Developer box

Abstract

The utility model provides a developing agent box which comprises a developing agent accommodating part used for accommodating a developing agent; a pump member including a volume variable member; a developer transport device for connecting the developer accommodating portion and the pump member and transporting the developer in the developer accommodating portion toward the pump member; and a transport path member connected to the pump member, through which the developer in the developer transport device is discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge along with the movement of the volume variable member, the developer in the developer accommodating portion can directly reach the pump member, so that the structure of the developer cartridge can be simplified, and the supply efficiency of the developer can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic imaging, and more particularly to a developer cartridge that can be detachably installed in an electronic imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] A developer cartridge is a component used to supply developer in an electronic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device"). Generally, a developer cartridge includes a pump component, a developer container for holding developer, and a developer transport component. The developer transport component is used to transport developer out of the developer container. The pump component uses air pressure generated by a volume change in at least a portion of the pump to transport the developer flowing out of the developer container through the developer transport component.

[0003] Therefore, existing developer cartridges also need to be equipped with a drive device to drive the developer transport component, which will make the structure of the developer cartridge complex. At the same time, the developer cartridge also needs to be equipped with a transport path component connected to the developer transport component, and the developer container is directly connected to the transport path component. During the operation of the pump component, the developer located in the transport path component may be pushed back to the developer container by the pump component, thereby reducing the powder supply efficiency of the transport path component. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a developer cartridge to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Specifically, it is as follows:

[0005] A developer cartridge, comprising: a developer container for holding developer;

[0006] The pump component includes a variable volume component; a developer transport device for connecting the developer container and the pump component and transporting the developer in the developer container toward the pump component; and a transport path component connected to the pump component, through which the developer is discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge as the variable volume component moves.

[0007] In some embodiments, the variable volume member has: a first state in which the variable volume member does not apply a thrust to the transport path member that forces the developer to be discharged outside the developer cartridge; a second state in which the variable volume member applies a thrust to the transport path member that forces the developer to be discharged outside the developer cartridge; and a third state in which the variable volume member stops applying a thrust to the transport path member that forces the developer to be discharged outside the developer cartridge.

[0008] In some embodiments, the developer container further includes a second vent, which is configured to allow external air to enter the internal space of the developer container and to prevent developer from flowing out of the internal space of the developer container.

[0009] In some embodiments, the variable volume component is a piston component, which includes a cylinder and a piston. A movement space is formed in the cylinder, and the piston is movably disposed in the movement space. The piston includes a plug, a connecting part, and a force-receiving part connected sequentially along the vertical direction of the developer cartridge. The force-receiving part is used to receive external forces. The plug is located in the movement space. When the force-receiving part receives an external force, the plug moves in the vertical direction to generate a thrust that forces the developer to be discharged outside the developer cartridge. The connecting part connects the plug and the force-receiving part.

[0010] In some embodiments, the developer transport device is configured as a connecting channel having a first connecting port and a second connecting port, the first connecting port being in fluid communication with the developer container and the second connecting port being in fluid communication with the pump component, wherein the size d1 of the plug body is not less than the size of the second connecting port in the vertical direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the piston member is in the first state, the communication channel is in the open state; when the piston member changes from the first state to the second state, the communication channel changes from the open state to the closed state; when the piston member is in the third state, the communication channel is in the closed state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the developer cartridge further includes a one-way valve member disposed between the piston member and the developer reservoir, at least a portion of the one-way valve member being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the communication channel is closed and in the second position the communication channel is open.

[0013] In some embodiments, the developer cartridge further includes a fan disposed in the plug body, which is driven to rotate when the piston assembly is in the second state.

[0014] This utility model also provides a developer cartridge, including: a developer receiving part for containing developer, and the volume of which is variable; and a transport path member connected to the developer receiving part, wherein as the developer receiving part moves, the developer is discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge through the transport path member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the transport path component includes a flow channel having a first opening for connection with a developer container and a second opening for supplying developer outwards; the developer cartridge also includes a fan arranged with the first opening along the flow direction of the developer in the flow channel. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging device involved in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 3 A sectional view taken along the Z direction after cutting along section line L2.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the developer cartridge involved in this utility model, viewed along the Y1 direction.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the developer cartridge involved in this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the pump component involved in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model, viewed along the X direction.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model, viewed along the X direction.

