Toner cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses a toner cartridge which comprises a shell, the shell is provided with a containing cavity capable of containing a developing agent and an outlet communicated with the containing cavity, the shell is provided with a first side and a second side which are oppositely arranged in the first direction, and the shell is provided with a third side and a fourth side in the second direction; the linkage assembly is connected to the second side of the shell, and the linkage assembly is provided with a joint surface for receiving external driving force; the movable baffle is connected to the position where the outlet of the shell is located, the movable baffle is operably connected to the linkage assembly, and when the joint surface of the linkage assembly receives driving force, the movable baffle can be driven to slide between a first position where the developer is prevented from flowing out of the outlet and a second position where the developer is allowed to flow out of the outlet. According to the toner cartridge provided by the invention, the movable baffle plate realizes opening and closing of the developer adding channel between the toner cartridge and the imaging device in a sliding manner, so that abrasion caused by rotation can be effectively reduced, and the reliability of the toner cartridge can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electrophotographic imaging, and particularly relates to a toner cartridge. BACKGROUND

[0002] The toner cartridge is an element that can be independently installed into the image forming device relative to the developing unit, and the toner cartridge can accommodate the developer. When the developer in the developing unit is insufficient, the toner cartridge can provide the developer to the developing unit.

[0003] In the related art, when the developer needs to be added to the developing unit, the opening assembly on the toner cartridge rotates the opening to align with the opening on the developing unit by rotating, so that the toner cartridge is in communication with the powder bin of the developing unit, and the developer in the toner cartridge enters the powder bin of the developing unit. This way of aligning the opening of the toner cartridge with the opening of the developing unit by rotating causes the opening assembly to be subjected to a large friction during rotation, which can cause the opening assembly to wear and cause powder leakage. The reliability of the toner cartridge is low. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve the above problems, the utility model provides a new toner cartridge, which is mainly realized by the following technical scheme:

[0005] A toner cartridge can be installed into an image forming device, and the toner cartridge comprises:

[0006] A housing has a containing cavity that can accommodate a developer, and an outlet that is in communication with the containing cavity. The housing has a first side and a second side that are oppositely arranged in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side that are oppositely arranged in a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0007] A linkage assembly is connected to the second side of the housing. The linkage assembly has an engagement surface that receives an external driving force, and the engagement surface faces the fourth side of the housing.

[0008] A movable baffle is connected to the position of the outlet of the housing, and the movable baffle is operatively connected to the linkage assembly. When the engagement surface of the linkage assembly receives the driving force, the movable baffle can be driven to slide between a first position that blocks the developer from flowing out of the outlet and a second position that allows the developer to flow out of the outlet.

[0009] The toner cartridge provided by the application is characterized in that: the outlet of the shell is aligned with the inlet of the image forming device; the moving baffle is slidable between a first position in which the moving baffle blocks the developer in the shell from flowing out of the outlet and entering the interior of the image forming device through the inlet of the image forming device, and a second position in which the moving baffle allows the developer in the shell to flow out of the outlet and enter the interior of the image forming device through the inlet of the image forming device; the moving baffle is slidable to open and close the channel for adding the developer between the toner cartridge and the image forming device, which can effectively reduce the wear caused by rotation and help improve the reliability of the toner cartridge.

[0010] In some embodiments, the linkage assembly comprises a driving member and a rotating member connected to the driving member, and the moving baffle comprises a main body and a moving part connected to the main body, and the moving part is connected to the rotating member.

