Toner cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses a toner cartridge, which comprises a shell, a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode and a fourth electrode, the linkage assembly is connected to the second side of the shell, the linkage assembly comprises a first force application protrusion, a joint surface and a second force application protrusion, and the joint surface can receive external driving force to drive the linkage assembly to move between a first position and a second position; in the second direction, the joint surface when the linkage assembly is located at the first position is farther away from the outlet than the joint surface when the linkage assembly is located at the second position; the baffle is operably connected to the first force application protrusion, and the baffle can slide between the position where the outlet is closed and the position where the outlet is opened along with movement of the first force application protrusion; the chip assembly is connected to the second force application protrusion in an operable mode, and the chip assembly can move in the first direction along with movement of the second force application protrusion.

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 a component that can be installed in an image forming device and replenishes a developer for the image forming device. After the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device and the door cover is closed, a chip on the toner cartridge is moved upward to contact an electrical contact of the image forming device under the driving of a connecting rod, and continues to move upward to a predetermined position, while a rotating gate in the toner cartridge is rotated along an inner wall of the toner cartridge to align with an inlet of the image forming device under the driving of the connecting rod.

[0003] This way of moving the chip to the predetermined position by the connecting rod, after the chip contacts the electrical contact of the image forming device, still needs to continue to move along the surface of the electrical contact, so that the surface of the chip and the electrical contact of the image forming device are prone to wear and tear, which reduces the stability of the communication connection between the toner cartridge and the image forming device. The way of rotating the rotating gate along the inner wall of the toner cartridge by the connecting rod causes greater wear and tear to the rotating gate and the toner cartridge, which reduces the sealing performance of the toner cartridge. 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, comprising:

[0006] A housing having a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side arranged opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second side of the housing being provided with an outlet;

[0007] A linkage assembly connected to the second side of the housing, the linkage assembly comprising a first force application protrusion, an engagement surface facing the fourth side, and a second force application protrusion arranged opposite to the first force application protrusion in the second direction, the engagement surface being capable of receiving an external driving force to drive the linkage assembly to move between a first position and a second position; in the second direction, the engagement surface of the linkage assembly in the first position is farther away from the outlet than the engagement surface of the linkage assembly in the second position;

[0008] A baffle operatively connected to the first force application protrusion, the baffle being capable of sliding between a position closing the outlet and a position opening the outlet following the movement of the first force application protrusion;

[0009] A chip assembly operatively connected to the second force application protrusion, the chip assembly being capable of moving in the first direction following the movement of the second force application protrusion.

[0010] The toner cartridge provided by the application, when the linkage assembly receives an external driving force to move between the first position and the second position, the baffle can slide between the position of closing the outlet and the position of opening the outlet following the first force applying protrusion on the linkage assembly, and the sliding instead of the rotating movement can effectively reduce the influence of the abrasion between the moving assembly and the inner wall of the toner cartridge on the sealing property of the toner cartridge; the chip assembly can move in the first direction following the second force applying protrusion on the linkage assembly to realize the communication connection with the image forming device, and the mutual movement after the contact between the chip assembly and the electric contact of the image forming device can be avoided, the abrasion between the chip assembly and the electric contact of the image forming device can be effectively reduced, and the reliability of the communication connection between the toner cartridge and the image forming device can be improved.

[0011] Optionally, the toner cartridge further comprises a moving assembly, one end of the moving assembly is connected to the first force applying protrusion, and the other end of the moving assembly is connected to the baffle, and the moving assembly can drive the baffle to slide following the movement of the first force applying protrusion.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the linkage design of the moving assembly and the first force applying protrusion can ensure the stability of the sliding of the baffle, ensure that the baffle slides to the correct position at the correct time, and help to improve the accuracy of the sliding of the baffle.

[0013] Optionally, the first force applying protrusion is configured as a first rack, the moving assembly comprises a first gear portion engaged with the first rack and a sliding portion connected to the first gear portion, the baffle is connected to the sliding portion, the first gear portion can rotate following the movement of the first rack, and the sliding portion can drive the baffle to slide following the rotation of the first gear portion.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the first force applying protrusion transmits the power to the baffle through the first rack, the first gear portion and the sliding portion in turn, so as to drive the baffle to move, which can further improve the sliding precision of the movement of the baffle and help to improve the accuracy of the sliding of the baffle.

