Developing assembly gap adjusting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a gap adjusting device for a developing assembly, the developing assembly comprises a developing roller, a doctor blade and an end connecting piece, the end connecting piece is connected with the developing roller and the doctor blade, the developing roller is rotatably connected with the end connecting piece, the doctor blade is fixedly mounted on the end connecting piece, and the adjusting device comprises a base; the adjusting mechanism is supported by the base and is used for controlling a gap between the developing roller and the doctor blade; the supporting mechanism is supported by the base and is used for supporting a developing roller and a doctor blade in the developing assembly; and the supporting mechanism is detachably connected with the base. By utilizing the adjusting device, the adjusting efficiency and precision of the gap between the developing roller and the doctor blade can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a developing assembly gap adjusting device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of electrophotographic imaging, whether it is a process cartridge using contact development or a process cartridge using jump development, the process cartridge is provided with a developing roller for carrying a developer and a powder outlet knife for adjusting the thickness of the developer layer, and the gap between the developing roller and the powder outlet knife needs to be strictly controlled according to the imaging requirements.

[0003] In the prior art, the gap between the developing roller and the powder outlet knife is first adjusted manually, and then the adjusted process cartridge is installed in an imaging device for on-machine testing, and whether the gap meets the requirements is determined according to the image quality formed on the imaging medium.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned adjustment and testing not only require a large amount of working hours, but also need to be re-adjusted until qualified once the on-machine testing is unqualified, thereby further increasing the working hours; in addition, even if the adjustment is successful, the adjustment process also depends on the working experience of the operator, that is, for new employees, the adjustment will be more time-consuming. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, the present application provides a developing assembly gap adjusting device using the following technical solution to overcome the above-mentioned defects, and the specific solution is as follows:

[0006] The developing assembly gap adjusting device includes a developing roller, a powder outlet knife, and an end connecting piece, the end connecting piece connects the developing roller and the powder outlet knife, the developing roller is rotatably connected with the end connecting piece, the powder outlet knife is fixedly installed on the end connecting piece, the adjusting device includes a base, an adjusting mechanism supported by the base for controlling the gap between the developing roller and the powder outlet knife, and a supporting mechanism supported by the base for supporting the developing roller and the powder outlet knife in the developing assembly, and the supporting mechanism is detachably connected with the base.

[0007] In some embodiments, the adjusting device further includes a plate member provided with at least one side plate, the supporting mechanism is located in front of the plate member, and at least a part of the adjusting mechanism is located between the side plate and the supporting mechanism.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plate includes a top cover and a plurality of side plates, with a receiving space between the top cover and the side plates forming a receiving space for at least a portion of the adjustment mechanism. In the front-rear direction, the receiving space communicates with the space in front of the receiving space through an exposure port provided in the plate. The adjustment mechanism includes a control element, a power source, a transmission element, an adjustment element, and a pushing element. The control element is used to control the power output of the power source. The adjustment element is detachably installed between the developing roller and the powder exiting blade. The power provided by the power source is transmitted to the pushing element through the transmission element, such that the pushing element at least pushes out the powder exiting blade. The pushing element is exposed forward through the exposure port.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pushing member includes an abutting member and a pressing member, the abutting member being used to abut the powder dispensing knife and the pressing member being used to press the adjusting member; in the front-back direction, the pressing member is located in front of the part of the abutting member used to abut the powder dispensing knife.

[0010] In some implementations, at least a portion of the control element is exposed from the top cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control component and the support mechanism are staggered along at least one of the front-back direction and the left-right direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adjustment device further includes a first handle and a second handle, which are located at opposite ends of the base in the left-right direction, and are staggered in the left-right direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support mechanism includes a base and a developing roller receiving groove and an end support platform disposed on the base, wherein the developing roller receiving groove is used to receive at least a portion of the developing roller, and the end support platform supports the end connector through an end support surface therein.

[0014] In some embodiments, the end support platform further includes a limiting protrusion extending upward from the end support surface, the limiting protrusion being used to restrict the end connector and prevent the end connector from moving forward.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support mechanism further includes at least one opening disposed in front of the developing roller receiving groove, the opening communicating with the space in front of the support mechanism and the developing roller receiving groove. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the developing assembly gap adjustment device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1B This is a plan view of the developing assembly gap adjustment device of the present invention, viewed from top to bottom along the vertical direction.

[0018] Figure 2This is an exploded view of some components of the developing assembly gap adjustment device involved in this invention.

