation direction of the developing cartridge, the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge can more easily contact the electrical contacts of the imaging device. Additionally, the contact area between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contacts can be increased, improving the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contacts. Description of the drawings

[0028] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a drum cartridge in the prior art;

[0029] Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of a drum cartridge in the prior art;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge of the present invention at a certain angle;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the left side of the developing cartridge of the present invention in the left-right direction with the cover hidden;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the right side of the developing cartridge of the present invention in the left-right direction;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the holder of the developing cartridge of the present invention removed from the developing cartridge;

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the holder of the developing cartridge of the present invention at a certain angle;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the left side of the developing cartridge of the present invention in the left-right direction;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contacts when the developing cartridge of the present invention is installed in the imaging device;

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge of the present invention installed in the drum cartridge at a certain angle;

[0038] Figure 11 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of another angle of the drum cartridge in the prior art;

[0039] Figure 12It is a schematic diagram of another angle of the developing cartridge of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 It is a partial three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the left end of the developing cartridge when the movable part in the developing cartridge of the present invention is in a disassembled state from the protective cover;

[0041] Figure 14 It is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the movable part in the developing cartridge of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of a certain angle when the developing cartridge of the present invention is installed in the drum cartridge;

[0043] Figure 16 It is the present invention Figure 15 The enlarged view of part A in;

[0044] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of the left side structure of the developing cartridge, the drum cartridge and the imaging device when the movable part in the developing cartridge of the present invention is in the first position state;

[0045] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of the left side structure of the developing cartridge, the drum cartridge and the imaging device when the movable part in the developing cartridge of the present invention is in the second position state. Detailed implementation manners

[0046] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and technical effects of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the developing cartridge of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] As Figure 1-2 shown, a drum cartridge 1 in the prior art is shown. As Figure 3-5 shown, a developing cartridge 100 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown. The developing cartridge 100 can be detachably installed in the drum cartridge 1. At the same time, the two can be used as a whole and detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device"). With the cooperation of the two, the imaging device can perform printing tasks. Next, the drum cartridge 1 in the prior art and the developing cartridge 100 in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to specific drawings.

[0048] Drum cartridge

[0049] As Figure 1-2As shown, a drum cartridge 1 in the prior art is shown, which includes a drum frame 1a. The drum frame 1a has a developer cartridge accommodating portion 2 that accommodates a developer cartridge 100 and is configured as a cavity. A photosensitive drum 3 is arranged on the front side of the developer cartridge accommodating portion 2. The left end of the photosensitive drum 3 is connected to a photosensitive drum gear 4. The photosensitive drum gear 4 can be engaged with a drum coupling gear (not shown in the drawings) in the imaging device to receive a driving force to rotate, thereby driving the photosensitive drum 3 to rotate around a photosensitive drum axis extending in the left-right direction. The front-to-back direction is the same as the left-to-right direction. The drum cartridge 1 further includes a push assembly 5 disposed on either side of the developer cartridge accommodating portion 2. The push assembly 5 is elastic and generates an elastic push force when subjected to an external force. A locking member 6 is also disposed behind the push assembly 5 on the right side of the drum cartridge 1. The locking member 6 is not limited to being disposed behind the push assembly 5 on the right side of the drum cartridge 1. The locking member 6 can block the movement of the developer cartridge 100, thereby preventing the developer cartridge 100 from actively detaching from the drum cartridge 1 under external force after being installed in the drum cartridge 1. Guide portions 9 are also disposed on either side of the developer cartridge accommodating portion 2 in the left-right direction. The guide portions 9 are used to guide the developer cartridge 100 to the correct position in the developer cartridge accommodating portion 2. In the front-to-back direction, the guide portions 9 are located between the photosensitive drum 3 and the push assembly 5. When viewed from the left-to-right direction, the push assembly 5, the guide portions 9, and the photosensitive drum 3 are generally arranged from back to front in the front-to-back direction.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the locking member 6 includes a locking portion 6a and a lifting portion 6b, and the locking portion 6a is arranged on the upper side closer to the drum box 1 relative to the lifting portion 6b, and the locking member 6 can rotate around the axis 6c arranged between the locking portion 6a and the lifting portion 6b, wherein the locking portion 6a can lock the developing box 100 by blocking the movement of the developing box 100, thereby preventing the developing box 100 from being separated from the drum box 1 due to external force after being installed in the drum box 1, and the lifting portion 6b can push the developing box 100 upward when the developing box 100 needs to be removed from the drum box 1, so that the developing box 100 is out of contact with the locking portion 6a of the drum box 1 to release the lock with the drum box 1.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, a drum holder 7 that is movable relative to the drum frame 1a is also provided at the left end of the drum box 1, and a drum chip 8 that stores various information of the drum box is supported on the drum holder 7. For example, the drum chip 8 stores therein information such as the life of the drum box 1 and whether the drum box 1 is a new box. The drum chip 8 has a drum electrical contact surface 8a provided at the left end of the drum frame 1a. Of course, the drum chip 8 is also provided at the left end of the drum frame 1a. The drum electrical contact surface 8a can be electrically contacted with the drum end electrical contact (not shown in the figure) of the imaging device and can be electrically connected to the drum chip 8.

