Powder barrel

Abstract

The utility model discloses a powder cylinder which is detachably installed on a developing device, the developing device comprises a developing roller, a powder inlet and a switch piece, the switch piece is used for opening and closing the powder inlet, and rack structures are arranged on the two sides of the switch piece; the powder barrel is provided with a developing agent accommodating part and a powder outlet communicated with the developing agent accommodating part, the powder barrel is provided with an elastic material layer, and when the powder barrel is mounted on the developing device and rotates relative to the developing device, the elastic material layer abuts against the rack structure to drive the switch part to move between the positions of opening and closing the powder inlet; when the switch piece is located at the position where the powder inlet is opened, the powder inlet is communicated with the powder outlet, and the powder inlet opening device has the advantages of being simple in structure and capable of reliably opening the powder inlet of the developing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of electronic photographic imaging, and in particular relates to a powder cartridge, a developing box and a processing box used for electronic photographic imaging equipment. Background Art

[0002] An electrophotographic imaging device is a device that uses the principle of electrophotography to form an image on a recording medium through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, de-electrification, cleaning, and fixing. When the electrophotographic imaging device is working, the developer is consumed as it continuously participates in the imaging process. Therefore, consumables such as a processing box, a developing box, and a powder cartridge containing the developer are required to provide the developer to the electrophotographic imaging device. Generally, these consumables are detachably installed in the electrophotographic imaging device, and new consumables are replaced after the developer contained in the device is used up.

[0003] A powder cartridge is disclosed, which can be detachably mounted on a developing device. The powder cartridge has a powder outlet corresponding to a powder inlet of the developing device. The developer in the powder cartridge enters the powder inlet of the developing device through the powder outlet, and then enters the developing device for a subsequent developing process. Before the powder cartridge is mounted on the developing device, the powder inlet of the developing device is closed by a switch. The powder inlet of the developing device needs to be opened while the powder cartridge is mounted. Rack structures are provided on both sides of the switch at the powder inlet of the developing device, and teeth are provided at the corresponding position of the powder cartridge. After the powder cartridge is mounted on the developing device, the teeth are engaged with the rack structure of the developing device. The powder cartridge rotates in one direction, driving the switch to move, so that the switch moves to a position to open the powder inlet. The powder outlet of the powder cartridge is connected to the powder inlet of the developing device, and the developer is supplied to the developing device. The powder cartridge is installed in place. When the powder cartridge is removed from the developing device, the powder cartridge is rotated in the opposite direction to that when the powder cartridge is installed, and the switch moves to a position to close the powder inlet. The powder cartridge can be removed from the developing device. When installing this type of powder cartridge, the top of the tooth of the powder cartridge often abuts against the top of the tooth of the rack structure of the developing device, making it impossible for the powder cartridge to be installed further downward, and the tooth and rack structure cannot mesh. At this time, when the powder cartridge rotates, it cannot drive the switch of the developing device to open the powder inlet, and the powder outlet of the powder cartridge that has rotated into place is already opened, so that the developer flows out of the powder cartridge, which may cause pollution to the developing device and the electronic photographic imaging equipment. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a powder cartridge which can reliably open the powder inlet of the developing device;

[0005] Based on the above purpose, the utility model provides a powder cartridge which can be detachably mounted to a developing device, wherein the developing device comprises a developing roller, a powder inlet and a switch member, wherein the switch member is used to open and close the powder inlet, and rack structures are arranged on both sides of the switch member; the powder cartridge comprises a developer containing portion and a powder outlet connected to the developer containing portion, and is characterized in that:

[0006] The powder cartridge is provided with an elastic material layer. When the powder cartridge is mounted on the developing device and rotates relative to the developing device, the elastic material layer abuts against the rack structure to drive the switch element to move between the positions of opening and closing the powder inlet; when the switch element is in the position of opening the powder inlet, the powder inlet is connected to the powder outlet.

[0007] Preferably, the powder cylinder is provided with an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder provided with an opening, the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are coaxially arranged and can rotate relative to each other; the powder outlet is arranged on the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder, and the elastic material layer is arranged on both sides of the opening, and when the opening corresponds to the powder outlet, the powder outlet is open.

[0008] Preferably, the powder cartridge comprises a cylindrical member and a sealing cover, the powder outlet is arranged on the cylinder wall of the cylindrical member, and the elastic material layer is arranged on both sides of the powder outlet; the sealing cover is used to close and open the powder outlet.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing cover is provided with an abutment portion, and when the powder cartridge is mounted to the developing device and rotates relative to the developing device, the abutment portion abuts against the developing device to keep the sealing cover stationary relative to the developing device.

[0010] Preferably, a guide rail is provided on the right side of the cylindrical member, and the sealing cover comprises a cover portion and a guide portion for closing and opening the powder outlet, and the guide portion cooperates with the guide rail to guide the sealing cover to rotate relative to the cylindrical member.

[0011] Preferably, a serration portion is provided on the guide portion.

[0012] Preferably, the developing device further comprises a developing frame, the developing frame has an arc-shaped depression extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the corresponding bottom of the powder cartridge is an arc-shaped portion.

[0013] Preferably, the arc-shaped recess is coaxially arranged with the arc-shaped portion, and when the powder cartridge rotates, it rotates around the central axis of the arc-shaped recess.

