Identification assembly, developing box and drum assembly

Abstract

The identification component comprises a storage medium which at least comprises a first storage medium and a second storage medium; and a converter configured to cut off an electrical connection between the first storage medium and the image forming apparatus and establish an electrical connection between the second storage medium and the image forming apparatus. Through the arrangement of the conversion piece, when the service life of one storage medium is ended, the other storage medium can be switched, so that the continuous use of the developing box is ensured, the residual developing agent is fully utilized, the service life of the developing box is prolonged, the user experience is favorably improved, the advanced discarding of the developing box is reduced, and the cost is reduced. Therefore, the pollution to the environment is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic imaging technology, and in particular to an identification component, a developing cartridge, and a drum assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The prior art developing cartridge includes a cartridge body and an identification component, the identification component being detachably disposed on the cartridge body; the identification component includes a storage medium (e.g., a chip) and a bracket, the bracket being used to mount the chip, the chip being used to make electrical contact with an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus (e.g., a printer) to establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, store the printing information of the developing cartridge, and count the number of printed pages.

[0003] During chip usage, counting defects or reaching the end of the counting life can cause chip failure. Even if there is still developer in the developing cartridge, the entire developing cartridge becomes unusable, requiring chip replacement or replacement of the entire developing cartridge to continue printing. Typically, users simply replace the developing cartridge directly. This not only shortens the original lifespan of the developing cartridge but also causes inconvenience. Furthermore, unused developer remains in the developing cartridge, especially in large-capacity developing cartridges where there is a significant amount of developer remaining. Directly replacing the developing cartridge with a new one wastes developer and can easily lead to developer leakage and environmental pollution during the disposal or recycling process. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an identification component is provided, comprising:

[0005] Storage medium, comprising at least a first storage medium and a second storage medium; and

[0006] A switching element is used to disconnect the electrical connection between the first storage medium and the image forming apparatus, and to establish the electrical connection between the second storage medium and the image forming apparatus.

[0007] This invention, through the design of a switching component, enables switching to another storage medium when one storage medium reaches the end of its lifespan. This ensures the continued use of the developing cartridge, makes full use of the remaining developer, extends the lifespan of the developing cartridge, improves the user experience, and reduces the premature disposal of developing cartridges, thereby reducing environmental pollution.

[0008] In some embodiments, the switching member has at least a first position and a second position, and the switching member is movable from the first position to the second position;

[0009] In the first position, the first storage medium is able to establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, while the second storage medium is unable to establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus.

[0010] In the second position, the second storage medium can establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, while the first storage medium cannot establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus.

[0011] In some embodiments, the identification component further includes an electrical contact surface, the converter being at least partially conductive, the electrical contact surface being used to establish an electrical connection between the converter and the image forming apparatus;

[0012] In the first position, the switching element is electrically connected to the first storage medium, but not electrically connected to the second storage medium;

[0013] In the second position, the switching element is electrically connected to the second storage medium, but not electrically connected to the first storage medium.

[0014] In some implementations, the identification component further includes an insulating element, and the conversion element is a conductive element;

[0015] When the insulating component is located between the second storage medium and the switching component, the switching component is in the first position, the switching component is insulated from the second storage medium, and the switching component is electrically connected to the first storage medium;

[0016] When the insulating element is removed from between the second storage medium and the switching element, the switching element moves to a second position, where it is insulated from the first storage medium and electrically connected to the second storage medium.

[0017] In some implementations, the conversion element is a deformable structure;

[0018] When the insulating component is located between the second storage medium and the switching component, the switching component deforms and is in the first position;

[0019] When the insulating element is removed from between the second storage medium and the switching element, the switching element is restored, thereby moving from the first position to the second position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conversion element includes a connecting portion and a deformable portion; the connecting portion is used for electrical connection with an electrical contact surface; the deformable portion has a first contact portion for contacting a first storage medium and a second contact portion for contacting a second storage medium.

[0021] In the first position, the insulating member is located between the second contact portion and the second storage medium to insulate them and to deform the deformable portion, and the first contact portion is electrically connected to the first storage medium; in the second position, the insulating member is removed, the deformable portion is restored, the first contact portion is detached from the first storage medium, and the second contact portion is electrically connected to the second storage medium.

[0022] In some embodiments, the deformable portion has two bends, with the first contact portion and the second contact portion formed at the two bends respectively.

[0023] In some embodiments, the identification component further includes a bracket, on which an electrical contact surface, a first storage medium, and a second storage medium are disposed, the first storage medium and the second storage medium being sequentially disposed on the bracket along a third direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electrical contact surface, the first storage medium, and the second storage medium are sequentially disposed on the support along a third direction.

