Developing member and developing cartridge

Abstract

The utility model relates to a developing part suitable for a developing box comprising a shell and a powder feeding part, the developing box is suitable for imaging equipment provided with an electric output part, the developing part and the powder feeding part are both rotatably arranged in the shell, the developing box further comprises an electric receiving part used for being electrically connected with the electric output part, and a developing agent is accommodated in the shell; the developing part comprises a developing part shaft and a developing layer, the outer surface of the developing layer is used for bearing a developing agent, the developing layer is located on the radial outer side of the developing part shaft, and the outer surface of the developing layer is electrically connected with the electric receiving part through the conductive part. The potential of the outer surface of the developing part is not easy to change, so that the stable imaging quality of the developing box is ensured.

Description

[0001] This utility model claims the priority of the prior application filed by the present applicant with the China Patent Office on April 14, 2023, with the invention name “Developing Box” and application number 202320846401.3, and the prior application filed by the present applicant with the China Patent Office on October 21, 2023, with the invention name “Developing Part and Development Box” and application number 202322840800.1, the contents of which are cross-referenced in this application.

[0002] The utility model is a divisional application of the utility model with the invention name of “Developing Component and Development Box” and application number 202322865779.0 submitted by the present applicant to the China Patent Office on October 24, 2023. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to the field of electronic photographic imaging, in particular to a developing box detachably installed in an electronic photographic imaging device and a developing component located in the developing box. Background Art

[0004] Generally, a developing box is rotatably provided with a developing member for supplying developer to a photosensitive member outside the developing box, and the developing member includes a developing member shaft made of metal and a developing layer covering the outside of the developing member shaft. After the developing box is installed to a predetermined position of the imaging device, the developing member shaft is electrically connected to the imaging device through a conductive member. When the developing box is developing, the imaging device supplies power to the developing member shaft, and generates an electric field force between the developing member and the photosensitive member, so that the developer located on the surface of the developing layer reaches the surface of the photosensitive member.

[0005] The developing layer is made of conductive rubber. Along the radial direction of the developing member, the developing layer has a certain thickness. The current supplied to the developing member shaft by the imaging device needs to flow through the conductive rubber between the developing member shaft and the developing layer surface to reach the outer surface of the developing layer. The conductive rubber itself has a certain resistance. Not only do conductive rubbers of different materials have different resistances, but even the same conductive rubber will change its resistance value under different environments. It can be seen that the conductivity of the existing developing member is easily affected by the change in the electrical properties of the internal material of the developing member, which causes the potential of the outer surface of the developing member to change, thereby affecting the imaging quality of the developing box. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the utility model provides a developing member and a developing box adopting the following technical solution, which solves at least one of the above technical problems by changing the way in which the developing member receives electrical energy. The specific solution is as follows:

[0007] A developing part is suitable for a developing box including a shell and a powder feeding part. The developing box is suitable for an imaging device provided with an electric output part. The developing part and the powder feeding part are both rotatably arranged in the shell. The developing box also includes an electric receiving part for being electrically connected to the electric output part. The shell contains a developer. The developing part includes a developing part shaft and a developing layer. The outer surface of the developing layer is used to carry the developer. The developing layer is located radially outside the developing part shaft. The outer surface of the developing layer is electrically connected to the electric receiving part through a conductive part.

[0008] In some embodiments, the developing member shaft is made of a non-conductive material.

[0009] In some embodiments, a portion of the developing layer other than the outer surface is made of a non-conductive material.

[0010] In some embodiments, neither the electric receiving member nor the conductive member contacts the developing member shaft.

[0011] The developing box provided by the utility model comprises a shell and the developing component as described above, wherein the developing component is rotatably arranged in the shell.

[0012] In some embodiments, the developing box also includes a driving force receiving member for receiving a driving force from the imaging device, and the developing member is driven by the driving force receiving member to rotate around a rotation axis. Along the extension direction of the rotation axis, at least a portion of the electric receiving member and the driving force receiving member are respectively located on both sides of the shell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the developing box also includes a detecting member arranged on the same side as the electric receiving member, a groove recessed from the outer surface of the shell, and a driving force transmitting member movably arranged in the groove, and the driving force transmitting member is used to transmit the driving force of the driving force receiving member to the detecting member, so that the detecting member interacts with the detected member in the imaging device to realize the detection of the developing box.

[0014] In some embodiments, the conductive member is a sealing component that forms a seal between the developing member and the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sealing assembly contacts at least the development area of ​​the outer surface of the development layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sealing assembly includes a sealing member attached to the housing and a wear-resistant member at least partially overlapping the sealing member, and the sealing member is in electrical contact with the outer surface of the developing layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the developing box further includes a powder knife for adjusting the thickness of the developer on the outer surface of the developing layer, and the conductive member is the powder knife.

[0018] In some embodiments, the powder outlet knife includes a knife holder and a blade supported by the knife holder, the blade contacts the outer surface of the developing layer, the knife holder includes a first part and a second part connected to each other, the blade is fixedly mounted on the second part, and the developing box also includes a first fixing member connecting the first part and the shell.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electrical receiver is in contact with the first portion or the second portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the powder discharging knife includes a knife holder and a blade supported by the knife holder, the blade contacts the outer surface of the developing layer, and the knife holder is fixed on the shell; at least the blade is made of a conductive material, and the electrical receiver contacts the blade.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electric receiver includes a main body, a first contact portion connected to the main body, and an electric receiving portion, the electric receiver is installed through the main body, the first contact portion is used to electrically connect to the conductive member, and the electric receiving portion is used to electrically connect to the electric output member.