[0023] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model is in the first state.

[0024] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model is in the third state.

[0025] Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model is in the first state.

[0026] Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model is in the third state.

[0027] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of this utility model is in the first state.

[0028] Figure 10B This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of this utility model is in the third state.

[0029] Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment Six of this utility model is in the first state.

[0030] Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment Six of this utility model is in the third state.

[0031] Figure 12This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of this utility model is in the first state.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of this utility model is in the first state. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging device involved in this utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the Z direction after cutting along section line L2; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the developer cartridge involved in this utility model, viewed along the Y1 direction; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the developer cartridge involved in this utility model; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the pump component involved in this utility model.

[0034] Imaging device C includes a processing cartridge A and a developer cartridge B. Developer cartridge B contains developer and supplies developer T to processing cartridge A through opening 23. Imaging device C has X, Y, and Z directions as shown in the figure. The X direction is the horizontal direction shown in the figure, the Y direction is the vertical direction shown in the figure, and the Z direction is the depth direction shown in the figure, i.e., the Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions respectively. Further, the Y direction includes an upward Y2 direction and a downward Y1 direction. Further, developer cartridge B has the same orientation as imaging device C.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the developer cartridge B includes a frame 40a and a cover 40d. The space formed by the combination of the frame 40a and the cover 40d can be used to contain the developer T. The developer cartridge B also includes a developer receiving part 22 disposed in the frame 40a. The developer receiving part 22 is used to contain the developer T. In this embodiment, the developer receiving part 22 is formed by the combination of the frame 40a and the cover 40d.

[0036] The developer cartridge B also includes a pump component 21, a transport path component 103, and a developer transport device 100. The volume of the pump component 21 is variable. The pump component 21 is used to connect to the transport path component 103. The developer transport device 100 is used to connect the developer container 22 and the transport path component 103. The developer cartridge B also includes a supply device (not shown) at least partially disposed in the developer container 22. The supply device is used to transport the developer T contained in the developer container 22 to the developer transport device 100, and then the developer T is transported to the transport path component 103 via the developer transport device 100. Finally, the developer T is supplied from the opening 23 to the processing cartridge A via the pump component 21. The developer cartridge B also includes a tube 104 and a pump cover 48. The tube 104 is used to connect the transport path component 103 and the opening 23, and the pump cover 48 is used to protect the pump component 21.

[0037] Furthermore, the pump component 21 is configured to have at least a portion of variable volume, including a bellows component (one embodiment of a variable volume component) 26, a pump drive gear 27, and a pump drive reciprocating motion component 28. Along the Y direction, the bellows component 26 is located between the pump drive gear 27 and the pump drive reciprocating motion component 28. The bellows component 26 can be compressed and expanded in the Y direction to achieve volume change. The bellows component 26 is provided with a bellows section (one embodiment of a variable volume section) 26a, a joint portion (one embodiment of a force receiving portion) 26b for engaging with the pump drive reciprocating motion component 28, and a fixing portion 26c for engaging with the transport path component 103. 26b is used to receive the force applied from the pump-driven reciprocating motion member 28. After the fixing part 26c is combined with the transport path member 103, the pump member 21 is fixed. The gear part 27a provided on the pump-driven gear 27 is used to receive the driving force and rotate around an axis parallel to the Y direction. The pump-driven reciprocating motion member 28 is used to engage with the coupling part 27b provided on the pump-driven gear 27, so that the pump-driven reciprocating motion member 28 moves along the Y direction to realize the compression and expansion of the bellows member 26 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the coupling part 27b can be a protrusion or a groove. When the bellows member 26 is compressed, the pump member 21 can generate flowing air so that the developer T is sprayed out of the opening 23.

[0038] Furthermore, the transport path component 103 includes a flow channel 24 and a developer delivery section 105 (e.g., Figure 6As shown in the diagram, the developer transport device 100 is used to supply the developer to the processing cartridge A. The developer transfer unit 105 is used to store the developer T from the developer container 22. The flow channel 24 is formed in the tube 104 and is used to connect the pump member 21 and the opening 23 (processing cartridge A). The developer transfer unit 105 is connected to the flow channel 24. After the developer T is transported to the developer transfer unit 105, the developer T is transported from the flow channel 24 to the opening 23 in the direction shown in D1 by the flowing air generated by the pump member 21.

