Container for storing powder and selenium drum

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and provides a container for storing powder and a selenium drum, the container comprises: a housing, which is internally provided with a developer storage cavity; the developing roller is arranged on the shell, can rotate around a first axis and is used for conveying the developing agent in the developing agent storage cavity to the outside of the shell; the power transmission assembly comprises a first power receiving part and a transmission part linked with the first power receiving part, the first power receiving part is provided with a joint part capable of receiving first power, and the first power comes from a rotating component with a photosensitive material surface; the stirring component comprises a connecting part which is connected with the shell and can move relative to the shell; the stirring part is arranged in the developer storage cavity; and the second power receiving part is positioned on the power transmission path of the transmission part. The problem that in the prior art, operation of a stirring frame easily affects stable rotation of other components can be solved, and the imaging process is smoother.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and more particularly to a container and toner cartridge for storing powder. Background Technology

[0002] The toner cartridge is a crucial component of laser printing equipment. It contains developer, which needs to be replaced once it's depleted. The toner cartridge contains essential imaging structures, such as the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. The surface of the photosensitive drum has a photosensitive material; the charge it carries forms an electrostatic latent image under laser scanning. The developing roller transfers the developer to the photosensitive drum, thus creating the final image.

[0003] The printing device body has a drive structure. When the drum is assembled in the device, the drive structure engages with the transmission structure on the drum to transmit power to the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. In some existing technologies, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are usually driven by different drive components, which avoids the excessively long transmission chain caused by setting only a single transmission chain on the drum.

[0004] In the prior art, components such as the developing roller, powder feeding roller, and stirring frame are all on a single drive chain. This drive chain is prone to being too long. Since the stirring frame is located further away from the photosensitive drum than the developing roller and powder feeding roller, it is usually located at the very end of the drive chain. Furthermore, the stirring frame generates significant resistance to the drive chain during the mixing process, which affects the operational stability of other components, especially the connection structure of the developing roller. The developing roller connection is equipped with a buffer sealing gasket to accommodate the pre-tightening with the photosensitive drum. The stirring frame, due to its continuous contact with the developer in the push chamber, causes rotational instability, resulting in corresponding load fluctuations, which in turn affects the operational stability of the entire drive chain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a container and toner cartridge for storing powder, which can overcome the problem that the operation of the stirring rack in the prior art can easily affect the smooth rotation of other components, making the imaging process smoother.

[0006] The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a container for storing powdered material, comprising: a shell having a developer storage chamber therein; a developing roller disposed on the shell and rotatable about a first axis for transferring developer from the developer storage chamber to the outside of the shell; a power transmission assembly including a first power receiving portion and a transmission portion linked to the first power receiving portion, the first power receiving portion having a connecting portion capable of receiving a first power, the transmission portion forming a power transmission path that transmits the first power away from a rotating component as the first power receiving portion moves, the first power originating from the rotating component having a photosensitive material surface; and a stirring component including: a connecting portion connected to the shell and movable relative to the shell; a stirring portion disposed within the developer storage chamber, linked to the connecting portion and capable of performing a first movement as the connecting portion moves; and a second power receiving portion located on the power transmission path of the transmission portion, including a driving portion for receiving driving force from the power transmission path and a transmission portion for transmitting driving force to the connecting portion.

[0007] According to the container provided in the first aspect of the present invention, a power transmission assembly is provided to receive power from a rotating component (photosensitive drum) to transmit the power of the rotating component to the stirring frame. This avoids the transmission stability of the entire transmission structure being affected by an excessively long transmission chain, including the developing roller, within the container, thus improving the controllability of timing control during imaging. At the same time, since the photosensitive drum does not directly contact the developer in the cavity, its transmission chain is shorter than that of the developing roller, resulting in good rotational stability. Therefore, by connecting the stirring component to the power transmission assembly via a second power receiving component, the stirring component can be effectively excluded from the transmission chain of the developing roller and incorporated into the photosensitive drum. This ensures the transmission stability of the stirring component without affecting the smooth transmission of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, making the overall timing of the imaging process more controllable.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first power receiving portion includes a first component linked to the rotating component and a second component linked to the transmission portion. The first component is rotatable about the first axis and has a joint portion on a surface away from the first axis that is circumferentially arranged around the first axis and engages with the outer surface of the rotating component.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second component is rotatable about the first axis and has a linkage portion that engages with the transmission portion around the first axis; the linkage portion is configured as a first tooth portion, and the transmission portion includes a linkage gear set that meshes with the first tooth portion, the linkage gear set including at least one transmission gear; the second power receiving portion includes a power receiving gear that rotates about a second axis different from the first axis, the power receiving gear meshing with one of the transmission gears of the linkage gear set; both the first axis and the second axis extend along a first direction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion includes a connecting shaft rotatably disposed on the housing about the second axis, and the stirring portion includes a rod and stirring blades connected to the rod. The connecting shaft is connected to the rod to drive the rod to rotate about the second axis.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second motion is configured as a reciprocating motion between a first position close to the developing roller and a second position far from the developing roller.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion includes a first driving portion and a second driving portion. The first driving portion is used to drive the stirring portion to move to the first position along a second direction close to the developing roller, and the second driving portion is used to drive the stirring portion to move to the second position along a third direction away from the developing roller.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion includes a connecting shaft rotatably disposed on the housing about a second axis, and the first driving portion and the second driving portion rotate synchronously with the connecting shaft about the second axis; wherein, when the first driving portion engages the stirring portion to move the stirring portion to a first position, the second driving portion disengages from the stirring portion, and when the second driving portion engages the stirring portion to move the stirring portion to a second position, the first driving portion disengages from the stirring portion.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stirring part includes an access interval and a first force-receiving part and a second force-receiving part disposed on both sides of the access interval; one of the first driving part and the second driving part includes a first pushing surface, and when the connecting shaft rotates about the second axis in a fourth direction, the first pushing surface enters the access interval and pushes against the first force-receiving part to make the stirring part move in a first designated direction that is the same as the moving direction of the first pushing surface; the other of the first driving part and the second driving part includes a second pushing surface, and when the connecting shaft rotates about the second axis in a fourth direction, the second pushing surface enters the access interval and pushes against the second force-receiving part to make the stirring part move in a second designated direction that is opposite to the moving direction of the second pushing surface; wherein, the first designated direction and the second designated direction are one and the other of the second direction and the third direction, respectively.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a coupling component is further included. The housing includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along a first direction. The coupling component includes a coupling disposed at the second end, and the first power receiving portion is disposed at the second end. The developing roller rotates about the first axis as the coupling moves. The connecting portion includes a first connecting member disposed at the first end and a second connecting member disposed at the second end. The first connecting member is driven by the second power receiving portion, and the second connecting member moves relative to the housing as the coupling moves.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a toner cartridge comprising: a frame; a rotating component having a photosensitive material surface disposed on the frame; and a container for storing powder as described in the first aspect embodiment.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures and / or processes particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a toner cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of the toner cartridge structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention from a first-view perspective;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a portion of the toner cartridge structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a container provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a container provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a container provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first power receiving part on the developing roller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a container provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the stirring component shown;

