Developing box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developer allowance detection mechanism and a developing box. In some embodiments, the developing cartridge includes: a cartridge body having a developer accommodating cavity; the developing roller can rotate relative to the box body; the circuit board is arranged outside the box body; a light emitting part for emitting detection light and a light receiving part for receiving the detection light are arranged on the circuit board; the incident light guide part is mounted on the box body and is used for guiding the detection light emitted by the light emitting part to the developer accommodating cavity; the emergent light guide part is mounted on the box body and is used for guiding the detection light which has passed through the incident light guide part and the developer accommodating cavity to the light receiving part; the light emitting part and the light receiving part are positioned on the same side of the axial center of the developing roller along the axial direction of the developing roller. In the embodiment, the detection light signal between the light emitting part and the light receiving part can be changed along with the consumption of the developer, so that the remaining amount of the developer can be detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging equipment; more specifically, it relates to a developing cartridge used in electrophotographic imaging equipment. Background Technology

[0002] During the imaging process of an electrophotographic imaging device, the developing cartridge supplies developer to the photosensitive drum through its developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image on the drum. Ideally, the remaining developer level in the developing cartridge should be monitored during use to alert the user when the developer is depleted or falls below a preset value, allowing for timely replenishment of developer or replacement of the developing cartridge.

[0003] In the prior art, a light detection mechanism can be set on the developing cartridge. This light detection mechanism can transmit a detection signal reflecting the remaining amount of developer to the control unit of the electrophotographic imaging device, so that the imaging device can determine the remaining amount of developer in the developing cartridge.

[0004] The existing light detection mechanism has a light-emitting guide and a light-receiving guide. The light-emitting guide is adapted to guide detection light emitted from a light-emitting element disposed in the main body of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus for detecting the remaining amount of developer in the developing container into the developing container. The light-receiving guide is adapted to guide the detection light passing through the developing container to a light-receiving element disposed in the main body of the apparatus.

[0005] Therefore, the position of the light-emitting guide in the developing chamber needs to be set according to the position of the light-emitting element in the main body of the electrophotographic imaging device, which limits the position of the light detection mechanism. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model discloses a developing cartridge, comprising: a cartridge body having a developer-containing cavity inside; a developing roller rotatably disposed relative to the cartridge body; a circuit board mounted on the outside of the cartridge body; the circuit board having a light-emitting part for emitting detection light and a light-receiving part for receiving detection light; an incident light guide part mounted on the cartridge body; the incident light guide part guiding the detection light emitted by the light-emitting part to the developer-containing cavity; and an outgoing light guide part mounted on the cartridge body; the outgoing light guide part guiding the detection light that has passed through the incident light guide part and the developer-containing cavity to the light-receiving part; wherein, along the axial direction of the developing roller, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are located on the same side of the axial center of the developing roller.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a circuit board holding member, and the circuit board is mounted on the circuit board holding member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the circuit board is mounted on the side of the circuit board holding member facing away from the housing, and the circuit board holding member is provided with an incident light transmission section and an outgoing light transmission section for the detection light to pass through.

[0009] In some embodiments, the developer container cavity is provided with a developer stirring member, the incident light guide and the outgoing light guide are spaced apart and can protrude into the developer container cavity, and at least a portion of the developer stirring member can pass through the gap between the incident light guide and the outgoing light guide during rotation.

[0010] In some embodiments, an internal optical path is formed between the incident light guide and the exit light guide within the developer containment cavity, and the internal optical path is configured to overlap with the rotation trajectory of the developer agitator when viewed axially along the rotation axis of the developer agitator.

[0011] In some embodiments, the internal optical path between the incident light guide and the outgoing light guide is located at the bottom or lower part of the developer container cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the circuit board retaining member can be detachably mounted onto the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the circuit board retaining member is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, wherein the snap-fit ​​protrusion and the snap-fit ​​groove form a detachable snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0014] In some embodiments, the circuit board is detachably mounted to a circuit board retaining member.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the external casing of this utility model is provided with a circuit board, and the circuit board is provided with a light-emitting part for emitting detection light. Therefore, the electronic photographic imaging equipment matched with this utility model does not need to be provided with a light-emitting element. Thus, the position of the developer balance detection mechanism is not limited by the light-emitting element, and the design freedom of the developer balance detection mechanism is higher.