[0019] Figure 3A This is a plan view of the support mechanism in the developing assembly gap adjustment device of the present invention, viewed from left to right along the left-right direction.

[0020] Figure 3B This is a plan view of the support mechanism in the developing assembly gap adjustment device of the present invention, viewed from right to left along the left-right direction.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the developing assembly involved in this invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the developing assembly involved in this invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the developing assembly of the present invention after it has been installed into the developing assembly gap adjustment device, with both the cover and the adjustment component separated from the powder discharge blade.

[0024] Figure 7 The present invention relates to a cross-sectional view of the developing assembly gap adjusting device after the developing assembly is installed into the developing assembly gap adjusting device, and the view is taken along a cutting plane that passes through the limiting protrusion and is perpendicular to the left and right direction.

[0025] Figure 8A This is a plan view of the developing assembly of the present invention after it has been installed into the developing assembly gap adjustment device, viewed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0026] Figure 8B This is a plan view of the developing assembly of the present invention after it has been installed into the developing assembly gap adjustment device, viewed from right to left in the left-right direction. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] [Developer Components]

[0029] Before describing the developer assembly gap adjustment device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "adjustment device"), let's first consider... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of the developing assembly 200 is described.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown, the developing assembly 200 includes a developing roller 201, an end connector, and a powder discharge blade 204. The end connector connects the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204. The developing roller 201 is rotatably connected to the end connector, and the powder discharge blade 204 is fixedly mounted on the end connector. When assembling the processing cartridge, the developing assembly 200 is detachably mounted as a whole onto the housing of the processing cartridge, thereby improving the assembly speed of the processing cartridge. The end connector is fixedly connected to the housing of the processing cartridge, the housing of the processing cartridge is used to contain developer, the developing roller 201 is used to carry developer, and the powder discharge blade 204 is used to adjust the thickness of the developer layer on the surface of the developing roller 201.

[0031] Assembling the developing roller 201 and the powder exiting blade 204 to form the developing assembly 200, and installing and disassembling the developing assembly 200 as a whole, not only improves the efficiency of installation and disassembly, but also effectively prevents quality problems caused by installing the developing roller 201 and the powder exiting blade 204 separately during the assembly of the processing box. For example, when installing the powder exiting blade 204, the developing roller 201 may be contaminated, the force at both ends of the powder exiting blade 204 may be uneven, and the gap between the powder exiting blade 204 and the developing roller 201 may not be accurately adjusted.

[0032] The developing roller 201 includes a developing roller shaft 2012 and a developing layer 2011 located radially outside the developing roller shaft 2012. The developing roller shaft 2012 is used to support the developing roller 201, and the developing layer 2011 is used to carry the developer. When the processing cassette is working (developing), one of the developing roller shaft 2012 and the developing layer 2011 is driven to rotate along a rotation axis L parallel to the left-right direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 2012 receives a driving force to rotate. A plurality of magnetic poles that can rotate with the developing roller shaft 2012 are provided between the developing roller shaft 2012 and the developing layer 2011. The plurality of magnetic poles are used to perform operations such as adsorption, transport, and unloading of the developer to ensure the smooth progress of the developing process.

[0033] The powder discharge blade 204 includes a blade holder and a blade connected to each other. The blade holder is fixedly mounted on the end connector, and the blade is fixedly mounted on the blade holder for contacting or being spaced apart from the developing roller 201 to adjust the thickness of the developing layer on the surface of the developing layer 2011. The blade holder includes a first part 2041 and a second part 2042 connected to each other. The blade is mounted on the first part 2041, and the included angle formed between the first part 2041 and the second part 2042 is less than 180°.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second part 2042 also abuts against the end connector to improve the installation stability of the powder discharge blade 204.

[0035] In some implementations, the second part 2042 can be omitted, in which case the powder discharge blade 204 can still be fixed by the first part 2041.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, the end connector includes a first connector 202 and a second connector 203. Along the left-right direction, the first connector 202 and the second connector 203 are respectively located on both sides of the developing roller 201. The first connector 202 includes a first fixed support portion 2021, a first rotating support portion 2022 and a first extension portion 2023. The first fixed support portion 2021 and the first rotating support portion 2022 are fixedly connected, and at least one of the first fixed support portion 2021 and the first rotating support portion 2022 is also fixedly connected to the first extension portion 2023. The first fixed support portion 2021 is used to fix and support the powder discharge blade 204. The first rotating support portion 2022 is used to rotatably support the developing roller 201. The first extension portion 2023 is used to position the first connector 202 on the support mechanism 2 described below.