[0052] Developer Box

[0053] like Figure 3-8As shown, a developing cartridge 100 of the present invention is shown. The developing cartridge 100 can be detachably mounted in the above-mentioned drum cartridge 1. The developing cartridge 100 includes a housing 101. The housing 101 includes a powder bin 101a that can accommodate a developer, and a cover 101b detachably mounted on the left side of the powder bin 101a. The cover 101b can cover the gear train of the developing cartridge 100. The gear train of the developing cartridge 100 includes, but is not limited to, a coupling gear 111, a developing roller gear 112, an agitator gear 113, and a powder feeding roller gear 114. The coupling gear 111 is disposed at the left end of the housing 101 and includes a coupling portion that can be coupled to a driving portion of the imaging device to receive a driving force from the imaging device, and gear teeth integrally provided with the coupling portion and meshing with the developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 114. The gear teeth can drive the developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 114 to rotate. The agitator gear 113 can receive the driving force of the coupling gear 111 through an idler gear 115 and rotate. The developing cartridge 100 further includes an agitator 102, a powder feeding roller 103, and a developing roller 104 supported on the housing 101. The left ends thereof are respectively connected to the agitator gear 113, the powder feeding roller gear 114, and the developing roller gear 112. The agitator gear 113 can drive the agitator 102 to rotate around an agitator axis A1 extending in the left-right direction. The powder feeding roller gear 114 can drive the powder feeding roller 103 to rotate around a powder feeding roller axis extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller gear 112 can drive the developing roller 104 to rotate around a developing roller axis A2 extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller 104 is disposed at the front end of the housing 101 in the front-rear direction. When the developing cartridge 100 is mounted in the drum cartridge 1, the developing roller 104 of the developing cartridge 100 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 3 of the drum cartridge 1. During the specific working process of the developing cartridge 100, the rotating agitator 102 can agitate the developer located in the powder bin 101a and convey the developer to the powder feeding roller 103. The powder feeding roller 103 conveys the developer to the developing roller 104 while rotating. Furthermore, the developing roller 104 can convey the developer carried thereon to the photosensitive drum 3 through contact with the photosensitive drum 3 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 3. The developing cartridge 100 includes a blade 107 for controlling the thickness of the developer attached to the developing roller 104. The blade 107 is located between the powder feeding roller 103 and the developing roller 104 in the front-rear direction. There is a certain gap between the blade 107 and the developing roller 104 to control the thickness of the developer attached to the developing roller. The developing cartridge 100 is further provided with an electrode 105, which includes an electrical contact portion 105a disposed at the right end of the developing cartridge 100. The electrical contact portion 105a can be electrically connected to a power supply component of the imaging device. The electrode 105 can supply power to at least one of the developing roller 104, the powder feeding roller 103, and the blade 107 through the electrical connection of the electrical contact portion 105a with the power supply component to ensure the stable conveyance of the developer.

