Developing cartridge, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a developing cartridge, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic imaging device, the developing cartridge comprising: a developing frame having a powder bin; a developing roller rotatably mounted on the developing frame; the limiting scraping plate is arranged in the powder bin and extends in the axial direction of the developing roller; the detection unit comprises a detection module arranged in the powder bin and an alarm module electrically connected with the detection module, and the alarm module can give out sound and / or light alarms; the limiting scraper is located on the upper side of the developing roller and forms a first gap with the developing roller, or the developing box further comprises a powder feeding roller located in the powder bin, the limiting scraper is located on the upper side of the powder feeding roller and forms a second gap with the powder feeding roller, and the detection module is used for detecting the amount of carbon powder in the first gap or the second gap. The processing box is provided with the developing box, the electrophotographic imaging equipment is provided with the processing box, and the developing box is simple in structure and can give an alarm in time when the residual amount of carbon powder in a powder bin is insufficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printing consumables, and in particular to a developing box, a processing box provided with the developing box, and an electronic photographic imaging device provided with the processing box. Background Art

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging equipment (such as laser printers) is an indispensable office equipment in daily work and study. It is a device that uses the principle of electrophotography to form images on image forming media (such as paper) through at least the processes of charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, and cleaning. The material device of printing consumables used on electrophotographic imaging equipment is generally called a processing cartridge.

[0003] Existing detection schemes for the remaining toner in the developer box of the processing box mainly include optical powder detection, capacitive powder detection, and ultrasonic powder detection. However, the implementation cost of these three detection schemes is relatively high and / or the implementation structure is complex. In addition, there is also a type of magnetic signal powder detection scheme for the detection of the remaining toner in the developer box, but this detection scheme is only applicable to the detection of magnetic toner. Furthermore, there is also a method of detecting the remaining toner by measuring the current of the powder feeding roller. However, the disadvantage of this detection scheme is that when it is detected that the toner is insufficient, the image has already been defective, and the user cannot be reminded in advance.

[0004] For example, an existing processing box includes a developing box and a drum box; wherein the developing box includes a developing frame with a powder bin and a developing roller, wherein toner is stored in the powder bin, and the toner in the powder bin can be moved to the developing roller through the powder outlet of the powder bin. In order to detect the toner remaining amount in the powder bin, the processing box is also provided with a toner remaining amount detection unit, wherein the toner remaining amount detection unit determines the toner remaining amount in the powder bin by setting a detection component inside the powder bin and then detecting the electrical signal between the developing roller and the detection component; however, the toner remaining amount detection unit needs to be provided with a complex circuit structure and mechanical mechanism in the processing box to meet the detection requirements of the electronic photographic imaging device, and these complex circuits and mechanical mechanisms will increase the production cost of the processing box. In addition, since the toner in the powder bin is not always evenly distributed, and is affected by the changes in the operating environment, temperature and humidity, and toner medium, the detection result is sometimes not ideal, resulting in the detection result being higher or lower than the actual remaining amount of toner in the powder bin, thereby making it impossible for the user to replenish toner to the powder bin or replace the developing box in time. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a developing box with a simple structure and capable of timely alarming when the remaining toner in the toner bin is insufficient.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing box provided with the above-mentioned developing box.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic photographic imaging device provided with the above-mentioned processing box.

[0008] In order to achieve the first objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a developing box, comprising a developing frame and a developing roller, the developing frame having a powder bin, the powder bin storing carbon powder, the developing roller being rotatably mounted on the developing frame around its own axis, the developing roller being located at a powder outlet of the powder bin, wherein the developing box further comprises a limiting scraper and a detection unit, the limiting scraper being arranged in the powder bin and extending along the axial direction of the developing roller, the detection unit comprising a detection module and an alarm module, the detection module being arranged in the powder bin, the detection module and the alarm module being electrically connected, and the alarm module being capable of emitting sound and / or light alarms; In the working position of the developing box, the limiting scraper is located on the upper side of the developing roller and is inclined toward the developing roller, a first gap is formed between the limiting scraper and the developing roller, and the detection module is used to detect the amount of toner in the first gap, or the developing box also includes a powder feeding roller, which is rotatably mounted on the developing frame around its own axis, and the powder feeding roller is located in the powder bin and adjacent to the developing roller. In the working position, the limiting scraper is located on the upper side of the powder feeding roller and is inclined toward the powder feeding roller, a second gap is formed between the limiting scraper and the powder feeding roller, and the detection module is used to detect the amount of toner in the second gap.

[0009] As can be seen from the above, when the toner remaining in the powder hopper is insufficient, the detection module will detect that there is no toner or only a small amount of toner passes through the first gap or the second gap, and send a feedback signal to the alarm module, so that after receiving the feedback signal, the alarm module determines whether the toner remaining in the powder hopper is insufficient, and sends a sound and / or light alarm when the toner remaining in the powder hopper is insufficient to remind the user to replenish toner into the powder hopper or replace the developer cartridge; at the same time, because the detection unit can warn the user to replenish toner into the powder hopper or replace the developer cartridge before the toner in the powder hopper is completely exhausted before the electronic photographic imaging device, the continuity of subsequent printing jobs is ensured, and printing interruptions during subsequent printing jobs are avoided. The user does not need to frequently take the developer cartridge out of the electronic photographic imaging device for observation, thereby improving the user experience.

[0010] A further solution is that the detection module includes a first photoelectric sensor and a prism, the first photoelectric sensor and the prism are both located in the first gap or the second gap, the first photoelectric sensor and the prism are axially distributed at both ends of the powder bin, the first photoelectric sensor includes a transmitting end and a receiving end, the prism has a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, the first reflecting surface can receive the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end and reflect it to the second reflecting surface, and the second reflecting surface can reflect the first light beam to the receiving end; or the detection module is a second photoelectric sensor, the second photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter and the receiver are both located in the first gap or the second gap, the transmitter and the receiver are axially distributed at both ends of the powder bin, and the receiver can receive the second light beam emitted by the transmitter.