[0037] The first fixed support part 2021 is provided with a support screw hole 2028, and the powder discharge knife 204 is also provided with a powder discharge knife screw hole 2043. As a fastener, the screw passes through the powder discharge knife screw hole 2043 and the support screw hole 2028 to fix the powder discharge knife 204 to the first connector 202. At this time, the powder discharge knife 204 is also supported by the first fixed support part 2021. The first rotating support part 2022 is provided with a first support hole 2025 to allow at least the developing roller shaft 2012 to pass through, so that the developing roller 201 is rotatably supported.

[0038] The second connector 203 includes a second fixed support portion 2031, a second rotating support portion 2032, and a second extension portion 2033. The second fixed support portion 2031 and the second rotating support portion 2032 are fixedly connected, and at least one of the second fixed support portion 2031 and the second rotating support portion 2032 is also fixedly connected to the second extension portion 2033. The second fixed support portion 2031 is used to fix and support the powder discharge blade 204. The second rotating support portion 2032 is used to rotatably support the developing roller 201. The second extension portion 2033 is used to position the second connector 203 on the support mechanism 2 described below.

[0039] The second fixed support 2031 is also provided with a support screw hole 2038, and the powder discharge blade 204 is also provided with a powder discharge blade screw hole 2043. As a fastener, the screw passes through the powder discharge blade screw hole 2043 and the support screw hole 2028 to fix the powder discharge blade 204 to the first connector 202 and the second connector 203. At this time, the powder discharge blade 204 is also supported by the second fixed support 2031. The second rotating support 2032 is provided with a second support hole 2025 to allow at least the developing roller shaft 2012 to pass through, so that the developing roller 201 is rotatably supported.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one of the first extension 2023 and the second extension 2033 further has at least one inclined surface to facilitate the smooth entry of the first connector 202 into the support mechanism 2, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the first extension 2023 in this embodiment is provided with an inclined surface 20231.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first connector 202 further includes a first extension platform 2024 connected to the first fixed support 2021, the first extension platform 2024 having a first extension surface 2026 for supporting the powder dispensing blade 204 (specifically the second part of the powder dispensing blade 2042); the second connector 203 further includes a second extension platform 2034 connected to the second fixed support 2031, the second extension platform 2034 having a second extension surface 2036 for supporting the powder dispensing blade 204 (specifically the second part of the powder dispensing blade 2042).

[0042] [Adjustment device]

[0043] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the adjustment device 100 includes a base 1, a support mechanism 2, and an adjustment mechanism 3. Both the support mechanism 2 and the adjustment mechanism 3 are supported by the base 1. The support mechanism 2 is used to support the developing assembly 200, and the adjustment mechanism 3 is used to control the gap between the powder discharge blade 204 and the developing roller 201 in the developing assembly 200.

[0044] For ease of description, the direction the user faces when operating the adjustment device 100 is defined as forward, the user's left hand is defined as left, the opposite direction of forward is defined as rear, the opposite direction of left is defined as right, and the direction intersecting the forward and backward and left and right directions is defined as up and down. The direction of gravity when the adjustment device 100 is placed in the usage posture is defined as downward, and the opposite direction of downward is defined as upward. The base 1 is located below the support mechanism 2. Preferably, the forward and backward, left and right, and up and down directions are orthogonal. The left and right dimension of the adjustment device 100 / base 1 is larger than the forward and backward dimension. When viewed along the up and down direction, the adjustment device 100 / base 1 is rectangular.

[0045] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 3 is also located above the base 1.

[0046] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 2 is located in front of the adjustment mechanism 3, which not only makes it easier for the user to operate the adjustment device 100, but also allows the user to observe the developing component 200 more clearly.

[0047] In some embodiments, the adjustment device 100 further includes a gripper 11 connected to the base 1, facilitating user gripping and moving the adjustment device 100. The gripper 11 includes a first handle 11L and a second handle 11R. Along the left-right direction, the first handle 11L and the second handle 11R are located at opposite ends of the base 1. Along the front-back direction, the first handle 11L has a first middle portion 11L0, and the second handle 11R has a second middle portion 11R0. Along the left-right direction, the first middle portion 11L0 and the second middle portion 11R0 are not on a straight line; that is, the first handle 11L and the second handle 11R are staggered in the left-right direction. Figure 1B As shown, the straight line passing through the first middle section 11L0 and parallel to the left and right directions is the center line M. The center line M does not pass through the second middle section 11R0. The staggered arrangement of the first handle 11L and the second handle 11R allows the two handles to adjust their positions according to the overall layout of the adjustment device 100, thereby improving the user experience.