[0054] At the left and right ends of the developing cartridge 100, there are also respectively provided forced push protrusions 121 which extend outward from the left and right sides of the protective cover 101b. The forced push protrusions 121 are located between the coupling gear 111 and the axis A1 of the stirring frame in the front-rear direction. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the drum cartridge 1, the forced push assembly 5 of the drum cartridge 1 can be used to elastically push the forced push protrusions 121 forward (i.e., in the direction close to the developing roller 104 or the photosensitive drum 3), so that the developing roller 104 (to be described below) of the developing cartridge 100 is kept in close contact with the photosensitive drum 3, ensuring that the developer on the developing roller 104 can be normally transported onto the photosensitive drum 3 and avoiding print quality problems. It is worth mentioning that the structure for receiving the elastic pushing force is not limited to being in contact with the forced push assembly 5 for forced pushing. Similar structures to the forced push assembly 5 can also be adopted on the developing cartridge 100 to contact and be forced pushed by other components in the drum cartridge 1, which is not limited. The developing cartridge 100 further includes a locked portion 122 provided on the right side of the powder bin 101a. The locked portion 122 extends rightward from the right end wall of the protective cover 101b, that is, extends from left to right. The locked portion 122 can move together with the housing 101. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the drum cartridge 1, the locked portion 122 can abut against and be blocked by the locking member 6 to lock the developing cartridge 100 and prevent the developing cartridge 100 from detaching from the drum cartridge 1 due to external forces after being installed in the drum cartridge 1. At the left and right ends of the developing cartridge 100, there are also respectively provided guided protrusions 123 which extend outward from the left and right end walls of the protective cover 101b. When projected along the left-right direction, at least a part of the guided protrusions 123 coincides with the developing roller 104. In other embodiments, the guided protrusions can also be configured as the developing roller shafts 104 that extend out of the outer sides of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. During the installation of the developing cartridge 100 into the drum cartridge 1, the guided protrusions 123 cooperate with the guiding portion 9 to install the developing cartridge 100 to the correct position in the developing cartridge receiving portion 2 of the drum cartridge 1.

[0055] Such as Figure 6As shown, the developing cartridge 100 further includes a chip 132 disposed at the left end of the housing 101 and a holder 130 for supporting the chip 132. Specifically, the holder 130 is fixedly installed on the outer side of the cover 101b. The outer side of the cover 101b is the side of the cover 101b facing the outside of the developing cartridge 100. Corresponding to the outer side is the inner side of the cover 101b, and the inner side is the side of the cover 101b facing the toner cartridge 101a. Specifically, after the holder 130 is positioned by the cooperation of the positioning posts 130a and the positioning holes 130b provided on the cover 101b or the holder 130, it is then fastened to the cover 101b by means of elastic buckles 130c or screws, etc., to facilitate the disassembly, replacement, and upgrade of the chip 132. In other alternative embodiments, the holding part 130 may also be formed by extending in the left-right direction from the left end of the housing 101. Specifically, the holding part 130 is formed by extending from the outer side of the cover from right to left. Optionally, the holding part 130 may be formed by extending from the left end of the toner cartridge 101a to the left. That is to say, the holder 130 may also be integrally formed with the cover 101b or the toner cartridge 101a. This is not limited as long as it is ensured that the holder 130 is fixedly installed on the cover 101b to accurately support the chip 132 and its electrical contact surface 132a.