[0015] Optionally, the first force applying protrusion is configured as one of a first sliding block and a first sliding groove, the moving assembly comprises a moving portion, a first gear portion connected to the moving portion and a sliding portion connected to the first gear portion, and the baffle is connected to the sliding portion.

[0016] The other one of the first sliding block and the first sliding groove is arranged on the moving portion, the moving portion can move following the movement of the first force applying protrusion, the first gear portion can rotate following the movement of the moving portion, and the sliding portion can drive the baffle to slide following the rotation of the first gear portion.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the first force applying protrusion and the moving assembly are respectively configured as the first sliding block and the first groove which are matched with each other, which can reduce the machining precision of the linkage assembly and the moving assembly, realize the smooth and stable transmission of the power, and help to improve the stability of the toner cartridge.

[0018] Optionally, the second force applying protrusion is configured as a second rack, the chip assembly comprises a second gear portion matched with the second rack, a translation portion connected to the second gear portion, and a storage portion connected to the translation portion, the second gear portion is rotatable following the movement of the second rack, and the translation portion is movable following the rotation of the second gear portion to move the storage portion in the first direction.

[0019] By adopting the above technical scheme, the second force applying protrusion transmits power to the storage portion through the second rack, the second gear portion and the translation portion in sequence, so as to move the storage portion in the first direction, which can improve the moving precision of the chip assembly and realize the quick communication connection between the toner cartridge and the image forming device.

[0020] Optionally, the second force applying protrusion is configured as one of a second slider and a second sliding groove, the chip assembly comprises a second gear portion, a translation portion connected to the second gear portion, and a storage portion connected to the translation portion.

[0021] The second gear portion is provided with the other one of the second slider and the second sliding groove, the second gear portion is rotatable following the movement of the second force applying protrusion, and the translation portion is movable following the rotation of the second gear portion to move the storage portion in the first direction.

[0022] By adopting the above technical scheme, the second force applying protrusion and the second gear portion are respectively provided with the matched second slider and second groove, which can reduce the machining precision of the linkage assembly and the chip assembly, realize smooth and stable transmission of power, and help improve the stability of the toner cartridge.

[0023] Optionally, the linkage assembly further comprises a third force applying protrusion, at least a part of the third force applying protrusion is located at one end of the linkage assembly close to the outlet, and when the linkage assembly is located at the second position in the second direction, at least a part of the third force applying protrusion protrudes from a third side of the shell.

[0024] By adopting the above technical scheme, the third force applying protrusion is movable following the movement of the linkage assembly and acts on the baffle at the inlet of the image forming device under the driving of the linkage assembly to open or close the inlet of the image forming device, so that the opening and closing of the inlet of the image forming device can be realized through the movement of the linkage assembly without the need of setting another power component, which helps simplify the structure of the toner cartridge.

[0025] Optionally, the toner cartridge further comprises a retainer, the second side of the shell is further provided with a second opening, the linkage assembly further comprises a fourth force applying protrusion, the retainer is connected to the fourth force applying protrusion, and at least a part of the retainer is movable between a position retracted into the second opening and a position protruding out of the second opening following the movement of the fourth force applying protrusion.

[0026] By adopting the technical scheme, when the linkage assembly moves to the first position, the fourth force applying protrusion drives the retainer to be in the position of being retracted in the second opening, so that the risk of interference between the retainer and the image forming device during installation of the toner cartridge to the image forming device can be reduced; when the linkage assembly moves to the second position, the fourth force applying protrusion drives the retainer to be in the position of being extended from the second opening, so that the electric contact component in the image forming device can be limited, and the reliability of the communication connection between the toner cartridge and the image forming device can be improved; in addition, the position of the retainer can be controlled through the linkage assembly, so that the structure of the toner cartridge can be simplified, the compactness of the structure of the toner cartridge can be improved, and the cost of the toner cartridge can be reduced.

[0027] Optionally, the toner cartridge further comprises a detected protrusion, and the linkage assembly further comprises a fifth force applying protrusion; the detected protrusion is movable along with the movement of the fifth force applying protrusion.