[0025] In some embodiments, the switching element is located at least partially between the first storage medium and the second storage medium.

[0026] In some implementations, the storage medium is configured to move with the switching element;

[0027] When the converter is in the first position, the first storage medium is in the connection position that can form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, and the second storage medium is not in the connection position;

[0028] When the switching element moves to the second position, the first storage medium leaves the connection position, and the second storage medium moves to the connection position, thereby enabling an electrical connection to be formed with the image forming apparatus.

[0029] In some embodiments, the switching element is rotatably configured to rotate from a first position to a second position, such that the first storage medium leaves the connection position and the second storage medium enters the connection position.

[0030] In some implementations, the identification component further includes:

[0031] support;

[0032] The conversion component includes a fixedly connected rotating connection part and a mounting bracket. The storage medium is arranged sequentially on the mounting bracket along the circumferential direction, and the rotating connection part is rotatably arranged on the bracket.

[0033] The conversion component also includes a first positioning part and a second positioning part on the bracket. The first positioning part and the second positioning part cooperate to position the conversion component so that one of the storage media is located at a connection position that can form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second positioning part is a reversible structure, so that the conversion member can only rotate around a preset direction and cannot rotate in the opposite direction.

[0035] In some implementations, there are four storage media arranged around the mounting bracket, with the switching element switching one storage media every 90 degrees of rotation.

[0036] In some embodiments, the rotating connection part is a rotating shaft, the first positioning part is disposed on the rotating shaft, the first positioning part is a cross-shaped structure with four positioning arms, and the second positioning part is a protrusion disposed between adjacent positioning arms. With the cooperation of the second positioning part, the first positioning part rotates 90 degrees each time to switch the storage medium.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bracket is provided with two mounting arms, each with a mounting groove. The opening of the mounting groove faces upward, and the rotating connection is a rotating shaft that can be installed in the mounting groove from top to bottom along a third direction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the converter is configured to be able to translate, and the storage medium is arranged on the converter along the translation direction of the converter. When the converter translates from the first position to the second position, the first storage medium leaves the connection position and the second storage medium enters the connection position.

[0039] The present invention also provides a developing cartridge, including an identification component according to any of the above claims.

[0040] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge includes a cartridge body and a developing roller. The cartridge body is used to contain developer and has a first end and a second end in a first direction, a third end and a fourth end in a second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end in a third direction. The developing roller extends along the first direction and is closer to the third end in the second direction than the fourth end. An identification component is disposed at the first end.

[0041] This utility model also provides a drum assembly, which includes a photosensitive drum and an identification component according to any one of the above. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 2 The developing cartridge of Embodiment 1 of this utility model mainly illustrates the structural diagram of the transmission assembly;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the identification component according to Embodiment 1 of the present utility model, wherein the conversion component is in the first position;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical contact surface and the conversion component according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the identification component according to Embodiment 1 of the present utility model, wherein the conversion element is in the second position;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the first end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0051] Figure 10 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0052] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the identification component in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0053] Figure label:

[0054] Box body 10; First end 11; Second end 12; Third end 13; Fourth end 14; Fifth end 15; Sixth end 16; Friction part 151; First protective cover 111; Developing roller 131; Drive part 40; Receiving part 401; Drive gear 402; Developing gear 41; Powder feeding gear 42; First idler wheel 43; Second idler wheel 44; Stirring gear 45;

[0055] First storage medium 113a; second storage medium 113b; third storage medium 113c; fourth storage medium 113d; bracket 114; bracket protrusion 114a; first mounting part 114a1; second mounting part 114a2; third mounting part 114a3; side wall 114a4; mounting arm 114a5; mounting groove 114a51; snap-fit ​​part 114b; screw fastening part 114c; electrical contact surface 1131; support part 1131a; connection position P; conversion part 115; connecting part 115a; deformable part 115b; first contact part 115b1; second contact part 115b2; insulating part 116; rotating shaft 115c; first positioning part 115c1; positioning arm 115c11; mounting bracket 115d; second positioning part 115d1. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0058] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0059] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0060] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] See Figure 1-5 This embodiment provides a developing cartridge, which is detachably mounted on a drum assembly of an image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge and the drum assembly are combined to form a processing cartridge. The drum assembly includes a photosensitive drum that receives developer provided by the developing cartridge to form an electrostatic latent image.

[0063] The developing cartridge includes a cartridge body 10, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, and an identification assembly.