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this utility model, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram showing the developer balance detection mechanism in Example 1;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the orthographic projection of the developing chamber in Example 1;

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the developer residue detection mechanism in Example 1;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing cartridge in Example 2;

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram showing the developer balance detection mechanism in Example 2;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing cartridge in Example 3;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the developer balance detection mechanism in Example 3;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing cartridge in Example 4;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the developer balance detection mechanism in Example 4. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in conjunction with embodiments in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the following embodiments and detailed description are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the developing cartridge of Embodiment 1 includes a cartridge body 10 and a developing roller 20. The interior of the cartridge body 10 has a developer-containing cavity, and a developer-stirring element (not shown in the figure) is provided in the developer-containing cavity. The developing roller 20 is mounted on the cartridge body 10 and is rotatably arranged relative to the cartridge body 10.

[0030] Furthermore, the developing cartridge of Embodiment 1 also includes a circuit board 31 mounted on the outside of the cartridge body 10. After the developing cartridge is installed in the electrophotographic imaging device, the circuit board 31 can form a signal connection with the control unit of the imaging device. This signal connection can be an electrical connection or a wireless signal connection; the present invention does not limit the type of signal connection. For example, the circuit board 31 may be provided with conductive contacts, and the imaging device may be provided with electrical connection terminals that are electrically connected to its control unit via wires. After the developing cartridge is installed in the electrophotographic imaging device, the electrical connection terminals contact the conductive contacts on the circuit board 31 to form an electrical connection.

[0031] Preferably, the housing 10 is provided with a circuit board holding member 32, and the circuit board 31 is mounted on the circuit board holding member 32, forming a developer balance detection mechanism 30. The circuit board 31 can be mounted on the side of the circuit board holding member 32 facing the housing 10 (inner side) or on the side of the circuit board holding member 32 away from the housing 10 (outer side). Preferably, the circuit board 31 is mounted on the side of the circuit board holding member 32 away from the housing 10 (outer side), that is, the circuit board holding member 32 is located between the circuit board 31 and the housing 10. The circuit board holding member 32 can be mounted on the housing 10 by various methods such as screw fixing or adhesive fixing, and this utility model does not impose any limitations on this.

[0032] As a variation, the circuit board 31 can also be directly mounted on the housing 10 without the need for the circuit board retaining member 32, in order to simplify the structure and reduce costs. In this case, the circuit board 31 itself constitutes the developer balance detection mechanism.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the circuit board 31 is provided with a light-emitting part 311 for emitting detection light and a light-receiving part 312 for receiving detection light; wherein, the light-emitting part 311 can be a light source such as an LED, a laser diode, an incandescent lamp or a halogen lamp, and the light-receiving part 312 can be a photodiode or an avalanche photodiode, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, in this embodiment, the outer side of the housing 10 is provided with a circuit board 31, and the circuit board 31 is provided with a light-emitting part 311 for emitting detection light. Therefore, the electrophotographic imaging device that is matched with this embodiment does not need to be provided with a light-emitting element, so the position of the developer balance detection mechanism 30 is not limited by the light-emitting element, and the design freedom of the developer balance detection mechanism 30 is higher.

[0035] Preferred, such as Figure 3 As shown, along the axial direction of the developing roller 20, the light-emitting part 311 and the light-receiving part 312 are located on the same side of the axial center of the developing roller 20, that is, on either side of the axial centerline CL of the developing roller 20. The developing roller 20 includes a roller body 21 for carrying developer and a rotating shaft 22 for supporting the roller body 21. The axial center of the developing roller 20 is preferably the axial center of the roller body 21. Compared with the light-emitting part 311 and the light-receiving part 312 being located at the axial center of the developing roller 20, the light-emitting part 311 and the light-receiving part 312 being located on the same side of the axial center of the developing roller 20 means that the developer balance detection mechanism 30 does not occupy the position of the axial center and the other side of the cartridge 10. The freed-up space can be used to design other mechanisms (such as handles). This design also reduces the interference of the light source of the photosensitive drum exposure on the developer balance detection mechanism 30.

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the housing 10 is equipped with an incident light guide 11 and an outgoing light guide 12. The incident light guide 11 can be configured to face the light emitting unit 311 and guide the detection light emitted by the light emitting unit 311 to the developer container cavity; the outgoing light guide 12 can be configured to face the light receiving unit 312 and guide the detection light that has passed through the incident light guide 11 and the developer container cavity to the light receiving unit 312.

[0037] The circuit board holding member 32 is provided with an incident light transmission part 321 and an outgoing light transmission part 322 for the detection light to pass through. The incident light transmission part 321 and the outgoing light transmission part 322 can be through holes or notches processed on the circuit board holding member 32.