[0039] Furthermore, the developer transport device 100 includes a developer transport member 101 and a drive device M. The developer transport member 101 is driven by the drive device M to transport the developer T from the developer container 22 to the developer transfer unit 105. The drive device M includes an input gear 60, a first rotating member 61, a grooved wheel 62, and a shaft member 63. The input gear 60 receives the driving force provided by the imaging device C and rotates along the direction shown in CW, while simultaneously driving the first rotating member 61 to rotate along the direction shown in CCW. The first rotating member 61 engages with the grooved wheel 62 and drives the grooved wheel 62 to rotate along the direction shown in CW. The grooved wheel 62 engages with the shaft member 63 and drives the shaft member 63 to rotate along the direction shown in CW with the grooved wheel 62. The shaft member 63 also engages with the developer transport member 101 to drive the developer transport member 101 to move, thereby transporting the developer T by the developer transport member 101 to the developer transfer unit 105.

[0040] Furthermore, the supply device includes a supply member 42, a supply shaft 43, a swinging rotating member 41, a force-applying member 46, a second rotating member 45, and an idler wheel 47. The supply member 42 and the supply shaft 43 are disposed in the developer container 22. The supply member 42 is a plate member extending along the X and Z directions. The supply member 42 can reciprocate along the directions shown in J1 and J2, where the direction shown in J2 is the opposite direction to the direction shown in J1. Furthermore, the directions shown in J1 and J2 are parallel to the Z direction. The supply member 42 can carry the developer T. As the supply member 42 reciprocates in the directions shown in J1 and J2, the developer T is supplied to the developer transport member 101 along the direction shown in J1. The supply shaft 43 is mounted along the Z direction on the frame 40a. Above, the supply shaft 43 is used to drive the reciprocating motion of the supply member 42. Further, the swing rotating member 41 is connected to one end of the supply shaft 43. The idler wheel 47 is used to mesh with the input gear 60 to receive the driving force and drive the second rotating member 45 to rotate. The second rotating member 45 is provided with a protrusion, which is used to connect with the arm of the swing rotating member 41 so that the swing rotating member 41 can rotate along the direction shown in CW. The force-applying member 46 is provided on the swing rotating member 41 to make the swing rotating member 41 rotate along the direction shown in CCW, so that the swing rotating member 41 swings back and forth in the directions shown in CW and CCW, thereby driving the supply shaft 43 to rotate back and forth, so as to realize the reciprocating motion of the supply member 42 in the directions shown in J1 and J2.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model, viewed along the X direction.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the developer transport component 101 is configured as a flexible / elastic component, such as a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt 101 is used to connect the developer container 22 and the developer transport section 105. The drive device M also includes a connecting shaft 64. The conveyor belt 101 is disposed on the shaft component 63 and the connecting shaft 64. As the drive device M drives, the conveyor belt 101 rotates along the direction shown in CW and transports the developer T from the developer container 22 to the developer transport section 105. Under the action of the flowing air generated by the pump component 21, the developer T in the developer transport section 105 is sprayed out from the flow channel 24 to supply to the processing cartridge A.

[0044] When the drive unit M is not in operation, the conveyor belt 101 can also prevent the developer T from leaking from the developer transfer section 105.

[0045]

Example 2

[0046] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model, viewed along the X direction.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the developer transport member 101 is configured as a flexible / elastic member, such as a sponge. The sponge 101 is used to connect the developer container 22 and the developer delivery unit 105. The sponge 101 is disposed on the shaft member 63. With the drive of the drive device M, the sponge 101 rotates in the direction shown in CW and transports the developer T from the developer container 22 to the developer delivery unit 105. Under the action of the flowing air generated by the pump member 21, the developer T in the developer delivery unit 105 is ejected from the flow channel 24 to supply to the processing cartridge A.

[0048] When the drive unit M is not in operation, the sponge 101 can also prevent the developer T from leaking from the developer delivery section 105.

[0049] In Examples 1 and 2, by configuring the developer transport component as a flexible / elastic element, the following results can be obtained:

[0050] Beneficial effects:

[0051] 1. Flexible / elastic components have space for elastic deformation, which can reduce friction during rotation, thereby reducing heat generation.