[0064] See Figure 1 The cartridge 10 has a receiving cavity for containing developer. The cartridge 10 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 arranged opposite to each other in a first direction. The first end 11 is shown as the right side in the figure, representing the driving side of the processing cartridge, and the second end 12 is shown as the left side in the figure, representing the non-driving side of the processing cartridge. The cartridge 10 has a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 arranged opposite to each other in a second direction. The third end 13 is shown as the front side in the figure, and the fourth end 14 is shown as the rear side in the figure. The cartridge 10 has a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 arranged opposite to each other in a third direction. The fifth end 15 is shown as the upper side in the figure, and the sixth end 16 is shown as the lower side in the figure. In other embodiments, the first direction, second direction, and third direction can have other correspondences, and are not limited thereto. For example, the fifth end and the sixth end in the third direction may correspond to the front end and the rear end, respectively. The cartridge 10 has a friction part 151 on the fifth end 15, and the friction part 151 has multiple ribs extending along the first direction, which facilitate the user in picking up the developer cartridge. The housing 10 also includes a first cover 111, which is detachably fixedly installed at the first end 11 of the housing 10. The first cover 111 covers at least a portion of the transmission assembly and is used to protect the transmission assembly.

[0065] The developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a powder feed roller, and a stirring frame, all of which are rotatably mounted within a receiving cavity between a first end 11 and a second end 12. The rotation axes of the developing roller 131, the stirring frame, and the powder feed roller all extend along a first direction. The powder feed roller is disposed adjacent to the developing roller 131, and in a second direction, the developing roller 131 is closer to the third end 13 of the housing 10 than the powder feed roller. The stirring frame is used to agitate the developer within the developing cavity to prevent developer agglomeration. The developing roller 131 is used to contact the photosensitive drum to transfer developer to it. The developing assembly also includes a powder exit blade extending along the first direction, which contacts the developing roller 131 to control the thickness of the developer layer on the developing roller 131.

[0066] See Figure 2 The transmission assembly is located at the first end 11 and is used to receive the power output from the image forming apparatus to drive the developing assembly in the developing cartridge. The transmission assembly includes a driving part 40, which includes a power receiving part 401 and a driving gear 402. The two can be integrally formed or combined. In the first direction, the driving gear 402 is closer to the cartridge 10 than the power receiving part 401. The power receiving part 401 is used to receive the power output from the image forming apparatus, thereby driving the driving gear 402 to rotate. In this embodiment, the driving gear 402 is a two-stage gear with a large gear and a small gear.

[0067] The transmission assembly also includes a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, a first idler gear 43, a second idler gear 44, and a stirring gear 45. The developing gear 41 meshes with the drive gear 402 to receive power and rotate, driving the developing roller 131 to rotate. The powder feeding gear 42 meshes with the drive gear 402 to receive power and rotate, driving the powder feeding roller to rotate. The drive gear 402, the first idler gear 43, the second idler gear 44, and the stirring gear 45 mesh sequentially, thereby driving the stirring gear 45 and rotating the stirring frame. The first idler gear 43 and the second idler gear 44 are two-stage gears, each having a large gear and a small gear.

[0068] The identification component includes a storage medium (such as a chip) that stores printing information from the developing cartridge, such as the number of pages printed, remaining developer, and model number. With the developing cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus, the identification component enables the image forming apparatus to recognize the information from the developing cartridge. However, if the recording time of the storage medium prematurely ends due to counting defects during the recording process, a new developing cartridge must be replaced. In this case, there may still be residual developer in the developing cartridge, resulting in developer waste. See also... Figure 3-5 The identification component is located at the first end 11. In this embodiment, the identification component also includes a bracket 114 and a conversion component 115. The bracket 114 is disposed at the end of the housing 10, specifically on the cover 111. It can be detachably or non-detachably disposed on the cover 111, and can be fixedly disposed on the cover 111 or movable relative to the cover 111. (See reference...) Figure 6-7 In this embodiment, the bracket 114 includes a bracket protrusion 114a for mounting the storage medium and the conversion component 115, a snap-fit ​​portion 114b for engaging with the cover 111, and a threaded fastening portion 114c for securing to the cover 111 by threads. In this embodiment, there are at least two storage media, including a first storage medium 113a and a second storage medium 113b. The electrical contact surface 1131 is used for electrical connection with the storage medium and, after the developing cartridge is installed, for electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the storage medium and the image forming apparatus.