[0038] An incident light guide 11 and an exit light guide 12 are spaced apart and can protrude into the developer container cavity. An internal optical path is formed between the incident light guide 11 and the exit light guide 12 within the developer container cavity. This internal optical path is configured to overlap with the rotation trajectory of the developer agitator when viewed along the axial direction of the rotation axis of the developer agitator, meaning that at least a portion of the developer agitator can pass through the gap between the incident light guide 11 and the exit light guide 12 during rotation.

[0039] Thus, during one rotation of the developer agitator, the time during which the internal optical path is blocked by the developer delivered / stirred by the developer agitator (the time during which the light receiving unit 312 cannot receive the detection light from the light emitting unit 311) depends on the remaining amount of developer (the longer the light blocking time within one rotation cycle, the more developer remains). Furthermore, the light intensity of the detection light received by the light receiving unit 312 also depends on the remaining amount of developer (the higher the light intensity, the smaller the remaining developer). The light signal reflecting the remaining developer can be transmitted via the circuit board to the control unit of the electrophotographic imaging device, thereby allowing the electrophotographic imaging device to determine the remaining developer in the developing cartridge and to alert the user when the remaining amount is insufficient.

[0040] Optionally, the internal optical path between the incident light guide 11 and the exit light guide 12 is located at the bottom or lower part of the developer container. When the remaining developer level is higher than a preset value, this optical path is filled with developer and blocked, preventing the detection light from being transmitted from the incident light guide 11 to the exit light guide 12. When the developer level is consumed to below a preset value, the internal optical path is free of developer, allowing the detection light to be transmitted from the incident light guide 11 to the exit light guide 12; or, the developer level in the internal optical path decreases until the light intensity of the detection light received by the light receiver 312 is higher than a threshold. In this way, the electrophotographic imaging device can also determine whether the remaining developer level is lower than a preset value.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the difference between Example 2 and Example 1 lies in the installation structure of the developer level detection mechanism 30. In Example 2, the developer level detection mechanism 30 is detachably mounted onto the housing 10 of the developing cartridge.

[0043] Specifically, the developer balance detection mechanism 30 includes a circuit board holding member 31 and a circuit board 32 disposed thereon. The circuit board holding member 31 can be detachably mounted onto the housing 10. In one embodiment, the housing 10 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 13, and the circuit board holding member 32 has a snap-fit ​​groove 323. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 13 and the snap-fit ​​groove 323 form a detachable snap-fit ​​engagement to detachably fix the circuit board holding member 32 onto the housing 10. It is easy to understand that the positions of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 13 and the snap-fit ​​groove 323 can be interchanged.

[0044] In Example 2, the developer level detection mechanism 30 can be installed as a separate adapter onto the cartridge 10. This allows the developer level detection mechanism 30 to be detached from the cartridge 10 for transport, preventing damage during transit. Furthermore, the installation position of the developer level detection mechanism 30 on the cartridge 10 can be flexibly configured as needed, adapting to different developer cartridges.

[0045] As a variation of the aforementioned embodiment, the circuit board holding member 31 can be detachably mounted separately on the housing 10. In this case, the circuit board holding member 31 may not be part of the developer balance detection mechanism 30. During use, after the circuit board holding member 31 is mounted on the housing 10, the circuit board 32 is then mounted on the circuit board holding member 31 by various detachable or non-detachable methods such as snap-fit, bonding, or screw fixing. Alternatively, the circuit board 32 can be directly mounted on the housing 10, i.e., there is no need to provide the circuit board holding member 31.

[0046] In embodiments of this invention, the developing cartridge may be equipped with a sensor and a circuit board electrically connected to the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a change in the detection signal based on changes in the remaining developer level. The following detailed description is provided in conjunction with Embodiments 3 and 4.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the developing cartridge of Embodiment 3 includes a cartridge body 100, the interior of which has a developer-containing cavity, and the exterior of which is provided with a circuit board 310. A circuit board holding member 320 is provided on the cartridge body 100, and the circuit board 310 is mounted on the circuit board holding member 320. The circuit board 310 can be mounted on the side of the circuit board holding member 320 facing the cartridge body 100 (inner side) or on the side of the circuit board holding member 320 away from the cartridge body 100 (outer side).

[0049] The circuit board retaining member 320 can be installed on the housing 100 by various methods such as screw fixing, adhesive fixing, and snap-fit ​​connection, and this utility model does not limit this. As a variation, the circuit board 310 can also be directly installed on the housing 100 without the need for the circuit board retaining member 320, in order to simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0050] Furthermore, for cases where a magnetic developer is used in the developing cartridge, in Embodiment 3, a Hall sensor 201 may be provided on the cartridge body 100. The Hall sensor 201 is electrically connected to the circuit board 310 via a wire 330. A conductive component 400 that cooperates with the Hall sensor 201 is provided in the developer-containing cavity of the cartridge body 100. Preferably, with reference to the state where the developing cartridge is installed in an electrophotographic imaging device, the conductive component 400 is located below the Hall sensor 201. Preferably, the conductive component 400 is a metal spring coil, for example, a metal spring coil with a conical structure.