[0028] By adopting the technical scheme, when the linkage assembly moves to the second position, the fifth force applying protrusion drives the detected protrusion to move to the detection position, so that the image forming device can detect the detected protrusion at the detection position, and the detected protrusion can be driven to move to the detection position without setting an additional complex structure, so that the structure of the toner cartridge can be simplified, the compactness of the structure of the toner cartridge can be improved, and the cost of the toner cartridge can be reduced.

[0029] Optionally, the toner cartridge further comprises a biasing member, one end of the biasing member is connected to the housing, and the other end of the biasing member is connected to the linkage assembly; the biasing member can bias the linkage assembly towards the first position.

[0030] By adopting the technical scheme, during installation or removal of the toner cartridge to / from the image forming device, the image forming device does not act on the engagement surface, the linkage assembly can be driven by the biasing member to return to the first position, the moving assembly can return to the position of closing the outlet of the toner cartridge along with the movement of the first force applying protrusion, and the chip assembly can return to the position of being out of contact with the electric contact of the image forming device along with the movement of the second force applying protrusion, so that the toner cartridge returns to the initial state, impurities can be effectively prevented from entering the inside of the toner cartridge to reduce the quality of the developer, and the chip assembly can be prevented from interfering with other components, so that the stability and reliability of the toner cartridge can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is an assembly schematic view of the toner cartridge under an angle provided by the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 is an assembly schematic view of the toner cartridge under another angle provided by the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 is an explosion schematic view of the toner cartridge provided by the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 is a structural schematic view of a linkage assembly provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0035] Figure 5 is a side view structural schematic view of the linkage assembly when in a second position, after the toner cartridge removes the powder bin cover, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0036] Figure 6 is a side view structural schematic view of the linkage assembly when in a first position, after the toner cartridge removes the powder bin cover, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0037] Figure 7 is a structural schematic view of the toner cartridge closing the outlet after removing the powder bin cover, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0038] Figure 8 is a structural schematic view of the toner cartridge opening the outlet after removing the powder bin cover, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0039] Figure 9 is a structural schematic view of the chip assembly when in a position away from the imaging device, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0040] Figure 10 is a structural schematic view of the chip assembly when in a position contacting the imaging device, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0041] Figure 11 is a structural schematic view of the retainer cooperating with the chip assembly to contact the electrical contact of the imaging device, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0042] Figure 12 is a connection structural schematic view of the linkage assembly from one angle, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0043] Figure 13 is a connection structural schematic view of the linkage assembly from another angle, provided by an embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0044] Figure 14 is a schematic view of the relative position relationship between the protruding portion, the stirring frame and the conveying assembly, provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 15 is a structural schematic view of a toner cartridge, provided by an embodiment 2 of the present application;

[0046] Figure 16 is a structural schematic view of a linkage assembly, provided by an embodiment 2 of the present application;

[0047] Figure 17is a structure schematic view of the toner cartridge provided by the embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0048] Figure 18 is a structure schematic view of the linkage assembly provided by the embodiment 3 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and technical effect of the embodiment of the present application 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 embodiment is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, rather than all the embodiments, and other embodiments obtained by the person skilled in the art without creative labor based on the embodiment of the present application all belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0050] Embodiment 1

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1 to 14 The present application provides a toner cartridge 100 which can be installed in an image forming device (not shown), the image forming device comprising an inlet (not shown) and a closure member (not shown) which is operably arranged at the inlet position and is movable between a position to shield the inlet and a position not to shield the inlet. The toner cartridge 100 is provided with an outlet 12 corresponding to the inlet of the image forming device, when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device, the outlet 12 of the toner cartridge 100 is aligned with the inlet of the image forming device, if the closure member is moved to the position not to shield the inlet, the developing agent in the toner cartridge 100 can flow out of the outlet 12 of the toner cartridge 100 and enter the image forming device through the inlet of the image forming device.

[0052] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the toner cartridge 100 comprises a housing 10 and a linkage assembly 20. The first direction is the extension direction of the housing 10, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Alternatively, when the toner cartridge 100 is placed according to its posture in the image forming device, the first direction is the extension direction of the toner cartridge 100, i.e. the left-right direction of the toner cartridge 100, and the second direction is the front-rear direction of the toner cartridge 100.