[0069] The switching element 115 is used to disconnect the electrical connection between the first storage medium 113a and the image forming apparatus when the first storage medium 113a reaches the end of its lifespan, and to connect the second storage medium 113b to the image forming apparatus, thereby switching the storage medium from the first storage medium 113a to the second storage medium 113b. Further, in this embodiment, the switching element 115 achieves the switching of electrical connections between different storage media by moving its position, thereby realizing the switching of storage media. Specifically, the switching element 115 has at least a first position and a second position; in the first position, the first storage medium 113a can form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, while the second storage medium 113b cannot form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus; in the second position, the second storage medium 113b can form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, while the first storage medium 113a cannot form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus; the switching element 115 can move from the first position to the second position, thereby completing the switching of storage media.

[0070] Furthermore, the switching element 115 is at least partially conductive, and by moving its own position, it disconnects the electrical connection with the first storage medium 113a and establishes an electrical connection with the second storage medium 113b. That is, the switching element 115 selectively forms an electrical connection with one of the storage media by moving its position, thereby completing the switching of the storage media. It can also be understood that the switching element 115 forms some form of electrical switching element. In other embodiments, the switching element 115 may also employ existing electrical switching elements.

[0071] Furthermore, the identification component also includes an electrical contact surface 1131, which establishes an electrical connection between the image forming apparatus and the conversion member 115. The conversion member 115 selectively forms an electrical connection with one of the storage media, i.e., the electrical connection relationship is: image forming apparatus - electrical contact surface 1131 - conversion member 115 - one of the storage media. Specifically, in a first position, the conversion member 115 establishes an electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 1131 and the first storage medium 113a, and the conversion member 115 is not electrically connected to the second storage medium 113b; in a second position, the conversion member 115 establishes an electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 1131 and the second storage medium 113b, and the conversion member 115 is not electrically connected to the first storage medium 113a.

[0072] The converter 115 is at least partially conductive. In this embodiment, the converter 115 is fully conductive, and the identification component also includes an insulating member 116. By placing and removing the insulating member 116, the converter 115 is disconnected from the first storage medium 113a and electrically connected to the second storage medium 113b. In other embodiments, the converter 115 may also be partially conductive, that is, the converter 115 and the insulating member 116 are integrally formed. By moving the position of the converter 115 (e.g., translating or rotating), the electrical path between the converter 115 and different storage media is changed, thereby completing the conversion of the storage media.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, refer to Figure 3 When the insulating member 116 is located between the second storage medium 113b and the conversion member 115 (specifically, the insulating member 116 can be inserted between the second storage medium 113b and the conversion member 115), the conversion member 115 is in the first position, the conversion member 115 is insulated from the second storage medium 113b, and the conversion member 115 is electrically connected to the first storage medium 113a; see reference Figure 5When the insulating element 116 is removed from between the second storage medium 113b and the conversion element 115 (specifically, the insulating element 116 can be completely pulled out and removed from the support, or only the insulating element 116 can be moved from between the second storage medium 113b and the conversion element 115 to other positions, i.e., the insulating element 116 is still retained in the support), the conversion element 115 moves to the second position, and there is a gap between the conversion element 115 and the first storage medium 113a, i.e., the conversion element 115 is insulated from the first storage medium 113a, and the conversion element 115 is in contact with and electrically connected to the second storage medium 113b. Furthermore, the positional movement of the switching element 115 can be achieved through elastic deformation. In this embodiment, the switching element 115 itself is a deformable structure, and its positional movement is achieved through its own deformation. In other embodiments, the switching element 115 itself may not be elastic, but an elastic element is provided outside the switching element 115. The elastic deformation of the elastic element drives the switching element 115, thereby achieving the positional movement of the switching element 115. For example, the elastic element is provided between the electrical contact surface 1131 and the switching element 115. In other embodiments, the components in the identification assembly may not be elastic, and the positional movement of the switching element 115 may also be achieved by moving downward under the action of gravity. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the insulating element 116 is inserted between the second storage medium 113b and the switching element 115, the switching element 115 deforms and is in the first position; when the insulating element 116 is withdrawn from between the second storage medium 113b and the switching element 115, the switching element 115 recovers, thereby moving from the first position to the second position. When the first storage medium 113a reaches the end of its lifespan, the user only needs to remove the insulating member 116 to switch to the second storage medium 113b and continue using the developing cartridge. This simple and convenient operation greatly improves the user experience. To ensure that the switching member 115 can form a tight electrical contact with the second storage medium 113b after the insulating member 116 is removed, and to prevent the switching member 115 from losing its electrical contact with the second storage medium 113b, the insulating member 116 can be inserted between the first storage medium 113a and the switching member 115. During the movement of the switching member 115 by removing the insulating member 116, the insulating member 116 can be pulled out from left to right. In other embodiments, the movement of the switching member 115 can also be achieved by sliding the insulating member 116. Specifically, the switching member 116 can be moved from left to right as shown in the image. Figure 3The position shown is slid from front to back to move the switching member 115 from the first position to the second position. In this embodiment, the first storage medium 113a is positioned above the second storage medium 113b in a third-order direction. In other embodiments, the positions of the first and second storage media can be interchanged. In other embodiments, the insulating member 116 can also be inserted between the first storage medium 113b and the switching member 115. The switching member 115 is in the first position, insulated from the first storage medium 113a, and electrically connected to the second storage medium 113b. The insulating member 116 is then removed and inserted between the switching member 115 and the second storage medium 113b. At this time, the switching member 115 moves to the second position, electrically connected to the first storage medium 113a, and insulated from the second storage medium 113b. In other embodiments, the insulating element in the identification component can be positioned in a first position by the user inserting an insulating structure, such as a cardboard or plastic component, between the second storage medium and the conversion element, and moved to a second position by removing it from between the second storage medium and the conversion element.