[0051] During the use of the developing cartridge, as the magnetic developer is consumed, the conductive component 400 will generate different potential signals, causing the detection signal of the Hall sensor 201 to change. The detection signal reflecting the remaining developer can be transmitted to the control unit of the electrophotographic imaging device via the circuit board, thereby allowing the electrophotographic imaging device to determine the remaining developer in the developing cartridge.

[0052] Example 4

[0053] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the developing cartridge of Embodiment 4 includes a cartridge body 100, the interior of which has a developer-containing cavity, and the exterior of which is provided with a circuit board 310. A circuit board holding member 320 is provided on the cartridge body 100, and the circuit board 310 is mounted on the circuit board holding member 320. The circuit board 310 can be mounted on the side of the circuit board holding member 320 facing the cartridge body 100 (inner side) or on the side of the circuit board holding member 320 away from the cartridge body 100 (outer side).

[0054] The circuit board retaining member 320 can be installed on the housing 100 by various methods such as screw fixing, adhesive fixing, and snap-fit ​​connection, and this utility model does not limit this. As a variation, the circuit board 310 can also be directly installed on the housing 100 without the need for the circuit board retaining member 320, in order to simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0055] A gravity sensor 202 is installed inside the developer container of the cartridge 100. The gravity sensor 202 is electrically connected to the circuit board 310 via a wire 330. Preferably, with reference to the state of the developer cartridge installed in an electrophotographic imaging device, the gravity sensor 202 is located at the bottom of the developer container.

[0056] During the use of the developing cartridge, as the developer is consumed, the gravity applied to the gravity sensor 202 gradually decreases, causing a change in the detection signal of the gravity sensor 202. The detection signal reflecting the remaining amount of developer can be transmitted to the control unit of the electrophotographic imaging device via the circuit board, thereby allowing the electrophotographic imaging device to determine the remaining amount of developer in the developing cartridge.

[0057] Compared with the prior art, the matching electrophotographic imaging equipment in Examples 3 and 4 does not require the setting of light-emitting elements. The developing chamber detects the amount of developer by a sensor. Therefore, the position of the developer remaining detection mechanism 30 is not limited by the light-emitting elements, and the design of the developer remaining detection mechanism 30 has a higher degree of freedom.

[0058] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, some identical descriptions in the different embodiments described above have been omitted. Unless there are contradictions or exclusions, the different embodiments disclosed above can be referenced, consulted, or combined with each other, and the technical features / components of different embodiments can also be combined and / or substituted with each other.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described above through embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to exemplarily describe the possible implementations of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. That is, any substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present invention should also be covered by the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, characterized in that, include: The container has a developer-containing cavity inside; The developing roller is rotatably disposed relative to the cartridge body; The circuit board is mounted on the outside of the housing; The circuit board is provided with a light-emitting part for emitting detection light and a light-receiving part for receiving detection light; An incident light guide is mounted on the housing. The incident light guiding part is used to guide the detection light emitted by the light-emitting part to the developer containing cavity; An outgoing light guide is mounted on the housing; the outgoing light guide is used to guide the detection light that has passed through the incident light guide and the developer container to the light receiving unit; In this configuration, along the axial direction of the developing roller, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are located on the same side of the axial center of the developing roller.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box body is provided with a circuit board holding member, and the circuit board is mounted on the circuit board holding member.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board is mounted on the side of the circuit board holding member facing away from the box. The circuit board holding member is provided with an incident light transmission part and an outgoing light transmission part for the detection light to pass through.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developer container is provided with a developer stirring component. The incident light guide and the outgoing light guide are spaced apart and can protrude into the developer container. At least a portion of the developer stirring component can pass through the gap between the incident light guide and the outgoing light guide during rotation.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, An internal optical path is formed between the incident light guide and the outgoing light guide within the developer containment cavity. This internal optical path is configured to overlap with the rotation trajectory of the developer agitator when viewed along the axial direction of the rotation axis of the developer agitator.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal optical path between the incident light guide and the outgoing light guide is located at the bottom or lower part of the developer container cavity.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board retaining member can be detachably mounted onto the housing.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The box body is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the circuit board retaining component is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove. The snap-fit ​​protrusion and the snap-fit ​​groove form a detachable snap-fit ​​engagement.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The circuit board is detachably mounted to the circuit board retaining member.

Images