[0014] Preferably, a connecting piece is provided on the right side of the developing device, and the connecting piece is used to be connected to the powder cartridge; the opening groove has two abutment members arranged alternately in the up-down direction and the front-back direction; the right end of the powder cartridge is provided with a mounting plate for mounting a storage unit, and a protective frame is provided on the outer periphery of the mounting plate, and when the powder cartridge is installed to the developing device, the mounting plate abuts against the abutment member, and the protective frame can move relative to the abutment member.

[0015] Preferably, the powder cylinder is provided with an inner cylinder, the powder outlet is arranged on the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder, and the mounting plate is connected to the inner cylinder.

[0016] It can be seen from the above scheme that after the powder cartridge is installed on the developing device, the elastic material layer is compressed and deformed. When the powder cartridge rotates, the elastic material layer drags the switch member to move until the powder inlet is opened. At this time, as the powder cartridge rotates, the powder outlet of the powder cartridge opens to correspond to the powder inlet of the developing device, and the developer in the powder cartridge can enter the developing device. Since the elastic material layer can be elastically deformed after being compressed, the part in contact with the tooth top of the rack structure is compressed to form a depression surrounding the tooth top. When the powder cartridge rotates, the rack structure can be reliably driven to move, and there will be no phenomenon of non-engagement like a rigid connection. Therefore, the powder inlet of the developing device can be reliably opened by using the elastic material layer.

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the above-mentioned objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the processing cartridge embodiment 1 of the utility model, at which time the toner cartridge has been installed in the vertical direction and the developing device has been installed to the drum frame;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the processing cartridge embodiment 1 of the utility model, at which time the toner cartridge is installed to the developing device and the drum frame;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer cartridge embodiment 1 of the present invention, at which time the powder cartridge has been installed in the vertical direction;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the developing device in the developing cartridge embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged schematic diagram, at this time the switch element is in the position of closing the powder inlet;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4A partial enlarged schematic diagram, at this time the switch is in the position of opening the powder inlet;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting member in Embodiment 1 of the developing cartridge of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting member in Embodiment 1 of the developing cartridge of the present utility model;

[0026] Fig. 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0027] Fig.10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0028] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 AA cross-sectional structural diagram of the embodiment, at this time, the powder outlet is in the closed position;

[0029] Fig.12 It is a structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0030] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 BB cross-sectional structure diagram, at this time the powder outlet is in the closed position;

[0031] Fig.14 It is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the developing cartridge of the utility model;

[0032] Fig.15 It is a structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0033] Fig.16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the powder cartridge embodiment 2 of the utility model;

[0034] Fig.17 It is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0035] Fig.18 It is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0036] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 The CC cross-sectional structure diagram shows that the powder outlet is in the closed position;

[0037] Fig. 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure decomposition of the powder cartridge embodiment 3 of the utility model;

[0038] Fig.21 It is a structural schematic diagram of the cylindrical member in the third embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0039] Fig. 22 It is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 3 of the developing cartridge of the present utility model;

[0040] Fig.23 It is a structural schematic diagram of the developing device in Embodiment 3 of the developing cartridge of the present utility model;

[0041] Fig.24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the powder cartridge embodiment 4 of the utility model, in which the powder outlet is in a closed position;

[0042] Fig.25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the powder cartridge embodiment 4 of the utility model, in which the powder outlet is in an open position;

[0043] Fig.26 It is a structural schematic diagram of the sealing cover in the fourth embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0044] Fig. 27 It is a structural schematic diagram of the sealing cover in the fourth embodiment of the powder cartridge of the utility model;

[0045] Fig.28 It is a structural schematic diagram of a powder cartridge embodiment 5 of the utility model;

[0046] Fig.29 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the powder cartridge embodiment 5 of the utility model;

[0047] Fig.30 It is a structural schematic diagram of a developing cartridge embodiment 5 of the utility model;

[0048] Fig.31 It is a structural exploded view of the developing device in Example 5 of the developing box of the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention, but it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the present invention can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, other possible implementation methods that can be known by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in this application all belong to the protection scope of this application.

[0050] Processing box embodiment 1

[0051] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the processing box 900 includes a drum frame 90, a developing device 80 and a powder cartridge 10, wherein the drum frame 90 carries the developing device 80, and the powder cartridge 10 is installed on the developing device 80. The installation process of the powder cartridge 10 to the developing device 80 is to first install the powder cartridge 10 to the developing device 80 in a downward direction, and after it is installed in place downward, operate the handle 11 of the powder cartridge to rotate the powder cartridge 10 in direction A until the handle 11 of the powder cartridge 10 abuts or snaps with the protrusion 91 of the drum frame 90, and the installation of each part of the processing box 900 is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the process box 900 can be installed in the electronic photographic imaging device to work. Since the positions of the various parts of the drum frame 90 do not change during the installation of the powder cartridge 10 and have no effect on the installation of the powder cartridge 10, the structure of the drum frame 90 will not be described below, and the specific structure of the developing cartridge will be described in the developing cartridge embodiment.