[0029] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a container from a first perspective, provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the container shown from a second perspective;

[0031] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0032] Figure 15 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of the stirring part inside the container when it is driven by the first driving component.

[0033] Figure 16 for Figure 12 The diagram shows the structure of the stirring section inside the container when it is driven by the second driving component.

[0034] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Equipment body, 11. Paper tray, 12. Pick-up assembly, 13. Conveyor assembly, 14. Transfer assembly, 15. Developing assembly, 16. Scanning assembly, 17. Fixing assembly, 18. Paper output assembly; 100 rotating parts; 200 Housing, 210 Developer storage chamber, 220 Developer outlet, 230 Powder feeding channel, 240 First end, 250 Second end; 300 developing roller, 310 roller end; 400 Coupling assembly, 410 Coupling, 411 Coupling section, 420 First gear, 430 Second gear; 500 Stirring component, 510 Connecting part, 511 Connecting shaft, 512 First connecting member, 513 Second connecting member, 514 First driving part, 514a First pushing surface, 515 Second driving part, 515a Second pushing surface, 520 Stirring part, 521 Rod part, 521a Engaging recess, 522 Developer pusher, 522a Protrusion, 522b Acting surface, 522c Smooth surface, 523 Access interval, 524 First force receiving part, 524a First force receiving surface, 525 Second force receiving part, 525a Second force receiving surface, 530 Second power receiving part; 600 powder feeding roller; 700 Power transmission assembly, 710 First power receiving part, 711 First component, 711a Joint, 712 Second component, 712a Connecting part, 712b First tooth, 720 Transmission part, 721 Linkage gear set, 721a Second tooth; 800 Component to be inspected, 810 Part to be inspected, 811 Inspection section, 812 Third tooth section, 813 Missing tooth section; 900 Frame, 910 Main Shell, 920 Support Components, 921 Container Mounting Position, 922 Positioning Part, 923 Buckle, 924 Elastic Component. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will provide a thorough understanding of how the present invention uses technical means to solve technical problems and achieve technical effects, enabling its implementation. It should be noted that these specific descriptions are merely intended to facilitate a clearer understanding of the present invention by those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the terms "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the invention, but are merely used to indicate the sequence numbers of multiple identical or similar devices or mechanisms. Those skilled in the art can readjust these sequence numbers for ease of description or during the organization of technical solutions. Furthermore, alternative solutions are described for some mechanisms in different embodiments, and these alternatives can be applied to other identical or similar devices or mechanisms. As long as there is no conflict, the various embodiments and features in each embodiment of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the resulting technical solutions are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] This invention provides an electronic imaging device, see below. Figure 1 The device includes a main body 1 and a paper tray 11, a pickup assembly 12, a transport assembly 13, a transfer assembly 14, a developing assembly 15, a scanning assembly 16, a fixing assembly 17, and a paper discharge assembly 18 disposed within the main body 1. The main body 1 has a paper transport path. The paper tray 11 stores stacked paper for printing. The pickup assembly 12 includes a pickup roller that contacts the stacked paper and feeds the paper into the paper transport path. The transport assembly 13 includes a correction roller and a feed roller. The correction roller is used to correct the position of the paper in the paper transport path, and the feed roller is used to transport the paper in the paper transport path. The developing assembly 15 forms an image composed of toner inside it and transfers the image to the transfer assembly 14. The transfer assembly 14 transfers the image into the paper transport path. After acquiring the image, the paper is further transported to the fixing assembly 17. The fixing assembly 17 fixes the image on the paper surface by heating. After printing, the paper is finally discharged outside the main body 1 by the paper discharge assembly 18.

[0038] The scanning assembly 16 includes a laser emitting unit and optical components for deflecting the laser emitted by the laser emitting unit. The developing assembly 15 includes a selenium drum. The optical components may consist of multiple optical parts, deflecting the laser onto the selenium drum for the imaging process. (See also...) Figure 3 The toner cartridge includes a rotating component 100 having a photosensitive material surface, which contains a photosensitive surface. A laser is deflected onto the photosensitive surface to form an electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is then used to form an image with toner.