[0053] The housing 10 has a containing cavity 11 for containing toner, and an outlet 12 communicating with the containing cavity 11, through which toner can flow from the toner cartridge 100 to an inlet of an image forming device. The housing 10 has a first side 13 and a second side 14 arranged apart from the first side 13 in a first direction, and has a third side 102 and a fourth side 103 arranged apart in a second direction. The first side 13 is a driving side of the housing 10 for receiving an external driving force, and a gear train 101 of the toner cartridge 100 is arranged at the first side 13, which includes a driving gear 1011, a stirring frame gear 1012, a plurality of intermediate gears 1013, and a conveying gear 1014. The first side 13 of the housing 10 can be provided with a first end cover 17, and the gear train 101 is arranged in a space between the first end cover 17 and a side wall of the first side 13 of the housing 10.

[0054] At least a part of the driving gear 1011 is exposed to the first side 13 of the housing 10, and the driving gear 1011 is a structure for receiving an external driving force of the toner cartridge 100 and transmitting the driving force to the stirring frame gear 1012, the plurality of intermediate gears 1013, and the conveying gear 1014.

[0055] The stirring frame 90 is arranged in the containing cavity 11 and is rotatably supported at the first side 13 and the second side 14, and includes a stirring frame shaft for driving rotation of the stirring frame 90, which is rotatable about a stirring frame shaft line. The stirring frame gear 1012 is connected to one end of the stirring frame shaft, and rotation of the stirring frame gear 1012 drives rotation of the stirring frame shaft, which drives rotation of the stirring frame 90, thereby stirring toner in the containing cavity 11.

[0056] The conveying assembly 80 is rotatably supported at the first side 13 and the second side 14 of the housing 10. One end of the conveying assembly 80 close to the second side 14 of the housing 10 is arranged at a position of the outlet 12, and the conveying assembly 80 is rotatable about its own axis to direct toner to the position of the outlet 12 during addition of toner from the toner cartridge 100 to the image forming device. The conveying gear 1014 is connected to one end of the conveying assembly 80, and rotation of the conveying gear 1014 drives rotation of the conveying assembly 80, thereby directing toner to the position of the outlet 12 of the housing 10.

[0057] Optionally, the second side 14 of the housing 10 can be provided with a second end cover 18 and a powder bin cover 19, the second end cover 18 is arranged on the second side 14 of the containing cavity 11 so that the containing cavity 11 becomes a closed space, and the powder bin cover 19 is connected to the second end cover 18. The second side 14 of the housing 10 is provided with a first opening 15, which faces the rear of the housing 10 and extends from the rear of the housing 10 to the front of the housing 10. Optionally, the first opening 15 is arranged on the powder bin cover 19.

[0058] The linkage assembly 20 is accommodated in the space formed by the first opening 15 and the second side 14, and optionally, the linkage assembly 20 is accommodated in the space formed by the powder tank cover 19 and the second end cover 18 along the extension direction of the first opening 15. As shown in Figures 1 to 6 The linkage assembly 20 includes a first force applying protrusion 21, a second force applying protrusion 22, and an engaging surface 201. In the second direction, the first force applying protrusion 21 and the second force applying protrusion 22 are arranged separately. The engaging surface 201 faces the fourth side of the housing 10, and the actuating part (not shown, for example, a door cover) of the imaging device can act on the engaging surface 201 at the first opening 15, thereby driving the linkage assembly 20 to move from the first position close to the first opening 15 to the second position away from the first opening 15. In the second direction, the engaging surface 201 of the linkage assembly 20 in the first position is farther away from the outlet 12 than the engaging surface 201 of the linkage assembly 20 in the second position.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The biasing member 30 is located at the second side 14 of the housing 10, and one end of the biasing member 30 is connected to the powder tank cover 19 or the second end cover 18, and the other end of the biasing member 30 is connected to the linkage assembly 20. The biasing member 30 can be configured as a compression spring, a tension spring, or the like structure with certain elasticity. The biasing member 30 biases the linkage assembly 20 towards the first position close to the first opening 15. Specifically, when the actuating part of the imaging device acts on the engaging surface 201 of the linkage assembly 20 at the position of the first opening 15, the engaging surface 201 drives the linkage assembly 20 to move in the direction away from the first opening 15, the biasing member 30 is elastically deformed and accumulates elastic potential energy, and the deformation of the biasing member 30 reaches the maximum when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the second position; when the actuating part of the imaging device no longer acts on the engaging surface 201, the biasing member 30 releases the elastic potential energy to drive the linkage assembly 20 to move from the second position towards the first position, and finally moves to the first position.