[0052] 2. Even if the developer T melts at high temperature and adheres to the developer transport component, the flexible / elastic component can still rotate normally through elastic deformation.

[0053]

Example 3

[0054] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model is in the first state. Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge of Embodiment 3 of this utility model is in the third state.

[0055] In this embodiment, the developer cartridge B is still provided with a pump component 21, but the bellows component 26 is replaced with a piston component (another embodiment of a variable volume component). For ease of understanding and description, the piston component and the bellows component are referred to by the same number below, and the components with the same function in both are also referred to by the same number.

[0056] like Figure 8AAs shown, the developer container 22 is directly connected to the piston member 26 via the developer transport device 100. In this case, the connecting channel 100 is used to provide a flow path for the developer T in the developer container 22 to flow toward the piston member 26. It can be simplified to a tubular connecting channel 100 provided between the piston member 26 and the developer container 22. The connecting channel 100 has a first connecting port 25 for fluid communication with the developer container 22 and a second connecting port 211 for fluid communication with the pump member 21 / piston member 26. In a simplified structure, the first connecting port 25 can also be a developer outlet provided in the developer container 22, and the second connecting port 211 can also be a developer inlet provided in the piston member 21. In this way, the developer T contained in the developer container 22 can directly enter the piston member 26 through the connecting channel 100.

[0057] The piston component 26 includes a cylinder 261, a piston 262, and a cover 263. A movement space 26g is formed in the cylinder 261. The cover 263 is used to cover an opening 261a in the cylinder 261. The piston 262 passes through the cover 263 and is movably disposed in the movement space 26g. The piston 262 includes a plug body 262a, a connecting portion 262b, and a force receiving portion (another embodiment of the force receiving portion) 262c connected sequentially along the Y direction. The force receiving portion 262c is located outside the movement space 26g and is used to receive external forces. The plug body 262a is located in the movement space 26g. When the force receiving portion receives an external force, the plug body 262a moves along the Y direction (up and down direction), thereby generating a thrust that forces the developer T to be discharged outside the developer cartridge. The connecting portion 262b passes through the cover 263 and is used to connect the plug body 262a and the force receiving portion 262c.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cover 263 may be omitted, in which case the piston 262 is fully exposed through the opening 261a.

[0059] Furthermore, along the Y direction, the plug 262a divides the movement space 26g into a first cavity 26g1 and a second cavity 26g2. The second cavity 26g2 is located below the first cavity 26g1, and the connecting channel 100 is connected to the second cavity 26g2 through the second connecting port 211. Therefore, the developer T in the developer container 22 can directly enter the second cavity 26g2 through the connecting channel 100. The cylinder 261 also has another opening 261b located below the first opening 261a, through which the developer T entering the second cavity 26g2 can be discharged.

[0060] In this embodiment, the piston component 21 / cylinder 261 is in fluid communication with the flow channel 24. Specifically, the second cavity 26g2 is in communication with the flow channel 24 through the other opening 261b. That is, the communication channel 100 is in communication with the flow channel 24 through the piston component 21 / cylinder 261. In this way, the developer T can enter the flow channel 24 through the other opening 261b. Therefore, the first opening G1 located at one end of the flow channel 24 can be regarded as coinciding with the other opening 261b. The flow channel 24 is connected to the pump component 21 through the first opening G1. The second opening 23 located at the other end of the flow channel 24 is used to supply the developer T to the processing cartridge A. The second cavity 26g2 can be regarded as the developer delivery unit 105 in this embodiment, and the transport path component 103 in this embodiment includes the second cavity 26g and the flow channel 24.

[0061] In some embodiments, the one opening 261a and the other opening 261b are arranged opposite each other along the Y direction. In other embodiments, the other opening 261b may also be provided on the side wall of the cylinder 261, as long as the developer T can be discharged from the second cavity 26g2.

[0062] Furthermore, the piston component 26 also includes a first air vent 264 communicating with the first cavity 26g1. The first air vent 264 communicates with the atmosphere and the first cavity 26g1, so that the air pressure in the first cavity 26g1 remains constant. The developer container 22 is also provided with a second air vent 222. The second air vent 222 is configured to allow external atmosphere to enter the internal space of the developer container 22, but not allow developer T to flow out from the internal space of the developer container 22.