[0056] The chip 132 is supported on the holder 130. Since the holder 130 is fixedly installed on the housing 101, the position of the holder 130 relative to the housing 101 is kept fixed. Therefore, the position of the chip 132 supported on the holder 130 and the electrical contact surface 132a of the chip 132 is further suppressed, and the contact with the electrical contact 12 in the imaging device described later will also be more stable. The chip 132 includes an electrical contact surface 132a electrically connected to the imaging device and a storage part (not shown). The electrical contact surface 132a can be electrically connected to the electrical contact 12 of the imaging device, and information such as the model of the developing cartridge 100 is stored in the storage part, which is electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 132a. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the drum cartridge 1, the developing cartridge 100 establishes a communication connection with the imaging device through the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact of the imaging device, so that the imaging device can read the information in the storage part to judge information such as the model, newness, and maximum number of printed pages of the developing cartridge 100. When the developer in the developing cartridge 100 is about to be exhausted, the imaging device can prompt the user to replace the new developing cartridge through the operation panel. Therefore, by providing the chip 132, the informationization level of the developing cartridge 100 can be improved, and the user experience can be enhanced. Moreover, compared with the counting tooth structure of the prior art, the volume occupied by the developing chip is smaller than that of the counting tooth structure, which helps to reduce the size of the developing cartridge 100 and is conducive to the miniaturization of the developing cartridge 100.

[0057] When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the drum cartridge 1, the electrical contact surface 132a of the developing cartridge 100 is further away from the developing roller 104 than the forced push protrusion 121 in the front-rear direction, and the electrical contact surface 132a of the chip 132 is almost maximally away from the electrical contact portion 105a of the electrode 105 in the left-right direction; in addition, when measured in the front-rear direction, the distance between the electrical contact portion 105a and the electrical contact surface 132a of the chip 132 is greater than the distance between the electrical contact portion 105a of the electrode 105 and the developing roller 104; in this way, when they are electrically connected to the imaging device respectively, the mutual interference will be significantly reduced. As Figure 4-5 shown, in the front-rear direction, the axis A1 of the stirring frame is closer to the axis A2 of the developing roller than the electrical contact surface 132a. In the front-rear direction, at least a part of the stirring frame gear 113 overlaps with the electrical contact surface 132a.

[0058] As Figure 7 shown, the retainer 130 includes a main body portion 131a, a connecting portion 131b, a chip mounting groove 131c, and a positioning protrusion 131d. The connecting portion 131b is connected between the main body portion 131a and the cover 101b, and the connecting portion 131b extends in the left-right direction, that is, the main body portion 131a, the connecting portion 131b, and the cover 101b are arranged in sequence from left to right. A chip mounting groove 131c is recessed downward on the upper surface of the main body portion 131a, and the chip 132 is mounted in the chip mounting groove 131c. A positioning protrusion 131d extends upward from the upper surface of the connecting portion 131b, and the positioning protrusion 131d is correspondingly arranged with the concave portion of the imaging device for guiding the installation of the developing cartridge 100 and limiting the position of the retainer 130. A limiting groove 131e is also formed between the main body portion 131a and the positioning protrusion 131d, and the limiting groove 131e is correspondingly arranged with the protrusion of the imaging device. Both sides of the retainer 130 in the front-rear direction are provided as inclined surfaces 131f.

[0059] As Figure 7-9 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the chip mounting groove 131c is inclined forward in the front-rear direction, and the chip 132 is mounted in the chip mounting groove 131c. That is to say, the electrical contact surface 132 on the chip 132 is inclined forward in the front-rear direction along with the inclination of the chip mounting groove 131c; through the inclined setting of the electrical contact surface 132a, when the developing cartridge 100 is installed together with the drum cartridge 50 into the imaging device, the electrical contact surface 132a is more likely to contact the electrical contact 12 in the imaging device, reducing the installation difficulty of the developing cartridge 100; the inclined setting of the electrical contact surface 132a increases the contact area between the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact 12, making the communication connection between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device more stable.