[0011] The driving member is movably connected to the shell, and the rotating member rotates following the movement of the driving member, and the moving part drives the main body to slide between the first position and the second position following the rotation of the rotating member.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the driving member is movably connected to the shell, so that the driving member can move in a predetermined direction, the rotating member can rotate following the movement of the driving member and drive the moving part connected thereto to slide, which can make the movement of the moving part stable and synchronized with the movement of the driving member, help ensure that the main body can slide accurately and stably between the first position and the second position, and improve the stability and reliability of the main body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the driving member comprises a first rack, the rotating member comprises a gear part, and the moving part comprises a second rack, and the first rack and the second rack are meshingly connected to the gear part.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the power of the driving member can be transmitted stably and accurately to the gear part through the meshing connection between the first rack and the gear part, and the power can be further transmitted to the moving part through the meshing between the gear part and the second rack, so as to accurately and stably drive the moving part to slide, which helps further improve the stability and reliability of the movement of the main body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the main body is provided with a notch, the notch is deviated from the outlet when the main body slides to the first position, and the notch is aligned with the outlet when the main body slides to the second position.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the notch is arranged on the main body and aligned with or deviated from the first and the outlet during the sliding process, which can effectively reduce the movement stroke of the second rack and the gear part, help reduce the occupied space of the moving baffle and the driving member, improve the compactness of the structure, and help improve the response speed of the developer conveying.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a guide groove and a receiving groove, the main body part is slidable along the guide groove, and the main body part is accommodated in the receiving groove when the main body part slides to the second position.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the guide groove can guide the movement of the main body part in the receiving cavity, so that the main body part slides in a predetermined direction, which helps to improve the stability and reliability of the movement. The receiving groove can provide accommodation space for the main body part, effectively reducing the space occupied by the main body part in the receiving cavity, and improving the compactness of the structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the housing has a first side and a second side arranged separately from the first side, and the linkage assembly is connected to the second side of the housing.

[0020] The toner cartridge further includes a drive gear and a developer conveying member, the drive gear is connected to the first side of the housing, and the developer conveying member conveys the developer to the outlet following the rotation of the drive gear.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the drive gear can provide stable driving force for the developer conveying member, and the developer conveying member can directionally convey the developer in the housing to the position of the outlet, which can realize efficient conveying of the developer, avoid blockage of the developer, reduce uneven distribution of the developer, and help to improve the stability of the toner cartridge.

[0022] In some embodiments, the toner cartridge further includes a partition, the partition is arranged on the second side of the housing and in the receiving cavity, the partition has a partition cavity and an opening in communication with the partition cavity, one end of the developer conveying member is accommodated in the partition cavity, and the opening is aligned with the outlet.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the partition effectively separates the receiving cavity of the housing from the partition cavity, forming an independent developer conveying channel. One end of the developer conveying member is accommodated in the partition cavity, and the opening is aligned with the outlet, so that the developer conveying member can convey the developer into the partition cavity and further transmit it from the opening to the outlet, which helps to improve the stability of the developer conveying and to realize accurate control of the conveying amount of the developer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing has a third side and a fourth side arranged oppositely in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the toner cartridge further includes a stirring frame, the stirring frame includes a stirring frame gear, and the stirring frame gear rotates following the rotation of the drive gear.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the drive gear can provide stable driving force for the stirring frame gear, and the stirring frame gear can drive the stirring frame to rotate, thereby stirring the developer in the receiving cavity, which helps to avoid clumping of the developer in the receiving cavity and realize uniform distribution of the developer in the receiving cavity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the imaging device includes an inlet, and the movable baffle is disposed in the housing, and in a state where the toner cartridge is installed to the imaging device, the movable baffle is farther away from the inlet than the outlet.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solutions, the movable baffle is disposed in the housing, which can effectively seal the toner cartridge, helps to enhance the overall sealing performance of the toner cartridge, reduces the pollution of the external environment, helps to improve the reliability of the toner cartridge, and can smoothly and conveniently install or remove the toner cartridge from the imaging device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the imaging device includes an inlet, and the movable baffle is disposed in the housing, and in a state where the toner cartridge is installed to the imaging device, the movable baffle is farther away from the inlet than the outlet.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solutions, the movable baffle is disposed in the housing, which can effectively seal the toner cartridge, helps to enhance the overall sealing performance of the toner cartridge, reduces the pollution of the external environment, helps to improve the reliability of the toner cartridge, and can smoothly and conveniently install or remove the toner cartridge from the imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is an assembly schematic view of a toner cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic view of a toner cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 is a partial schematic view of a second side of a toner cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4 is a connection schematic view of a linkage assembly and a movable baffle provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the movable baffle in a first position provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6 is a connection schematic view of a linkage assembly and a movable baffle provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the movable baffle in a second position provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a first side of a toner cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 9is a schematic view of the first side of the toner cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic view of the first side of the toner cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 11 is a partial schematic view of the second side of the toner cartridge provided in another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose of the embodiments of the present application, the technical scheme and the technical effect more clear, the technical scheme of the toner cartridge of the present application will be described clearly and completely in combination with the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a preferred embodiment of the present application, rather than all the embodiments, based on the embodiments of the present application, other embodiments obtained by the person skilled in the art without creative labor are all within the protection scope of the present application. Embodiment 1

[0042] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 The present application provides a toner cartridge 100 for use in an image forming device (not shown), the image forming device comprising an inlet (not shown), the toner cartridge 100 comprising a housing 10, a movable baffle 20 and a linkage assembly 30.