[0063] In some embodiments, along the Y direction, the first connecting port 25 is higher than the second connecting port 211. For example, the first connecting port 25 is located above the second connecting port 211, or the lowest point of the first connecting port 25 is higher than the lowest point of the second connecting port 211. This arrangement allows the developer T in the developer container 22 to automatically flow out towards the second cavity 26g2. On the other hand, it increases the resistance to the backflow of the developer T in the second cavity 26g2 or the connecting channel 100 towards the developer container 22, thereby preventing the developer T from flowing back towards the developer container 22.

[0064] Preferably, along the Y direction, the lowest point of the first connecting port 25 is higher than the highest point of the second connecting port 211, so that the above advantages can be more effectively realized.

[0065] In some embodiments, along the Y direction, the size d1 of the plug 261a is not less than the size d2 of the second communication port 211. Thus, when the piston 261 moves downward to a predetermined position (piston member 26 / piston 262 is in the third state), the second communication port 211 can be sealed by the plug 262a, the path connecting the communication channel 100 and the flow channel 24 is cut off, and the path of the developer T flowing to the second cavity 26g2 is blocked. This prevents the developer T from reaching the top of the plug 262a and being discharged from the first vent 264 as the plug 262a moves upward, thus preventing contamination of the developer cartridge B / processing cartridge A / imaging device.

[0066] like Figure 8A As shown, piston component 26 / piston 262 is in the first state. At this time, piston component 26 / piston 262 does not apply a thrust to transport path component 103 / flow channel 24 to force developer T to be discharged to the outside of developer cartridge B. At least a part of the second communication port 211 is not sealed by plug 262a. That is, developer container 22 and piston component 26 / second cavity 26g2 are still in communication with each other. Communication channel 100 is open. The path connecting communication channel 100 and flow channel 24 is opened. Developer T in developer container 22 can enter second cavity 26g2 through communication channel 100 in sequence. Under the gravity of developer T itself, developer T can directly enter flow channel 24.

[0067] When the force-receiving part 262c receives a downward force, the piston component 26 / piston 262 changes to the second state. At this time, the plug body 262a begins to move downward, the volume of the second cavity 26g2 decreases, and the airflow generated in the second cavity 26g2 forces the developer T in the second cavity 26g2 and the developer T in the flow channel 24 to flow towards the second opening 23 in the direction shown by D2. The developer T entering the flow channel 24 is also less likely to return to the developer container 22. At the same time, the volume of the first cavity 26g1 increases, and the second connecting port 211 gradually... The plug 262a seals the connection channel 100, which gradually changes from open to closed. In the second state, the piston member 26 / piston 262 applies a thrust to the transport path member 103 / flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B. The developer T is discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B through the transport path member 103 / flow channel 24. The second connection port 211 changes from not being sealed by the plug 262a to being sealed by the plug 262a. That is, the developer container 22 and the piston member 26 / second cavity 26g2 change from being connected to being disconnected.

[0068] When plug 262c arrives Figure 8BWhen the position shown is such that piston member 26 / piston 262 is in the third state, the second communication port 211 is sealed by plug body 262c, the path of developer T in developer container 22 to the second cavity 26g2 is blocked, the communication channel 100 is closed, that is, the developer container 22 is disconnected from piston member 26 / second cavity 26g2, and piston member 26 / piston 262 stops applying the thrust to transport path member 103 / flow channel 24 to force developer T to be discharged to the outside of developer cartridge B.

[0069] When the force-receiving part 262c receives an upward force, the plug 262a begins to move upward, the volume of the second cavity 26g2 increases, the second connecting port 211 is no longer sealed by the plug 262a, that is, the connecting channel 100 gradually changes from closed to open, and the developer T in the developer container 22 can flow back to the second cavity 26g2 through the connecting channel 100. At the same time, the air in the first cavity 26g1 is discharged through the first air guide port 264, and the piston component 26 / piston 262 returns from the third state to the first state.

[0070] In some embodiments, the piston component 26 further includes a third air inlet (not shown) connecting the second cavity 26g2 and the atmosphere, and the third air inlet is configured to allow only external air to enter the second cavity 26g2, but not to allow the developer T in the second cavity 26g2 to flow out; during the upward movement of the plug 262a, external air enters the second cavity 26g2 through the third air inlet, which can prevent the developer T in the flow channel 24 from flowing back into the second cavity 26g2.