[0060] Specifically, as Figure 7-9 shown, the developing cartridge 100 is alongFigure 8 The front - rear direction shown in the figure is from the rear to the front for installation on the imaging device. That is to say, the direction in which the developing cartridge 100 is installed on the imaging device is the front - rear direction. The front of the developing cartridge 100 is the downstream in the installation direction, and the rear of the developing cartridge 100 is the upstream in the installation direction. To make the installation of the developing cartridge 100 on the imaging device smoother, the plane where the electrical contact surface 132a is located is inclined with respect to the installation direction of the developing cartridge 100, and the electrical contact surface 132a is inclined towards the downstream of the installation direction of the developing cartridge 100. Specifically, the angle between the plane where the electrical contact surface 132a is located and the installation direction of the developing cartridge 100 is α, where 0° ≤ α ≤ 60°. When α is less than 60°, interference between the retainer 130 and the imaging device can be avoided, enabling the developing cartridge 100 to be smoothly installed inside the imaging device. As Figure 9 shown, in the imaging device, the extending (moving) direction of the electrical contact 12 is perpendicular to the installation direction of the developing cartridge 100. In the state where the developing cartridge 100 is installed on the imaging device, the angle between the electrical contact surface 132a and the normal direction of the extending direction of the electrical contact 12 is α.

[0061] Furthermore, 10° ≤ α ≤ 30°. When α is less than or equal to 30°, the installation of the developing cartridge 100 on the imaging device is smoother.

[0062] Preferably, 17° ≤ α ≤ 20°.

[0063] In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the retainer 130 is substantially parallel to the front - rear direction of the developing cartridge 100. The front - rear direction is the direction perpendicular to the gravity direction (up - down direction) and the axis direction of the developing roller 104 (left - right direction) when the developing cartridge 100 is in the imaging device.

[0064] To ensure the stable connection between the chip 132 and the imaging device, the developing cartridge 100 further includes a lifted portion having a force - receiving portion. After the developing cartridge 100 is installed on the imaging device, the force - receiving portion can receive the force of the pushing portion inside the imaging device, and drive the entire developing cartridge 100 to move in the direction that makes the electrical contact surface 132a contact the electrical contact 12, so that the electrical contact surface 132a is in close contact with the electrical contact 12 inside the imaging device, further improving the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact 12.

[0065] As Figure 4-5 and Figure 8 shown, in an implementable embodiment of the present invention, the lifted portion is also configured as a force - receiving protrusion 1060. The force - receiving protrusion 1060 extends in the left - right direction from the rear side of the housing 101. Specifically, the force - receiving protrusion 1060 can also extend in the left - right direction from the protective cover 101b.

[0066] As Figure 10 andFigure 12 As shown, in an implementable embodiment of the present invention, the lifted part is configured as a lifted component 1050. The lifted component 1050 includes a movable part 1053 that can move relative to the housing 101. The force receiving part can receive an external force to cause the movable part 1053 to drive the developing cartridge 100 to move, and the chip 132 and its electrical contact surface 132a can move together with the whole developing cartridge 100. Specifically, further, as Figure 10-12 shown, on the left side inside the drum frame 1a of the drum cartridge 1, a stepped surface 57 is provided. The stepped surface 57 includes a plurality of acting surfaces facing upward in the up and down direction. The developing cartridge 100 is provided with a lifted component 1050. After the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the lifted component 1050 is simultaneously subjected to the pressing force of the outer cover 11 in the imaging device and the supporting force of the stepped surface 57 in the drum cartridge 1, so that the lifted component 1050 drives the developing cartridge 100 and the electrical contact surface 132a provided thereon to move upward in the up and down direction and makes the electrical contact surface 132a contact the electrical contact 12 of the imaging device, so as to ensure the stable electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact 12 in the imaging device, and further ensure the stability of the communication link between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device.

[0067] As Figure 13-16 shown, the lifted component 1050 of the developing cartridge 100 further includes an installation groove 1051 formed by the rear side of the housing 101 being recessed inward. Specifically, the rear side of the cover 101b located on the left side of the housing main body 101a is recessed inward to form the installation groove 1051. At least a part of the movable part 1053 is located inside the installation groove 1051, and the movable part 1053 can move relative to the housing 101 along the installation groove 1051. The inside of the installation groove 1051 is provided with the movable part 1053 and an elastic member 1052 connected between the movable part 1053 and the cover 101b; the installation groove 1051 extends in the front and rear direction, and the movable part 1053 can slide along the installation groove 1051 in the front and rear direction.