[0039] See Figures 2 to 16 The toner cartridge includes a container for storing powder and a photosensitive component that mates with the container. In this embodiment, the powder is a developer in granular form. A rotating component 100 is rotatably mounted on the photosensitive component and can rotate about a second axis extending in a first direction. The container includes a housing 200, a developing roller 300, and a stirring component 500. The housing 200 has a developer storage chamber 210 inside and a developer outlet 220 communicating with the developer storage chamber outside. The developing roller 300 is located at the developer outlet 220 of the housing 200 and can rotate along a first axis extending in the first direction. When the photosensitive component mates with the container, the photosensitive surface of the rotating component 100 contacts the surface of the developing roller 300 at a position that is relatively parallel to each other in the first direction, so that the developing roller 300 transfers the developer in the developer storage chamber 210 to the rotating component 100.

[0040] The container also includes a powder feeding roller 600, and a developer delivery channel is provided between the developer outlet 220 and the developer storage chamber 210. The powder feeding roller 600 is disposed in the developer delivery channel and is used to deliver the developer in the developer delivery channel to the developing roller 300, and can rotate along a first direction (e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 7 Rotate along the third axis extending in the direction U. (Continue reading...) Figure 3 The container also includes a coupling component 400, which includes a coupling 410 and a transmission member pulsatingly connected to the coupling 410. In this embodiment, the transmission member is configured as a transmission gear set, which includes a first gear 420 connected to the developing roller 300 and a second gear 430 connected to the powder feeding roller 600. The coupling 410 meshes with the transmission gear set to transmit power to the first gear 420 and the second gear 430. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling 410 is configured as a coupling gear. The coupling gear, along with the first gear 420 and the second gear 430, are all helical gear structures, having axially arranged first and second coupling tooth portions. The first and second coupling tooth portions mesh with the first gear 420 and the second gear 430 respectively, thereby directly transmitting the driving force to the first gear 420 and the second gear 430 upon receiving external driving force. Specifically, in this embodiment, the coupling gear has a coupling portion 411 at the end away from the housing 200. The coupling portion 411 includes a coupling spacer. The access end of the drive component within the device body extends into the coupling spacer to drive the coupling gear to rotate, thereby driving the developing roller 300 and the powder feeding roller 600.

[0041] Furthermore, the container in this embodiment of the invention also includes a power transmission assembly 700, which includes a first power receiving portion 710 and a transmission portion 720 linked to the first power receiving portion 710. The first power receiving portion 710 has a connecting portion 711a capable of receiving a first power. The transmission portion 720 forms a power transmission path that transmits the first power away from the rotating component 100 as the first power receiving portion 710 moves. The first power comes from the rotating component 100 with a photosensitive material surface. The transmission portion 720 can be configured as a gear set, belt drive, synchronous belt drive, or other transmission structure, all of which are feasible. The receiving portion can be driven by the rotation of the rotating component 100 to perform the first movement in a contact manner, or it can be driven by the rotation of the rotating component 100 to perform the first movement in a non-contact manner. The contact manner can be a toothed mechanism or a friction drive, etc. The first movement can be a rotational movement, a linear movement, or other curved movement along a preset trajectory.

[0042] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2The photosensitive component includes a frame 900. When the toner cartridge in this embodiment is configured as a split structure, the frame 900 includes a main shell 910 and a support member 920 connecting the main shell 910. A rotating component 100 is rotatably mounted on the main shell 910. The support member 920 is used to mount a container and has a container mounting slot 921 and a fixing component mounted on the container mounting slot 921. The container is detachably connected to the container mounting slot 921 and fixed thereon by the fixing component. In this embodiment, the fixing component includes a positioning part 922, a buckle 923, and an elastic element 924. The elastic element 924 is located on the side of the support member 920 away from the main shell 910, pushing the container along a second direction (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second direction (V) approaches the main housing 910 and provides a preload force to make the developing roller 300 abut against the rotating component 100, thereby realizing the delivery of developer by the developing roller 300. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The buckle 923 is used to engage with the positioning part 922 to fix a part of the housing 200 so that the housing 200 cannot be disengaged from the container mounting slot 921, thus fixing the container relatively to the support member 920. The rotating component 100 is provided with a drive structure, which is located at the end of the rotating component 100 and is implemented as a rotating gear in this embodiment. After the photosensitive component is assembled into the device body, the rotating gear directly meshes with the drive gear on the device body, thereby driving the rotating component 100. Thus, the rotating component 100 can be directly driven by the drive component inside the device body, and the load is relatively small compared to the developing roller 300 and supply roller driven by the coupling component 400 on the container.

[0043] Continue reading Figures 10 to 14 The stirring component 500 includes a connecting portion 510, a stirring portion 520, and a second power receiving portion 530. The connecting portion 510 engages with the housing 200 and extends from inside the housing 200 to the outside of the housing 200, thereby enabling the stirring portion 520 to receive driving force from outside the developer storage chamber 210. The stirring portion 520 is disposed inside the developer storage chamber 210. The stirring portion 520 can perform a first movement in conjunction with the connecting portion 510, which can stir the developer in the developer storage chamber 210 and push the developer toward the powder feeding channel 230. The second power receiving portion 530 is used to move the connecting portion 510 relative to the housing 200 to transmit the driving force to the stirring portion 520. In this embodiment of the invention, the second power receiving part 530 is located on the power transmission path of the transmission part 720, and includes a driving part that receives the driving force from the power transmission path and a transmission part for transmitting the driving force to the connecting part 510. When the container is attached to the photosensitive member, the driving part engages with the rotating member 100 and can move due to the rotation of the rotating member 100.