[0071] In practice, the third air inlet may not be necessary. During the upward movement of the plug 262a, external air can also enter the developer container 22 through the second air inlet 222, and then enter the second cavity 26g2 through the connecting channel 100.

[0072] Based on the inventive concept of this embodiment, the piston component 26 can also be configured such that when the plug body 262c moves upward along the Y direction (Y2 direction), the piston component 26 / piston 262 changes from the first state to the second state. At this time, the piston component 26 / piston 262 applies a thrust to the transport path component 103 / flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B. The developer T is discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B through the transport path component 103 / flow channel 24.

[0073]

Example 4

[0074] Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model is in the first state; Figure 9BThis is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model is in the third state.

[0075] Based on the inventive concept of Embodiment 3, the developer cartridge B involved in this embodiment also includes a one-way valve component disposed between the piston component 26 and the developer receiving portion 22. As the piston 262 moves, at least a portion of the one-way valve component can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the connecting channel 100 is closed, and at this time, the path connecting the connecting channel 100 and the flow channel 24 is cut off. In the second position, the connecting channel 100 is open, and at this time, the path connecting the connecting channel 100 and the flow channel 24 is opened.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the one-way valve component includes a trigger 91 and a seal 92 that are movably connected. The seal 92 is used to seal the communication channel 100. For example, the seal 92 can seal the first communication port 25 or the second communication port 211 or any part between the first communication port 25 and the second communication port 211. The piston 262 triggers the trigger 91, causing the seal 92 to move between the first position and the second position. Specifically, the trigger 91 includes a triggered part 91a, a transmission part 91b and an intermediate part 91c. The triggered part 91a and the transmission part 91b are located at the two ends of the intermediate part 91c, respectively. The triggered part 91a is used to be triggered by the piston 262, and the transmission part 91b is used to drive the seal 92 to move between the first position and the second position.

[0077] In some embodiments, along the Y direction, the connecting portion 262b extends beyond the plug body 262a, that is, a portion of the connecting portion 262b is located below the plug body 262a to form a trigger portion for triggering the triggered portion 91a; in a feasible manner, the trigger portion may also be a portion of the plug body 262a.

[0078] In some embodiments, the trigger 91 is configured to rotate about the rotating part 91d, which is disposed on the intermediate part 91c. Preferably, the rotating part 91d is engaged with the cylinder 261 through a shaft hole.

[0079] like Figure 9A As shown, piston component 26 / piston 262 is in the first state. At this time, piston component 26 / piston 262 does not apply a thrust to transport path component 103 / flow channel 24 to force developer T to be discharged to the outside of developer cartridge B, and seal 92 is in the first position.

[0080] When the force-receiving part 262 receives a downward force, the piston member 26 / piston 262 changes to the second state. At this time, the plug body 262a begins to move downward, the volume of the second cavity 26g2 decreases, and the volume of the first cavity 26g1 increases. The airflow generated in the second cavity 26g2 forces the developer T located in the second cavity 26g2 and the developer T located in the flow channel 24 to flow towards the second opening 23 in the direction shown in D2. That is, the piston member 26 / piston 262 applies a thrust to the flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B. The developer T is discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B through the transport path member 103 / flow channel 24. When the triggered member 91a is triggered by the piston 262, the triggered member 91 begins to rotate around the rotating part 91d, and the sealing member 92 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0081] When plug 262a arrives Figure 9B When the position shown is such that piston member 26 / piston 262 is in the third state, seal 92 is in the second position, and developer T in developer container 22 is continuously supplied to second cavity 26g2.

[0082] Unlike Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, while the piston member 26 applies a thrust to the flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B, the developer T in the developer container 22 can be replenished to the second cavity 26g2. Thus, in one cycle of the piston member 262, more developer T is supplied to the flow channel 24.

[0083] It should be understood that when the piston component 26 / piston 262 is in the first state, the connecting channel 100 can also be in the open state. When the piston component 26 / piston 262 changes from the first state to the second state, the connecting channel 100 can also change from the open state to the closed state. When the piston component 26 / piston 262 is in the third state, the connecting channel 100 can also be in the closed state, as specifically in Embodiment 1.