[0052] Development box embodiment 1

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing box 100 includes a powder cartridge 10 and a developing device 80. The powder cartridge 10 can be detachably mounted on the developing device 80. The specific structure of the developing device is described below, and the structure of the powder cartridge 10 is described in the powder cartridge embodiment.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the developing device 80 has a longitudinally extending developing frame 81, which may have components such as a developing roller, and a transmission mechanism 82 for driving the developing roller and other components on the left side. The transmission mechanism 82 may also be connected to the driving mechanism of the powder cartridge for driving the stirring component in the powder cartridge to transmit the driving force to the driving mechanism, and a connecting member 83 is provided on the right side to connect with the powder cartridge 10. The developing frame 81 has an arc-shaped recess 811 extending along its longitudinal direction, which is used to accommodate the arc-shaped portion at the bottom of the powder cartridge 10. Preferably, the arc-shaped recess 811 is coaxially arranged with the arc-shaped portion, so that when the powder cartridge 10 is installed downwardly and rotated, it rotates around the central axis of the recess 811. The right side of the recess 811 has a powder inlet, and a switch member 84 is provided at the powder inlet. Rack structures 841 are provided on both sides of the switch member 84, and an opening 842 is provided in the middle position. Figure 5 The figure shows a state where the opening 842 of the switch member 84 does not correspond to the powder inlet of the developing frame, that is, the switch member 84 is in a position to close the powder inlet. Figure 6 The opening 842 corresponds to the powder inlet of the developing frame, that is, the switch member 84 is in the position of opening the powder inlet. Figure 5 and Figure 6It can be seen that by moving forward, the switch member 84 moves from the position of closing the powder inlet to the position of opening the powder inlet. Before the powder cartridge 10 is installed in the developing device 80, the switch member 84 is in the position of closing the powder inlet, that is, after the powder cartridge 10 is installed in the developing device 80, the powder outlet of the powder cartridge 10 needs to be opened with the further installation operation of the powder cartridge 10, and the powder inlet of the developing device 80 needs to be opened at the same time, so that the developer in the powder cartridge 10 can enter the developing device 80.

[0055] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The connecting member 83 is a structure of a connecting member on the right side of the developing device. The connecting member 83 is used to support the powder cartridge 10. When the powder cartridge 10 is downwardly mounted to the developing device 80, the protruding structure at the rightmost end of the powder cartridge 10 is mounted into the connecting member 83 from the opening groove 831. The opening groove 831 has two abutting surfaces 832 and 833 arranged alternately up and down and front and back, and an abutting member 70. The distance between the two abutting surfaces is H1. The specific structure of the powder cartridge is described below.

[0056] Powder cartridge embodiment 1

[0057] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the powder cartridge 10 has a longitudinally extending shell 11, and a driving mechanism on the left side is provided for connecting with the transmission mechanism of the developing device 80 to receive the driving force. When installed to the developing device 80, the handle 12 is located at the top of the shell 11, and the shell 11 has an arc-shaped portion at the bottom to be fitted into the arc-shaped recess 811 of the developing device 80. The shell 11 has a developer accommodating portion 111 for accommodating the developer, and the developer accommodating portion 111 may have a stirring member or a conveying member for stirring or vibrating to transport the developer to the powder outlet 162. A connector 13 is provided on the upper right side of the powder cartridge 10, and a downwardly facing powder outlet 162 is provided on the lower side. The powder outlet 162 is provided on the wall of the inner cartridge 16. The outer cartridge 14 is coaxially sleeved on the outer side of the inner cartridge 16. The inner cartridge 16 and the outer cartridge 14 can rotate relative to each other. When the opening 141 provided on the outer cartridge 14 corresponds to the powder outlet 162 of the inner cartridge 16, the powder outlet 162 is opened, and the developer can be discharged from the powder outlet 162 to the developing device 80. An elastic material layer 15 is provided on both sides of the opening 141 on the outer cartridge 14. The position of the elastic material layer 15 corresponds to the rack structure 841 of the developing device 80. When the powder cartridge 10 is installed to the developing device 80, the elastic material layer 15 engages with the rack structure 841, and the contact portion generates elastic deformation under the action of pressure. When the powder cartridge 10 is installed downwardly in place, preferably, the central axis of the inner cartridge 16 and the outer cartridge 14 is coaxial with the central axis of the arc-shaped recess 811 of the developing device 80.

[0058] A storage unit for storing information is provided at the rightmost end of the powder cartridge 10, and the storage unit is used to connect with the electrical contacts of the electronic photographic imaging device to read the information in the storage unit. The storage unit is provided on a mounting plate 161 fixedly connected to the inner cylinder 16, and a protective frame 131 fixed to the connector 13 is provided around the mounting plate 161, wherein the thickness of the mounting plate 161 is H2, and the thickness of the protective frame 131 is H3. Compared with the distance H1 between the two abutting surfaces 832 and 833 of the connecting member 83 of the developing device 80, H2 is equal to or slightly smaller than H1, and H3 is smaller than H1, so that when the powder cartridge 10 is downwardly mounted to the developing device 80, the mounting plate 161 and the protective frame 131 can be mounted in the opening groove 831, and the front and rear sides of the mounting plate 161 are respectively in contact with the abutting member 70, and there is a gap between the protective frame 131 and the two abutting surfaces. Therefore, when the powder cartridge 10 is installed downward and rotated, the mounting plate 161 abuts against the abutment member 70 to prevent the inner cylinder 16 from rotating, and the other parts of the powder cartridge 10 including the outer cylinder 14 rotate around the central axis of the inner cylinder 16. When the opening 141 of the outer cylinder 14 is rotated to correspond to the powder outlet 162 of the inner cylinder 16, the powder outlet 162 is opened.