[0048] In some implementations, it is still as follows Figure 1B As shown, along the left-right direction, the support mechanism 2 is closer to the left end of the base 1, and the support mechanism 2 is also closer to the front end of the base 1. Along the front-back direction, the first handle 11L is also closer to the front end of the base 1 than the second handle 11R. In other words, the first middle part 11L0 is located in front of the second middle part 11R0. Therefore, when the user grips the gripper 11, he / she can more smoothly pick up the adjustment device 100.

[0049] In some embodiments, the adjusting device 100 further includes a plate 4, which includes a side plate 4b and a top cover 4a, with a receiving cavity 4b0 formed between the side plate 4b and the top cover 4a for accommodating at least a portion of the adjusting mechanism 3, such as... Figure 2 As shown, at least one side plate 4b is provided. Along the front-rear direction, the support mechanism 2 is located in front of the side plate 4b, and at least a part of the adjustment mechanism 3 is located between the side plate 4b and the support mechanism 2.

[0050] In some embodiments, the side panel 4b includes a front panel 4b3, a rear panel 4b1, a left panel 4b4, and a right panel 4b2, with the receiving cavity 4b0 located between the front panel 4b3, the rear panel 4b1, the left panel 4b4, and the right panel 4b2, and the top cover 4b covering the receiving cavity 4b0.

[0051] (Regulating mechanism)

[0052] The adjustment mechanism 3 includes a control component 31, a power source 32, a transmission component 33, an adjustment component 35, and an abutment component 37. The adjustment component 35 is detachably installed between the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204. The power provided by the power source 32 is transmitted to the abutment component 37 through the transmission component 33, causing the abutment component 37 to push out the powder discharge blade 204, thereby maintaining the gap between the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204 within the range defined by the adjustment component 35. Finally, the powder discharge blade 204 is fixed to the end connector by a fixing component. As described above, since the developing roller 201 is rotatably supported by the end connector, that is, the developing roller 201 can only rotate relative to the end connector and will not be displaced relative to the end connector. Therefore, the gap between the powder discharge blade 204 fixed to the end connector and the developing roller 201 can be maintained.

[0053] At least a portion of the transmission member 33 and at least a portion of the abutment member 37 are configured to move relative to the base 1. For example, in the front-rear direction, the abutment member 37 is configured to reciprocate between an extended position and a retracted position. When the abutment member 37 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the abutment member 37 moves forward, and the powder dispensing blade 204 is pushed by the abutment member 37. When the abutment member 37 moves from the extended position to the retracted position, the powder dispensing blade 204 is not pushed by the abutment member 37. The transmission member 33 can adopt a movement method such as gear and rack transmission or pneumatic transmission. Figure 2 The diagram shows a pneumatically driven transmission component 33, or rather, the transmission component 33 is configured as a cylinder, wherein a transmission block 331 capable of reciprocating in the forward and backward direction is provided.

[0054] According to the inventive concept of the present invention, the power source 32 can be such as a motor, a disc spring, or high-pressure gas. When the transmission component 33 is configured as a cylinder, the power source 32 is correspondingly configured as high-pressure gas, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the power source 32 includes a gas inlet 321 and a gas pipe 322. The gas pipe 322 connects the gas inlet 321 and the cylinder 33. Therefore, the transmission component 331 can reciprocate in the front-back direction under the action of high-pressure gas.

[0055] The control element 31 is used to control the power output of the power source 32. When the transmission element 33 is configured as a cylinder, the control element 31 is used to control the opening and closing of the air guide pipe 322, such as... Figure 1A As shown, at least a portion of the control element 31 is exposed from the top cover 4a, as Figure 2As shown, at least a portion of the air guide tube 32 and at least a portion of the transmission component 33 are accommodated by the receiving cavity 4b0. This design not only makes the overall appearance of the adjustment device 100 neater, but also effectively protects the corresponding components in the adjustment device 100.

[0056] Furthermore, along the front-to-back direction, the plate 4 is provided with an exposed opening 4b5 that faces forward. Therefore, the receiving cavity 4b0 communicates with the front space of the receiving cavity 4b0 through the exposed opening 4b5, and at least the abutment member 37 is exposed forward through this exposed opening 4b5. Figure 2 As shown, the dimensions of the front plate 4b3 in the left-right direction are smaller than those of the rear plate 4b1 in the left-right direction, and the exposed opening 4b5 is opposite to the rear plate 4b1 in the front-back direction.