[0068] Specifically, the movable member 1053 includes a sliding portion 1053a, a limiting portion 1053b, a force-receiving portion 1053c, a guiding portion 1053d, and a supported portion 1053e; the movable member 1053 is located at one end of the developing cartridge 100 close to the driving side. The movable member 1053 is connected to the housing 101 through the mounting groove 1051 provided on the cover 101b. The movable member 1053 can move relative to the housing 101. The sliding portion 1053a serves as the main body portion of the movable member 1053. The limiting portions 1053b are provided on both sides of the sliding portion 1053a in the left-right direction. Specifically, the limiting portions 1053b are configured as elastic buckles protruding outward from both sides of the sliding portion 1053a in the left-right direction to prevent the sliding portion 1053a from leaving the mounting groove 1051; the force-receiving portion 1053c is farther away from the developing roller 104 than the sliding portion 1053a in the front-back direction. The force-receiving portion 1053c is configured as a force-receiving surface facing away from the developing roller 104 in the front-back direction; the supported portion 1053e is spaced from the force-receiving portion 1053c in the left-right direction. The supported portion 1053e is farther away from the developing roller 104 than the guiding portion 1053d in the front-back direction, and the supported portion 1053b and the guiding portion 1053d at least partially overlap in the left-right direction. The force-receiving portion 1053c can receive an external force to drive the movable member 1053 to move from a first position far from the developing roller 104 to a second position closer to the developing roller 104 than the first position; the guiding portion 1053d is configured as a guiding surface extending from the front upper direction to the rear lower direction. When the movable member 1053 receives an external force and moves from the first position to the second position, the guiding portion 1053d contacts the step surface 57 and drives the developing cartridge 100 to move upward from bottom to top under the urging force of the outer cover 11 on the force-receiving portion 1053c. During this process, the electrical contact surface 132a moves upward from bottom to top with the developing cartridge 100; at the same time, it guides the supported portion 1053e to move toward the step surface 57. During the upward movement of the developing cartridge 100, the electrical contact surface 132a enters the inside of the guiding groove 12a and contacts the electrical contact 12, so that the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact 12 are electrically connected, establishing a communication link between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device. In the working state of the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device, the outer cover 11 is locked on one side of the developing cartridge 100, so that the reinforcing plate 11a of the outer cover 11 always maintains the urging force on the movable member 1053, and further keeps the movable member 1053 between the step surface 57 and the housing 101 to maintain a stable electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact 12, avoiding the occurrence of communication interruption between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device.

[0069] The process of installing the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device will be described in detail below. As Figure 17-18 shown, when in use, the user installs the developing cartridge 100 into the inside of the imaging device from back to front. At this time, the movable member 1053 is in the state asFigure 17 At the first position shown, the developing chip 132 and its electrical contact surface 132a are located below the guiding groove 12a. Then, the user pushes the outer cover 11 to rotate upward, so that the reinforcing plate 11a of the outer cover 11 contacts the force-receiving part 1053c of the movable part 1053. Under the continuous pushing of the user, the reinforcing plate 11a applies a forward pushing force to the force-receiving part 1053c, so that the movable part 1053 slides forward freely from the first position along the installation groove 1051 in a substantially front-rear direction. Figure 18 At the second position shown, during the sliding of the movable part 1053, the supported part 1053e of the movable part 1053 abuts against the step surface 57. Under the continuous pushing of the user, the movable part 1053 is supported between the drum frame 1a of the drum cartridge 1 and the housing 101, that is, the supported part 1053c receives the supporting force of the step surface 57. This supporting force is transmitted to the housing 101 through the contact between the upper surface of the movable part 1053 and the upper wall of the installation groove 1051, so that the movable part 1053 drives the developing cartridge 100 to move upward. During the upward movement of the developing cartridge 100, the electrical contact surface 132a enters the inside of the guiding groove 12a and contacts the electrical contact 12, so that the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact 12 are electrically connected, and a communication link between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device is established. In the working state of the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device, the outer cover 11 is locked on one side of the developing cartridge 100, so that the reinforcing plate 11a of the outer cover 11 always maintains the pushing force on the movable part 1053, and further the movable part 1053 is kept between the step surface 57 and the housing 101 to maintain a stable electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 132a and the electrical contact 12, and avoid the occurrence of communication interruption between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device.