[0059] The following describes the specific process of installing the powder cartridge 10 to the developing device 80. The handle 12 holding the powder cartridge 10 is downwardly installed to the developing device 80, and the mounting plate 161 and the protection frame 131 are inserted from the opening groove 831 of the connecting member 83 until the bottom wall of the powder cartridge 10 contacts the recess 811 to install the powder cartridge 10 on the developing device 80. At this time, although the powder outlet 162 of the powder cartridge 10 corresponds to the powder inlet of the developing device 80, the outer cylinder 14 is in a position to close the powder outlet 162, and the switch member 84 is in a position to close the powder inlet, so that the developer in the powder cartridge 10 cannot be discharged into the developing device 80, and the elastic material layer 15 abuts against the rack structure 841 to generate elastic deformation. Then, holding the handle 12, the powder cartridge 10 is rotated in direction A, and the elastic material layer 15 pushes the rack structure 841 to move forward, that is, the rotation of the outer cylinder 14 drives the switch member 84 to move forward, while the inner cylinder 16 cannot rotate because the mounting plate 161 abuts against the abutment member 70 of the connecting member 83. When the outer cylinder 14 is rotated to the point where its opening 141 corresponds to the powder outlet 162, the powder outlet 162 is opened. At this time, the switch member 84 also moves forward to the position where its opening 842 opens the powder inlet, so that the developer contained in the powder cartridge 10 can enter the developing device 80 through the powder outlet 162 and the powder inlet. At the same time, the driving mechanism on the left side of the powder cartridge 10 is also connected to the transmission mechanism of the developing device 80, and the stirring or vibration member in the developer containing portion 111 can also be driven to transport the developer in the developer containing portion 111 to the powder outlet 162. Since the elastic material layer 15 can be elastically deformed after being compressed, the portion in contact with the tooth top of the rack structure 841 is compressed to form a depression surrounding the tooth top, and when the powder cartridge 10 rotates, the rack structure 841 can be reliably driven to move, and the phenomenon of being unable to mesh as in a rigid connection will not occur, so that the elastic material layer 15 can be used to reliably open the powder inlet of the developing device 80. In addition, the elastic material layer 15 can also play a sealing role, and when the developer enters the powder inlet from the powder outlet 162, it prevents the developer from leaking from the side.

[0060] It can be seen from the above scheme that after the powder cartridge is installed on the developing device, the elastic material layer is compressed and deformed. When the powder cartridge rotates, the elastic material layer drags the switch member to move until the powder inlet is opened. At this time, as the powder cartridge rotates, the powder outlet of the powder cartridge opens to correspond to the powder inlet of the developing device, and the developer in the powder cartridge can enter the developing device. Since the elastic material layer can be elastically deformed after being compressed, the part in contact with the tooth top of the rack structure is compressed to form a depression surrounding the tooth top. When the powder cartridge rotates, the rack structure can be reliably driven to move, and there will be no phenomenon of non-engagement like a rigid connection. Therefore, the powder inlet of the developing device can be reliably opened by using the elastic material layer.

[0061] Developer box embodiment 2

[0062] like Fig.14As shown, the developing box 200 includes a powder cartridge 20 and a developing device 80. The powder cartridge 20 can be detachably mounted on the developing device 80. The structure of the developing device 80 is the same as that in the developing box embodiment 1 and will not be described in detail here. The structure of the powder cartridge 20 is described in the powder cartridge embodiment 2.

[0063] Powder cartridge embodiment 2

[0064] Except for the different structure for driving the switch member of the developing device to move, the structure of the powder cartridge in this embodiment may be similar to or the same as the structure in the powder cartridge embodiment 1.

[0065] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the powder cartridge 20 has a longitudinally extending shell 21, and a driving mechanism is provided on the left side for connecting with the transmission mechanism of the developing device 80 to receive the driving force. When installed to the developing device 80, the handle 22 is located at the top of the shell 21, and the shell 21 has an arc portion below to be installed in the arc recess 811 of the developing device 80 in a matching manner. The shell 21 has a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer, and the developer accommodating portion may have a stirring member or a conveying member for stirring or vibrating the developer to be transported to the powder outlet 262. A connector 23 is provided on the upper right side of the powder cartridge 10, and a downwardly facing powder outlet 262 is provided below. The powder outlet 262 is provided on the wall of the inner cylinder 26, and the outer cylinder 24 is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the inner cylinder 26. The inner cylinder 26 and the outer cylinder 24 can rotate relative to each other. When the opening 241 provided on the outer cylinder 24 corresponds to the powder outlet 262 of the inner cylinder 26, the powder outlet 262 is opened, and the developer can be discharged from the powder outlet 262 to the developing device 80. A guide portion 242 having a passage 243 inside is provided at the right side of the opening 241 on the outer cylinder 24, and a receiving chamber 232 for mounting the abutting member 25 is provided on the connecting body 23. The mounting portion 251 of the abutting member 25 is movably mounted in the receiving chamber 232, and the protruding end passes through the passage 243 and protrudes to form the abutting portion 252. A spring 27 as a biasing device is provided in the receiving chamber 232, and one end of the spring 27 abuts against the receiving chamber 232, and the other end is fixed to the mounting portion 251 of the abutting member 25. When the powder cartridge 20 is mounted to the developing device 80, the abutting portion 252 abuts against the rack structure 841. When the powder cartridge 20 is mounted downwardly in place, preferably, the central axis of the inner cylinder 26 and the outer cylinder 24 is coaxial with the central axis of the arc-shaped recess 811 of the developing device 80.