[0060] The first force applying protrusion 21 of the linkage assembly 20 is connected to the baffle 30 on the toner cartridge 100, and when the engaging surface 201 receives the driving force of the imaging device to drive the linkage assembly 20 to move, the first force applying protrusion 21 drives the baffle 30 to slide along the toner cartridge 100. Specifically, the toner cartridge 100 can be provided with a guide groove matched with the baffle 30, and when the linkage assembly 20 moves from the first position to the second position, the first force applying protrusion 21 drives the baffle 30 to slide along the guide groove from the position closing the outlet 12 to the position opening the outlet 12, and when the linkage assembly 20 moves from the second position to the first position, the first force applying protrusion 21 drives the baffle 30 to slide along the guide groove from the position opening the outlet 12 to the position closing the outlet 12.

[0061] Optionally, the toner cartridge 100 also includes a moving component 40, one end of which is connected to the first force-applying protrusion 21, and the other end of which is connected to the baffle 30. The moving component 40 can move along with the first force-applying protrusion 21 to drive the baffle 30 to slide. Through the linkage design between the moving component 40 and the first force-applying protrusion 21, the stability of the sliding of the baffle 30 can be ensured, ensuring that the baffle 30 slides to the correct position at the correct time, which helps to improve the accuracy of the sliding of the baffle 30.

[0062] The movable component 40 includes a movable part 41 connected to the first force-applying protrusion 21, a first gear part 42 connected to the movable part 41, and a sliding part 43 connected to the first gear part 42. The baffle 30 is connected to the sliding part 43. The movable part 41 can move with the movement of the first force-applying protrusion 21, the first gear part 42 can rotate with the movement of the movable part 41, and the sliding part 43 can drive the baffle 30 to slide with the rotation of the first gear part 42.

[0063] As an example, such as Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the first force-applying protrusion 21 is constructed as a first groove 212. The moving part 41 is provided with a first slider 411 that is adapted to the first groove 212. When the mating surface 201 receives the driving force of the imaging device and drives the linkage component 20 to move from the first position to the second position, the biasing component 30 generates elastic deformation and accumulates elastic potential energy. The first groove 212 moves along the first slider 411 to one end of the first slider 411 and drives the first slider 411 to move, so that the moving part 41 moves with the movement of the first groove 212. The first gear part 42 rotates with the movement of the moving part 41. The sliding part 43 drives the baffle 30 to slide to the position of opening the outlet 12 with the rotation of the first gear part 42. When the actuating component of the imaging device no longer acts on the mating surface 201, the biasing component 30 releases elastic potential energy to drive the linkage component 20 to move from the second position to the first position. The first slide 212 moves in the opposite direction along the first slider 411 to the other end of the first slider 411 and drives the first slider 411 to move, so that the moving part 41 moves with the movement of the first slide 212. The first gear part 42 rotates in the opposite direction with the movement of the moving part 41. The sliding part 43 drives the baffle 30 to slide to the position of closing the outlet 12 with the rotation of the first gear part 42.

[0064] As another example, the first force-applying protrusion 21 is constructed as a first slider 411. The moving part 41 is provided with a first groove 212 that is adapted to the first slider 411. The mating surface 201 receives the driving force of the imaging device to drive the linkage component 20 to move from the first position to the second position. The biasing component 30 generates elastic deformation and accumulates elastic potential energy. The first slider 411 moves along the surface of the first groove 212 until one end of the first slider 411 contacts the first groove 212 and drives the first groove 212 to move, so that the moving part 41 moves with the movement of the first slider 411. The first gear part 42 rotates with the movement of the moving part 41. The sliding part 43 drives the baffle 30 to slide to the position of opening the opening 12 with the rotation of the first gear part 42. When the actuating component of the imaging device no longer acts on the mating surface 201, the biasing component 30 releases elastic potential energy to drive the linkage component 20 to move from the second position to the first position. The first slider 411 moves in the opposite direction along the surface of the first slide groove 212 until the other end of the first slider 411 contacts the first slide groove 212, and drives the first slide groove 212 to move. As a result, the moving part 41 moves with the movement of the first slider 411, the first gear part 42 rotates in the opposite direction with the movement of the moving part 41, and the sliding part 43 drives the baffle 30 to slide to the position of closing the outlet 12 with the rotation of the first gear part 42.