[0070] When the imaging device needs to replace the developing cartridge 100, the user opens the outer cover 11. At this time, the pushing force received by the movable part 1053 disappears. Under the action of the elastic member 1052, the movable part 1053 returns from the second position to the first position, and the developing cartridge 100 moves downward under the action of gravity, so that the developing chip 132 leaves the guiding groove 12a, which is convenient for the user to take out the developing cartridge 100 and replace it with a new developing cartridge 100 for reuse; the elastic member 1052 is preferably a spring.

[0071] Furthermore, the length of the movable part 1053 in the up-down direction gradually shortens from the rear end in the front-rear direction to the front end in the front-rear direction. When the movable part 1053 receives a forward pushing force, it is convenient for the movable part 1053 to provide an upward force to the housing 101 when it abuts against the step surface 57, so as to drive the developing cartridge 100 to move upward.

[0072] Beneficial effects

[0073] In the developing cartridge of the present invention, by fixing the developing holder to the housing, the position of the developing holder relative to the housing will not change, avoiding the problem that the electrical contact between the developing chip supported thereon and the electrical contact of the imaging device is disconnected due to shaking, and improving the stability of the electrical connection between the developing chip and the electrical contact.

[0074] By setting the electrical contact surface to be inclined with respect to the installation direction of the developing cartridge, the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge can more easily contact the electrical contact of the imaging device. In addition, the contact area between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact can be increased, improving the electrical connection stability between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact.

[0075] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge that can be installed in an imaging device along an installation direction, the developing cartridge comprising: A housing for containing a developer, the housing having a first side and a second side separated from each other in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side separated from each other in a second direction; A coupling gear for receiving a driving force and rotatable about an input gear axis extending in the first direction, the input gear being located on the first side of the housing in the first direction; A developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the developing roller being located on the third side of the housing in the second direction; Characterized in that it further comprises: A chip including an electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface being located on the first side of the housing in the first direction; A lifted portion for receiving a force from the imaging device to bring the electrical contact surface closer to an electrical contact member inside the imaging device; The electrical contact surface is inclined relative to the installation direction.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, In the installation direction, the electrical contact surface is inclined towards the downstream side of the installation direction.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The angle between the electrical contact surface and the installation direction is α, where 10° ≤ α ≤ 20°.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The developing cartridge further comprises a chip bracket for supporting the chip, the chip bracket being fixedly provided on the first side of the housing.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The developing cartridge further comprises a forced push protrusion extending in the first direction; In the second direction, the forced push protrusion is closer to the developing roller than the electrical contact surface.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The developing cartridge further comprises a stirring frame rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction; In the second direction, the second axis is closer to the first axis than the electrical contact surface.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein, The developing cartridge further comprises a stirring frame gear connected to the end of the stirring frame; In the second direction, at least a part of the stirring frame gear overlaps with the electrical contact surface.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The developing cartridge further comprises a locked portion located on the second side of the housing in the first direction; In the second direction, the locked portion is closer to the fourth side of the housing than the third side of the housing.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The lifted portion is configured as a force-receiving protrusion, and in the second direction, the force-receiving protrusion extends outward from the fourth side of the housing.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second direction, the lifted portion is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position closer to the electrical contact surface than the first position.

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