[0022] In some embodiments, the developing box further comprises a bracket for supporting the developing member shaft, and the electric receiving member is the bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the developing box involved in the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the developing box involved in the second embodiment of the utility model after the developing component is hidden.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the decomposition of some components of the developing box involved in the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded view of some components of the developing box involved in the fourth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 5A It is a three-dimensional diagram of the developing component involved in the fifth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 5B It is an exploded view of the developing component involved in the fifth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 5C It is a side view when observed along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the developing component involved in Example 5 of the utility model.

[0030] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5C Section view taken along the AA direction.

[0031] Figure 7This is an exploded view of the developing component involved in Example 9 of the utility model, after the developing component shaft and the insulating component are separated.

[0032] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the developing member shaft and the insulating member after being separated in a modified implementation manner of Example 9 of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The embodiments of the present utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Embodiment 1

[0035] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a developing box involved in the first embodiment of the present utility model. Firstly, the overall structure of the developing box involved in the present utility model is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The developing box 100 includes a housing 1, a rotating member 2 rotatably disposed in the housing 1, a driving force receiving member 10 (such as Figure 3 As shown) and the detecting member 6, when the developing box 100 is detachably mounted to the imaging device, when the developing box 100 starts to develop, the driving force receiving member 10 can receive the driving force from the imaging device to drive the rotating member 2 and the detecting member 6 to work. Specifically, the rotating member 2 rotates around its own rotation axis, and the detecting member 6 is used to interact with the detected member in the imaging device to realize the detection of the developing box 100, so that the imaging device can obtain the corresponding parameter information of the developing box 100, such as the model and service life of the developing box 100. After the interaction between the detecting member 6 and the detected member is completed, the developing box 100 is detected. In the subsequent imaging process of the developing box 100, the detecting member 6 no longer interacts with the detected member.

[0037] The developer required for developing the developing cartridge 100 is accommodated in a developer accommodating chamber (not shown) formed in the housing 1. The rotating member 2 includes a developing member 21 for carrying the developer and supplying the developer to the outside of the developing cartridge 100. In some embodiments, the rotating member 2 also includes a powder feeding member 22 adjacent to and in contact with the developing member 21, and the powder feeding member 22 is used to transport the developer toward the developing member 21. As shown in the figure, the developing member 21 includes a developing member shaft 212 and a developing layer 211 located radially outside the developing member shaft 212, and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 is the outer surface of the developing member 21. The powder feeding member 22 includes a powder feeding member shaft 222 and a powder feeding layer 221 located radially outside the powder feeding member shaft 222 (such as Figure 2As shown, the developing member 21 can rotate around the first rotation axis L1, and the powder feeding member 22 can rotate around the second rotation axis L2. In the inventive concept of this embodiment, the material of the developing member shaft 212 and the powder feeding member shaft 222 is not limited, and both can be made of conductive materials or non-conductive materials. Generally, the developing layer is an elastomer made of conductive material, and the developing layer has a certain resistance value, preferably 0-0.3MΩ.

[0038] After being driven, the detecting member 6 moves the detected member by contacting with the detected member. It is achievable that the part of the detecting member 6 that is used to contact with the detected member can be rotated or translated, as long as the movement process / trajectory of the detected member meets the preset detection requirements of the imaging device; optionally, the detecting member 6 and the driving force receiving member 10 can be arranged on the same side of the developing box 100, or on both sides of the developing box 100 respectively. When the detecting member 6 and the driving force receiving member 10 are respectively located on both sides of the developing box 100, the driving force of the driving force receiving member 10 is transmitted through The driving force transmission member (another rotating member) rotatably arranged in the shell is transmitted to the detection member 6. As shown in the figure, the shell 1 is provided with a groove 13 which is recessed from its outer surface toward the developer accommodating chamber. The driving force transmission member is movably arranged in the groove 13. Specifically, the driving force transmission member can both rotate and translate in the groove. The driving force transmission member is not arranged in the developer accommodating chamber, which can not only realize the rapid installation and disassembly of the driving force transmission member, but also prevent the driving force transmission member from being subjected to the resistance of the developer during rotation, thereby causing the unfavorable situation of delayed and inefficient driving force transmission.

[0039] Furthermore, the developer box 100 also includes a handle 11 connected to the shell 1, a bracket 12 for at least supporting the developer 21, and a powder discharge knife 4. The user can install and disassemble the developer box 100 by grasping the handle 11. The developer shaft 212 is supported by the bracket 12 so that the developer 21 can rotate. The bracket 12 and the shell 1 can be formed integrally or separately. When the bracket 12 and the shell 1 are formed separately, the bracket 12 is fixedly connected to the shell 1 through the second fixing member 102; the powder discharge knife 4 includes a knife holder 41 and a blade 42 supported by the knife holder. The knife holder 41 is fixed to the shell 1 through the first fixing member 101. The blade 42 contacts the outer surface of the developing layer 211 to adjust the thickness of the developer carried by the developing layer 211. The developer can also obtain electric charge through friction while passing through the contact position between the blade 42 and the developing layer 211.