[0065] The chip assembly 50 on the toner cartridge 100 is located on the second side 14 of the housing 10, and the second force-applying protrusion 22 on the linkage assembly 20 is connected to the chip assembly 50. When the mating surface 201 receives the driving force of the imaging device and drives the linkage assembly 20 to move, the second force-applying protrusion 22 drives the chip assembly 50 to move relative to the housing 10 in a first direction. Specifically, when the linkage assembly 20 moves from the first position to the second position, the second force-applying protrusion 22 drives the chip assembly 50 to move relative to the housing 10 in the first direction to a position where it contacts the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device; when the linkage assembly 20 moves from the second position to the first position, the second force-applying protrusion 22 drives the chip assembly 50 to move relative to the housing 10 in the first direction to a position where it disengages from the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device.

[0066] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the chip assembly 50 includes a second gear portion 51 connected to the second force-applying protrusion 22, a translation portion 52 connected to the second gear portion 51, and a storage portion 53 connected to the translation portion 52. The second gear portion 51 can rotate as the second force-applying protrusion 22 moves, and the translation portion 52 can drive the storage portion 53 to move in a first direction as the second gear portion 51 rotates.

[0067] As an example, the second force applying protrusion 22 is configured as a second slider 222, the second gear portion 51 is provided with a second sliding groove 511 adapted to the second slider 222, when the engagement surface 201 receives the driving force of the imaging device to drive the linkage assembly 20 to move from the first position to the second position, the biasing member 30 is elastically deformed and accumulates elastic potential energy, the second slider 222 moves along the second sliding groove 511 to one end of the second sliding groove 511 and drives the second sliding groove 511 to rotate relative to the housing, so that the second gear portion 51 rotates following the movement of the second slider 222, and the translation portion 52 drives the storage portion 53 to move in the first direction to a position in contact with the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device following the rotation of the second gear portion 51. When the actuating component of the imaging device no longer acts on the engagement surface 201, the biasing member 30 releases the elastic potential energy to drive the linkage assembly 20 to move from the second position to the first position, the second slider 222 moves along the second sliding groove 511 to the other end of the second sliding groove 511 and drives the second sliding groove 511 to reversely rotate relative to the housing 10, so that the second gear portion 51 reversely rotates following the movement of the second slider 222, and the translation portion 52 drives the storage portion 53 to move in the first direction to a position out of contact with the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device following the rotation of the second gear portion 51.

[0068] As another example, the second force applying protrusion 22 is configured as a second sliding groove 511, the second gear portion 51 is provided with a second slider 222 adapted to the second sliding groove 511, when the engagement surface 201 receives the driving force of the imaging device to drive the linkage assembly 20 to move from the first position to the second position, the biasing member 30 is elastically deformed and accumulates elastic potential energy, the second sliding groove 511 moves along the surface of the second slider 222 to one end of the second sliding groove 511 and contacts the second slider 222, and drives the second slider 222 to rotate relative to the housing, so that the second gear portion 51 rotates following the movement of the second sliding groove 511, and the translation portion 52 drives the storage portion 53 to move in the first direction to a position in contact with the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device following the rotation of the second gear portion 51. When the actuating component of the imaging device no longer acts on the engagement surface 201, the biasing member 30 releases the elastic potential energy to drive the linkage assembly 20 to move from the second position to the first position, the second sliding groove 511 moves along the surface of the second slider 222 to the other end of the second sliding groove 511 and contacts the second slider 222, and drives the second slider 222 to reversely rotate relative to the housing 10, so that the second gear portion 51 reversely rotates following the movement of the second sliding groove 511, and the translation portion 52 drives the storage portion 53 to move in the first direction to a position out of contact with the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device following the rotation of the second gear portion 51.