[0011] As can be seen from the above, when there is sufficient toner in the powder bin, the toner will pass through the first gap or the second gap, and the receiving end of the first photoelectric sensor cannot receive the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end. At this time, the detection unit determines that there is sufficient toner remaining in the current powder bin; when there is insufficient toner remaining in the powder bin, no toner or only a small amount of toner will pass through the first gap or the second gap, and the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end of the first photoelectric sensor will not be blocked by the toner, so that the receiving end can obtain the first light beam. At this time, the detection unit determines that there is insufficient toner remaining in the current powder bin, and the alarm module sends out a sound and / or light alarm to remind the user to refill the powder bin or replace the developer cartridge. Or, when there is sufficient toner in the powder hopper, the toner will pass through the first gap or the second gap, and the receiver of the second photoelectric sensor cannot receive the second light beam emitted by the transmitter. At this time, the detection unit determines that there is sufficient toner remaining in the current powder hopper; when there is insufficient toner remaining in the powder hopper, no toner or only a small amount of toner will pass through the first gap or the second gap, and the second light beam emitted by the transmitter of the second photoelectric sensor will not be blocked by the toner, so that the receiver can obtain the second light beam. At this time, the detection unit determines that there is insufficient toner remaining in the current powder hopper, and the alarm module sends out a sound and / or light alarm to remind the user to refill the toner into the powder hopper or replace the developer cartridge.

[0012] A further solution is that, in the axial direction, the first end of the limiting scraper is connected to the first inner end wall of the powder bin, and the second end of the limiting scraper is connected to the second inner end wall of the powder bin.

[0013] As can be seen from the above, the above design can prevent toner from accumulating at the detection end of the detection module, thereby preventing the detection unit from misjudging the remaining toner in the powder bin as sufficient.

[0014] A further solution is that the width of the first gap is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm; the width of the second gap is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0015] As can be seen from the above, the above design ensures that when no toner passes through the first gap or the second gap, or only a small amount of toner passes through the first gap or the second gap, the detection end of the detection module will not be blocked by the toner, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the detection of the detection module; at the same time, it also enables the limit plate to block the excess toner carried by the developing roller or the powder feeding roller, so that the toner falls back to the bottom of the powder bin, which is beneficial to improve the utilization rate of the toner in the powder bin.

[0016] A further solution is that the alarm module includes: a control circuit board, which is electrically connected to the detection module; a sound-emitting component, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board and can control the sound-emitting component to emit sound, and / or a light-emitting component, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board and can control the light-emitting component to emit light.

[0017] As can be seen from the above, the sound-emitting component can emit a specific alarm sound (such as an alarm sound, a buzzer sound, etc.) to directly and significantly remind the user to replenish the toner in the powder bin or replace the developer cartridge in time; the light-emitting component can emit a specific light (such as a light with a high flashing frequency, a light of a specific color, etc.) to directly and significantly remind the user to replenish the toner in the powder bin or replace the developer cartridge.

[0018] A further solution is that the alarm module also includes a reset button and a battery, the reset button is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the battery is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0019] As can be seen from the above, when the user takes out the developer cartridge to refill the powder bin with toner, the reset button can be used to control the alarm module to pause the sound and light alarms, thereby allowing the user to refill the toner device in the powder bin without being disturbed by the sound and light alarms; a battery is provided to independently power the detection unit, so that the detection unit can work independently of the electronic photographic imaging device, thereby making the use of the developer cartridge more convenient and optimizing the mechanical and / or electrical structure of the developer cartridge and the electronic photographic imaging device.

[0020] In order to achieve the first purpose of the present invention, the present invention also provides a developing box, including a developing frame, the developing frame has a powder bin, and carbon powder is stored in the powder bin; wherein the developing box also includes an elastic limiting plate and a detection unit, the elastic limiting plate is arranged in the powder bin, the elastic limiting plate extends along the length direction of the powder bin, and an abutting protrusion is provided on the elastic limiting plate, the detection unit includes a detection switch and an alarm module, the detection switch is arranged in the powder bin, in the working position of the developing box, the detection switch is located on the upper side of the elastic limiting plate, the abutting protrusion extends toward the triggering part of the detection switch, the abutting protrusion can abut or separate from the triggering part, the detection switch is electrically connected to the alarm module, and the alarm module can emit sound and / or light alarms.

[0021] As can be seen from the above, when the remaining toner in the powder hopper is insufficient, due to the loss of toner support, the elastic limit plate moves away from the triggering part of the detection switch under the action of its own weight and the gravity of the abutting protrusion, so that the abutting protrusion is separated from the triggering part of the detection switch, thereby triggering the detection switch; after the detection switch is triggered, it sends a feedback signal to the alarm module, causing the alarm module to sound and / or light an alarm to remind the user to refill the toner into the powder hopper or replace the developer cartridge.

[0022] A further solution is that the detection switch is a touch switch or a micro switch; the alarm module includes: a control circuit board, which is electrically connected to the detection switch; a reset button, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board; a battery, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board; a sound-emitting component, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the control circuit board can control the sound-emitting component to emit sound, and / or a light-emitting component, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the control circuit board can control the light-emitting component to emit light.