[0043] The housing 10 is a structure with a cavity such as a box body, a box, etc. The housing 10 has a containing cavity 11 capable of containing a developer, and an outlet 12 in communication with the containing cavity 11, in a state where the toner cartridge 100 is installed to the image forming device, the outlet 12 of the toner cartridge 100 is aligned with the inlet of the image forming device. Optionally, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A handle is provided on the housing 10. The housing 10 has a first side 16 in a first direction and a second side 17 arranged separately from the first side 16, and has a third side 101 in a second direction and a fourth side 102 arranged separately from the third side 101. The second direction intersects the first direction, preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, the first side 16 and the second side 17 are respectively the left side and the right side of the housing 10, and the third side 101 and the fourth side 102 are respectively the front side and the back side of the housing 10.

[0044] The first side 16 of the toner cartridge 100 can be provided with a first end cover 18 and a drive gear 40. The first end cover 18 is detachably connected to one end of the housing 10, the drive gear 40 is located between the first end cover 18 and the housing 10, and at least a part of the drive gear 40 is exposed outside the housing 10 through the first end cover 18 to receive the driving force of the image forming device.

[0045] Optionally, the toner cartridge 100 can further comprise a stirring frame 51, a stirring frame gear 52, a developer conveying member 50 and a conveying gear 90.

[0046] One end of the stirring frame 51 is located at the first side 16 of the housing 10, and the other end of the stirring frame 51 is located at the second side 17 of the housing 10.

[0047] The stirring frame gear 52 is connected to one end of the stirring frame 51 and is located between the first end cover 18 and the housing 10. The stirring frame gear 52 can rotate following the rotation of the driving gear 40. As an example, as shown in Figure 2 , the stirring frame gear 52 is directly engaged with the driving gear 40, and the driving gear 40 rotates to drive the stirring frame gear 52 to rotate. The stirring frame gear 52 rotates to drive the stirring frame 51 to rotate, and the stirring frame 51 can stir the developer in the containing cavity 11. In the second direction, the stirring frame gear 52 is farther away from the third side 101 of the housing 10 than the outlet 12.

[0048] One end of the developer conveying member 50 is located at the first side 16 of the housing 10, and the other end of the developer conveying member 50 is located at the second side 17 of the housing 10. As shown in Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the second side 17 of the housing 10 can be provided with a clamping portion, and the end of the developer conveying member 50 located at the second side 17 is movably clamped in the clamping portion, that is, the clamping portion supports the developer conveying member 50, and the developer conveying member 50 can freely rotate around its rotation axis in the clamping portion.

[0049] The conveying gear 90 is connected to one end of the developer conveying member 50 and is located between the first end cover 18 and the housing 10. The conveying gear 90 can rotate following the rotation of the driving gear 40. As an example, as shown in Figure 2 , the driving gear 40 is engaged with the stirring frame gear 52, the stirring frame gear 52 is engaged with the intermediate gear 91, the intermediate gear 91 is engaged with the conveying gear 90, and the driving gear 40 rotates to drive the stirring frame gear 52 to rotate, the stirring frame gear 52 drives the intermediate gear 91 to rotate, and the intermediate gear 91 drives the conveying gear 90 to rotate. The conveying gear 90 rotates to drive the developer conveying member 50 to rotate, thereby directionally conveying the developer in the containing cavity 11.

[0050] The second side 17 of the toner cartridge 100 is provided with a powder tank cover 15 and a second end cover 19, the housing 10 comprises the powder tank cover 15, the powder tank cover 15 is arranged on one side of the housing 10, and the second end cover 19 is detachably connected to the powder tank cover 15. In the extension direction of the toner cartridge 100, the powder tank cover 15 is located between the housing 10 and the second end cover 19. Optionally, the powder tank cover 15 is integrally formed with the housing 10.

[0051] The linkage assembly 30 and the movable shutter 20 are located at the second side 17 of the toner cartridge 100.

[0052] The linkage assembly 30 is connected to the housing 10, specifically, the linkage assembly 30 is movably connected between the second end cover 19 and the powder compartment cover 15, and is movable along a predetermined direction. The linkage assembly has an engagement surface 301 for receiving an external driving force, the engagement surface 301 faces the fourth side 102 of the housing 10 in the second direction. The second end cover 19 is provided with a clearance space through which a pushing member (not shown, for example, a door cover) of the image forming device can act on the engagement surface 301 of the linkage assembly 30 to drive the linkage assembly 30 to move along the predetermined direction.