[0069] In this way, when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the first position, the second force applying protrusion 22 drives the chip assembly 50 to a position where the chip assembly 50 is not in contact with the image forming device, so that the chip assembly 50 can be protected before the toner cartridge 100 is positioned correctly, and electrical interference or premature contact can be prevented; when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the second position, the second force applying protrusion 22 drives the chip assembly 50 to a position where the chip assembly 50 is in contact with the image forming device, so that data transmission and communication between the toner cartridge 100 and the image forming device can be realized, and thus relevant functions can be started. In addition, the contact state between the chip assembly 50 and the image forming device can be controlled by the linkage assembly 20, so that the structure of the toner cartridge 100 can be simplified, the compactness of the structure of the toner cartridge 100 can be improved, and the cost of the toner cartridge 100 can be reduced.

[0070] The image forming device is provided with a closing member for shielding the entrance, and the linkage assembly 20 further comprises a third force applying protrusion 23. At least a part of the third force applying protrusion 23 is located at one end of the linkage assembly 20 close to the outlet 12, and the third force applying protrusion 23 can be driven to move by the movement of the linkage assembly 20. When the linkage assembly 20 is located at the second position in the second direction, at least a part of the third force applying protrusion 23 extends out of the third side 102 of the housing 10.

[0071] When the actuating member of the image forming device acts on the engaging surface 201 and drives the linkage assembly 20 to move from the first position to the second position, the biasing member 30 is elastically deformed and accumulates elastic potential energy. The linkage assembly 20 drives the third force applying protrusion 23 to move and act on the closing member of the image forming device. The third force applying protrusion 23 drives the closing member to move towards a position where the entrance of the image forming device is not shielded, so as to open the entrance of the image forming device. When the actuating member of the image forming device does not act on the engaging surface 201, the biasing member 30 releases the elastic potential energy and drives the linkage assembly 20 to move from the second position to the first position. The linkage assembly 20 drives the third force applying protrusion 23 to move to a position where the third force applying protrusion 23 is not in contact with the closing member of the image forming device. The closing member moves towards a position where the entrance of the image forming device is shielded, so as to close the entrance of the image forming device. The third force applying protrusion 23 moves following the movement of the linkage assembly 20 and acts on the closing member at the entrance of the image forming device under the driving of the linkage assembly 20, so as to drive the closing member to open or close the entrance of the image forming device. The opening and closing of the entrance of the image forming device can be realized by the movement of the linkage assembly 20, and no additional power member is needed, which helps to simplify the structure of the toner cartridge 100.

[0072] As Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 14As shown, when the linkage component 20 moves to the second position, at least a portion of the third force-applying protrusion 23 is further away from the first opening 15 than the conveying component 80. This separates the working area of ​​the third force-applying protrusion 23 from the working area of ​​the conveying component 80, effectively reducing the mutual influence between the third force-applying protrusion 23 and the directional conveying of developer by the conveying component 80, and helping to improve the reliability of the toner cartridge 100.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 14 As shown, when the linkage component 20 moves to the second position, at least a portion of the third force-applying protrusion 23 is further away from the first opening 15 than the outlet 12. This separates the working area of ​​the third force-applying protrusion 23 from the working area of ​​the outlet 12, effectively reducing the mutual influence between the third force-applying protrusion 23 and the developer output from the outlet 12, thus helping to improve the reliability of the toner cartridge 100.

[0074] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 14 As shown, when the linkage component 20 moves to the second position, at least a portion of the third force-applying protrusion 23 is further away from the first opening 15 than the stirring rack 90. ​​This separates the working area of ​​the third force-applying protrusion 23 from the working area of ​​the stirring rack 90, effectively reducing the mutual influence between the third force-applying protrusion 23 and the stirring rack 90 in stirring the developer, thus helping to improve the reliability of the toner cartridge 100.