[0023] As can be seen from the above, when the user takes out the developer cartridge to refill the powder bin with toner, the reset button can be used to control the alarm module to pause the sound and light alarms, thereby preventing the user from being disturbed by the sound and light alarms when refilling the toner in the powder bin; a battery is provided to independently power the detection unit, so that the detection unit can work independently of the electronic photographic imaging device, thereby making the use of the developer cartridge more convenient and optimizing the mechanical and / or electrical structure of the developer cartridge and the electronic photographic imaging device; the sound-emitting component can emit a specific alarm sound (such as a warning bell, a buzzer, etc.) to directly and significantly remind the user to refill the toner in the powder bin or replace the developer cartridge in time; the light-emitting component can emit a specific light (such as a light with a high flashing frequency, a light of a specific color, etc.) to directly and significantly remind the user to refill the toner in the powder bin or replace the developer cartridge.

[0024] In order to achieve another object of the present invention, the present invention provides a processing box, including a drum box, which also includes the above-mentioned developing box, and the developing box is movably connected to the drum box.

[0025] As can be seen from the above, the processing box provided with the above-mentioned developer box can send out a sound and / or light alarm through the alarm module to remind the user to replenish the toner into the powder bin or replace the developer box when the toner remaining in the powder bin is insufficient. Since the detection unit can warn the user to replenish the toner into the powder bin or replace the developer box before the toner in the powder bin is completely exhausted before the electronic photographic imaging device, the continuity of subsequent printing operations is ensured, and printing interruptions during subsequent printing operations are avoided. Moreover, the user does not need to frequently take the developer box out of the electronic photographic imaging device for observation, thereby improving the user experience.

[0026] In order to achieve another object of the present invention, the present invention provides an electronic photographic imaging device, including a shell, a processing box installation cavity is provided in the shell, wherein the above-mentioned processing box is installed in the processing box installation cavity.

[0027] As can be seen from the above, the electronic photographic imaging device is provided with the above-mentioned processing box, so that when the remaining toner in the powder hopper is insufficient, the developing box sends out a sound and / or light alarm through the alarm module to remind the user to replenish toner into the powder hopper or replace the developing box. Since the detection unit can warn the user to replenish toner into the powder hopper or replace the developing box before the toner in the powder hopper is completely exhausted before the electronic photographic imaging device, the continuity of subsequent printing jobs is ensured, and printing interruptions during subsequent printing jobs are avoided. The user does not need to frequently take the developing box out of the electronic photographic imaging device for observation, thereby improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the developer box of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a partial structural diagram of the second developing box of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a partial structural diagram of the developing box of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the processing box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0034] Figure 7 Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0035] Figure 8 Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0036] Fig. 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of the third embodiment of the processing box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0037] Fig.10 It is a partial structural diagram of the fourth developing box of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0038] Fig.11 It is a structural diagram of the drum box of the first embodiment of the processing box of the present invention with some components omitted.

[0039] Fig.12 It is a schematic structural diagram of the third embodiment of the processing box of the present invention with some components omitted.

[0040] Fig.13 It is a schematic structural diagram of the elastic limiting plate in the first use state after some components are omitted in the fourth embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.14 It is a schematic structural diagram of the elastic limiting plate in the second use state after some components are omitted in the fourth embodiment of the processing box of the present invention.

[0042] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Process cartridge first embodiment

[0044] Reference Figure 1The processing box 100 includes a developing box 1 and a drum box 2. The developing box 1 is movably connected to the drum box 2 so that the developing box 1 and the drum box 2 can move relative to each other in a small range.

[0045] Combination Figures 2 to 4 , Fig.10 The developing box 1 includes a developing frame 11, a developing roller 12, a powder feeding roller 13, a stirring frame 14, a powder discharge knife, a transmission wheel group 15, a first driving force receiving head 16, a limiting scraper 17 and a detection unit 18.

[0046] The developing frame 11 has a powder bin 111, in which toner is stored; preferably, a powder filling port 112 is also provided on the developing frame 11, and the powder filling port 112 is connected to the powder bin 111, so that the user can add toner to the powder bin 111 through the powder filling port 112, so as to extend the service life of the developing cartridge 1 and reduce the user's use cost. The powder filling port 112 is detachably installed with a sealing plug 113, and when there is no need to add toner to the powder bin 111, the sealing plug 113 is installed in the powder filling port 112 to seal the powder filling port 112 to prevent the toner in the powder bin 111 from leaking from the powder filling port 112.

[0047] The developing roller 12 is rotatably mounted on the developing frame 11 around its own axis. The developing roller 12 is located outside the powder bin 111 and at the powder outlet of the powder bin 111 so that the toner in the powder bin 111 can move to the developing roller 12 through the powder outlet.

[0048] The powder feeding roller 13 is rotatably mounted on the developing frame 11 around its own axis. The air supply roller is located in the powder bin 111 , and the powder feeding roller 13 is adjacent to the developing roller 12 . The powder feeding roller 13 is used to better deliver the carbon powder in the powder bin 111 to the developing roller 12 .

[0049] The stirring frame 14 is rotatably mounted on the developing frame 11 around its own rotation axis. The stirring frame 14 is located in the powder bin 111. The stirring frame 14 is used to stir the carbon powder in the powder bin 111 to prevent the carbon powder in the powder bin 111 from solidifying into a block. At the same time, the stirring frame 14 can also transfer the carbon powder in the powder bin 111 to the powder feeding roller 13 and the powder outlet, so that the carbon powder in the powder bin 111 can be better moved toward the developing roller 12.

[0050] The powder knife is mounted on the developing frame 11, and is located at the powder outlet of the powder bin 111. The blade of the powder knife extends into the powder bin 111 and abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 12. The powder knife is used to scrape and evenly spread the thickness of the carbon powder layer on the developing roller 12 to ensure the imaging quality.

[0051] The transmission wheel set 15 is located at the first side wall of the developing frame 11, and the transmission wheel set 15 is respectively connected to the developing roller 12, the powder feeding roller 13 and the stirring frame 14, so that the transmission wheel set 15 can respectively drive the developing roller 12, the powder feeding roller 13 and the stirring frame 14 to rotate. In addition, the transmission wheel set 15 can also be linked with the photosensitive drum 22 of the drum cartridge 2 to drive the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate, so that the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 22 rotate relative to each other.