[0057] In some embodiments, the control element 31 is not opposite to the support mechanism 2 along at least one of the front-back direction and the left-right direction, or in other words, the control element 31 and the support mechanism 2 are arranged in a staggered manner. This design can effectively prevent the control element 31 and the support mechanism 2 from interfering with each other, ensure smooth operation by the user, and prevent the developing component 200 located on the support mechanism 2 from being damaged or contaminated during the user's operation.

[0058] In some embodiments, the abutment 37 in the retracted position is located within the receiving cavity 4b0, in which case the abutment 37 can be effectively protected.

[0059] In some embodiments, the abutment 37 in the retracted position is located at the exposed opening 4b5. This design can both protect the abutment 37 and reduce the travel of the abutment 37 during the transition from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0060] In some embodiments, the abutment 37 includes a pusher body 371 and a protrusion 372 connected to each other. The protrusion 372 protrudes to the left and / or right from the pusher body 371. At this time, a clearance space 373 is formed at the position opposite to the protrusion 372 in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction, the clearance space 373 is opposite to a part of the pusher body 371. The clearance space 373 can be used to guide the movement trajectory of the abutment 37 and can also avoid the support mechanism 2 described below, thereby ensuring that the abutment 37 moves smoothly and effectively pushes out the powder knife 204.

[0061] In some embodiments, the number of side plates 4b can be reduced, such that at least one of the left, right and rear sides of the receiving cavity 4b0 is not closed to form a gap. Similarly, the top of the receiving cavity 4b0 may not be completely closed by the top cover 4a to form a gap. In this case, the user can observe the component contained in the receiving cavity 4b0 through the gap, or replace the component in the receiving cavity 4b0 through the gap.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plate 4 may also be made of a transparent material to allow the user to observe the movement of components within the receiving cavity 4b0.

[0063] In some embodiments, the top cover 4a may be omitted.

[0064] (Supporting Institutions)

[0065] In this invention, the support mechanism 2 is detachable relative to the base 1, meaning that the user can replace the support mechanism 2 according to the model of the developing assembly 200, thereby improving the versatility of the adjustment device 100.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the support mechanism 2 includes a base 21 and a developing roller receiving groove 22 and an end support platform 23 disposed on the base 21. The developing roller receiving groove 22 is used to receive at least a portion of the developing roller 201, and the end support platform 23 has an end support surface 231 for supporting the end connector. Thus, the developing assembly 200 can be supported by the support mechanism 2.

[0067] Along the front-to-back direction, the developing roller receiving groove 22 is located in front of the end support platform 23, and a boss 24 is formed behind the end support platform 23. Preferably, the boss 24 is formed as part of the base 21. Along the vertical direction, the boss 24 is located below the end support surface 231. During the movement of the abutment 37 from the retracted position to the extended position, the protrusion 372 can be guided by the boss 24. In other possible implementations, the boss 24 may not be necessary, and correspondingly, the protrusion 372 may also be omitted.

[0068] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 2 further includes at least one of a first end positioning member 25 and a second end positioning member 26. Along the left-right direction, the first end positioning member 25 and the second end positioning member 26 are respectively located at both ends of the developing roller receiving groove 22. The left and right ends of the developing assembly 200 are respectively positioned by the first end positioning member 25 and the second end positioning member 26 to ensure that the developing assembly 200 can be positioned more accurately and supported more stably.

[0069] The first positioning member 25 includes a first front positioning portion 251 and a first rear positioning portion 252 spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The first front positioning portion 251 is used to accommodate a part of the developing roller shaft 2012, and the first rear positioning portion 252 is used to accommodate a part of the end connector. Specifically, the first front positioning portion 251 is used to accommodate a part of the developing roller shaft 2012 located on the left side, and the first rear positioning portion 252 is used to accommodate the first connector 202. More specifically, the first rear positioning portion 252 is used to accommodate the first extension portion 2023 in the first connector 202.