[0084] Example 5

[0085] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of this utility model is in the first state; Figure 10B This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of this utility model is in the third state.

[0086] The pump component 21 in this embodiment is similar to that in Embodiments 1 and 2. The variable volume component is still set as the bellows component 26. Unlike Embodiments 1 and 2, the bellows component 26 in this embodiment is also used to contain developer T, and the bellows component 26 is also directly connected to the flow channel 24. The flow channel 24 has a first opening G1 for connecting to the developer container 22 and a second opening 23 for supplying developer T to the outside. Therefore, the bellows component 26 is the developer container 22, that is, the volume of the developer container 22 in this embodiment is variable. In some embodiments, a part of the bellows component 26 can be regarded as the connecting channel 100, and the structure of the developer cartridge B can be further simplified.

[0087] Similarly, the bellows component 26 in this embodiment also has the aforementioned first state (e.g. Figure 10A As shown), the second state and the third state (as shown) Figure 10B As shown, in the first state, the bellows member 26 does not apply a thrust to the transport path member 103 / flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged out of the developer cartridge B. In the second state, the bellows member 26 applies a thrust to the transport path member 103 / flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged out of the developer cartridge B, and the developer T is discharged out of the developer cartridge B through the transport path member 103 / flow channel 24. In the third state, the bellows member 26 stops applying a thrust to the transport path member 103 / flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged out of the developer cartridge B.

[0088] like Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, the bellows component 26 in this embodiment is also provided with a second air inlet 222. Preferably, the second air inlet 222 is controlled by a one-way valve, so that the second air inlet 222 is configured to allow external air to enter the bellows component 26, but not allow the air or developer T in the bellows component 26 to flow to the outside of the bellows component 26.

[0089] Example 6

[0090] Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment Six of this utility model is in the first state; Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment Six of this utility model is in the third state.

[0091] Based on the inventive concepts of Embodiments 3 and 4, the structure of piston 262 in this embodiment has been changed, but the piston component 26 / piston 262 in this embodiment still has the aforementioned first state (e.g. Figure 11A As shown), the second state and the third state (as shown) Figure 11B (As shown).

[0092] Specifically, the developer cartridge B / pump component 21 also includes a fan 26f disposed in the plug body 262a. When the piston component 26 / piston 262 is in the second state, the fan 26f is driven to rotate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the thrust used to apply to the flow channel 24 to force the developer T to be discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B comes at least from the first air pressure generated by the rotation of the fan 26f. It should be understood that while the plug body 262a moves downward, the plug body 262a also squeezes the air in the second cavity 26g2 to generate a second air pressure that can force the developer T in the flow channel 24 to be discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge B. Therefore, the thrust can also be the resultant force of the first air pressure and the second air pressure.

[0093] As shown in the figure, the fan 26f includes a rotating shaft 26f1 and multiple fan blades 26f2 spaced apart in a circumferential direction around the rotating shaft 26f1. There is a gap 26f3 between two adjacent fan blades 26f2, and the developer T can flow in the gap 26f3. Therefore, the difference between this embodiment and embodiments four and five is that when the piston member 26 / piston 262 is in the second state, the developer T from the developer container 22 can first enter the first cavity 26g1 and reach the top of the plug 262a. Then, the developer T enters the second cavity 26g2 through the gap 26f3, that is, the developer T passes through the fan 26f and enters the transport path member 103.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second communication port 211 can also be configured such that when the piston 262 is in the second state, the developer T still directly enters the second cavity 26g2; it can be seen that the position of the second communication port 211 in this embodiment has multiple options and has a higher degree of design freedom.

[0095] In some embodiments, the power for rotating the fan blades 26f2 of the fan 26f can come from the external force received by the force-receiving part 262c, or from the power provided by a separately provided motor, or from the power provided by the natural flow of air when the fan 26f moves in the Y direction with the piston 262.

[0096] Example 7

[0097] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of this utility model is in the first state.

[0098] Based on Embodiment 5, the developer cartridge B / pump component 21 in this embodiment is also provided with a fan 26f, that is, the bellows component 26 in this embodiment also has the first state, the second state and the third state described above.