[0066] The rightmost end of the powder cartridge 20 is provided with a storage unit for storing information, and the storage unit is used to connect with the electrical contacts of the electronic photographic imaging device to read the information in the storage unit. The storage unit is provided on a mounting plate 261 fixedly connected to the inner cylinder 26, and a protective frame 231 fixed to the connector 23 is provided around the mounting plate 261. When the powder cartridge 20 is downwardly mounted to the developing device 80, the mounting plate 261 and the protective frame 231 can be mounted in the opening groove 831, and the front and rear sides of the mounting plate 261 are respectively in contact with the abutment member 70, and there is a gap between the protective frame 231 and the two abutment surfaces. Therefore, when the powder cartridge 20 is installed downwardly and rotated, the mounting plate 261 abuts against the abutment member 70, so that the inner cylinder 26 cannot rotate, and the other parts of the powder cartridge 20 including the outer cylinder 24 rotate around the central axis of the inner cylinder 26. When the opening 241 of the outer cylinder 24 is rotated to correspond to the powder outlet 262 of the inner cylinder 16, the powder outlet 262 is opened.

[0067] The following describes the specific process of installing the powder cartridge 20 to the developing device 80. The handle holding the powder cartridge 20 is downwardly installed to the developing device 80, and the mounting plate 261 and the protection frame 231 are inserted from the opening groove 831 of the connecting member 83 until the bottom wall of the powder cartridge 20 contacts the arc-shaped recess 811 to install the powder cartridge 20 on the developing device 80. At this time, although the powder outlet 262 of the powder cartridge 20 corresponds to the powder inlet of the developing device 80, the outer cylinder 24 is in a position to close the powder outlet 262, and the switch member 84 is in a position to close the powder inlet, so that the developer in the powder cartridge 20 cannot be discharged into the developing device 80, and the abutting portion 252 of the abutting member 25 abuts against the rack structure 841. Then, the handle 22 is held to rotate the powder cartridge 20 in direction A. As the outer cylinder 24 rotates, the abutment member 25 pushes the rack structure 841 to move forward, and at the same time, the abutment member 25 pushes the spring 27 to move upward. The spring 27 applies a biasing force toward the outside of the accommodating chamber 232, that is, obliquely downward, to the abutment member 25 so that the abutment member 25 and the rack structure 841 are kept in contact under pressure. That is, the rotation of the outer cylinder 24 drives the switch member 84 to move forward, and the inner cylinder 26 cannot rotate because the mounting plate 261 abuts against the abutment member 70 of the connecting member 83. When the outer cylinder 24 rotates to the point where its opening 241 corresponds to the powder outlet 262, the powder outlet 262 is opened. At this time, the switch member 84 also moves forward to the position where its opening 842 opens the powder inlet, so that the developer contained in the powder cylinder 20 can enter the developing device 80 through the powder outlet 262 and the powder inlet. At the same time, the driving mechanism on the left side of the powder cylinder 20 is also connected to the transmission mechanism of the developing device 80, and the stirring or vibrating member in the developer containing portion can also be driven to transport the developer in the developer containing portion to the powder outlet 262. When the powder cartridge 20 is installed downwardly to the developing device 80 and the push member 25 abuts against the end or root of the rack structure 841, as the powder cartridge 20 rotates, the push member 25 will push the teeth of the rack structure 841 to move and open the powder inlet of the developing device 80. When the push member 25 abuts against the top of the tooth, since the push member 25 is movable, the contact between the push member 25 and the top of the tooth will not affect the installation of the powder cartridge 20. When the powder cartridge 20 rotates, the push member 25 slides relative to the top of the tooth and falls between the two teeth, thereby driving the switch member 84 to move.

[0068] It is understandable that in other embodiments, the abutment may be provided on both the left and right sides of the outer cylinder, and the arrangement of the abutment may also be different from that of the present embodiment, as long as the abutment can be kept in contact with the rack structure and can drive the rack structure to move.

[0069] It can be seen from the above scheme that after the powder barrel is installed on the developing device, the push piece abuts against the rack structure. When the push piece abuts against the end or root of the rack structure, as the powder barrel rotates, the push piece will push the teeth of the rack structure to move and open the powder inlet of the developing device. When the push piece abuts against the top of the tooth, since the push piece is movable, the contact between the push piece and the top of the tooth will not affect the installation of the powder barrel in place. When the powder barrel rotates, the push piece slides relative to the top of the tooth and falls between the two teeth, and then the rack structure and the switch member can be pushed to move, thereby opening the powder inlet. At this time, the powder barrel rotates into place, and the powder outlet of the powder barrel opens to correspond to the powder inlet of the developing device, and the developer in the powder barrel can enter the developing device. Since the abutment is configured to be movable, when the powder barrel rotates, it can reliably drive the rack structure to move, and will not cause the phenomenon of being unable to engage like a rigid connection, so that the powder inlet of the developing device can be reliably opened.

[0070] Processing box embodiment 2

[0071] In this embodiment, the processing box includes a drum frame 90, a developing device 80 and a powder cartridge 20, that is, includes a drum frame and a developing box 200. The installation between the drum frame 90, the developing device 80 and the powder cartridge 20 is roughly the same as that of the processing box embodiment 1. The difference lies in the installation between the developing device 80 and the powder cartridge 20. Please refer to the description of the developing box embodiment 2.