[0070] like Figure 3A and Figure 8A As shown, both the first front positioning portion 251 and the first rear positioning portion 252 are formed as grooves. The first rear positioning portion 252 has a first front positioning surface 2521 facing rearward and a first rear positioning surface 2522 facing forward. The first front positioning surface 2521 is configured as a straight surface parallel to the vertical direction. The first rear positioning surface 2522 includes a first surface 2522a, a second surface 2522b, and a third surface 2522c extending sequentially from top to bottom. The first surface 2522a is configured as an inclined surface inclined to the vertical direction, and the second surface 2522b is configured as a straight surface parallel to the vertical direction. The third surface 2522c is also configured as an inclined surface that is tilted relative to the vertical direction. The first surface 2522a can guide the end connector / first extension 2023 so that the first extension 2023 can smoothly enter the first rear positioning part 252. The second surface 2522b is directly opposite the first front positioning surface 2521 in the front-rear direction. Thus, the first extension 2023 can be clamped by the first front positioning surface 2521 and the second surface 2522b respectively. The third surface 2522c matches the inclined surface 20231, so that the first extension 2023 can be positioned more stably.

[0071] In some embodiments, taking the front-to-back direction as a reference, the angle formed by the first surface 2522a and the straight line in the front-to-back direction is smaller than the angle formed by the third surface 2522c and the straight line in the front-to-back direction. On the one hand, this allows the first extension 2023 to smoothly enter the first rear positioning part 252. On the other hand, the inclined third surface 2522c can also prevent the first extension 2023 from coming out of the first rear positioning part 252.

[0072] The second positioning member 26 includes a second front positioning portion 261 and a second rear positioning portion 262 spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The second front positioning portion 261 is used to accommodate a part of the developing roller shaft 2012, and the second rear positioning portion 262 is used to accommodate a part of the end connector. Specifically, the second front positioning portion 261 is used to accommodate a part of the developing roller shaft 2012 located on the right side, and the second rear positioning portion 262 is used to accommodate the second connector 203. More specifically, the second rear positioning portion 262 is used to accommodate the second extension portion 2033 in the second connector 203.

[0073] like Figure 3B and Figure 8B As shown, both the second front positioning portion 261 and the second rear positioning portion 262 are formed as grooves. The second rear positioning portion 262 has a second front positioning surface 2621 facing rearward and a second rear positioning surface 2622 facing forward. The second front positioning surface 2621 is set as a straight surface parallel to the vertical direction. The second rear positioning surface 2622 includes a fourth surface 2622a and a fifth surface 2622c extending sequentially from top to bottom. The fourth surface 2622a is also set as an inclined surface inclined to the front-back direction. The fifth surface 2622c is set as a straight surface parallel to the vertical direction. Along the front-back direction, the fifth surface 2622c is directly opposite the second front positioning surface 2621.

[0074] As described above, since the first rear positioning part 252 is provided with a third surface 2522c that is inclined relative to the front-rear direction, when the user installs the second extension part 203 toward the first rear positioning part 252, the second extension part 203 will not be able to enter the first rear positioning part 252 due to the obstruction of the third surface 2522c. It can be seen that the third surface 2522c that is inclined relative to the front-rear direction can also prevent the first extension part 202 and the second extension part 203 from being installed incorrectly.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the fastener is a screw, the end support 23 is also provided with a clearance 232 for allowing the screw to enter.

[0076] In some embodiments, the end support platform 23 further includes a limiting protrusion 233 extending upward from the end support surface 231. The limiting protrusion 233 is used to restrict the end connector and prevent it from moving forward, such as... Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the limiting protrusion 233 is located between the first front positioning part 251 and the first rear positioning part 252, or between the second front positioning part 261 and the second rear positioning part 262. The limiting protrusion 233 has a front surface 233a facing forward and a rear surface 233b facing backward. Preferably, the front surface 233a is configured to match the outer surface of the developing roller 201 / developing layer 2011, and the rear surface 233b is configured as a plane or a curved surface to match the corresponding part of the end connector, thereby restricting the forward movement of the end connector. Therefore, the rear surface 233b can also be referred to as the abutment surface.

[0077] In some implementations, such as Figure 7 As shown, the contact surface 233b is inclined relative to the vertical direction, specifically facing backward and upward. The front end of the second fixed support part 2031 is provided with a contact surface 20311 facing forward and downward. That is to say, both the contact surface 233b and the contact surface 20311 are set as inclined surfaces relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, during the process of installing the developing assembly 200 toward the support mechanism 2, the end connector can reach the predetermined position more smoothly.

[0078] It should be noted that, in Figure 7 In the process, there are gaps between the contact surface 233b and the contacted surface 20311, between the second part of the powder dispensing knife 2042 and the second fixed support part 2031 in the front-back direction, between the second part of the powder dispensing knife 2042 and the second extension surface 2036 in the vertical direction, and between the protrusion 372 and the boss 24 in the vertical direction. It should be understood that the gaps may or may not exist, and neither will affect the use of the adjustment device 100.