[0044] Based on this, the transmission chain of the stirring component 500 is as follows: after the first power receiving part 710 of the power transmission assembly 700 obtains power from the rotating component 100, it directly transmits the power to the second power receiving part 530 of the stirring component 500 via the transmission part. The second power receiving part 530 further transmits the power from the outside of the housing 200 to the stirring part 520 in the developer storage chamber 210 in a way that the connecting part 712a moves relative to the housing 200, thereby driving the stirring part 520 to perform the first movement to obtain the stirring effect. Therefore, the stirring part 520 is driven by the rotating part 100 and disengages from the transmission chain of the coupling part 400, which can effectively shorten the length of the transmission chain and balance the length of the two transmission chains on the drum, which contain the developing roller 300 and the rotating part 100 respectively. This can reduce the impact of the stirring part 500 on the transmission stability of the developing roller 300 and the powder feeding roller 600, and make the first movement performed by the stirring part 520 more stable by receiving the driving force from the drum. This can achieve uniform stirring and transmission of the developer in the developer storage chamber 210.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first power receiving part 710 includes a first component 711 (i.e., the driving part mentioned in the previous embodiment) linked with the rotating component 100 and a second component 712 (i.e., the transmission part mentioned in the previous embodiment) linked with the transmission part 720. The first component 711 is used to receive the rotational force from the drum. The first component 711 includes a linkage part that can contact the drum. When the engaging part 711a is in contact with the drum, it can receive the driving force from the drum. The second component 712 includes a connecting part 712a connected to the first component 711. The connecting part 712a is used to transmit the driving force received by the engaging part 711a, so that the second component 712 performs a second movement. The second movement can be rotational, linear, or other curvilinear movements implemented in conjunction with the rotating component 100. For example, in this embodiment, the third movement is set to rotate around a fourth axis extending in the first direction. Thus, the fourth axis is parallel to the second axis, so that the distance between the first component 711 and the rotating component 100 remains consistent. This can effectively receive the driving force from the rotating component 100 and transmit the driving force from the second component 712 to the transmission part 720.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first component 711 and the second component 712 are coaxially arranged and can both rotate around the fourth axis. The joint 711a is located at the radially furthest end of the first component 711 and contacts the surface of the rotating component 100. It is arranged circumferentially around the first axis. The contact surface is located at the end of the rotating component 100 and is offset from the imaging area of ​​the photosensitive surface on the rotating component 100, so as not to affect the imaging process of the drum. This allows the first component 711 to always maintain contact with the rotating component 100 during the rotation around the fourth axis, so as to continuously receive the rotational force of the rotating component 100 and rotate around the fourth axis when the rotating component 100 rotates. As a result, the second component 712 also rotates around the fourth axis.

[0047] Specifically, see Figure 3 and Figure 9 The fourth axis coincides with the first axis. The developing roller 300 has a roller end 310 rotatably mounted on the housing 200 and extending along the first direction. The first power receiving part 710 is mounted on the roller end 310 and can rotate relative to the roller end 310. This structure allows the first component 711 and the second component 712 to rotate about the first axis, and the distance between the rotation axes of the two components and the surface of the rotating component 100 is the same as the distance between the first axis of the developing roller 300 and the surface of the rotating component 100, wherein... (See reference...) Figure 2 The elastic member 924 provides an elastic force in the second direction to create an elastic compression effect between the surface of the developing roller 300 and the photosensitive surface of the rotating member 100. As a result, the first member 711 generates the same compression as the developing roller 300 on the rotating member 100. When the container is installed on the support member 920, the joint 711a always remains in engagement with the surface of the rotating member 100, thereby achieving stable power transmission.

[0048] The joint 711a is a friction surface that contacts the surface of the drum. When the container and the photosensitive component are engaged, this friction surface presses against the surface of the rotating component 100. When the rotating component 100 rotates, the friction surface uses the frictional force generated by pressing against the rotating component 100 to drive the first component 711 to move, which in turn drives the second component 712 to perform a third movement. By using the friction surface to transmit driving force, power transmission can be achieved without making corresponding structural changes to the outer surface of the rotating component 100. This reduces production costs, and when the container is replaced and reassembled onto the photosensitive component, it avoids the assembly and calibration difficulties caused by gear meshing and other structures, facilitating independent replacement of the container in a split structure. In conjunction with the aforementioned mounting structure of the container on the photosensitive component, when the elastic member 924 provides a second-direction elastic force to bring the container close to the main shell 910, the joint 711a will also press against the outer surface of the corresponding rotating component 100 due to the elastic force. Since the first component 711 is located at the roller end 310, the contact position of the joint 711a is located at the end of the rotating component 100, and will not interfere with the imaging surface of the rotating component 100. Thus, not only is the imaging stability of the rotating component 100 guaranteed, but the driving force can also be transmitted in the power transmission component 700.

[0049] Furthermore, the first component 711 is made of an elastic material. When the first component 711 is made of an elastic material, it can undergo elastic deformation when subjected to compressive force. For example, in the above embodiment, when the joint 711a is a friction surface, the force of the elastic member 924 causes the first component 711 to deform relative to the rotating component 100 when it is pressed against the surface of the rotating component 100. This deformation increases the contact area of ​​the first component 711 on the rotating component 100, thereby increasing the friction between the two. This effectively ensures the stable transmission of power between the rotating component 100 and the first component 711. It should be noted that when the first component 711 is coaxial with the developing roller 300, the first diameter of the first component 711 relative to its axis is larger than the second diameter of the developing roller 300's transmission surface for transmitting developer relative to its axis. This allows the first component 711 to have a protruding portion relative to the developing roller 300 in the undeformed state. This protruding portion deforms when pressed against the surface of the rotating component 100, thereby increasing the contact area. This structure allows the first power receiving part 710 to stably receive the driving force from the rotating part 100, and also reduces the space occupied by the power transmission assembly 700 at the end of the container, making the overall container design smaller. It should be noted that the elastic material can be rubber, or other elastic materials, all within the feasible range.