[0074] Furthermore, the support 114 is disposed at the first end 11 of the housing 10; the electrical contact surface 1131, the first storage medium 113a, and the second storage medium 113b are sequentially disposed on the support 114 along the third direction, and the electrical contact surface 1131, the first storage medium 113a, and the second storage medium 113b are disposed from top to bottom along the third direction, making the structure of the components in the recognition assembly compact. In addition, the electrical contact surface 1131 can also be closest to the electrical contact pin of the image forming apparatus located at the fifth end in the third direction, facilitating contact with the electrical contact pin. The conversion element 115 is at least partially located between the first storage medium 115a and the second storage medium 115b. See also... Figure 4The conversion member 115 includes a connecting portion 115a and a deformable portion 115b. The connecting portion 115a is used to electrically connect the deformable portion 115b to the electrical contact surface 1131. The deformable portion 115b is located between the first storage medium 113a and the second storage medium 113b. The deformable portion 115b has a first contact portion 115b1 for contacting the first storage medium 113a and a second contact portion 115b2 for contacting the second storage medium 113b. Specifically, the storage medium includes terminals. The first contact portion 115b1 is used to contact the terminals of the first storage medium 113a, and the second contact portion 115b2 is used to contact the terminals of the second storage medium 113b. The connecting portion 115a extends upward in a third direction and is electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 1131. The connecting portion 115a is located between the support 114 and the first storage medium 113a in a second direction. In this embodiment, the conversion element 115 and the electrical contact surface 1131 are integrally formed. In other embodiments, they can be separately formed, as long as an electrical connection is formed between them. The connecting portion 115a and the deformable portion 115b in the conversion element 115 can be integrally formed or separately formed. In this embodiment, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 The conversion element 115 is configured as four pieces, in a sheet-like shape. In other embodiments, it can be configured as one or other numbers depending on the number of electrical contacts in the image forming apparatus, and can also be linear or other shapes. The electrical contact surface 1131 is planar, but in other embodiments it can also be arc-shaped or other shapes. In other embodiments, the electrical contact surface 1131 may not be arranged sequentially with the first storage medium and the second storage medium along a third direction. For example, it can be projected along a direction perpendicular to the third direction. The projection of the electrical contact surface 1131 may also overlap with the first storage medium 113a or the second storage medium 113b, or the electrical contact surface 1131 may be located between the first storage medium 113a or the second storage medium 113b. In other embodiments, the electrical contact surface 1131, the first storage medium 113a, and the second storage medium 113b can be arranged from bottom to top along a third direction. It is understood that in other embodiments, the third direction can also be a front-back direction or a left-right direction.

[0075] See Figure 3 In the first position, the insulating member 116 is inserted between the second contact portion 115b2 and the second storage medium 113b to insulate them, and causes the deformable portion 115b to deform (specifically, to rise upwards), and the first contact portion 115b1 is electrically connected to the first storage medium 113a; see reference Figure 5In the second position, the insulating member 116 is withdrawn, the deformable portion 115b is restored (specifically, it moves downward), the first contact portion 115b1 is detached from the first storage medium 113a, and the second contact portion 115b2 is electrically connected to the second storage medium 113b. Further, the deformable portion 115b has two bends, with the first contact portion 115b1 and the second contact portion 115b2 respectively formed at the two bends, ensuring that the rigidity and elasticity of the first contact portion 115b1 and the second contact portion 115b2 are moderate, so as to maintain contact with the first storage medium 113a and the second storage medium 113b respectively.