[0052] The first driving force receiving head 16 is located at the first end wall of the developing frame 11, and the first driving force receiving head 16 can rotate around its own axis; in addition, the first driving force receiving head 16 is linked with the transmission wheel group 15. The first driving force receiving head 16 is used to dock with the first driving head in the electronic photographic imaging device, so that the electronic photographic imaging device can drive the first driving force receiving head 16 to rotate through the first driving head, so that the first driving force receiving head 16 can respectively drive the developing roller 12, the powder feeding roller 13, the stirring frame 14 and the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate through the transmission wheel group 15.

[0053] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the limiting scraper 17 is arranged in the powder bin 111, and the limiting scraper 17 extends along the axial direction of the developing roller 12. In this embodiment, in the working position of the developing box 1 (i.e., the position of the developing box 1 when it is installed in the electronic photographic imaging device), the limiting scraper 17 is located on the upper side of the powder feeding roller 13, and the distance between the limiting scraper 17 and the powder feeding roller 13 is preferably smaller than the distance between the limiting scraper 17 and the developing roller 12; furthermore, the limiting scraper 17 is preferably arranged obliquely toward the powder feeding roller 13; in addition, a second gap D2 is formed between the limiting scraper 17 and the powder feeding roller 13. When the remaining toner in the powder bin 111 is sufficient, the second gap D2 will be filled with toner; when the remaining toner in the powder bin 111 is insufficient, only a small amount of toner (this part of toner can meet the normal printing requirements) passes through the second gap D2 or no toner passes through the second gap D2.

[0054] Preferably, the width of the second gap D2 (i.e., the vertical distance between the limiting scraper 17 and the powder feeding roller 13) is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm; more preferably, the width of the second gap D2 is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. By designing the width of the second gap D2, when only a small amount of carbon powder passes through the second gap D2 or no carbon powder passes through the second gap D2, the detection end of the detection module 181 will not be blocked by carbon powder, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the detection of the detection module 181. In addition, the limiting plate can also block the excess carbon powder carried by the powder feeding roller 13, so that the carbon powder falls back to the bottom of the powder bin 111, which is conducive to improving the utilization rate of the carbon powder in the powder bin 111.

[0055] Combination Figures 7 to 10, the detection unit 18 includes a detection module 181 and an alarm module 182. The detection module 181 is arranged in the powder bin 111 to detect the amount of toner in the second gap D2; the alarm module 182 is installed on the developing frame 11 and is located outside the powder bin 111. The alarm module 182 is electrically connected to the detection module 181 to receive the first feedback signal sent by the detection module 181, and judge whether there is toner in the second gap D2 according to the first feedback signal. When the alarm module 182 judges that there is no toner in the second gap D2 (that is, the toner remaining amount is insufficient, and the judgment of no toner includes two situations: no toner in the second gap D2 and a small amount of toner in the above-mentioned gap), the alarm module 182 can send out sound and / or light alarms to remind the user to replenish toner in the powder bin 111 or replace the developing box 1 in time.

[0056] In this embodiment, the detection module 181 includes a first photoelectric sensor 1811 and a prism 1812, both of which are located in the second gap D2, and the first photoelectric sensor 1811 and the prism 1812 are distributed at both ends of the powder bin 111 in the axial direction of the developing roller 12. Preferably, the first photoelectric sensor 1811 is located at an end of the powder bin 111 away from the transmission wheel group 15, that is, the first photoelectric sensor 1811 is arranged close to the second end wall of the powder bin 111. This design can reduce the influence of the vibration generated by the transmission wheel group 15 and the first driving force receiving head 16 when working on the light beam emitted by the first photoelectric sensor 1811, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the detection module 181, reducing the detection error rate of the detection module 181, and improving the reliability of the detection unit 18.

[0057] The first photoelectric sensor 1811 includes a transmitting end 18111 and a receiving end 18112, and the prism 1812 has a first reflecting surface 18121 and a second reflecting surface 18122. The first reflecting surface 18121 is used to receive the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end 18111, and emit the first light beam to the second reflecting surface 18122; the second reflecting surface 18122 is used to emit the first light beam to the first receiving end 18112. Preferably, the angle between the first reflecting surface 18121 and the axial direction of the developing roller 12 is 45°, and the second reflecting surface 18122 and the first reflecting surface 18121 are arranged in mirror symmetry.

[0058] Preferably, in the axial direction of the developing roller 12, the first end of the limiting scraper 17 is connected to the first inner end wall of the powder bin 111, and the second end of the limiting scraper 17 is connected to the second inner end wall of the powder bin 111. This design can avoid a gap between the limiting scraper 17 and the inner end wall of the powder bin 111, thereby preventing toner from accumulating at the first photoelectric sensor 1811 and / or the prism 1812, and preventing the detection unit 18 from misjudging the remaining toner in the powder bin 111 as sufficient. Of course, as another optional scheme, the first photoelectric sensor 1811 and the prism 1812 can also be installed on the limiting scraper 17 and located in the second gap D2 below the limiting scraper 17, and in the axial direction of the developing roller 12, the first photoelectric sensor 1811 is located at the first end of the limiting scraper 17, and the prism 1812 is located at the second end of the limiting scraper 17, so as to utilize the limiting scraper 17 to prevent toner from falling on the first photoelectric sensor 1811 and / or the prism 1812, thereby avoiding false detection of the detection module 181.

[0059] The alarm module 182 includes a control circuit board 1821, a sound component 1822, a light emitting component 1823, a reset button 1824 and a battery 1825; preferably, in the working position of the developing box 1, the alarm module 182 can be set at the top of the developing frame 11 to facilitate more direct and obvious reminders to the user.