[0040] The knife holder 41 includes a first part 411 and a second part 412 connected to each other, and the blade 42 is fixedly mounted on the second part 412. An angle of no more than 90° is formed between the first part 411 and the second part 412. The first fixing member 101 connects the first part 411 and the housing 1. The first fixing member 101 can be a coupling member (such as a buckle or a magnetic member) arranged on the powder discharge knife 4, or an adhesive coated between the powder discharge knife 4 and the housing 1, or a screw passing through the powder discharge knife 4, such as Figure 3 As shown, a screw hole 43 is provided on the first part 411 , and the screw 101 passes through the screw hole 43 to fix the powder discharging knife on the housing 1 .

[0041] When the first fixing member 101 is not arranged on the second part 412, not only can the structure of the first fixing member 101 have a greater degree of design freedom, but when the first fixing member 101 fixes the powder knife 4 and the shell 1 together, the influence on the blade 42 can also be reduced. For example, the first fixing member 101 applies a force to the first part 411 on both sides of the length direction of the powder knife 4, and this force may cause the middle part of the first part 411 to deform and arch. At this time, the influence on the second part 412 can be effectively reduced, and accordingly, the influence on the blade 42 can also be reduced.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first part 411 may also be omitted, in which case the powder knife 4 is fixedly connected to the housing 1 via the second part 412 .

[0043] In the following, in order to more clearly describe the embodiments of the utility model, the developing member 21 and the direction in which the rotation axis L1 extends, the powder feeding member 22 and the direction in which the rotation axis L2 extends are defined as a first direction, and the direction intersecting the first direction is defined as a second direction. Along the second direction, the developing member 21 and the handle 11 are respectively located on both sides of the housing 1, and the powder discharge knife 4 is located between the developing member 21 and the handle 11. Along the first direction, the side where the driving force receiving member 10 is located is the driving side F, and the side opposite to the driving side is the non-driving side NF.

[0044] When the developing box 100 is developing, the outer surface is formed with adjacent developing areas S1 and non-developing areas S2 along a first direction, and the developing area S1 is used to carry the developer, and the area outside the developing area S1 is the non-developing area S2. Therefore, the developing area S1 is formed as one, and the non-developing area S2 can be formed as one or two. When the non-developing area S2 is formed as two, the developing area S1 is located between the two non-developing areas S2.

[0045] Furthermore, the developer box 100 also includes a seal 3 in contact with the outer surface of the developing layer 211 and an electric receiving element 5 for electrically connecting to the imaging device. Along the second direction, a portion of the seal 3 is farther away from the handle 11 / powder knife 4 than the developing element 21, and is used to prevent the developer from leaking from between the developing element 21 and the shell 1. Preferably, the seal 3 is a sheet body extending along the first direction, so that when one end of the seal 3 is fixed to the shell 1, the other end of the seal 3 can maintain good contact with the outer surface of the developing element 21.

[0046] The electric receiving member 5 is in direct or indirect electrical contact with at least the developing member 21, so that the electric receiving member 5 is used to supply the electric energy output by the imaging device to the developing member 21; according to design requirements, along the first direction, at least the electric receiving portion 53 in the electric receiving member 5 can be arranged on at least one of the driving side F and the non-driving side NF. When the electric receiving member 5 is arranged on the driving side F, the size of the developing box 100 in the first direction can be reduced, but the driving force receiving member 10 will cause the vibration generated on the driving side F to be greater than that on the non-driving side NF after receiving the driving force. For this reason, it can be considered to increase the area of ​​electrical contact between the electric receiving member 5 and the imaging device, or to set the electric receiving member 5 to have elasticity and other solutions. When the electric receiving member 5 is arranged on the non-driving side NF, the electric receiving member 5 can receive electric energy more stably.

[0047] In some embodiments, after the electric receiving element 5 receives electric energy from the imaging device on the driving side F or the non-driving side NF, it can also transfer the electric energy to the non-driving side NF or the driving side F through a conductive element extending in a first direction and connected to the electric receiving element 5. The conductive element is in direct or indirect electrical contact with the developing element 21 on the non-driving side NF or the driving side F. This design can reduce the structural complexity of the side where the electric receiving element 5 is located.

[0048] The following description will be made by taking an example in which the bracket 12 and the housing 1 are formed separately, the two are fixedly connected by the second fixing member 102, and the electric receiving member 5 is arranged on the non-driving side NF.

[0049] Similar to the first fixing member 101 , the second fixing member 102 may also have multiple options. The figure shows an embodiment in which the second fixing member 102 is a screw.

[0050] In the present invention, no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21. In one embodiment, the electric receiver 5 is not electrically connected to the developing member shaft 212. Specifically, the electric receiver 5 is not in contact with the developing member shaft 212. The sealing member 3 is made of a conductive material. The electric receiver 5 is electrically connected to the sealing member 3. The electric energy received by the electric receiver 5 from the imaging device does not need to pass through the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 to reach the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211, but can be directly supplied to the outer surface of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 through the sealing member 3. This design can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0051] First, since the electric energy received by the electric receiving member 5 does not need to pass through the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211, the electric energy loss transmitted to the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 will be greatly reduced, that is, the power supply efficiency will be effectively improved.

[0052] Secondly, when the environment in which the developer box 100 is located changes or is in a harsh environment, even if the electrical characteristics of the outer surface of the developer 21 / developer layer 211 change, the charge of the developer located on the outer surface 214 of the developer 21 / developer layer 211 will not change easily, and the electric field force between the developer 21 and the photosensitive member will not change easily, and the imaging quality of the developer box 100 can remain stable.