[0050] Additionally, the first component 711 and the second component 712 can be configured as the same part on the rotating component 100. When this part engages with the outer surface of the rotating component 100, it serves as the first component 711 to receive the driving force from the rotating component 100. When this component leaves the surface of the rotating component 100, it serves as the second component 712 as a driving member of the stirring component 500. For example, the first power receiving part 710 includes a rubber ring rotatably disposed relative to the housing 200. This rubber ring rotates along a first axis and can simultaneously serve as the first component 711 and the second component 712. When serving as the first component 711, it contacts the surface of the rotating component 100 and is driven to rotate. When serving as the second component 712, it uses the frictional force of the circumferential surface to transmit the received driving force to the next component. Of course, the first power receiving part 710 in this embodiment can also be configured as a gear, etc., all of which are within the scope of this invention.

[0051] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the second component 712 includes a mating tooth and a connecting portion 712a arranged along a first direction. The connecting portion 712a is configured as a cylindrical surface. The first component 711 is fitted onto the connecting portion 712a as a rubber ring. Thus, the first component 711 and the second component 712 are combined to form an integral first power receiving portion 710.

[0052] Of course, the first component 711 and the second component 712 can be configured as rotating structures or other linkage structures with different axes, and the connecting part 712a can be configured as a meshing tooth part, a friction part, a synchronous belt, etc., all of which can realize the transmission of driving force between the first component 711 and the second component 712.

[0053] Continue reading Figure 3 The second component 712 is provided with a linkage part (such as the aforementioned engagement teeth) connected to the transmission part 720. One part of the transmission part 720 is connected to the second component 712, and the other part is connected to the second power receiving part 530. The transmission part 720 is located on the housing 200 between the first power receiving part 710 and the second power receiving part 530. One part of it is used to transmit the driving force generated by the third movement of the second component 712, and the other part transmits the power to the stirring component 500. This enables the transmission of power between the first power receiving part 710 and the second power receiving part 530. However, the transmission part 720 does not intersect with the coupling component 400 and is an independent power transmission chain set on the housing 200. This avoids the transmission of the driving force brought by the coupling component 400 inside the container to the housing 200.

[0054] In a further extended embodiment of the above embodiments, the second component 712 includes a first tooth 712b (i.e., the aforementioned engaging tooth) arranged circumferentially around a first axis. The transmission part 720 includes a linkage gear set 721 that meshes with the first tooth 712b. The linkage gear set 721 includes at least one transmission gear, and the transmission gear near the second component 712 includes a second tooth 721a that meshes with the first tooth 712b. The transmission part 720 and the second component 712 transmit power through a gear connection, ensuring accurate power transmission. Specifically, the transmission gears mesh with each other, and the second power receiving part 530 includes a power receiving gear that rotates around a fifth axis different from the first axis. The power receiving gear meshes with one of the transmission gears in the linkage gear set 721, wherein the fifth axis also extends along the first direction. This structure enables accurate power transmission between the transmission part 720 and the stirring component 500.

[0055] Continue reading Figure 5 The housing 200 has a first end 240 and a second end 250 arranged along a first direction. The second end 250 is spaced apart from the first end 240 in the first direction. A first power receiving component is arranged at the first end 240, and a coupling 410 is arranged at the second end 250. Therefore, the two components capable of receiving driving force are respectively arranged at both ends of the housing. This avoids the problem of space congestion caused by the newly added power receiving component being arranged at the same end as the coupling 410. It also allows the linkage gear set 721 on the transmission part 720 of the power transmission assembly 700 for transmitting driving force to squeeze the space occupied by the first gear 420 and the second gear 430, making the space layout on the storage box more reasonable. It also avoids mutual interference between the two transmission chains, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the container and the entire toner cartridge, and shortens the longitudinal and lateral dimensions.

[0056] In such Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 510 includes a connecting shaft 511 rotatably mounted on the housing 200 about a fifth axis extending along a first direction. A through hole for mounting the connecting shaft 511 is provided on the first end 240 of the housing 200. The connecting shaft 511 passes through the through hole, allowing it to be rotatably mounted on the housing 200. The stirring portion 520 includes a rod portion 521 and stirring blades (not shown) connected to the rod portion 521. Both ends of the rod portion 521 are respectively provided with engagement recesses 521a. The extension portion of the connecting shaft 511, which passes through the through hole and extends into the developer storage cavity 210, is provided with a non-cylindrical surface, specifically with two engagement planes extending along the through direction. The extension portion can be inserted into the engagement recesses 521a. Thus, when the connecting portion 712a rotates about the fifth axis, it carries the rod portion 521 to rotate about the fifth axis, thereby driving the stirring blades to rotate, thereby achieving stirring.