[0079] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the adjustment device 100 also includes an adjustment member support 28 for supporting the adjustment member 35. The adjustment member 35 is detachably connected to the adjustment member support 28, so that the user can select different specifications of adjustment members 35 according to the gap requirements between the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204, thereby improving the versatility of the adjustment device 100.

[0080] In some embodiments, the adjusting member support 28 is a rod that is fixedly or movably disposed on the support mechanism 2, and the adjusting member 35 is provided with a mating hole 351 for engaging with the rod (e.g., Figure 6 As shown, along the vertical direction, a portion of the adjusting member support 28 is located between the developing roller 201 and the powder exiting blade 204. In this way, the adjusting member 35 installed on the adjusting member mounting portion 28 can reach between the developing roller 201 and the powder exiting blade 204, thereby adjusting the gap between the developing roller 201 and the powder exiting blade 204.

[0081] In some embodiments, the adjusting device 100 also includes a pressing member 36 (second push member) that is also capable of switching between the extended position and the retracted position. The abutment member 37 (first push member) and the pressing member 36 may be collectively referred to as the push member.

[0082] For example, the pressing member 36 is abutted by the abutting member 37, or the pressing member 36 is driven to move by another transmission member; when the abutting member 37 moves from the retracted position to the extended position and abuts the powder knife 204, the pressing member 36 also moves from the retracted position to the extended position and presses the adjusting member 35. In this way, the adjusting member 35 is clamped and positioned by the support mechanism 2 and the pressing member 36 in the front-back direction.

[0083] In some embodiments, the abutment 37 and the pressing member 36 may also be integrally formed into a pushing member, but in any case, in the front-back direction, the pressing member 36 is located in front of the part of the abutment 37 used to abut the powder knife 204.

[0084] In some embodiments, the pressing member 36 may not be necessary, and the abutting member 37 can achieve the purpose of the invention by abutting the powder dispensing knife 204 forward, and then the powder dispensing knife 204 abutting the adjusting member 35 forward.

[0085] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 2 further includes at least one opening 27 disposed in front of the developing roller receiving groove 22, the opening 27 connecting the space in front of the support mechanism 2 and the developing roller receiving groove 22. The provision of the opening 27 not only reduces the weight of the support mechanism 2, but also facilitates the user to install the developing assembly 200 toward the support mechanism 2, or to remove the developing assembly 200 from the support mechanism 2.

[0086] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 2 further includes a reinforcing part 29 disposed between the two end support platforms 23. The reinforcing part 29 is disposed adjacent to the developing roller receiving groove 22. It can not only strengthen the support mechanism 2, but also restrict the developing roller 201, so that the developing roller 201 can be installed more stably.

[0087] In some embodiments, the reinforcing part 29 may be configured to extend integrally from one end support to the other end support in the left-right direction, or may be intermittently provided between the two end support 23. Thus, the reinforcing part 29 may also be omitted.

[0088] [Other Notes]

[0089] Typically, the developing assembly 200 also includes a cover 205 for covering the toner dispenser 204, especially in large-format processing cartridges such as those printing A3 or larger sizes, where the toner dispenser 204 is correspondingly longer in the lateral direction. In this case, the toner dispenser 204 is more susceptible to deformation under external forces. The cover 205 covers the toner dispenser 204 at least above it, thereby preventing the toner dispenser 204 from being subjected to external forces from above.

[0090] Using this adjusting device 100, the cover 205 can also be installed. Specifically, a connecting member is provided on the cover 205, and a connecting member is provided on the end connector, such as... Figure 5 As shown, a first coupled member is provided in the first connector 202, and a second coupled member is provided in the second connector 203. The coupling method of the connector and the coupled member can be snap-fit, adhesive, magnetic connection, etc. Preferably, the cover member 205 is detachably connected to the end connector.

[0091] In some embodiments, the adjusting device 100 further includes a buffer 34 disposed between the support mechanism 2 and the adjusting mechanism 3 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the buffer 34 is used to buffer the abutment force applied by the abutment 37 to the powder discharge blade 204. On the one hand, it can prevent the abutment 37 from rigidly contacting the powder discharge blade 204, which would cause damage or wear to both. On the other hand, it can fine-tune the force on the powder discharge blade 204 in the left and right directions, so that the gap between the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204 can be adjusted more precisely. In an achievable manner, the buffer 34 is installed on the side of the push body 371 facing the support mechanism 2.