[0053] On the third aspect, along the first direction, the sealing member 3 contacts at least the developing area S1 of the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211, so that the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 can obtain uniform electrical energy, which is beneficial to ensure the stability of the developing quality of the developing box 100, and the size of the developing area S1 in the first direction does not exceed the size of the developing layer 211 in the first direction.

[0054] In the fourth aspect, as described in the first aspect, the developer shaft 212 does not need to be made of a conductive material, and the developer layer 211 other than the outer surface 214 does not need to be made of a conductive material, and the overall material cost of the developer 21 can be greatly reduced.

[0055] Fifthly, the electric receiver 5 is no longer in contact with the developing shaft 212. When the developing box is developing, even if the developing shaft rotates continuously, no spark discharge will be generated between the electric receiver 5 and the developing shaft 212, and other parts of the developing box will not be damaged by the spark.

[0056] Continue as Figure 1 As shown, the electric receiving member 5 is made of a conductive material. Preferably, the electric receiving member 5 is formed by bending a conductive steel sheet. Figure 2As shown, the electric receiving member 5 includes a main body 51, a first contact portion 52 connected to the main body 51, and an electric receiving portion 53. The electric receiving member 5 can be installed on the housing 1 or the bracket 12. The electric receiving portion 53 is exposed from the bracket 12 and is used to contact the electric output member of the imaging device to form an electrical connection. The first contact portion 52 is used to contact the sealing member 3. In this way, the electric energy output by the electric output member can be transmitted to the sealing member 3 through the electric receiving portion 53, the main body 51, and the first contact portion 52, and then transmitted by the sealing member 3 to the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211; in some embodiments, the electric receiving portion 53 may not be exposed from the bracket 12, but may be directly arranged on the outside of the bracket 12, as long as it can form an electrical connection with the electric output member.

[0057] Furthermore, the electric receiving part 5 can also be provided with a second contact part 54 electrically connected to the powder feeding part shaft 222, and the electric energy received by the electric receiving part 53 can also be transmitted to the powder feeding part 22 through the second contact part 54, wherein the second contact part 54 is preferably in direct contact with the powder feeding part shaft 222.

[0058] It is understandable that even if the electrical receiver 5 is not provided with the second contact portion 54 (such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown), the powder feeding member 22 can also obtain electrical energy by directly contacting the outer surface of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211.

[0059] Embodiment 2

[0060] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the developing box involved in the second embodiment of the utility model after the developing component is hidden.

[0061] Based on the first embodiment, the present embodiment further includes a wear-resistant part 7 attached to the side of the seal 3 facing the developing part 21. Preferably, the wear-resistant part 7 is a sheet made of a non-conductive material, and its material cost can be reduced. Optionally, the wear-resistant part 7 can also be made of a conductive material.

[0062] When the developer box 100 is assembled, the outer surface 214 of the developer 21 / developer layer 211 contacts the wear-resistant part 7. When the wear-resistant part 7 is made of a non-conductive material, the outer surface 214 of the developer 21 / developer layer 211 also contacts the sealing part 3, so that the electric energy received by the electric receiving part 5 can still be transmitted to the outer surface 214 of the developer 21 / developer layer 211 through the sealing part 3.

[0063] It is achievable, for example, that along the first direction, the wear-resistant part 7 contacts the developing area S1, and the sealing part 3 contacts the area outside the developing area (non-developing area S2) of the outer surface of the developing part 21 / developing layer 211. This scheme still has the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned first, second, fourth and fifth aspects.

[0064] Embodiment 3

[0065] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the decomposition of some components of the developing box involved in the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0066] As described in the second embodiment, the wear-resistant part 7 is attached to the seal 3 used to transfer electrical energy to the developing part 21. By reducing the contact area between the outer surface 214 of the developing part 21 / developing layer 211 and the seal 3, the purpose of reducing the wear of the seal 3 is achieved. Based on this inventive concept, this embodiment makes the following further improvements.

[0067] Along the second direction, a portion of the sealing member 3 close to the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 is removed, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sealing member 3 includes a fixing portion 31 extending along a first direction and a transmission portion 32 connected to the fixing portion 31. Along the first direction, only one transmission portion 32 may be provided, or a plurality of transmission portions 32 may be provided at intervals. Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows two transmission parts 32 spaced apart in the first direction, a vacancy 33 is formed between the two transmission parts 32 , and a portion of the sealing member 3 corresponding to the vacancy 33 is removed.

[0068] Along the first direction, the size of the wear-resistant part 7 is not less than the size between the two transfer parts 32, so that the two ends of the wear-resistant part 7 in the first direction can be attached to the transfer part 32, and one end of the wear-resistant part 7 in the second direction can be attached to the fixing part 31. Finally, the wear-resistant part 7 and the seal 3 together constitute at least a part of a sealing component that can be sealed between the developer 21 and the shell 1; in this embodiment, the attachment position of the wear-resistant part 7 on the seal 3 should not be limited, that is, the wear-resistant part 7 can be attached to the side of the seal 3 facing the developer 21, and can also be attached to the side of the seal 3 facing the shell 1 (backwards from the developer 21). The wear-resistant part 7 can also be directly attached to the shell 1, as long as the wear-resistant part 7 can seal the corresponding part of the developer 21. Preferably, at least a part of the wear-resistant part 7 overlaps with the seal 3.