[0053] The movable shutter 20 is in the form of a plate, a sheet or the like. As shown in Figure 3 , the movable shutter 20 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 11 of the housing 10. In the state that the toner cartridge 100 is installed to the image forming device, the movable shutter 20 is farther away from the inlet of the image forming device than the outlet 12. One end of the movable shutter 20 is operatively connected to the linkage assembly 30, when the linkage assembly 30 rotates, the movable shutter 20 can be driven to slide between a first position for blocking the developer from flowing out of the outlet 12 and a second position for allowing the developer to flow out of the outlet 12.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , when the engagement surface 301 of the linkage assembly 30 does not receive the force from the image forming device, the linkage assembly 30 drives the movable shutter 20 to slide to the first position, at this time, the movable shutter 20 completely covers the outlet 12, the accommodating cavity 11 is blocked by the movable shutter 20 and is not in communication with the outlet 12, the developer in the housing 10 cannot enter the outlet 12 from the accommodating cavity 11, and enter the inlet of the image forming device from the outlet 12, and the toner cartridge 100 cannot add the developer to the image forming device.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, when the engaging surface of the linkage assembly 30 receives the force from the imaging device, the linkage assembly 30 drives the movable shutter 20 to slide to the second position, at which the movable shutter 20 does not block the outlet 12, and the containing cavity 11 is in communication with the outlet 12. If the imaging device does not need to add toner, the stirring frame 51 and the toner conveying assembly 50 can be controlled not to rotate, and the toner in the toner cartridge 100 is not conveyed to the position where the outlet 12 of the housing 10 is located, and the toner in the housing 10 is not conveyed into the imaging device. If the imaging device needs to add toner, the stirring frame 51 and the toner conveying assembly 50 can be controlled to rotate, so that the toner in the toner cartridge 100 is conveyed to the position where the outlet 12 of the housing 10 is located, and finally the toner in the housing 10 can enter the outlet 12 from the containing cavity 11, and enter the inlet of the imaging device aligned with the outlet 12, thereby entering the imaging device.

[0056] Here, the outlet 12 of the housing 10 is aligned with the inlet of the imaging device, and the movable shutter 20 can slide under the drive of the linkage assembly 30 between the first position of blocking the toner in the housing 10 from flowing out of the outlet 12 and the second position of allowing the toner to flow out of the outlet 12. The movable shutter 20 realizes the opening and closing of the toner adding channel between the toner cartridge 100 and the imaging device in a sliding manner, which can effectively reduce the wear caused by rotation and help improve the reliability of the toner cartridge 100.

[0057] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 , the toner cartridge 100 further comprises an elastic member 33 for biasing the engaging surface 301 of the linkage assembly 30 towards the fourth side 102 of the housing 10. One end of the elastic member 33 is connected to the linkage assembly 30, and the other end of the elastic member 33 is connected to the toner cartridge cover 15. During the process of the linkage assembly 30 driving the movable shutter 20 to slide from the first position to the second position, the elastic member 33 is deformed from the initial state and stores elastic potential energy. When the door cover of the imaging device is opened and the force of the door cover on the linkage assembly 30 disappears, the elastic member 33 releases the elastic potential energy to act on the linkage assembly 30, and drives the movable shutter 20 to slide from the second position to the first position through the linkage assembly 30.

[0058] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the linkage assembly 30 comprises a driving member 31 and a rotating member 32 connected to the driving member 31. The driving member 31 is movably connected to the housing 10, specifically, the driving member 31 is movably connected to the toner cartridge cover 15. The driving member 31 is used to receive the driving force of the pushing component of the imaging device and move in a predetermined direction, and the rotating member 32 rotates following the movement of the driving member 31.

[0059] As an example, the driving member 31 is configured as a nut, the moving member is configured as a screw rod, and the driving member 31 drives the rotating member 32 to rotate through the threaded connection between the nut and the screw rod when the driving member 31 moves.

[0060] As another example, the driving member 31 is configured as a slider, the moving member is configured as a connecting rod, and the driving member 31 drives the rotating member 32 to rotate through the cooperation between the connecting rod and the slider when the driving member 31 moves.