[0072] Powder cartridge embodiment 3

[0073] like Figures 17 to 21 As shown, the powder cartridge 30 has a longitudinally extending shell 31, a protective shell 32 on the left side to protect the driving mechanism installed therein, a handle 312 is located above the shell 31, and an arc-shaped portion is provided below the shell 31. The shell 31 has a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer, and the developer accommodating portion may have a stirring member or a conveying member for stirring or vibrating the developer to be transported to the powder outlet 341. A connector 33 is provided above the right side of the powder cartridge 30, and a cylindrical member 34 is provided below. The cylindrical member 34 has a powder outlet 341 provided on the cylinder wall, and a sealing member 35 is provided inside the cylindrical member 34 to open and close the powder outlet 341. Elastic material layers 37 are provided on both sides of the powder outlet 341. When the powder cartridge 30 is installed in the developing device and rotated, it rotates around the central axis of the cylindrical member 34. The elastic material layer 37 abuts against the switch member of the powder inlet of the developing device and drives the switch member to move to a position to open the powder inlet. At this time, although the powder outlet is turned to a downward position corresponding to the powder inlet, the cover portion 351 of the sealing member 35 closes the powder outlet, and the developer cannot be discharged into the developing device.

[0074] The opening of the powder outlet 341 is performed by the cooperation of the delivery screw 38, the seal 35 and the cylinder 34 as the developer delivery member. The right end of the delivery screw 38 is provided with an external thread 381 that meshes with the internal thread 353 of the seal 35. When the delivery screw 38 rotates under the drive of the gear 321, due to the meshing of the internal and external threads, the seal 35 abuts against the protrusion 342 inside the cylinder 34 and cannot rotate. It is pushed to the right by the delivery screw 38 until the opening 352 corresponds to the powder outlet 341, and the powder outlet 341 is opened. The seal 35 continues to move to the right until its internal thread 353 is disengaged from the external thread 381 of the delivery screw 38, and the powder outlet 341 is fully opened. The rightmost end of the cylinder 34 is provided with a coaxial columnar extension 343, on which a storage medium 36 for storing information is provided.

[0075] Development box embodiment 3

[0076] like Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, the developing box 300 includes a powder cartridge 30 and a developing device 70, wherein the powder cartridge 30 is detachably mounted on the developing device 70, and the structure of the powder cartridge 30 can refer to the description in the powder cartridge embodiment 3.

[0077] The developing device 70 includes a developing frame 71 extending in the longitudinal direction, on which an arc-shaped recess 711 for partially accommodating the powder cartridge 20 is provided, a transmission mechanism 72 is provided on the left side of the developing frame 71, which is used to receive the driving force from the electronic photographic imaging device and transmit it to the driving mechanism of the powder cartridge 20, and a connecting member 73 is provided on the right side to engage with the columnar protruding end 343 of the powder cartridge. A powder inlet is provided on the developing frame 71, and a switch member 74 that can move between an open position and a closed position is provided above the powder inlet. When the opening of the switch member corresponds to the powder inlet, the powder inlet is opened. Rack structures are provided on both sides of the opening of the switch member 74.

[0078] When the powder cartridge 30 is installed downwardly onto the developing device 70, the elastic material layer 37 abuts against the rack structure, the columnar extension 343 and the storage medium 36 arranged thereon are installed on the connecting member 73, and then the powder cartridge 30 is rotated with the central axis of the cylindrical member 34 as the axis, the elastic material layer 37 drives the switch member 74 to move, and the powder outlet 341 moves from the rearward position to the downward position, and at the same time the switch member 74 moves to the position of opening the powder inlet, the powder outlet 341 of the powder cartridge 30 corresponds to the powder inlet of the developing device 70, but at this time, the powder outlet 341 is still closed by the sealing member 35, and the developer cannot enter the developing device 70. After the driving mechanism of the powder cartridge 30 receives the driving force from the developing device, the conveying screw 38 rotates, pushing the sealing member 35 to move and open the powder outlet 341. At this time, the developer in the powder cartridge 30 can enter the developing device 70 through the powder outlet 341.

[0079] Processing box embodiment 3

[0080] In this embodiment, the processing box includes a drum frame 90, a developing device 70 and a powder cartridge 30, that is, includes a drum frame and a developing box 300. The installation between the drum frame 90, the developing device 70 and the powder cartridge 30 is roughly the same as that of the processing box embodiment 1. The difference lies in the installation between the developing device 70 and the powder cartridge 30. Please refer to the description of the developing box embodiment 3.