[0069] When the sealing assembly is installed, the wear-resistant part 7 and the transfer part 32 are in contact with the outer surface of the developing part 21 / developing layer 211, and the electric energy received by the electric receiving part 5 is transferred to the outer surface 214 of the developing part 21 / developing layer 211 through the transfer part 32, and the wear-resistant part 7 will play the main sealing role, but the sealing part 3 can still seal the developing part 21 at both ends of the wear-resistant part 7 in the first direction.

[0070] As described in the second embodiment, the wear-resistant part 7 may also be made of a conductive material. In this case, the sealing assembly will simultaneously have the beneficial effects of the first aspect to the fifth aspect described in the first embodiment.

[0071] Embodiment 4

[0072] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded view of some components of the developing box involved in the fourth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0073] Different from the above-mentioned embodiment, in this embodiment, the electric receiving element 5 contacts with the powder discharge knife 4 so that the electric energy is supplied to the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211 through the powder discharge knife 4. Based on this technical idea, in the powder discharge knife 4, at least the blade 42 is made of a conductive material, and the electric receiving element 5 contacts with the blade 42.

[0074] Similar to the sealing member 3 in the first embodiment, the blade 42 is in contact with at least the developing area S1 of the developing member 21, and the first contact portion 52 of the electric receiving member 5 is in contact with the blade 42. Thus, the electric energy received by the electric receiving member 5 can be transmitted to the blade 42 through the first contact portion 52, and then directly supplied by the blade 42 to the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211. Therefore, the developing box 100 in this embodiment can also obtain the beneficial effects of the first aspect to the fifth aspect described in the first embodiment.

[0075] In a possible embodiment, among the first part 411 and the second part 412 of the tool holder 41, at least the second part 412 is made of a conductive material, and the first contact portion 52 is electrically connected to the second part 412. When the first part 411 is also made of a conductive material, the first contact portion 52 can also be electrically connected to the first part 411.

[0076] It should be noted that the developer can also obtain electric charge through friction while passing through the contact position between the blade 42 and the developing layer 211. When the powder discharge knife 4 is used to supply electric energy to the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211, the developer can obtain electric charge more easily and obtain a more stable charge.

[0077] Preferably, the first contact portion 52 contacts the tool holder 41 to simplify the structure of the electric receiving member 5 . Furthermore, the electric receiving member 5 is also provided with a second contact portion 54 for supplying electric energy to the powder feeding member 22 .

[0078] Other notes

[0079] Based on the inventive concept of the above-mentioned embodiments, the electric energy received by the electric receiving element 5 is directly supplied to the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211, so that at least one of the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned first aspect to the fifth aspect can be obtained; for those skilled in the art, combining any one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments one to three with embodiment four will be more conducive to the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211 obtaining stable electric energy.

[0080] It should be understood that the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 refers to the radial outer surface of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 , or in other words, the circumferential outer surface of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 .

[0081] In some embodiments, a component that electrically connects the electric receiving element 5 and the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211 may be additionally installed without using the sealing element 3 and / or the powder discharge knife 4 to supply power to the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211. Therefore, the sealing element 3, the powder discharge knife 4 and the additional component that is used to electrically connect the electric receiving element 5 and the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211 may be collectively referred to as a conductive element, which allows the electric energy received by the electric receiving element 5 from the imaging device to be directly supplied to the outer surface 214 of the developing element 21 / developing layer 211.

[0082] In the second and third embodiments, the electric receiving member 5 can also be provided with a second contact portion 54 for supplying electric energy to the powder feeding member 22 according to design requirements.

[0083] It can be understood that the seal 3 in Example 1 can also be regarded as a simplified implementation of the sealing assembly described in Example 3, and the combination of the seal 3 and the wear-resistant part 7 in Example 2 can also be regarded as an implementation of the sealing assembly described in Example 3, that is, the developing box 100 includes a shell 1, a developing part 21 rotatably arranged in the shell 1, and a sealing assembly located between the developing part 21 and the shell 1, and the sealing assembly extends along a first direction to prevent the developer from leaking from between the developing part 21 and the shell 1 in a second direction.

[0084] The above embodiment introduces an implementation method in which the bracket 12 is non-conductive and the electric receiving component 5 is additionally installed in the developer box. However, based on the inventive concept of the present utility model, the bracket 12 can also be configured to be partially conductive. Specifically, the portion of the bracket 12 used to support the developer 21 is non-conductive, but the electric receiving portion 53 used to form an electrical connection with the electric output component of the imaging device is a part of the bracket 12, and the first contact portion 52 is also a part of the bracket 12. In this case, the bracket 12 can be regarded as an implementation method of the electric receiving component 5; further, the bracket 12 can be integrally formed, for example, the bracket 12 is formed by secondary injection molding, and the bracket 12 can also be formed in parts, for example, the portion used to support the developer 21 is formed separately from other parts of the bracket 12.

[0085] The above embodiment describes that the electric receiving member 5 is not electrically connected to the developing member shaft 212, but contacts the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21 through the conductive member. The electric receiving member 5 contacts the conductive member, thereby realizing that the electric receiving member 5 supplies the electric energy output by the electric output member of the imaging device to the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21. In the above embodiment, no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21, and therefore, the material of the developing member shaft 212 does not have to be limited.

[0086] In the following embodiments, the electric receiver 5 is configured to be electrically connected to at least the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21. The electrical connection can be achieved by the electric receiver 5 directly contacting the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21, or by the electric receiver 5 contacting the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21 through the conductive member, thereby enabling the electric receiver 5 to supply the electrical energy output by the electrical output element of the imaging device to the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21. Whether the electric receiver 5 is electrically connected to the developing member shaft 212 is not necessarily limited.