[0061] The moving baffle 20 includes a main body part 22 and a moving part 21 connected to the main body part 22. The main body part 22 is the main part of the moving baffle 20, and the moving part 21 is the part of the moving baffle 20 that receives the driving force to drive the moving baffle 20 to move in a predetermined direction. The moving part 21 is connected to the rotating member 32, and the moving part 21 drives the main body part 22 to slide between the first position and the second position following the rotation of the rotating member 32.

[0062] The driving member 31 is movably connected to the housing 10, so that the driving member 31 can move in a predetermined direction, the rotating member 32 can rotate according to the movement of the driving member 31, and the moving part 21 connected thereto can move, so that the movement of the moving part 21 is smooth and synchronized with the movement of the driving member 31, which helps to ensure that the main body part 22 can slide accurately and smoothly between the first position and the second position, and improves the stability and reliability of the main body part 22.

[0063] Optionally, as shown in Figures 2 to 7 The driving member 31 includes a first rack 311, the rotating member 32 includes a gear part 321, and the moving part 21 includes a second rack 211, and the first rack 311 and the second rack 211 are meshingly connected to the gear part 321.

[0064] In the initial state when the toner cartridge 100 is installed to the image forming device and the door cover of the image forming device is not closed, the moving baffle 20 is located at the first position, the main body part 22 completely covers the outlet 12, and the developer in the housing 10 cannot enter the outlet 12 from the containing cavity 11, and the outlet 12 cannot enter the inlet of the image forming device (as shown in Figure 5 When the door cover of the image forming device is closed, the door cover acts on the driving member 31, so that the driving member 31 moves in a predetermined direction, and the first rack 311 on the driving member 31 also moves following the driving member 31. During the movement of the first rack 311, the gear part 321 meshing with the first rack 311 is driven to rotate, and the second rack 211 on the moving part 21 meshing with the gear part 321 is driven to move by the gear part 321, so that the moving baffle 20 slides from the first position to the second position (as shown in Figure 6As shown), in the second position, the main body 22 of the movable baffle 20 does not block the outlet 12, and the receiving cavity 11 of the housing 10 is connected to the outlet 12. If the imaging device does not need to add developer, the stirring rack 51 and the developer delivery assembly 50 can be controlled not to rotate, and the developer in the toner cartridge 100 will not be delivered toward the location of the outlet 12 of the housing 10, and the developer in the housing 10 will not be delivered to the imaging device. If the imaging device needs to add developer, the stirring rack 51 and the developer delivery assembly 50 can be controlled to rotate, so that the developer in the toner cartridge 100 is delivered toward the location of the outlet 12 of the housing 10, and the developer in the housing 10 can be delivered from the receiving cavity 11 to the outlet 12, and from the outlet 12 into the inlet of the imaging device aligned with the outlet 12, thereby entering the imaging device (e.g., Figure 7 (As shown). When the door is opened, the force exerted by the door on the drive member 31 disappears. Under the action of the elastic member 33, the drive member 31 moves in the opposite direction. The first rack 311 on the drive member 31 also moves in the opposite direction along with the drive member 31. The gear part 321 rotates in the opposite direction under the drive of the first rack 311, and drives the second rack 211 on the moving part 21 that meshes with it to move in the opposite direction, so that the moving baffle 20 slides from the second position to the first position (as shown). Figure 4 As shown), at this time, the main body 22 completely covers the outlet 12, preventing the developer in the receiving cavity 11 from transferring to the inlet of the imaging device through the outlet 12 (as shown). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0065] The gear section 321 may include a first gear 3211 and a second gear 3212, wherein the first gear 3211 meshes with a first rack 311 and the second gear 3212 meshes with a second rack 211.

[0066] By meshing the first rack 311 with the gear part 321, the power of the driving member 31 can be smoothly and accurately transmitted to the gear part 321. And by meshing the gear part 321 with the second rack 211, the power is further transmitted to the moving part 21, thereby accurately and smoothly driving the moving part 21 to slide, which helps to further improve the stability and reliability of the sliding of the main body part 22.

[0067] Optionally, such as Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the main body 22 is provided with a notch 221, which is adapted to the outlet 12. Preferably, the shape of the notch 221 is the same as the shape of the outlet 12, and the size of the notch 221 is the same as the size of the outlet 12. Preferably, in order to avoid the notch 221 from hindering the transfer of developer during the process of adding developer in the imaging device due to errors in position, installation, etc., the size of the notch 221 can be slightly larger than the size of the outlet 12.