[0076] Specifically, see Figure 8 The bracket protrusion 114a is provided with a first mounting portion 114a1, a second mounting portion 114a2, and a third mounting portion 114a3, thereby sequentially mounting the electrical contact surface 1131, the first storage medium 113a, and the second storage medium 113b along a third direction. In addition, a support portion 1131a can also be mounted on the bracket protrusion 114a (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 5 The support portion 1131a is used to support the electrical contact surface 1131 and is an insulating structure. Specifically, the bracket protrusion 114a has two sidewalls 114a4 in the front-rear direction, the first mounting portion 114a1 and the second mounting portion 114a2 are protrusions that protrude from the sidewalls 114a4 of the bracket protrusion 114a, and the third mounting portion 114a3 is a plate-like structure on the bracket protrusion 114a. During installation, the second storage medium 113b can be installed on the third mounting part 114a3 first, followed by the placement of the insulating part 116, and then the conversion part 115, the electrical contact surface 1131 and the first storage medium 113a can be installed. The first storage medium 113a is installed on the second mounting part 114a2, which protrudes from the front and rear side walls 114a4 respectively. One side of the support part 1131a abuts against the first storage medium 113a, and the other side of the support part 1131a is installed on the first mounting part 114a1, which protrudes from one of the side walls 114a4. The electrical contact surface 1131 is installed on the support part 1131a. In some embodiments, the second mounting part 114a2 may be omitted, and the first storage medium 113a may be glued and fixed to the bottom surface of the support part 1131a (the electrical contact surface 1131 is located on the top surface of the support part 1131a). In other embodiments, the first mounting part 114a1 may be omitted, and the support part 1131a may be directly glued to the first storage medium 113a and supported by the first storage medium 113a.

[0077] This invention, through the conversion component 115, enables switching to another storage medium when one storage medium reaches the end of its lifespan. This ensures continued use of the developing cartridge, fully utilizes remaining developer, extends the cartridge's lifespan, improves user experience, and reduces premature disposal, thus minimizing environmental pollution. In another scenario, when the developer in the developing cartridge is depleted and one storage medium reaches the end of its lifespan, the developing cartridge is replenished with developer and converted to another storage medium, thereby achieving reuse.

[0078] Example 2

[0079] See Figure 9-11 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the switching element 115 is conductive, and the electrical path is switched between different storage media by changing the position of the switching element 115, while the position of the storage media itself remains unchanged. In this embodiment, the switching element 115 is non-conductive, and the position of the storage media is changed by changing the position of the switching element 115, thereby entering or leaving the connection position P that can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus, thus realizing the switching of the electrical path of the storage media.

[0080] Specifically, the storage medium is configured to move with the conversion member 115. When the conversion member 115 is in the first position, the first storage medium 113a is located at the connection position P, which allows for electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, while the second storage medium 113b is not located at the connection position P. When the conversion member 115 moves to the second position, the first storage medium 113a moves away from the connection position P, and the second storage medium 113b moves to the connection position P, thereby enabling electrical connection with the image forming apparatus. This connection position P is the position of the electrical contact surface 1131 in Embodiment 1. The storage medium at this position can directly contact the electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus, and leaving this position disconnects the connection with the electrical contacts. In this embodiment, there is no electrical contact surface 1131; the storage medium has terminals, and the storage medium contacts and connects to the electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus through these terminals. In other embodiments, an electrical contact surface 1131 may be provided, which may be located at a connection position P for contacting an electrical contact pin of an image forming apparatus. One of the storage media may be rotated to the connection position P and electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 1131, thereby electrically connecting to the electrical contact pin.

[0081] The conversion element 115 can move in various ways, including translation, rotation, or other methods. When the conversion element moves in a translational manner, it can be configured as a flat plate. The first storage medium 113a and the second storage medium 113b can be disposed on the conversion element, specifically arranged along a second direction. When it is necessary to translate the conversion element to the second position, the conversion element is moved along the second direction, thereby causing the first storage medium 113a to move away from the connection position P and the second storage medium 113b to move to the connection position P. The first storage medium 113a and the second storage medium 113b can also be arranged in other directions, with the direction of movement of the conversion element consistent with the arrangement direction of the storage media.

[0082] In this embodiment, the switching element 115 moves by rotation. The switching element 115 is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position, so that the first storage medium 113a leaves the connection position P and the second storage medium 113b enters the connection position P.