[0087] When the electric receiving member 5 forms an electrical connection with the developing member shaft 212, the manner in which the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 do not form an electrical connection is different from the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 are insulated from each other, and no current flows between the two. The above-mentioned first, second, fourth and fifth aspects of the invention also have the beneficial effects.

[0088] Embodiment 5

[0089] Figure 5A It is a three-dimensional diagram of the developing member involved in the fifth embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5B It is an exploded view of the developing component involved in the fifth embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5CIt is a side view when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the developing member involved in the fifth embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 It is along Figure 5C As described above, the developing member 21 includes a developing member shaft 212 and a developing layer 211 located radially outward of the developing member shaft 212, and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 is the outer surface of the developing member 21; as shown in the figure, along the first direction, the developing layer 211 has a first end surface 211a located on the driving side F and a second end surface 211b located on the non-driving side NF, and the first end surface 211a and the second end surface 211b are arranged at intervals; further, along the first direction, the developing member shaft 212 protrudes from the developing layer 211.

[0090] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the developing member shaft 212 passes through at least a portion of the developing layer 211, or in other words, along the direction intersecting the first direction, at least a portion of the developing member shaft 212 overlaps with the developing layer 211. Figure 5C As shown, along the first direction, when the developing member shaft 212 passes through the entire developing layer 211, the developing member shaft 212 includes a middle portion 212a and an exposed portion, the middle portion 212 is covered by the developing layer 211, and the exposed portion protrudes from the developing layer 211. Specifically, the exposed portion includes a first exposed portion 212b and a second exposed portion 212c that respectively protrude from the developing layer 211. Along the first direction, the first exposed portion 212b and the second exposed portion 212c are respectively located on both sides of the middle portion 212a, and the first exposed portion 212b, the middle portion 212a and the second exposed portion 212c are connected in sequence, the first exposed portion 212b is exposed from the first end surface 211a, and the second exposed portion 212c is exposed from the second end surface 211b.

[0091] When the developing member shaft 212 passes through a portion of the developing layer 211, compared to the above embodiment, the middle portion 212a is shortened, and one of the first exposed portion 212b and the second exposed portion 212c is connected to the middle portion 212a, but the first exposed portion 212b is still exposed from the first end surface 211a, and the second exposed portion 212c is still exposed from the second end surface 211b.

[0092] In some embodiments, the middle portion 212a may be omitted. In this case, along the first direction, the developing member shaft 212 does not pass through the developing layer 211, but the first exposed portion 212b is still exposed from the first end surface 211a, and the second exposed portion 212c is still exposed from the second end surface 211b.

[0093] The following description will be made by taking the developer shaft 212 passing through the entire developer layer 211 along the first direction as an example. At this time, along the first direction, the size (length) of the developer shaft 212 is greater than the size (length) of the developer layer 211 .

[0094] The developing member 21 involved in this embodiment also includes an insulating member 213 arranged on the radial outside of the developing member shaft 212. Specifically, along the radial direction of the developing member 21, the insulating member 213 is located between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211. More specifically, the insulating member 213 is located between the rotation axis L1 of the developing member 21 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer. In this way, the electrical connection between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 is also disconnected, that is, no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21; the insulating member 213 is a component different from the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211. For example, the insulating member 213 can be an insulating sleeve made of insulating material, or an insulating strip, etc., and the insulating member 213 is arranged in at least one of the middle portion 212a and the exposed portion.

[0095] When the insulating member 213 is provided, the material of the developing member shaft 212 does not need to be limited, that is, the developing member shaft 212 can be made of either conductive material or non-conductive material. At the same time, the setting position of the insulating member 213 does not need to be strictly required, as long as the insulating member 213 can separate the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 so that no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21.

[0096] For example, Figure 6 As shown, along the circumferential direction of the developing member 21, the insulating member 213 surrounds the entire developing member shaft 212, so that the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 can maintain a more stable insulation state, or in other words, the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 maintain a stable state without forming an electrical connection; in a modified manner, the insulating member 213 may not surround the entire developing member shaft 212, as long as the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 are spaced from each other by the insulating member 213; the insulating member 213 may also be arranged so that along the length direction (first direction) of the developing member 21, the size (length) of the insulating member 213 is greater than the size (length) of the developing layer 211, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, the insulating member 213 will also protrude from the developing layer 211, so that a more stable insulating state can be maintained between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211, or in other words, a stable state of no electrical connection is maintained between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211; in a variation, along the first direction, the size of the insulating member 213 can also be the same as the size of the developing layer 211, or the size of the insulating member 213 can be smaller than the size of the developing layer 211. Similarly, the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 can be spaced apart from each other by the insulating member 213; in a variation, the insulating member can also be provided in the exposed portion.

[0097] Embodiment 6

[0098] Based on the inventive concept of Example 5, the insulating member 213 involved in this embodiment is an insulating coating coated on the circumferential surface of the developing member shaft 212, and the insulating coating is coated on at least one of the middle portion 212a and the exposed portion, and the insulating coating can also prevent electrical connection between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / developing member outer surface 214. In this way, along the first direction, the size (length) of the developing member shaft 212 coated with the insulating coating should not be less than the size (length) of the developing layer 211, and along the circumferential direction of the developing member 21, the portion where the developing member shaft 212 overlaps with the developing layer 211, or in other words, the portion where the developing member shaft 212 is covered by the developing layer 212 is coated with the insulating coating.