[0092] Specifically, the cushioning element 34 is preferably an elastic element such as sponge, rubber, or spring. More preferably, the cushioning element 34 is PORON foam, such as PORON foam (microcellular polymer sheets) of model LE-20 manufactured by Inoue Corporation of Japan.

[0093] [Beneficial Effects]

[0094] 1. Using the adjustment device 100, it is not necessary to test the developing assembly 200 on the machine. Only by selecting a suitable adjustment component 35 according to the gap requirement between the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204 in the developing assembly 200, the gap can be adjusted, thereby improving the gap adjustment efficiency between the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204.

[0095] 2. As described in point 1, even new employees can easily complete the gap adjustment by operating the adjustment device 100.

[0096] 3. The support mechanism 2 is detachably connected to the base 1, so that the user can select the appropriate support mechanism 2 according to the model of the developing component 200, thereby expanding the application range of the adjustment device 100.

[0097] 4. The adjusting member 35 and the support mechanism 2 are also designed to be detachable to further improve the applicability of the adjusting device 100.

[0098] 5. Through the cooperation of the adjustment mechanism 3 and the support mechanism 2, the gap between the developing roller 201 and the powder discharge blade 204 can be precisely adjusted. Compared with manual adjustment, the adjustment accuracy of the adjustment device 100 can be greatly improved.

[0099] 6. A buffer 34 is provided between the support mechanism 2 and the adjustment mechanism 3 to reduce the abutment force applied by the abutment 37 to the powder discharge knife 204, thereby preventing damage or wear to the abutment 37 and / or the powder discharge knife 204.

[0100] In addition, both the powder discharge blade 204 and the abutment member 37 will have slight deformation or uneven surface during the production process. The abutment force applied by the abutment member 37 can be evenly applied to the powder discharge blade 204 through the buffer member 34, so that the powder discharge blade 204 is subjected to more balanced force in the left and right directions.

Claims

1. A developing assembly gap adjustment device, wherein the developing assembly includes a developing roller, a powder discharge blade, and an end connector, the end connector connecting the developing roller and the powder discharge blade, wherein, The developing roller is rotatably connected to the end connector, and the powder discharge blade is fixedly mounted on the end connector. The adjusting device includes: Base; The adjustment mechanism, supported by the base, is used to control the gap between the developing roller and the powder discharge blade; The support mechanism, supported by the base, is used to support the developing roller and powder discharge blade in the developing assembly; The support mechanism is detachably connected to the base.

2. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment device also includes a plate with at least one side plate, a support mechanism located in front of the plate in the front-back direction, and at least a portion of the adjustment mechanism located between the side plate and the support mechanism.

3. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The panel includes a top cover and multiple side panels, and a receiving space for at least a portion of the adjustment mechanism is formed between the top cover and the side panels. In the front-back direction, the receiving space is connected to the space in front of the receiving space through an exposure opening provided in the panel. The adjustment mechanism includes a control component, a power source, a transmission component, an adjustment component, and a pushing component. The control component controls the power output of the power source. The adjustment component is detachably installed between the developing roller and the powder exiting blade. The power provided by the power source is transmitted to the pushing component through the transmission component, causing the pushing component to at least push out the powder exiting blade. The pushing component is exposed forward through an exposure port.

4. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pusher includes an abutting member and a pressing member, wherein the abutting member is used to abut the powder dispensing knife, and the pressing member is used to press the adjusting member; Along the front-to-back direction, the pressing part is located in front of the part of the abutment that abuts against the powder-dispensing knife.

5. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the control components is exposed from the top cover.

6. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control components and support mechanisms are staggered in at least one of the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

7. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment device also includes a first handle and a second handle. Along the left and right direction, the first handle and the second handle are located at the two ends of the base, and the first handle and the second handle are staggered in the left and right direction.

8. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The support mechanism includes a base and a developing roller receiving groove and an end support platform disposed on the base, wherein the developing roller receiving groove is used to receive at least a portion of the developing roller, and the end support platform supports the end connector through the end support surface therein.

9. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The end support platform also includes a limiting protrusion extending upward from the end support surface, which is used to restrict the end connector and prevent the end connector from moving forward.

10. The developing assembly gap adjustment device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support mechanism also includes at least one opening disposed in front of the developing roller receiving groove, the opening connecting the space in front of the support mechanism and the developing roller receiving groove.

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