[0057] In another embodiment, the first motion is configured as a reciprocating motion between a first position near the developing roller 300 and a second position near the developing roller 300, for example, see [reference needed]. Figures 14 to 16 The first and second positions are set along the second direction. The stirring part 520 includes a developer pusher 522 attached to the bottom of the developer storage cavity 210. The developer pusher 522 is provided with an action surface 522b facing the developing roller 300. When the developer pusher 522 moves from the second position to the first position, the action surface 522b moves in the second direction to push the developer evenly into the powder feeding channel 230. When the drum is in the imaging position in the electronic imaging device, the powder feeding channel 230 has a recessed portion that is lower than the bottom surface of the developer storage cavity 210. The powder feeding roller 600 is disposed in the recessed portion to push the developer onto the developing roller 300. At this time, by placing the developer pusher 522 close to the bottom of the developer storage cavity 210, the developer can be fully pushed into the powder feeding channel 230. The developer pusher 522 has a plurality of protruding strips 522a arranged parallel to each other along a first direction and protruding away from the bottom of the developer cavity. The protruding strips 522a have an action surface 522b on the side facing the developing roller 300 and a smooth surface 522c on the other side facing away from the developing roller 300. The smooth surface 522c has a smaller pushing effect on the developer than the action surface 522b. When the developer pusher 522 is reset from the first position to the second position, the developer is rarely pushed back by the developer pusher 522. Specifically, the inclination angle of the smooth surface 522c relative to the bottom surface of the developer storage cavity 210 is smaller than the inclination angle of the action surface 522b relative to the bottom surface of the developer storage cavity 210. The action surface 522b can preferably be implemented at 60° to 90°, and the smooth surface 522c can preferably be implemented at 45° to 10°. Of course, it can also be a plane or developer pushing structure with other angles, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] Continue reading Figure 14 The connecting portion 510 at one end of the housing 200 has a first driving portion 514 and a second driving portion 515. The first driving portion 514 is used to drive the stirring portion 520 to move to a first position along a second direction close to the developing roller 300. The second driving portion 515 is used to drive the stirring portion 520 along a third direction away from the developing roller 300 (e.g., ...). Figure 16The first direction (V') moves to the second position. In this embodiment, the first direction is opposite to the third direction. Of course, a reset structure with a third direction that is not parallel to or coincides with the second direction can also be used to achieve the reset from the first position to the second position. In this embodiment, the connecting part 510 is set as a connecting shaft 511 that rotates around the fifth axis. The part of the connecting shaft 511 located in the developer storage cavity 210 is provided with a first driving part 514 and a second driving part 515 that are arranged around the fifth axis. Combined with the linkage gear set 721 structure mentioned in the previous embodiment, the connecting shaft 511 rotates around the fifth axis in the fourth direction under the drive of the linkage gear set 721. During the rotation of the connecting shaft 511, the first driving part 514 and the second driving part 515 sequentially engage with the stirring part 520, so that the stirring part 520 moves from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position, thereby realizing reciprocating motion.

[0059] Specifically, when the connecting shaft 511 rotates in the fourth direction, the first driving part 514 engages with the stirring part 520 until it pushes the stirring part 520 to the first position, at which point it disengages from the stirring part 520 and no longer applies force to it. As the connecting shaft 511 continues to rotate, the second driving part 515 begins to engage with the stirring part 520 and pushes it from the first position to the second position until it reaches the second position, at which point it disengages from the stirring part 520 and no longer applies force to it. As this process continues, the first driving part 514 and the second driving part 515 sequentially engage with the stirring part 520 to move it back and forth between the first and second positions, thereby achieving the stirring action required to push the developer.

[0060] by Figures 14 to 16Taking the embodiment shown as an example, the stirring part 520 includes an access interval 523 and a first force-receiving part 524 and a second force-receiving part 525 disposed on both sides of the access interval 523. One of the first driving member and the second driving member includes a first pushing surface 514a, and the other includes a second pushing surface 515a. When the connecting shaft 511 rotates around the fifth axis in the fourth direction, the first pushing surface 514a enters the access interval 523 and pushes against the first force-receiving part 524, so that the stirring part 520 moves in the same first specified direction as the moving direction of the first pushing surface 514a. The first specified direction can be set as a second direction or a third direction. For example, when the axis around which the connecting shaft 511 is located above the stirring part 520, the first pushing surface 514a enters the access interval 523 and is located below the fifth axis. At this time, the tangential direction of the first pushing surface 514a is the second direction, which can push the stirring part 520 to move in the second direction to the fourth direction. In one position, the tangential direction of the first pushing surface 514a entering the access interval 523 can be set to a third direction, which can also push the stirring part 520 to move to the second position along the third direction. When the connecting shaft 511 rotates around the fifth axis in the fourth direction, the second pushing surface 515a enters the access interval 523 and pushes the second force-bearing part 525 to make the stirring part 520 move in a second specified direction opposite to the moving direction of the second pushing surface 515a. The third specified direction can be set to a third direction or a second direction. For example, when the axis around which the connecting shaft 511 is located above the stirring part 520, the tangential direction of the second pushing surface 515a is the second direction, which can push the stirring part 520 to move to the second position along the third direction. Of course, the tangential direction of the second pushing surface 515a entering the access interval 523 can be set to a third direction, which can push the stirring part 520 to move to the first position along the second direction. Therefore, regardless of whether the first pushing surface 514a and the second pushing surface 515a are provided on the first driving part 514 or the second driving part 515, the reciprocating motion structure of the stirring part 520 between the first position and the second position can be realized.

[0061] This structure cleverly converts the unidirectional rotational force received from the power transmission assembly 700 into a reciprocating driving force perpendicular to the first direction. This allows for a more rational design of the entire drum size, appropriately shortening its height and increasing the usable storage space inside the developer. Furthermore, the forward and backward pushing method solves the problems of uneven end mixing and poor pushing effect caused by the rotational stirring method used in the prior art. In particular, it addresses the defects of high pushing resistance and large pushing volume when the developer dosage is full, as well as the problem of small pushing volume when the developer dosage is low. This embodiment can push the developer into the powder feeding channel 230 more accurately and completely in a uniform manner, reducing developer residue in the container.

[0062] For detailed structure, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 13 The stirring section 520 has access structures at positions near the first end 240 and the second end 250. Each access structure includes an access interval 523 and a first force-receiving part 524 and a second force-receiving part 525 located on both sides of the access interval 523. The first force-receiving part 524 has a first force-receiving surface 524a that protrudes upward relative to the bottom surface of the developer storage cavity 210. The first force-receiving surface 524a is preferably perpendicular to the bottom surface. The second force-receiving part 525 has a second force-receiving surface 525a that increases in distance from the bottom surface in the direction away from the access interval 523. The second force-receiving surface 525a is a curved surface structure and can be relatively concave. The first driving part 514 The structure comprises a strip-shaped protrusion arranged radially along the fifth axis. A first abutting surface 514a is a abutting plane on one side of the strip-shaped protrusion. The second driving part 515 is a cam structure, and the second abutting surface 515a is a peripheral abutting surface of the cam structure facing away from the fifth axis. The abutting surface gradually moves away from the fifth axis in the opposite direction of the fourth direction. Therefore, when the abutting surface enters the access interval 523, it first contacts the end position of the second force-bearing surface 525a, and the contact position continues downward with the rotation of the connecting shaft 511, generating a pushing force that moves the stirring part 520 along the second specified direction until the stirring part 520 returns to the second position. This structure operates smoothly and is not easily affected by the developer in terms of bonding and disengagement, providing a smooth and reliable drive. Furthermore, when the pushing surface engages with the second force-bearing surface 525a, the stirring part 520 can be reset to the second position along the second designated direction during the process of gradually rotating and touching the second force-bearing surface 525a. Then, during the process of continuing to touch the second force-bearing surface 525a, the stirring part 520 can be moved from the second position to the first position along the first designated direction, and disengage from the second force-bearing part 525a at the intermediate position between the first position and the second position. Subsequently, the pushing plane of the first driving part 514 continues to push the stirring part 520 to the first position, which can also achieve the effect of reciprocating motion.