[0099] In a variation of the present embodiment, the insulating coating can also be coated on the surface of the developing layer 211 facing the developing member shaft 212. This method can also ensure that no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21. In this method, along the first direction, the size (length) of the surface of the developing layer 211 facing the developing member shaft 212 coated with the insulating coating should not be less than the size (length) of the developing layer 211, and along the circumferential direction of the developing member 21, the surface of the developing layer 211 facing the developing member shaft 212 is coated with the insulating coating.

[0100] Embodiment 7

[0101] Based on the inventive concept of the utility model, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the developing member shaft 212 itself is made of non-conductive material, so that no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21 .

[0102] In a variation of this embodiment, the developing member shaft 212 may also be configured such that the middle portion 212a is made of a non-conductive material, but the exposed portion is made of a conductive material.

[0103] In the developing member 21 involved in this embodiment, the insulating member 213 can be regarded as at least a part of the developing member shaft 212 itself. For example, the insulating member 213 in this embodiment is the entire developing member shaft 212, or the insulating member 213 is the middle part 212a of the developing member shaft 212.

[0104] Embodiment 8

[0105] In this embodiment, the developing layer 211 is configured to include a supporting portion and a conductive portion which are separately formed, wherein the conductive portion is located radially outside the supporting portion, that is, along the radial direction of the developing member 21, the conductive portion is farther away from the developing member shaft 212 than the supporting portion, and the radial outer surface of the conductive portion is the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21.

[0106] In this embodiment, the supporting portion is made of non-conductive material. Regardless of whether the developing member shaft 212 is made of conductive material, no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21. The electrical receiving member 5 / the conductive member is electrically connected to the conductive portion. The supporting portion can be regarded as the insulating member 213 in this embodiment, that is, the insulating member 213 can also be a part of the developing layer 211, and along the radial direction of the developing member 21, the insulating member 213 is closer to the developing member shaft 212 than the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21; the conductive portion can be either a conductive sleeve sleeved on the supporting portion or a conductive coating coated on the radial outer surface of the supporting portion.

[0107] According to the description of the developing layer 211 in this embodiment, in the above embodiment, when the developing member shaft 212 is made of non-conductive material, the supporting portion may also be made of conductive material, and the conductive portion is formed integrally with the supporting portion, or in other words, the conductive portion is a part of the supporting portion. In the deformable manner of the above embodiment, the conductive portion and the supporting portion may also be both made of conductive material, and the two are formed separately.

[0108] Embodiment 9

[0109] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the developing member involved in the ninth embodiment of the present utility model, after the developing member shaft and the insulating member are separated; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the developing member shaft and the insulating member after being separated in a modified implementation manner of Example 9 of the utility model.

[0110] like Figure 5B , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the developing member shaft 212 is cylindrical, and thus, the developing member shaft 212 has a first contact surface 212c intersecting with the first direction and a second contact surface 212d extending around a rotation axis L1 parallel to the first direction, and the electric receiving member 5 can be in contact with at least any one of the first contact surface 212c and the second contact surface 212d, so that, when the developing member shaft 212 is made of a conductive material, the electric energy output by the electric output member of the imaging device is supplied to the developing member shaft 212 through the electric receiving member 5, and thus, the contact position of the electric receiving member 5 with the developing member shaft 212 can be on any one of the first contact surface 212c and the second contact surface 212d.

[0111] The developing member 21 also includes an insulating member 213 installed at the contact position, and the electric receiving member 5 is used to contact the insulating member 213. The insulating member 213 can be set on at least any one of the first contact surface 212c and the second contact surface 212d. In this way, no electrical connection is formed between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21, and the materials of the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 do not need to be limited.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, the first contact surface 212c is a surface perpendicular to the first direction, and the second contact surface 212d is a circumferential surface extending around the rotation axis L1. The first contact surface 212c and the second contact surface 212d can be arranged adjacent to each other or connected by a transition surface, which also intersects with the first direction.

[0113] In practice, when the contact position is located at the first contact surface 212c, the projection area of ​​the contact position along the first direction on the first contact surface 212c is smaller than the area of ​​the first contact surface 212c. Therefore, from the perspective of achieving the purpose of the invention of the utility model, as long as the insulating member 213 can cover the projection area of ​​the contact position along the first direction on the first contact surface 212c, however, in order to ensure that a stable state without electrical connection is maintained between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21, it is preferred that the insulating member 213 covers the entire first contact surface 212c.

[0114] Similarly, when the contact position is located at the second contact surface 212d, preferably, the insulating member 213 is arranged in a full circle along the circumferential direction of the developing member 21, which is more conducive to ensuring that the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211 / the outer surface 214 of the developing member 21 maintain a stable state without forming an electrical connection.

[0115] Continue as Figure 7 As shown, when the contact position is located at the first contact surface 212c, preferably, the insulating member 213 is an insulating sheet arranged on the first contact surface 212c, and the insulating member is used to cover the first contact surface 212c; when the contact position is located at the second contact surface 212d, preferably, the insulating member 213 is an insulating ring arranged on the second contact surface 212d, and the insulating ring is sleeved on the developing member shaft 212; specifically, the insulating member 213 can be installed by bonding, welding, etc.