[0060] The control circuit board 1821 is mounted on the developing frame 11 and is electrically connected to the detection module 181. The sounding component 1822, the light emitting component 1823, the reset button 1824 and the battery 1825 are all mounted on the control circuit board 1821 and are electrically connected to the control circuit board 1821. Among them, the sound-emitting component 1822 can preferably adopt a buzzer or a speaker, so that when the control circuit board 1821 determines that the amount of toner remaining in the powder bin 111 detected by the detection module 181 is insufficient, the control circuit board 1821 can control the sound-emitting component 1822 to emit a specific alarm sound (such as an alarm sound, a buzzer sound, etc.) to directly and significantly remind the user that the powder bin 111 needs to be replenished with toner or the developer box 1 needs to be replaced; the sound-emitting component 1822 can preferably adopt a light-emitting diode, so that when the control circuit board 1821 determines that the amount of toner remaining in the powder bin 111 detected by the detection module 181 is insufficient, the control circuit board 1821 can control the sound-emitting component 1822 to emit a specific alarm sound and a specific light (such as a light with a high flashing frequency, a light of a specific color, etc.) to directly and significantly remind the user that the powder bin 111 needs to be replenished with toner or the developer box 1 needs to be replaced.

[0061] The reset button 1824 is set so that when the user takes out the developer cartridge 1, the alarm module 182 can be controlled by the reset button 1824 to stop emitting sound and light alarms, so that the user is not disturbed by the sound and light alarms when replenishing toner to the powder bin 111. For example, when the user presses the reset button 1824, the alarm module 182 can stop emitting sound and / or light alarms within a set time period, so that the user will not be disturbed by the sound and / or light alarms when replenishing toner to the powder bin 111 within the time period, thereby ensuring the user's comfort; after exceeding the above time period, if the remaining toner in the powder bin 111 is still insufficient, the alarm module 182 will re-send the sound and / or light alarm until the toner in the powder bin 111 is sufficient or the reset button 1824 is pressed again.

[0062] The battery 1825 is independently used to power the detection unit 18, so that the detection unit 18 can work independently of the electronic photographic imaging device, thereby making the use of the developing box 1 more convenient and optimizing the mechanical and / or electrical structure of the developing box 1 and the electronic photographic imaging device.

[0063] When there is sufficient toner in the powder bin 111, the toner will pass through the second gap D2, and the receiving end 18112 of the first photoelectric sensor 1811 cannot receive the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end 18111. At this time, the detection unit 18 determines that there is sufficient toner remaining in the current powder bin 111; when there is insufficient toner remaining in the powder bin 111, no toner or only a small amount of toner will pass through the second gap D2, and the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end 18111 of the first photoelectric sensor 1811 will not be blocked by the toner, so that the receiving end 18112 can obtain the first light beam. At this time, the detection unit 18 determines that there is insufficient toner remaining in the current powder bin 111, and the alarm module 182 sends out a sound and / or light alarm to remind the user to replenish toner to the powder bin 111 or replace the developer box 1.

[0064] Combination Fig.11 The drum box 2 includes a drum frame 21, a photosensitive drum 22, a charging roller, a cleaning mechanism and a second driving force receiving head 23. The photosensitive drum 22 is rotatably mounted on the drum frame 21 around its own axis. The drum frame 21 is movably connected to the developing frame 11, so that the drum box 2 and the developing box 1 can move relatively to each other in a small range, so that the driving mechanism of the electronic photographic imaging device can drive the developing box 1 to move relative to the drum box 2 to control the contact or separation of the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 22. Among them. The drum frame 21 preferably has a waste powder bin 211, and the photosensitive drum 22 is located at the entrance of the waste powder bin 211. The waste powder bin 211 is used to recycle and store the waste powder removed from the photosensitive drum 22 by the cleaning mechanism. The charging roller is mounted on the drum frame 21, and the charging roller is used to charge the photosensitive drum 22 so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 carries an electric charge, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of the pattern to be printed.

[0065] Preferably, the drum frame 21 is also provided with a powder discharge port, which is connected to the waste powder bin 211, so that the waste powder in the waste powder bin 211 can be discharged through the powder discharge port. A sealing cover is detachably mounted on the powder discharge port to seal the powder discharge port when the waste powder bin 211 is in a non-waste powder cleaning state, thereby preventing waste powder from leaking from the waste powder bin 211.

[0066] The cleaning mechanism is installed on the drum frame 21, and is used to remove the waste powder remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22, and allow the waste powder to enter the waste powder bin 211 from the entrance of the waste powder bin 211. The cleaning mechanism preferably uses a cleaning scraper, and the blade of the cleaning scraper abuts against the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 22 to scrape the waste powder remaining on the photosensitive drum 22 from the photosensitive drum 22 into the waste powder bin 211 for recovery. Of course, as other optional solutions, the cleaning structure can also be a cleaning brush or other mechanisms or components with cleaning functions.

[0067] The second driving force receiving head 23 is installed on the first side of the drum frame 21, that is, the second driving force joint hand and the first driving force receiving head 16 are located on the first side of the processing box 100, and the second driving force receiving head 23 can rotate around its own axis, and the second driving force receiving head 23 can be linked with the photosensitive drum gear at the first end of the photosensitive drum 22. The second driving force receiving head 23 is used to dock with the second driving head in the electronic photographic imaging device, so that the second driving head can drive the second driving force receiving head 23 to rotate, and then the second driving head drives the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate. When the developing roller 12 is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 22, the photosensitive drum gear is linked with the transmission wheel group 15, so that the first driving force receiving head 16 can receive the drive of the first driving head and drive the photosensitive drum 22 through the transmission wheel group 15 and the photosensitive drum gear to keep rotating in the opposite direction with the developing roller 12. When the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 22 , the second driving force receiving head 23 can receive the drive of the second driving head, thereby driving the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate, so that the cleaning mechanism can remove the waste powder on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 .