[0083] Furthermore, the conversion component 115 includes a fixedly connected rotating connection portion (specifically a rotating shaft 115c in this embodiment) and a mounting bracket 115d. The mounting bracket 115d is generally a cuboid structure, and the storage media are sequentially arranged on the mounting bracket 115d along the circumferential direction. The rotating shaft 115c is rotatably mounted on the support 114. The user switches from the first storage medium 113a to the second storage medium 113b by rotating the rotating shaft 115c. In other embodiments, the rotating shaft 115c may be fixedly mounted on the support 114, and the mounting bracket 115d may be rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 115c. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 115c is arranged along a first direction; in other embodiments, the rotating shaft 115c may be arranged along other directions.

[0084] Further, see Figure 11 The bracket protrusion 114a has two mounting arms 114a5, each with a mounting groove 114a51. The opening of the mounting groove 114a51 faces upward, allowing the rotating shaft 115c to be installed in the mounting groove 114a51 from top to bottom along a third direction. This facilitates the installation of the adapter 115. In other embodiments, the opening of the mounting groove 114a51 may face other directions, and the rotating shaft 115c may be installed in the mounting groove 114a51 in other directions. In other embodiments, the rotatable connection between the adapter 115 and the bracket 114 may involve the adapter 115 having a hole and the bracket 114 having a rotating shaft.

[0085] Furthermore, there can be more than two storage media; in this embodiment, there are four: a first storage medium 113a, a second storage medium 113b, a third storage medium 113c, and a fourth storage medium 113d. These four storage media are arranged around the mounting bracket 115d. Each 90-degree rotation of the switching component 115 switches one storage medium. This method allows for a greater number of storage media to prevent the failure of multiple storage media.

[0086] Furthermore, at least one end of the rotating shaft 115c is provided with a first positioning part 115c1, and at least one mounting arm 114a5 of the bracket 114 is provided with a second positioning part 115d1. The first positioning part 115c1 and the second positioning part 115d1 cooperate to accurately position the switching member 115, thereby ensuring that one of the storage media is located at the connection position P that can form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, preventing the storage media from deviating from the correct position. Specifically, the first positioning part 115c1 is a cross-shaped structure with four positioning arms 115c11, and the second positioning part 115d1 is a protrusion disposed between adjacent positioning arms 115c11. There can be multiple second positioning parts 115d1; in this embodiment, there are two. With the cooperation of the second positioning parts 115d1, the first positioning part 115c1 rotates precisely 90 degrees each time to switch the storage media. In this embodiment, the first positioning part 115c1 is disposed on the rotating shaft 115c, and the first positioning part 115c1 is integrally disposed with the rotating shaft 115c. In other embodiments, the first positioning part 115c1 may also be provided on the mounting bracket 115d, and the first positioning part 115c1 on the mounting bracket 115d cooperates with the second positioning part 115d1 on the bracket 114.

[0087] Furthermore, the second positioning part 115d1 has a reversible structure, ensuring that the switching member 115 can only rotate in one direction, i.e., the switching member 115 can only rotate in a preset direction and cannot rotate in the opposite direction. In this embodiment, the preset direction is the clockwise direction R shown in the figure; in other embodiments, the preset direction can also be counterclockwise. The second positioning part 115d1 has an arc-shaped slope. From upstream to downstream of the clockwise direction R, the degree of outward protrusion of the second positioning part 115d1 increases, thereby preventing the positioning arm 115c11 from rotating in the counterclockwise direction. The rotating shaft 115c can deform slightly along its axial direction, causing the positioning arm 115c11 to press against the second positioning part 115d1 to cross over the second positioning part 115d1, and after crossing, it is abutted by the second positioning part 115d1, preventing it from rotating back in the opposite direction. This setting restricts the switching sequence of the storage medium, preventing user error from causing the switching member 115 to rotate back in the opposite direction and incorrectly switching to an expired storage medium. In other embodiments, the first positioning part 115c1 or the second positioning part 115d1 may also have a certain elasticity, so that it can undergo elastic deformation when rotating the conversion member 115, thereby allowing the first positioning part 115 to cross the second positioning part 115d1.

[0088] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, or the above technical solutions can be freely combined, including freely combining the technical features of the different embodiments described above. All of these fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An identification component, characterized in that, include: The storage medium includes at least a first storage medium and a second storage medium; as well as A switching element is used to disconnect the electrical connection between the first storage medium and the image forming apparatus, and to establish the electrical connection between the second storage medium and the image forming apparatus.

2. The identification component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching element has at least a first position and a second position, and the switching element is capable of moving from the first position to the second position; In the first position, the first storage medium is able to establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, while the second storage medium is not able to establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus. In the second position, the second storage medium is able to establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, while the first storage medium is unable to establish an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus.