[0116] Figure 8The developing member 21 shown provides another way of combining the insulating member 213 with the developing member shaft 212. In this modified form, the insulating member 213 is combined with the developing member shaft 212 in a shaft hole matching manner. Preferably, along the first direction, the insulating member 213 is combined with the end of the developing member shaft 212. Therefore, as a whole, the end of the developing member 21 in the longitudinal direction is made of non-conductive material.

[0117] Preferably, when the insulating member 213 is a component different from the developer shaft and the developer layer, the insulating member 213 is arranged in a detachable manner, so that the developer box manufacturer can choose whether to install the insulating member 213 according to production requirements, the product structure of the developer box, etc., that is, the developer 21 does not have to be produced by a special production line, but an existing ordinary developer can be used, and then in the production process, it is selected whether to install the insulating member 213 or to remove the installed insulating member 213. It should be noted that the detachable here should be understood as installing the insulating member 213 on the developer or removing the installed insulating member 213 from the developer according to production requirements, the product structure of the developer box, etc., and the installation process and disassembly process will not damage the role of the developer in the developer box.

[0118] The above embodiments five to nine respectively introduce that an insulating member 213 is provided between the developing member shaft 212 and the developing layer 211, or on the developing member shaft 212, or on the developing layer 211, so that the electrical connection between the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21 is disconnected. However, based on the inventive concept of the present utility model, any two or more of the above embodiments can be combined as long as the electrical connection between the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21 can be disconnected.

[0119] In summary, the developer box 100 of the present invention is provided with an electric receiving member 5 electrically connected to the electric output member of the imaging device, and the electric energy received by the electric receiving member 5 can be directly supplied to the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21 through the sealing member 3 and / or the powder discharge knife 4, or the electric receiving member 5 is directly in contact with the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21, so that even if the environment in which the developing member 21 / developing box 100 is located changes, or the environment in which it is located is bad, and the electrical characteristics of the outer surface of the developing member 21 / developing layer 211 change, the imaging quality of the developing box 100 is also improved. It will not be affected; in addition, even if the electric receiving member 5 contacts the developing member shaft 212, since there is no electrical connection between the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21, that is, the developing member shaft 212 and the outer surface 214 of the developing layer 211 / developing member 21 are insulated from each other, and no current flows between the two. As the developing member shaft 212 rotates, no spark discharge will be generated between the developing member shaft 212 and the electric receiving member 5, and other components of the developing box will not be damaged by the sparks, which is also beneficial to ensure that the imaging quality of the developing box 100 will not be affected.

Claims

1. A developing member, which is applicable to a developing box including a shell and a powder feeding member, wherein the developing box is applicable to an imaging device provided with an electric output member, wherein the developing member and the powder feeding member are both rotatably arranged in the shell, and the developing box further includes an electric receiving member for being electrically connected to the electric output member, and the shell contains a developer; The developing member includes a developing member shaft and a developing layer. The outer surface of the developing layer is used to carry the developer. The developing layer is located radially outside the developing member shaft. It is characterized in that The outer surface of the developing layer is electrically connected to the electric receiving member through the conductive member.

2. The developing member according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The developing member shaft is made of non-conductive material.

3. The developing member according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The developing layer is made of a non-conductive material except for the outer surface.

4. The developing member according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The electric receiving member and the conductive member are not in contact with the developing member shaft. 5.Developer box, It is characterized in that The developing box comprises a shell and a developing member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the developing member is rotatably arranged in the shell.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The developing box also includes a driving force receiving member for receiving driving force from the imaging device, the developing member is driven by the driving force receiving member to rotate around the rotation axis, and along the extension direction of the rotation axis, at least a portion of the electric receiving member and the driving force receiving member are respectively located on both sides of the shell.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The developing box also includes a detecting member arranged on the same side as the electric receiving member, a groove recessed from the outer surface of the shell, and a driving force transmitting member movably arranged in the groove, wherein the driving force transmitting member is used to transmit the driving force of the driving force receiving member to the detecting member, so that the detecting member interacts with the detected member in the imaging device to realize the detection of the developing box.

8. The developer cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7, It is characterized in that The conductive member is a sealing component that forms a seal between the developing member and the housing.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The sealing member contacts at least the developing area of ​​the outer surface of the developing layer.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The sealing assembly comprises a sealing member attached to the housing and a wear-resistant member at least partially overlapping the sealing member, and the sealing member is in electrical contact with the outer surface of the developing layer.

11. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7, It is characterized in that The developing box also includes a powder knife for adjusting the thickness of the developer on the outer surface of the developing layer, and the conductive member is the powder knife.

12. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The powder discharge knife includes a knife frame and a blade supported by the knife frame, the blade contacts the outer surface of the developing layer, the knife frame includes a first part and a second part connected to each other, the blade is fixedly mounted on the second part, and the developing box also includes a first fixing member connecting the first part and the shell.

13. The developing cartridge according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The electric receiving member is in contact with the first portion or the second portion.

14. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The powder discharging knife comprises a knife holder and a blade supported by the knife holder, the blade contacts the outer surface of the developing layer, and the knife holder is fixed on the housing; At least the blade is made of conductive material, and the electric receiving element is in contact with the blade.

15. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The electric receiver includes a main body, a first contact portion connected to the main body, and an electric receiving portion, the electric receiver is mounted through the main body, the first contact portion is used to be electrically connected to the conductive member, and the electric receiving portion is used to be electrically connected to the electric output member.

16. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The developing box also includes a bracket for supporting the developing member shaft, and the electric receiving member is the bracket.

Images