[0068] In summary, it can be seen that through the design of the developer box 1, when the toner remaining in the powder bin 111 is insufficient, the detection module 181 will detect that there is no toner or only a small amount of toner passes through the second gap D2, and sends a first feedback signal to the alarm module 182, so that after receiving the first feedback signal, the alarm module 182 determines whether the toner remaining in the powder bin 111 is insufficient, and sends a sound and / or light alarm when the toner remaining in the powder bin 111 is insufficient to remind the user to replenish toner to the powder bin 111 or replace the developer box 1; at the same time, because the detection unit 18 can warn the user to replenish toner to the powder bin 111 or replace the developer box 1 before the toner in the powder bin 111 is completely exhausted before the electronic photographic imaging device, the continuity of subsequent printing operations is guaranteed, and printing interruptions during subsequent printing operations are avoided, and the user does not need to frequently take the developer box 1 out of the electronic photographic imaging device for observation, thereby improving the user experience.

[0069] Processing cartridge second embodiment

[0070] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the process box lies in the structure of the detection module. Specifically, in this embodiment:

[0071] The detection module is a second photoelectric sensor, which includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver are located in the second gap. The transmitter and the receiver are distributed at both ends of the powder bin in the axial direction of the developing roller, and the receiver can receive the second light beam emitted by the transmitter. When the toner in the powder bin is sufficient, the toner will pass through the second gap, and the receiver of the second photoelectric sensor cannot receive the second light beam emitted by the transmitter. At this time, the detection unit determines that the toner remaining in the current powder bin is sufficient; when the toner remaining in the powder bin is insufficient, no toner or only a small amount of toner will pass through the second gap, and the second light beam emitted by the transmitter of the second photoelectric sensor will not be blocked by the toner, so that the receiver can obtain the second light beam. At this time, the detection unit determines that the toner remaining in the current powder bin is insufficient, and the alarm module sends out a sound and / or light alarm to remind the user to add toner to the powder bin or replace the developing box.

[0072] Processing cartridge third embodiment

[0073] Combination Fig.12 The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments lies in the setting position of the limiting scraper 31. Specifically, in this embodiment:

[0074] In the working position of the developing box 3, the setting of forming the second gap between the limiting scraper 31 and the powder feeding roller is cancelled, and the first gap D1 is formed between the limiting scraper 31 and the developing roller 32, and the detection module is arranged in the first gap D1, so that the detection module detects the amount of toner in the first gap D1. Among them, the detection method of the detection module in this embodiment is consistent with the detection method of the detection module in the above embodiments, so it is not repeated again.

[0075] Preferably, the width of the first gap D1 (ie, the vertical distance between the developing roller 32 and the limiting scraper 31) is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. More preferably, the width of the first gap D1 is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0076] In addition, in this embodiment, the powder feeding roller can be provided or not provided. The above design is conducive to the detection unit to detect the remaining carbon powder in the powder bin more intuitively and accurately.

[0077] Process cartridge fourth embodiment

[0078] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the processing box lies in the partial structural design of the detection unit and the partial design of the developing box 4. Fig.12 and Fig.13, only the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the process cartridge are described below:

[0079] This embodiment cancels the setting of the limiting scraper in the first embodiment of the processing box, and cancels the setting of the detection module of the detection unit; at the same time, an elastic limiting plate 41 is used to replace the above-mentioned limiting scraper, and a detection switch 42 (such as a touch switch, a micro switch, etc.) is used to replace the above-mentioned detection module.

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment:

[0081] The elastic limiting plate 41 is arranged in the powder bin 40, and the elastic limiting plate 41 extends along the length direction of the powder bin 40 (i.e. the axial direction of the developing roller), and the elastic limiting plate 41 can be elastically deformed. The elastic limiting plate 41 is provided with a contact protrusion 411, and in the working position of the developing box 4, the contact protrusion 411 is located on the upper side of the elastic limiting plate 41 body, and the detection switch 42 is located on the upper side of the elastic limiting plate 41; the contact protrusion 411 extends toward the triggering part 421 of the detection switch 42, and the contact protrusion 411 can contact or separate from the triggering part 421. The detection switch 42 is electrically connected to the control circuit board of the alarm module.

[0082] When the toner 43 in the powder bin 40 is sufficient, the toner 43 in the powder bin 40 will support the elastic limiting plate 41, so that the elastic limiting plate 41 does not deform toward the bottom of the powder bin 40; at this time, the abutting protrusion 411 on the elastic limiting plate 41 abuts against the triggering part 421 of the detection switch 42, so that the triggering part 421 is in a disconnected state. When the toner 43 in the powder bin 40 is insufficient, due to the loss of the support of the toner 43, the elastic limiting plate 41 moves away from the triggering part 421 of the detection switch 42 under the action of its own weight and the gravity of the abutting protrusion 411, so that the abutting protrusion 411 is separated from the triggering part 421 of the detection switch 42, and then the triggering part 421 is in a conducting state, and the detection switch 42 is triggered; after the detection switch 42 is triggered, it sends a second feedback signal to the alarm module, so that the alarm module sounds and / or lights an alarm to remind the user to add toner 43 to the powder bin 40 or replace the developer box 4. Preferably, at this time, the toner 43 in the toner bin 40 is not completely consumed, and the remaining toner 43 can still support the electronic photographic forming device to perform a small amount of printing operations to ensure that the printing operations can proceed normally.