[0099] In some embodiments, the fan 26f and the first opening G1 are arranged along the flow direction D2 of the developer T in the flow channel 24 to accelerate the flow speed of the developer T in the flow channel 24.

[0100] In some embodiments, when the bellows component 26 is in the first and third states, the fan 26f stops working, and when the bellows component 26 is in the second state, the fan 26f starts working. In this way, while increasing the flow rate of the developer T, the discharge time of the developer T can be effectively controlled, and the energy used to drive the fan blades 26f2 to rotate can be saved.

[0101] In some embodiments, the fan 26f is configured to be linked with the bellows member 26. Specifically, when the bellows member 26 changes from a first state to a second state, the switch of the fan 26f is triggered by the bellows member 26 to turn on, and the fan 26f starts working. When the bellows member 26 changes from the second state to the third state, the switch of the fan 26f is triggered by the bellows member 26 again to turn off, and the fan 26f stops working. When the bellows member 26 changes from the third state to the first state, the fan 26f remains in the stopped state.

[0102] Example 8

[0103] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X direction when the pump component in the developer cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of this utility model is in the first state.

[0104] As shown in the figure, the pump component 21 in this embodiment is set as a bellows component. The bellows component still has the first state, second state and third state mentioned above. Other structures in this embodiment can be referred to in Embodiment 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0105] In the developer cartridges described in Examples 3 to 8, the developer T enters the transport path component 103 from the pump component 21. This design simplifies the overall structure of the developer cartridge and increases the powder supply efficiency. At the same time, a sealing component is provided to prevent the developer located in the transport path component 103 from being pushed back to the developer receiving part 22 by the pump component 21 during operation, thereby improving the powder supply efficiency of the transport path component 103.

Claims

1. A developer cartridge, characterized in that, include: Developer container, used to hold developer; Pump components, including variable volume components; A developer transport device is used to connect the developer container and the pump component, and to transport the developer in the developer container toward the pump component; The transport path component, connected to the pump component, allows the developer to be discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge as the variable volume component moves.

2. The developer cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, Variable volume components have: In the first state, the variable volume component does not exert a thrust on the transport path component that forces the developer to be discharged outside the developer cartridge; In the second state, the variable volume component applies a thrust to the transport path component, forcing the developer to be discharged outside the developer cartridge; In the third state, the variable volume component stops applying the thrust that forces the developer out of the developer cartridge to the transport path component.

3. The developer cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developer container also includes a second vent, which is configured to allow external air to enter the internal space of the developer container while preventing developer from flowing out of the internal space of the developer container.

4. The developer cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The variable volume component is a piston component, which includes a cylinder and a piston. A movement space is formed in the cylinder, and the piston is movably disposed in the movement space. The piston includes a plug body, a connecting part, and a force-receiving part connected sequentially along the vertical direction of the developer cartridge. The force-receiving part is used to receive external forces. The plug body is located in the movement space. When the force-receiving part receives external forces, the plug body moves in the vertical direction and generates a thrust that forces the developer to be discharged outside the developer cartridge. The connecting part connects the plug body and the force-receiving part.

5. The developer cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The developer transport device is configured as a connecting channel with a first connecting port and a second connecting port. The first connecting port is used for fluid communication with the developer container, and the second connecting port is used for fluid communication with the pump component. In the vertical direction, the size d1 of the plug is not less than the size of the second connecting port.

6. The developer cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the piston component is in the first state, the connecting channel is in the open state; When the piston component changes from the first state to the second state, the connecting channel changes from the open state to the closed state. When the piston assembly is in the third state, the connecting channel is closed.

7. The developer cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The developer cartridge also includes a one-way valve component disposed between the piston component and the developer container, at least a portion of which is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the communication channel is closed and in the second position the communication channel is open.

8. The developer cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The developer cartridge also includes a fan disposed in the plug body, which is driven to rotate when the piston assembly is in the second state.

9. A developer cartridge, characterized in that, include: A developer container for holding developer, and its volume is variable; The transport path component is connected to the developer container. As the developer container moves, the developer is discharged to the outside of the developer cartridge through the transport path component.

10. The developer cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transport path component includes a flow channel having a first opening for connection with a developer container and a second opening for supplying developer outwards. The developer cartridge also includes a fan, which is arranged along the flow direction of the developer in the flow channel with the first opening.

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