[0081] Powder cartridge embodiment 4

[0082] like Figure 24 to Figure 27 As shown, the powder cartridge 40 has a longitudinally extending shell 41, a protective shell 42 on the left side to protect the driving mechanism installed therein, a handle 412 is located above the shell 41, and an arc portion is provided below the shell 41. The shell 41 has a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer, and the developer accommodating portion may have a stirring member or a conveying member for stirring or vibrating the developer to be transported to the powder outlet 441. A connector 43 is provided on the upper right side of the powder cartridge 40, and a cylindrical member 44 is provided below. The cylindrical member 44 has a powder outlet 441 arranged on the cylinder wall, a guide rail 442 is arranged on the right side, and a sealing cover 45 is rotatably arranged at the powder outlet 441 relative to the cylindrical member 44. The sealing cover 45 includes a cover portion 451 for closing and opening the powder outlet 441 and a guide portion 452 having a guide groove and cooperating with the guide rail 442 to guide the sealing cover 45 to rotate relative to the cylindrical member 44. The guide portion 452 is also provided with a serration portion 453, which can increase the friction force when the sealing cover 45 is manually opened, so as to facilitate the opening of the sealing cover 45. Elastic material layers 47 are arranged on both sides of the powder outlet 441. Before the powder cartridge 40 is installed to the developing device, the sealing cover 45 is first rotated to open the powder outlet 441, and then the powder cartridge 40 is installed to the developing device. When the powder cartridge 40 rotates, the elastic material layer 47 abuts against the switch component of the powder inlet of the developing device and drives the switch component to move to the position of opening the powder inlet. The powder outlet corresponds to the powder inlet, and the developer contained in the powder cartridge 40 can enter the powder inlet from the powder outlet 441 and then enter the developing device.

[0083] The rightmost end of the cylindrical member 44 is provided with a coaxial columnar extension, on which a storage medium 46 for storing information is provided, and the storage medium 46 includes an electrical connection surface for connecting with the electrical contacts of the electrophotographic imaging device, and a storage part for storing information. The storage part is provided in a cylindrical shape and sleeved on the columnar extension, and the electrical connection surface is provided in the form of two annular surfaces and fixed on the storage part.

[0084] Development box embodiment 4

[0085] In this embodiment, the developing box includes a powder cartridge 40 and a developing device 70, wherein the powder cartridge 40 is detachably mounted on the developing device 70, and the structure of the powder cartridge 40 can refer to the description in the powder cartridge embodiment 4. The structure of the developing device 70 can be the same as that of the developing device 70 in the developing embodiment 3.

[0086] Before the powder cartridge 40 is installed on the developing device 70, the sealing cover 45 is rotated to move to the position of opening the powder outlet 441, and then the powder cartridge is installed downward on the developing device, the elastic material layer 47 is in contact with the rack structure, the columnar extension 443 and the storage medium 46 arranged thereon are installed on the connecting member 73, and then the powder cartridge 40 is rotated with the central axis of the cylindrical member 44 as the axis, the elastic material layer 47 drives the switch member 74 to move, the powder outlet 441 moves from the backward position to the downward position, and the switch member 74 moves to the position of opening the powder inlet, the powder outlet 441 of the powder cartridge 40 corresponds to the powder inlet of the developing device 70, and the developer can enter the developing device 70 through the powder outlet 441. The electrical connection surface 462 of the storage medium 46 can be exposed from the opening of the connecting member 73 to be electrically connected to the electrical contacts in the electronic photographic imaging device.

[0087] Processing box embodiment 4

[0088] In this embodiment, the processing box includes a drum frame 90, a developing device 70 and a powder cartridge 40. The installation between the drum frame 90, the developing device 70 and the powder cartridge 40 is roughly the same as that of the processing box embodiment 1. The difference lies in the installation between the developing device 70 and the powder cartridge 40. Please refer to the description of the developing box embodiment 4.

[0089] Powder cartridge embodiment 5

[0090] like Fig.28 and Fig.29As shown, the powder cartridge 50 has a longitudinally extending shell 51, a protective shell 52 on the left side to protect the driving mechanism installed therein, a handle 512 located above the shell 51, an arc-shaped portion below the shell 51, a developer accommodating portion 511 in the shell 51 for accommodating the developer, and a stirring member or a conveying member for stirring or vibrating the developer to be transported to the powder outlet 541 may be provided in the developer accommodating portion 511. A connector 53 is provided above the right side of the powder cartridge 50, and a cylindrical member 54 is provided below. A powder outlet 541 is provided on the cylinder wall of the cylindrical member 54, and a guide rail 542 is provided on the right side. The left end of the cylindrical member is open and connected to the opening 513 of the shell 51, and the right side passes through the hole 532 of the connector 53, and is connected to the rod 533 of the connector 53 through the ear 544, so that the cylindrical member 54 is installed on the shell 51. The sealing cover 55 is rotatably arranged at the powder outlet 541 relative to the cylindrical member, and the sealing cover 55 includes a cover portion 551 for closing and opening the powder outlet 541, a guide portion 552 having a guide groove and a guide rail 542 for guiding the sealing cover 55 to rotate relative to the cylindrical member 54, and an abutment portion 553 for abutting against the developing device. Elastic material layers 57 are arranged on both sides of the powder outlet 541, and a conveying screw 58 is used to convey the developer in the developer containing portion 511 into the cylindrical member 54 through the opening 513, and then into the developing device through the powder outlet 541. The rightmost end of the cylindrical member 54 is provided with a coaxial columnar extension portion 543, on which a storage medium 56 for storing information is arranged.

[0091] When the powder cartridge 50 is installed on the developing device and rotates relative to it, it rotates around the central axis of the cylindrical member 541. The abutting portion 553 of the sealing cover 55 abuts against the developing device to prevent the sealing cover 55 from rotating, thereby opening the powder outlet 541. The elastic material layer 57 abuts against the switch member of the powder inlet of the developing device to drive the switch member to move to a position where the powder inlet is opened. The powder outlet 541 corresponds to the powder inlet. The developer contained in the powder cartridge 50 can enter the powder inlet from the powder outlet 541 and then enter the developing device.