[0083] Since the detection unit can alert the user to replenish the toner 43 to the powder bin 40 or replace the developer box 4 before the toner 43 in the powder bin 40 is completely exhausted, the continuity of subsequent printing operations is ensured, and printing interruptions during subsequent printing operations are avoided. The user does not need to frequently take the developer box 4 out of the electronic photographic imaging device for observation, thereby improving the user experience.

[0084] Process cartridge fifth embodiment

[0085] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that, in this embodiment:

[0086] A chip is provided on the drum box or the developing box, and the chip is used to connect with the electric contact pins in the electronic photographic imaging device so that the electronic photographic imaging device communicates with the chip, thereby obtaining relevant information of the processing box through the chip.

[0087] The chip is also electrically connected to the alarm module. Preferably, the control circuit board of the alarm module is also provided with a first interface, and the chip is provided with a second interface, and the first interface and the second interface are connected through a cable with a third interface; for example, the first interface is connected to the third interface at the first end of the cable, and the second interface is connected to the third interface at the second end of the cable. Although this design will increase the complexity of the mechanical structure and / or electrical structure of the processing box to a certain extent; however, the design enables the electronic photographic imaging device to obtain the current toner remaining amount of the powder bin of the developing box through the chip, so that when the client controlling the electronic photographic imaging device is far away from the electronic photographic imaging device, the user can directly check on the client whether the current toner remaining amount of the powder bin has reached the warning value, so that the user deliberately moves to the electronic photographic imaging device or near it to check, making it more convenient and quick to check the current toner remaining amount of the powder bin.

[0088] For example, the remaining detection unit can communicate with the chip via a cable, and the chip can communicate with the electronic photographic imaging device, so that the user can also obtain the remaining information of the toner in the powder bin in real time through the client [such as a computer, a smart mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart wearable device, etc.)]. For example, the user can directly check through the client whether the current toner remaining in the powder bin has reached the warning value. In addition, when the electronic photographic imaging device is far away from the client and the alarm of the alarm module cannot give the user a timely warning, the alarm module can promptly remind the user through the chip, the electronic photographic imaging device and the client. The client's reminder to the user includes but is not limited to pop-up information reminders on the client's display screen.

[0089] First embodiment of the working method of the developing box

[0090] The working method of the developing box provided in this embodiment can be applied to the processing box described in any one of the first embodiment to the third embodiment and the fifth embodiment of the processing box, and is specifically applied to the developing box of the processing box. The working method of the developing box includes:

[0091] When the detection module detects that there is no carbon powder, the detection module sends a first feedback signal to the alarm module. The alarm module calculates the duration of the obtained first feedback signal and determines whether the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration. If so, the alarm module issues a sound and / or light alarm.

[0092] Specifically, when there is sufficient carbon powder in the powder bin, the gap (such as the first gap or the second gap) is filled with carbon powder. At this time, the detection end of the detection module detects that there is carbon powder in the gap (such as the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end of the first photoelectric sensor in the first embodiment is blocked by carbon powder, resulting in the first photoelectric sensor The receiving end cannot receive the first light beam; for example, the second light beam emitted by the transmitter of the second photoelectric sensor in the second embodiment is blocked by carbon powder, resulting in the second photoelectric sensor The receiver cannot receive the second light beam). Therefore, the detection module sends a third feedback signal to the alarm module, so that the alarm module does not issue a sound and / or light alarm after obtaining the third feedback signal.

[0093] When the remaining carbon powder in the powder bin is insufficient, there is only a small amount of carbon powder or no carbon powder in the gap. At this time, the detection end of the detection module detects that the amount of carbon powder in the gap is insufficient (for example, the carbon powder cannot block the first light beam emitted by the transmitting end of the first photoelectric sensor in the first embodiment, so that the receiving end of the first photoelectric sensor receives the first light beam; for example, the carbon powder cannot block the second light beam emitted by the transmitter of the second photoelectric sensor in the second embodiment, so that the receiver of the second photoelectric sensor receives the second light beam). Therefore, the detection module sends a first feedback signal to the alarm module, so that the alarm module issues a sound and / or light alarm after obtaining the first feedback signal.

[0094] Preferably, after the control circuit board of the alarm module obtains the first feedback signal, the built-in timer of the control circuit board is timely executed. When the duration of the first feedback signal (if the remaining carbon powder in the powder bin is insufficient, the receiving end of the first photoelectric sensor can continuously and continuously receive the first light beam; similarly, the receiver of the second photoelectric sensor can continuously and continuously receive the second light beam) is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold, the control circuit board controls the sound component and / or the light-emitting component to alarm. For example, when the duration of the first feedback signal received by the control circuit board is greater than or equal to 1 second (or other duration, such as 2 seconds, 2.5 seconds or 4 seconds, etc.), the control circuit board controls the sound component and / or the light-emitting component to alarm; if the first feedback signal received by the control circuit board is less than the preset time threshold and an interruption occurs (such as an interruption occurs after the first feedback signal lasts for 0.5 seconds), the control circuit board restarts the timing when the first feedback signal is received again. This design can effectively avoid the situation where there is sufficient toner remaining in the powder bin, but the toner fails to flow in time, resulting in the receiving end of the first photoelectric sensor temporarily not receiving the first light beam or the receiver of the second photoelectric sensor temporarily not receiving the second light beam, causing the alarm device to be mistakenly triggered, thereby ensuring the reliability of detection and alarm of the detection unit.

[0095] Second embodiment of the working method of the developing box

[0096] The working method of the developing box provided in this embodiment can be applied to the processing box described in the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment of the processing box, and is specifically applied to the developing box of the processing box. The working method of the developing box includes:

[0097] When there is sufficient carbon powder remaining in the powder bin, the carbon powder supports the elastic limit plate, so that the abutment protrusion abuts against the trigger part; when the carbon powder in the powder bin is less than the set amount, the carbon powder releases its support for the elastic limit plate, and the abutment protrusion forces the elastic limit plate to elastically deform away from the trigger part, so that the trigger part is separated from the abutment protrusion and triggers the detection switch. After the detection switch is triggered, a second feedback signal is sent to the alarm module, causing the alarm module to emit a sound and / or light alarm.