[0068] In the initial state when the toner cartridge 100 is installed to the image forming apparatus and the door cover of the image forming apparatus is not closed, the gap 221 is offset from the outlet 12, the main body 22 is located at the first position and completely covers the outlet 12 (as shown in Figure 5 When the door cover of the image forming apparatus is closed, the door cover acts on the engaging surface 301 of the linkage assembly 30, drives the first rack 311 to move, the first rack 311 drives the gear portion 321 to rotate, the second rack 211 engaged with the gear portion 321 is driven by the gear portion 321 to drive the main body 22 to slide from the first position to the second position, in the process of sliding of the main body 22, the gap 221 gradually moves from the state that part of the gap 221 communicates with the outlet 12 to the state that the gap 221 completely communicates with the outlet 12, and when the main body 22 slides to the second position, the gap 221 is completely aligned with the outlet 12. When part of the gap 221 is aligned with the outlet 12, the developer in the accommodating cavity 11 can flow from the accommodating cavity 11 to the image forming apparatus through the gap 221 and the outlet 12 in sequence without waiting for one end of the movable baffle 20 to move to the position of the outlet 12, which can effectively reduce the movement stroke of the second rack 211 and the gear portion 321, helps to reduce the occupied space of the movable baffle 20 and the driving member 31, improves the compactness of the structure, and at the same time helps to improve the response speed of the developer conveying.

[0069] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the housing 10 is provided with a guide groove 13 and an accommodating groove 14. Specifically, the accommodating cavity 11 of the housing 10 is provided with the accommodating groove 14 for accommodating the main body 22, and the powder bin cover 15 is provided with the guide groove 13. When the movable baffle 20 slides between the first position and the second position, the main body 22 moves along the extension direction of the guide groove 13. When the main body 22 slides to the second position, the main body 22 is accommodated in the accommodating groove 14. The movement of the main body 22 in the accommodating cavity 11 is guided by the guide groove 13, so that the main body 22 slides in the predetermined direction, which helps to improve the stability and reliability of the movement. The accommodating groove 14 can provide accommodation space for the main body 22, which can effectively reduce the space occupied by the main body 22 in the accommodating cavity 11 and improve the compactness of the structure.

[0070] Optionally, the toner cartridge 100 can further comprise a seal between the movable baffle 20 and the outlet 12 of the housing 10. The seal can seal the movable baffle 20 and the outlet 12 when the image forming device does not need to add developer. Specifically, the seal can be configured as a sponge, foam or other structure with elasticity and holes. The seal can be fixed at the position of the outlet 12 on the housing 10 and have a hole matched with the outlet 12. The seal can also be fixed on the movable baffle 20 and have a hole matched with the notch 221 on the movable baffle 20. When the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device, the door cover of the image forming device can act on the engaging surface 301 of the linkage assembly 30 to push the linkage assembly 30 to slide the movable baffle 20 from the first position to the second position. At this time, the outlet 12 of the housing 10 is communicated with the notch 221 of the movable baffle 20. If the image forming device does not need to add developer, the accumulated developer near the outlet 12 can be lifted. The seal can adsorb the developer lifted near the outlet 12 to reduce the pollution of the developer. In addition, the seal can effectively buffer the vibration of the toner cartridge 100 to reduce the impact of the vibration on the toner cartridge 100.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figures 7 to 9 , the toner cartridge 100 can further comprise a partition 60. The partition 60 can be integrally formed with the powder tank cover 15 or separately provided from the powder tank cover 15. The partition 60 is located on the second side 17 of the housing 10 and arranged in the accommodating cavity 11 of the housing 10. The partition 60 has a partition cavity 61 and an opening 62 communicated with the partition cavity 61. One end of the developer conveying member 50 is accommodated in the partition cavity 61, and the opening 62 is aligned with the outlet 12. In the state that the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device, the opening 62, the outlet 12 and the inlet of the image forming device are aligned.