[0092] Development box embodiment 5

[0093] like Fig.30 and Fig.31 As shown, the developing box 500 includes a powder cartridge 50 and a developing device 60, wherein the powder cartridge 50 is detachably mounted on the developing device 60, and the structure of the powder cartridge 50 can refer to the description of the powder cartridge embodiment 5. The specific structure of the developing device 60 is described in detail below.

[0094] The developing device 60 includes a developing frame 61 extending in the longitudinal direction, on which an arc-shaped recess 611 for partially accommodating the powder cartridge 50 is provided, a transmission mechanism 62 is provided on the left side of the developing frame 61, which is used to receive the driving force from the electronic photographic imaging device and transmit it to the driving mechanism of the powder cartridge 50, and a connecting member 63 is provided on the right side to engage with the columnar extension 543 of the powder cartridge. A powder inlet 612 and a accommodating groove 613 are provided on the developing frame 61, and a switch member 64 that can move between an open position and a closed position is provided above the powder inlet. When the opening 641 of the switch member corresponds to the powder inlet 612, the powder inlet 612 is opened. Rack structures 642 are provided on both sides of the opening 641 of the switch member 64, and an avoidance groove 643 is also provided on the right side. A sealing member is also provided on the rear side and the right side of the switch member 64.

[0095] When the powder cartridge is installed downwardly onto the developing device, the elastic material layer 57 abuts against the rack structure 641, the abutting portion 553 of the sealing cover 55 is inserted into the accommodating groove 613, the columnar protrusion 543 and the storage medium 56 arranged thereon are installed into the connecting member, and then the powder cartridge 50 is rotated with the central axis of the cylindrical member 54 as the axis, the elastic material layer 57 drives the rack structure 641 to further drive the switch member 64 to move, because the abutting portion 553 abuts against the accommodating groove 613, the sealing cover 55 cannot rotate, so that as the powder cartridge 50 rotates, the powder outlet 541 moves from the rearward position to the downward position and is opened, and at the same time, the opening 641 of the switch member 64 corresponds to the powder inlet 612 and the powder inlet 612 is opened, the powder outlet 541 of the powder cartridge 50 corresponds to the powder inlet of the developing device 60, and the developer in the developer accommodating portion 511 can enter the developing device 60 through the powder outlet 541 and the powder inlet 612.

[0096] Processing box embodiment 5

[0097] In this embodiment, the processing box includes a drum frame 90, a developing device 60 and a powder cartridge 50. The installation between the drum frame 90, the developing device 60 and the powder cartridge 50 is roughly the same as that of the processing box embodiment 1. The difference lies in the installation between the developing device 60 and the powder cartridge 50. Please refer to the description of the developing box embodiment 5.

[0098] Although the present invention is disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention, that is, any changes or improvements made according to the present invention should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A powder cartridge, detachably mounted to a developing device, the developing device comprising a developing roller, a powder inlet and a switch, the switch being used to open and close the powder inlet, with rack structures being provided on both sides of the switch; the powder cartridge comprising a developer containing portion and a powder outlet communicating with the developer containing portion, characterized in that: The powder cartridge is provided with an elastic material layer. When the powder cartridge is mounted on the developing device and rotates relative to the developing device, the elastic material layer abuts against the rack structure to drive the switch element to move between the positions of opening and closing the powder inlet; when the switch element is in the position of opening the powder inlet, the powder inlet is connected to the powder outlet.

2. The powder cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder cylinder is provided with an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder provided with an opening, the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are coaxially arranged and can rotate relative to each other; the powder outlet is arranged on the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder, the elastic material layer is arranged on both sides of the opening, and when the opening corresponds to the powder outlet, the powder outlet is opened.

3. The powder cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder cylinder comprises a cylindrical member and a sealing cover, the powder outlet is arranged on the cylinder wall of the cylindrical member, and the elastic material layer is arranged on both sides of the powder outlet; the sealing cover is used to close and open the powder outlet.

4. The powder cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing cover is provided with an abutment portion. When the powder cartridge is mounted on the developing device and rotates relative to the developing device, the abutment portion abuts against the developing device to keep the sealing cover immobile relative to the developing device.

5. The powder cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: A guide rail is arranged on the right side of the cylindrical member, and the sealing cover comprises a cover part and a guide part for closing and opening the powder outlet, and the guide part cooperates with the guide rail to guide the sealing cover to rotate relative to the cylindrical member.

6. The powder cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide portion is provided with a serration portion.

7. The powder cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The developing device further comprises a developing frame, and the developing frame is provided with an arc-shaped depression extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the corresponding bottom of the powder cartridge is an arc-shaped portion.

8. The powder cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The arc-shaped recess is coaxially arranged with the arc-shaped portion, and when the powder cartridge rotates, it rotates around the central axis of the arc-shaped recess.

9. The powder cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: A connecting piece is provided on the right side of the developing device, and the connecting piece is used to be connected to the powder cartridge; the opening groove of the connecting piece has two abutment members arranged alternately in the up-down direction and the front-back direction; a mounting plate for mounting a storage unit is provided at the right end of the powder cartridge, and a protective frame is provided on the outer periphery of the mounting plate, and when the powder cartridge is installed to the developing device, the mounting plate abuts against the abutment member, and the protective frame can move relative to the abutment member.

10. The powder cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that: The powder cylinder is provided with an inner cylinder, the powder outlet is arranged on the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder, and the mounting plate is connected to the inner cylinder.

Images