[0063] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention also include another driving structure for the stirring component 500, which can be found in the following description. Figure 13The connecting portion 510 includes a first connector 512 disposed at a first end 240 and a second connector 513 disposed at a second end 250. The first connector 512 is used to receive a first power from the first power receiving portion 710, and the second connector 513 is used to receive a second power from the coupling component 400. The second connector 513 moves relative to the housing 200 as the coupling 410 moves. Therefore, when performing the first movement, the stirring part 520 is driven by both the first and second forces. This structural arrangement avoids the problem of excessive local pressure caused by the transmission chain being located at one end. In particular, for the stirring structure inside the container, when the developer in the developer storage cavity is sufficient, the stirring part 520 needs a large stirring force to overcome the generated resistance when stirring a large amount of developer. The resistance will be further transmitted to the linkage between the stirring component 500 and the external part. In the prior art, the driving is done by the coupling component 400 at a single end, which has the defect of uneven force distribution. It is easy to cause unidirectional deflection, which will affect the transmission stability of the transmission chain where the developing roller 300 is located. In this embodiment, the connecting part 510 receives the first and second forces at both ends, which can avoid excessive stress concentration at one end, which can cause the stirring component 500 to operate unbalancedly or even be damaged. This ensures uniform stirring and extends service life, without affecting the movement of the developing roller 300 and the powder feeding roller 600. This structure is particularly applicable to the reciprocating stirring part 520 structure in the aforementioned embodiment, which can drive the connectors at both ends simultaneously without having to link the first connector 512 and the second connector 513 through the intermediate shaft, saving space and ensuring uniform and stable power supply.

[0064] Both the first connecting member 512 and the second connecting member 513 can include a connecting shaft 511 structure rotatably disposed in the housing 200. They are coaxially arranged in a first direction and respectively receive driving forces from the power transmission assembly 700 and the coupling component 400 to perform rotational motion about a fifth axis. The connection structure between the second connecting member 513 and the power component can be configured as a gear structure, meshing with the transmission gear set of the coupling component 400. Of course, other power transmission structures can also be implemented, which are also within the scope of this invention.

[0065] In another embodiment, the container further includes a detection component 800 disposed on the housing 200. The detection component 800 includes a detection element 810 located on the power transmission path of the transmission part 720. The detection element 810 is provided with at least one detection part 811. The detection part 811 can be detected by a detection structure on the device body to transmit detection information. The detection structure can be implemented as a swinging detection rod, a photoelectric detection sensor, or other detection part 811, without much limitation. The detection element 810 can perform a corresponding third movement in accordance with the movement of the first power receiving part 710, thereby moving the detection part 811 within an active range containing the detection position. When the detection part 811 is in the detection position, it can trigger the corresponding detection structure on the device body and be sensed.

[0066] In this embodiment, the power transmission component 700 of the linked test component 810 is separated from the coupling component 400 of the developer transport component in the linked container. This allows the power transmission component 700 to receive the power transmitted from the rotating component 100. Since the rotating component 100 is a structure directly connected to the drive structure inside the device body on the photosensitive component, its transmission is smooth and not easily affected by external structures. When the power transmission component 700 is connected to the rotating component 100, it can receive a stable driving force, realizing the accurate transmission of detection information. Furthermore, this structure allows the test component 800 to be separated from the transmission chain implemented by the linkage component on the container used for developer transport, avoiding the transmission influence on related components such as the developing roller 300 and the powder feeding roller 600. This also prevents the developing roller 300 and other components in the transmission chain inside the cartridge from being affected by the timing of the connection structure of the test component 800.

[0067] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 3The tested component 810 is a detection gear that can rotate about a sixth axis extending along a first direction. The detection gear is connected to the second power receiving part 530. The detection gear is provided with a detection protrusion as a detection part 811. The detection protrusion is provided on the end face of the detection gear facing away from the housing 200 along the first axis and protrudes in a direction away from the housing 200 to expose the outer side of the housing 200. When the container is assembled into the equipment body along with the processing device, the second movement performed by the tested component 810 with the first movement is a rotational movement about the sixth axis, and the range of motion of the detection protrusion is the revolution movement about the sixth axis with the movement of the tested component 810. The detection protrusion has at least an initial position and a detection position during the revolution. When the container is replaced by a new container inside the device body for identification by the device body, the detection protrusion is in the initial position and moves to the detection position as the detected component 810 moves, triggering the detection structure to transmit detection information. The detection information can be determined based on the trigger duration or number of triggers of the detection protrusion. For example, within the range of the revolution, the larger the angle occupied by the detection protrusion relative to the sixth axis, the longer it stays at the detection position, thus controlling the trigger duration. Alternatively, if multiple detection protrusions are set on the detected component 810, when the detected component 810 rotates around the sixth axis once, multiple detection protrusions can trigger the corresponding number of triggers. Based on this, the detection information corresponding to the relevant signals can be defined accordingly, and the relevant information of the replaced container can be obtained based on the acquired detection information.