[0072] When the imaging device door is closed, the movable baffle 20 slides to the second position, and the notch 221 of the movable baffle 20 moves to communicate with the opening 62 of the separator 60, the outlet 12 of the housing 10, and the inlet of the imaging device. When the toner cartridge 100 adds developer to the imaging device, the drive gear 40 can be controlled to drive the stirring rack gear 52 to rotate. The stirring rack gear 52 drives the intermediate gear 91 to rotate, the intermediate gear 91 drives the conveying gear 90 to rotate, and the input gear drives the developer conveying component 50 to rotate. Under the drive of the blades of the developer conveying component 50, the developer moves toward the side of the developer conveying component 50 located in the separator cavity 61 of the separator 60. Finally, it is conveyed from the receiving cavity 11 of the housing 10 to the separator cavity 61 of the separator 60 by the developer conveying component 50, and enters the notch 221 of the movable baffle 20 through the opening 62 communicating with the separator cavity 61, and then passes through the outlet 12 of the housing 10 and the inlet of the imaging device in sequence, and enters the toner hopper of the imaging device.

[0073] By effectively separating the receiving cavity 11 of the housing 10 from the partition cavity 61 by the partition 60, an independent developer delivery channel can be formed. One end of the developer delivery member 50 is housed in the partition cavity 61, and the opening 62 is aligned with the outlet 12. This allows the developer delivery member 50 to deliver developer into the partition cavity 61 and further transfer it from the opening 62 to the outlet 12, which helps to improve the stability of developer delivery and helps to achieve precise control of the amount of developer delivered.

[0074] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the toner cartridge 100 may further include a chip assembly 70 and a test piece 80. The chip assembly 70 and the test piece 80 are located on the second side 17 of the housing 10. The chip assembly 70 stores information such as the model, condition, and toner capacity of the toner cartridge 100. The chip assembly 70 is connected to a linkage assembly 30. When the linkage assembly 30 moves, it causes the chip assembly 70 to extend in a predetermined direction, thereby establishing a communication connection with the imaging device. This allows the imaging device to read the information stored in the chip assembly 70. Alternatively, it can cause the chip assembly 70 to retract in a predetermined direction, disengaging the communication connection with the imaging device.

[0075] The tested component 80 is connected to the linkage component 30. When the linkage component 30 moves, it drives the tested component 80 to rotate and triggers the detection component on the imaging device. The detection component then blocks the sensor inside the imaging device. The imaging device can identify information such as the model, age, and toner capacity of the toner cartridge 100 based on the process of the sensor being blocked.

[0076] Optionally, the imaging device can verify the identity of the toner cartridge 100 through the cooperation of the chip assembly 70 and the detected member 80. Specifically, the chip assembly 70 first establishes a communication connection with the imaging device, and after the imaging device confirms the identity of the chip assembly 70, the detected member 80 contacts the detection member of the imaging device and drives the detection member to gradually block the light sensor of the imaging device. In this way, the imaging device can start timing after establishing a communication connection with the chip assembly 70, and if the start blocking signal and the complete blocking signal of the light sensor are received within a predetermined time, it is confirmed that the identity of the toner cartridge 100 is correct, otherwise an error message is output.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the movable baffle 20 is arranged in the accommodation cavity 11, and in the state that the toner cartridge 100 is installed to the imaging device, the movable baffle 20 is farther away from the entrance of the imaging device than the outlet 12. The movable baffle 20 is arranged in the accommodation cavity 11, which can effectively seal the toner cartridge 100, helps to enhance the sealing performance of the toner cartridge 100 as a whole, reduces the pollution of the external environment, helps to improve the reliability of the toner cartridge 100, and at the same time, the toner cartridge 100 can be smoothly and conveniently installed to or detached from the imaging device. Embodiment 2

[0078] Next, the embodiment 2 in the utility model will be described in detail in combination with the accompanying Figure 11 drawings, and the embodiment 2 provides a toner cartridge 100. For the toner cartridge 100 of the embodiment, the same as the toner cartridge 100 in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the embodiment will not be described again, and the difference between the toner cartridge 100 of the embodiment and the toner cartridge 100 in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is that the position of the movable baffle 20 in the toner cartridge 100 of the embodiment is different from that of the movable baffle 20 in the embodiment 1.

[0079] The movable baffle 20 in the embodiment is arranged on the outer surface of the shell 10, and in the state that the toner cartridge 100 is installed to the imaging device, the movable baffle 20 is located between the entrance and the outlet 12 of the imaging device.

[0080] The shape of the movable baffle 20 is matched with the surface shape at the position of the outlet 12 of the shell 10, and preferably, the surface shape at the position of the outlet 12 of the shell 10 is arc-shaped, the whole of the movable baffle 20 is also arc-shaped, and the guide groove 13 on the shell 10 is also constructed as an arc-shaped groove. The linkage device 30 drives the movable baffle 20 to slide along the arc-shaped groove, so that the movable baffle 20 slides between the first position and the second position.