[0098] It can be seen that when the remaining toner in the powder hopper is insufficient, due to the loss of toner support, the elastic limit plate moves back to the trigger part of the detection switch under the action of its own weight and the gravity of the abutment protrusion, so that the abutment protrusion is separated from the trigger part of the detection switch, thereby triggering the detection switch; after the detection switch is triggered, it sends a second feedback signal to the alarm module, causing the alarm module to sound and / or light an alarm to remind the user to replenish toner to the powder hopper or replace the developer cartridge.

[0099] Electrophotographic imaging device embodiment

[0100] The electronic photographic imaging device comprises a housing and a processing box, wherein the processing box is the processing box described in any one of the first to fifth embodiments of the processing box. A processing box installation cavity is provided in the housing, and the processing box is installed in the processing box installation cavity.

[0101] The electronic photographic imaging device is provided with the above-mentioned processing box, so that when the remaining toner in the powder bin is insufficient, the developer box sends out a sound and / or light alarm through the alarm module to remind the user to replenish toner to the powder bin or replace the developer box. Since the detection unit can warn the user to replenish toner to the powder bin or replace the developer box before the toner in the powder bin is completely exhausted before the electronic photographic imaging device, the continuity of subsequent printing operations is ensured, and printing interruptions during subsequent printing operations are avoided. The user does not need to frequently take the developer box out of the electronic photographic imaging device for observation, thereby improving the user experience.

[0102] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing box, comprising: A developing frame, wherein the developing frame has a powder bin, and the powder bin stores carbon powder; A developing roller, the developing roller is rotatably mounted on the developing frame around its own axis, and the developing roller is located at the powder outlet of the powder bin; Features: The developing box further comprises a limit scraper and a detection unit, wherein the limit scraper is arranged in the powder bin and extends along the axial direction of the developing roller, and the detection unit comprises a detection module and an alarm module, wherein the detection module is arranged in the powder bin, the detection module and the alarm module are electrically connected, and the alarm module can emit an audible and / or optical alarm; In the working position of the developing box, the limiting scraper is located above the developing roller and is arranged obliquely toward the developing roller, a first gap is formed between the limiting scraper and the developing roller, and the detection module is used to detect the amount of toner in the first gap, or The developing box also includes a powder feeding roller, which is rotatably mounted on the developing frame around its own axis. The powder feeding roller is located in the powder bin and adjacent to the developing roller. In the working position, the limiting scraper is inclined to the upper side of the powder feeding roller and is arranged obliquely to the powder feeding roller. A second gap is formed between the limiting scraper and the powder feeding roller, and the detection module is used to detect the amount of carbon powder in the second gap.

2. The developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The detection module includes a first photoelectric sensor and a prism, the first photoelectric sensor and the prism are both located in the first gap or the second gap, the first photoelectric sensor and the prism are distributed at both ends of the powder bin in the axial direction, the first photoelectric sensor includes a transmitting end and a receiving end, the prism has a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, the first reflecting surface can receive a first light beam emitted by the transmitting end and reflect it to the second reflecting surface, and the second reflecting surface can reflect the first light beam to the receiving end; or The detection module is a second photoelectric sensor, which includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver are both located in the first gap or the second gap. The transmitter and the receiver are distributed at both ends of the powder bin in the axial direction, and the receiver can receive the second light beam emitted by the transmitter.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the axial direction, the first end of the limiting scraper is connected to the first inner end wall of the powder bin, and the second end of the limiting scraper is connected to the second inner end wall of the powder bin.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The width of the first gap is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm; The width of the second gap is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

5. The developer cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The alarm module comprises: A control circuit board, the control circuit board is electrically connected to the detection module; A sound-generating component, the sound-generating component is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the control circuit board can control the sound-generating component to emit sound, and / or A light-emitting component is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the control circuit board can control the light-emitting component to emit light.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The alarm module also includes: A reset button, the reset button being electrically connected to the control circuit board; A battery is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

7. A developing box, comprising a developing frame, wherein the developing frame has a powder bin, and the powder bin stores toner; It is characterized in that The developing box also includes: An elastic limiting plate, the elastic limiting plate is arranged in the powder bin, the elastic limiting plate extends along the length direction of the powder bin, and an abutting protrusion is arranged on the elastic limiting plate; The detection unit includes a detection switch and an alarm module, the detection switch is arranged in the powder bin, and in the working position of the developer box, the detection switch is located on the upper side of the elastic limiting plate, the abutment protrusion extends toward the trigger part of the detection switch, the abutment protrusion can abut or separate from the trigger part, the detection switch is electrically connected to the alarm module, and the alarm module can emit sound and / or light alarms.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The detection switch is a touch switch or a micro switch; The alarm module comprises: A control circuit board, wherein the control circuit board is electrically connected to the detection switch; A reset button, the reset button being electrically connected to the control circuit board; A battery, the battery being electrically connected to the control circuit board; A sound-generating component, the sound-generating component is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the control circuit board can control the sound-generating component to emit sound, and / or A light-emitting component is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the control circuit board can control the light-emitting component to emit light.

9. A process cartridge, including a drum cartridge, characterized in that It also includes a developing box as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the developing box is movably connected to the drum box.

10. An electronic photographic imaging device, comprising a housing, wherein a process cartridge installation cavity is provided in the housing, wherein: The process cartridge as claimed in claim 9 is installed in the process cartridge installation cavity.

Images