[0068] In another specific embodiment, see [reference] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The tested component 810 is rotatable in the fifth direction (e.g., Figure 7 and Figure 8 The detection gear rotates along the seventh axis extending in the direction K), wherein the fifth direction intersects the first direction, and in this embodiment is set to be perpendicular. The detection gear is provided with a detection protrusion as a detection part 811, wherein the detection protrusion is provided on the end face of the detection gear facing away from the housing 200 along the seventh axis, and protrudes in a direction away from the housing 200 to expose the outer side of the housing 200. When the container is assembled into the device body together with the processing device, the second movement performed by the detected element 810 with the first movement is a rotational movement about the seventh axis, and the range of motion of the detection protrusion is a revolution movement about the seventh axis with the movement of the detected element 810.

[0069] In both embodiments, the first power receiving portion 710 remains in contact with the rotating component 100 to receive the driving force from the rotating component 100. The third tooth 812 of the detected component 810, which is used to connect to the second power receiving portion 530, is provided with a missing tooth portion 813. In the initial position, the third tooth 812 is in an engaged state. After running to a certain angle, the detected component 810 completes the detection stroke, and the missing tooth portion 813 disengages from the engagement point with the second power receiving portion. The detected component 810 in the disengaged position can be held in that position by an elastic component such as a tension spring. Of course, the second movement of the detected component 810 can also be a movement along other movement trajectories that allow the detection portion 811 to be detected, and the transmission mode of the second power receiving portion 530 or the transmission portion 720 can be adjusted according to the movement form, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] In addition to the structure corresponding to the tested component 810 described above, it can also be other tested structures in the prior art, which will not be elaborated further.

[0071] In this embodiment, the test piece 810 is positioned on the same transmission chain as the stirring component 500, which can also avoid affecting the transmission stability of the transmission chains of the developing roller 300 and the powder feeding roller 600.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and simple substitutions to the technical solutions of the present invention using the disclosed methods and techniques without departing from the scope of the present invention; all of these variations fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container for storing powdered substances, characterized in that, include: The casing contains a developer storage chamber. A developing roller, disposed on the housing and rotatable about a first axis, is used to transfer the developing agent in the developing agent storage chamber to the outside of the housing; A power transmission assembly includes a first power receiving portion and a transmission portion linked to the first power receiving portion. The first power receiving portion has a joint portion capable of receiving a first power. The transmission portion forms a power transmission path that transmits the first power in a direction away from the rotating component as the first power receiving portion moves. The first power comes from the rotating component having a photosensitive material surface. The stirring component includes: The connecting part connects to the housing and is movable relative to the housing; The stirring part is disposed in the developer storage chamber and is linked with the connecting part so that it can perform a first movement as the connecting part moves. The second power receiving part is located on the power transmission path of the transmission part, and includes a driving part that receives the driving force from the power transmission path and a transmission part for transmitting the driving force to the connecting part.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first power receiving portion includes a first component linked to the rotating component and a second component linked to the transmission portion. The first component is rotatable about the first axis and has a joint portion on a surface away from the first axis that is circumferentially arranged around the first axis and engages with the outer surface of the rotating component.

3. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second component is rotatable about the first axis and has a linkage part that engages with the transmission part around the first axis; The linkage part is configured as a first toothed part, and the transmission part includes a linkage gear set that meshes with the first toothed part. The linkage gear set includes at least one transmission gear. The second power receiving unit includes a power receiving gear that rotates about a second axis different from the first axis, and the power receiving gear meshes with one of the transmission gears of the linkage gear set; Both the first axis and the second axis extend along the first direction.

4. The container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting portion includes a connecting shaft rotatably disposed on the housing about the second axis, and the stirring portion includes a rod and stirring blades connected to the rod. The connecting shaft is connected to the rod to drive the rod to rotate about the second axis.

5. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first motion is configured as a reciprocating motion between a first position close to the developing roller and a second position far from the developing roller.

6. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting portion includes a first driving portion and a second driving portion. The first driving portion is used to drive the stirring portion to move along a second direction close to the developing roller to the first position, and the second driving portion is used to drive the stirring portion to move along a third direction away from the developing roller to the second position.

7. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting portion includes a connecting shaft rotatably disposed on the housing about a second axis, and the first driving part and the second driving part rotate synchronously with the connecting shaft about the second axis. Wherein, when the first driving part engages the stirring part to move the stirring part to the first position, the second driving part disengages from the stirring part; when the second driving part engages the stirring part to move the stirring part to the second position, the first driving part disengages from the stirring part.

8. The container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stirring section includes an inlet gap and a first force-bearing part and a second force-bearing part disposed on both sides of the inlet gap. One of the first driving part and the second driving part includes a first pushing surface. When the connecting shaft rotates about the second axis in a fourth direction, the first pushing surface enters the access interval and pushes against the first force-receiving part so that the stirring part moves in a first specified direction that is the same as the moving direction of the first pushing surface. The other of the first driving part and the second driving part includes a second pushing surface. When the connecting shaft rotates about the second axis in a fourth direction, the second pushing surface enters the access interval and pushes against the second force-receiving part to make the stirring part move in a second specified direction opposite to the moving direction of the second pushing surface. Wherein, the first designated direction and the second designated direction are one of the second direction and the third direction, respectively.

9. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a coupling component, the housing includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, the coupling component includes a coupling disposed at the second end, and the first power receiving part is disposed at the second end; The developing roller rotates about the first axis as the coupling moves; The connecting portion includes a first connector disposed at the first end and a second connector disposed at the second end. The first connector is driven by the second power receiving portion, and the second connector moves relative to the housing as the coupling moves.

10. A toner cartridge, characterized in that, include: frame; A rotating component with a photosensitive material surface disposed on the frame; The container for storing powders as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images