[0081] In the initial state when the toner cartridge 100 is installed to the image forming device and the door cover is not closed, the movable baffle 20 is located at the first position, and the movable baffle 20 is blocked between the entrance of the image forming device and the outlet 12 of the housing 10, the passage between the outlet 12 and the entrance of the image forming device is completely blocked by the movable baffle 20, the developer in the housing 10 cannot enter the outlet 12 from the containing cavity 11, and enter the entrance of the image forming device from the outlet 12. When the door cover of the image forming device is closed, the movable baffle 20 is slid from the first position to the second position under the action of the linkage assembly 30, at the second position, the movable baffle 20 does not block the outlet 12, the outlet 12 of the housing 10 is communicated with the entrance of the image forming device, when the image forming device needs to add the developer, the stirring frame 51 and the developer conveying assembly 50 can be controlled to rotate, so that the developer in the toner cartridge 100 is conveyed to the position where the outlet 12 of the housing 10 is located, so that the developer in the housing 10 can enter the outlet 12 from the containing cavity 11, and enter the entrance of the image forming device from the outlet 12, thereby entering the image forming device. When the door cover is opened, the force of the door cover on the abutting surface 301 disappears, the movable baffle 20 is reversely moved under the action of the linkage assembly 30, and is slid from the second position to the first position, at this time, the movable baffle 20 completely blocks the outlet 12, and again blocks the developer in the containing cavity 11 from transferring to the entrance of the image forming device through the outlet 12.

[0082] By adopting the technical scheme, the movable baffle 20 is arranged on the outer surface of the housing 10, the movable baffle 20 can be quickly and conveniently installed and disassembled, meanwhile, interference between the movable baffle 20 and other components in the containing cavity 11 during sliding can be avoided, and the volume of the containing cavity 11 for containing the developer can be increased.

[0083] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, but not limit the present application; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments can be modified, or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A toner cartridge, which can be installed in an imaging device, characterized in that, The toner cartridge includes: A housing having a receiving cavity for containing developer and an outlet communicating with the receiving cavity, the housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side disposed opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A linkage assembly connected to the second side of the housing, the linkage assembly having a contact surface for receiving external driving force, the contact surface facing the fourth side of the housing; A movable baffle is connected to the outlet of the housing and is operably connected to the linkage assembly. When the engagement surface of the linkage assembly receives a driving force, it can drive the movable baffle to slide between a first position that blocks the developer from flowing out of the outlet and a second position that allows the developer to flow out of the outlet.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage component includes a driving component and a rotating component connected to the driving component. The movable baffle includes a main body and a moving part connected to the main body, and the moving part is connected to the rotating component. The driving component is movably connected to the housing. The rotating component rotates as the driving component moves. The moving part moves the main body between the first position and the second position as the rotating component rotates.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component includes a first rack, the rotating component includes a gear portion, and the moving portion includes a second rack, wherein the first rack and the second rack are meshed and connected to the gear portion.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body has a notch. When the main body moves to the first position, the notch is offset from the outlet. When the main body moves to the second position, the notch is aligned with the outlet.

5. The toner cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a guide groove and a receiving groove. The main body can move along the guide groove. When the main body moves to the first position, the main body is received in the receiving groove.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The toner cartridge also includes a drive gear and a developer delivery component. The drive gear is connected to the first side of the housing, and the developer delivery component delivers the developer to the outlet as the drive gear rotates.

7. The toner cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The toner cartridge further includes a separator disposed on the second side of the housing and within the receiving cavity. The separator has a separation cavity and an opening communicating with the separation cavity. One end of the developer delivery member is accommodated in the separation cavity, and the opening is aligned with the outlet.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The toner cartridge also includes a stirring frame, which includes a stirring frame gear that rotates in response to the rotation of the drive gear. In the second direction, the stirring rack gear is further away from the third side of the housing than the outlet.

9. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The imaging device includes an inlet, and the movable baffle is disposed within the receiving cavity. When the toner cartridge is installed in the imaging device, the movable baffle is further away from the inlet than the outlet.

10. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The imaging device includes an inlet, and the movable baffle is disposed on the outer surface of the housing. When the toner cartridge is installed in the imaging device, the movable baffle is located between the inlet and the outlet.

Images