3. The identification component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The recognition component further includes an electrical contact surface, the conversion element is at least partially conductive, and the electrical contact surface is used to establish an electrical connection between the conversion element and the image forming apparatus; In the first position, the switching element is electrically connected to the first storage medium, and the switching element is not electrically connected to the second storage medium; In the second position, the switching element is electrically connected to the second storage medium, but not electrically connected to the first storage medium.

4. The identification component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The identification component further includes an insulating element, and the conversion element is a conductive element; When the insulating element is located between the second storage medium and the switching element, the switching element is in the first position, the switching element is insulated from the second storage medium, and the switching element is electrically connected to the first storage medium; When the insulating element is removed from between the second storage medium and the switching element, the switching element moves to the second position, the switching element is insulated from the first storage medium, and the switching element is electrically connected to the second storage medium.

5. The identification component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conversion component is a deformable structure; When the insulating element is located between the second storage medium and the switching element, the switching element deforms and is in a first position; When the insulating element is removed from between the second storage medium and the switching element, the switching element returns to its original position, thereby moving from the first position to the second position.

6. The identification component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conversion component includes a connecting portion and a deformable portion; the connecting portion is used for electrical connection with the electrical contact surface; the deformable portion has a first contact portion for contacting the first storage medium and a second contact portion for contacting the second storage medium. In the first position, the insulating member is located between the second contact portion and the second storage medium to insulate them and to deform the deformable portion, and the first contact portion is electrically connected to the first storage medium; in the second position, the insulating member is removed, the deformable portion is restored, the first contact portion is detached from the first storage medium, and the second contact portion is electrically connected to the second storage medium.

7. The identification component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The deformable part has two bends, and the first contact part and the second contact part are respectively formed at the two bends.

8. The identification component according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The identification component also includes a bracket, on which the electrical contact surface, the first storage medium, and the second storage medium are disposed, and the first storage medium and the second storage medium are sequentially disposed on the bracket along a third direction.

9. The identification component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electrical contact surface, the first storage medium, and the second storage medium are sequentially disposed on the bracket along a third direction.

10. The identification component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conversion element is located at least partially between the first storage medium and the second storage medium.

11. The identification component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The storage medium is configured to move with the conversion element; When the conversion element is in the first position, the first storage medium is in a connection position that can form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus, and the second storage medium is not in the connection position; When the conversion element moves to the second position, the first storage medium leaves the connection position, and the second storage medium moves to the connection position, thereby enabling an electrical connection to be formed with the image forming apparatus.

12. The identification component according to claim 11, characterized in that, The switching element is rotatably configured to rotate from the first position to the second position, so that the first storage medium leaves the connection position and the second storage medium enters the connection position.

13. The identification component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The identification component further includes: support; The conversion component includes a fixedly connected rotating connection part and a mounting frame. The storage medium is sequentially arranged on the mounting frame along the circumferential direction, and the rotating connection part is rotatably arranged on the bracket. The conversion component further includes a first positioning part, and the bracket is provided with a second positioning part. The first positioning part and the second positioning part cooperate to position the conversion component so that one of the storage media is located at a connection position that can form an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus.

14. The identification component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second positioning part is a reversible structure, which ensures that the conversion member can only rotate around a preset direction and cannot rotate in the opposite direction.

15. The identification component according to claim 13, characterized in that, There are four storage media, which are arranged around the mounting bracket. The switching element switches to one storage media every 90 degrees.

16. The identification component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The rotating connection part is a rotating shaft, and the first positioning part is disposed on the rotating shaft. The first positioning part is a cross-shaped structure with four positioning arms, and the second positioning part is a protrusion disposed between adjacent positioning arms. With the cooperation of the second positioning part, the first positioning part rotates 90 degrees each time to switch the storage medium.

17. The identification component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The bracket is provided with two mounting arms, each mounting arm having a mounting groove with its opening facing upwards. The rotating connection part is a rotating shaft, which can be installed in the mounting groove from top to bottom along a third direction.

18. The identification component according to claim 11, characterized in that, The conversion element is configured to be able to translate, and the storage medium is arranged on the conversion element along the translation direction of the conversion element. When the conversion element is translated from the first position to the second position, the first storage medium leaves the connection position and the second storage medium enters the connection position.

19. A developing cartridge, characterized in that, Includes the identification component according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The developing cartridge according to claim 19, characterized in that, The developing cartridge includes a cartridge body and a developing roller. The cartridge body is used to contain developer. The cartridge body has a first end and a second end in a first direction, a third end and a fourth end in a second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end in a third direction. The developing roller extends along the first direction and is closer to the third end in the second direction than the fourth end. The identification component is disposed at the first end.

21. A drum assembly, characterized in that, The drum assembly includes a photosensitive drum and an identification component according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images