[0075] The holder 60 on the toner cartridge 100 is arranged on the second side 14 of the housing 10, and the second side 14 of the housing 10 is also provided with a second opening 16, which is towards the top of the toner cartridge 100 and communicates with the first opening 15. The fourth force applying protrusion 24 on the linkage assembly 20 is connected to the holder 60, and at least a part of the holder 60 can move with the movement of the fourth force applying protrusion 24 between a position retracted in the second opening 16 and a position extended out of the second opening 16. Specifically, when the engagement surface 201 does not receive a driving force, the linkage assembly 20 is in the first position, and the holder 60 is in the position retracted in the second opening 16; when the engagement surface 201 receives a driving force and drives the linkage assembly 20 to move from the first position to the second position, the fourth force applying protrusion 24 moves and drives the holder 60 to move from the position retracted in the second opening 16 to the position extended out of the second opening 16, and gradually moves to the position of the electrical contact 201 of the image forming device, so as to limit and adjust the position of the electrical contact 201 of the image forming device. In this way, when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the first position, the fourth force applying protrusion 24 drives the holder 60 to be in the position retracted in the second opening 16, which can reduce the risk of interference between the holder 60 and the image forming device during the installation of the toner cartridge 100 to the image forming device; when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the second position, the fourth force applying protrusion 24 drives the holder 60 to be in the position extended out of the second opening 16, which can limit the electrical contact 201 in the image forming device, and help to improve the reliability of the communication connection between the toner cartridge 100 and the image forming device; in addition, the position of the holder 60 can be controlled through the linkage assembly 20, which can simplify the structure of the toner cartridge 100, improve the compactness of the structure of the toner cartridge 100, and reduce the cost of the toner cartridge 100.

[0076] Embodiment 2

[0077] Next, the embodiment 2 in the present application will be described in detail in combination with the accompanying drawings. Figure 15 And Figure 16 The embodiment 2 provided in the present application is a toner cartridge 100. The same parts of the toner cartridge 100 in the embodiment 2 and the toner cartridge 100 in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 will not be described herein again. The different parts of the toner cartridge 100 in the embodiment 2 and the toner cartridge 100 in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 are that the implementation manners of the first force applying protrusion 21 and the second force applying protrusion 22 of the linkage assembly 20 in the embodiment 2 are different from those in the embodiment 1, and the structure of the moving assembly 40 connected with the first force applying protrusion 21 and the structure of the chip assembly 50 connected with the second force applying protrusion 22 are also adjusted accordingly.

[0078] As Figure 15 And Figure 16As shown, the first force applying protrusion 21 of the linkage assembly 20 in the embodiment is configured as a first rack 211, the moving assembly 40 connected with the first force applying protrusion 21 does not include a moving part 41, a first gear part 42 in the moving assembly 40 is configured to engage with the first rack 211, a sliding part 43 is connected with the first gear part 42, and the baffle 30 is connected with the sliding part 43. Preferably, the baffle 30 is integrally formed with the sliding part 43. The sliding part 43 is arranged at a position where the outlet 12 of the toner cartridge 100 is located, and the sliding part 43 can drive the baffle 30 to slide between a position closing the outlet 12 and a position opening the outlet 12.

[0079] Specifically, when the linkage assembly 20 moves between the first position and the second position, the first rack 211 drives the first gear part 42 to rotate, the first gear part 42 drives the sliding part 43 to slide, and the sliding part 43 drives the baffle 30 to slide between the position closing the outlet 12 and the position opening the outlet 12. More specifically, when the linkage assembly 20 is in the first position, the baffle 30 is in the position closing the outlet 12, and at this time, the developer in the toner cartridge 100 cannot flow out of the outlet 12; during the process that the engagement surface 201 receives the driving force and drives the linkage assembly 20 to move to the second position, the first rack 211 acts on the first gear part 42 and drives the first gear part 42 to rotate, the first gear part 42 drives the sliding part 43 to slide, and the sliding part 43 drives the baffle 30 to slide to the position opening the outlet 12, at this time, the outlet 12 of the toner cartridge 100 is in communication with the outside, when the imaging device needs to add developer, the gear train 101 can be controlled to rotate, so that the developer in the toner cartridge 100 is transported to the outlet 12 and flows out of the outlet 12, enters the imaging device through the inlet of the imaging device, and completes the addition of the developer to the imaging device. When the imaging device no longer acts on the engagement surface 201, the linkage assembly 20 moves from the second position to the first position under the action of the biasing member 30, the first rack 211 drives the first gear part 42 to rotate reversely, the first gear part 42 drives the sliding part 43 to slide reversely, and the sliding part 43 drives the baffle 30 to move from the position opening the outlet 12 to the position closing the outlet 12.

[0080] The second force applying protrusion 22 is configured as a second rack 221, and the second gear part 51 in the chip assembly 50 directly engages with the second rack 221 without being connected with the second force applying protrusion 22 through the way of sliding groove and sliding block.

[0081] When the linkage assembly 20 moves between the first position and the second position, the second force applying protrusion 22 can drive the chip assembly 50 to move between a position away from the imaging device and a position contacting the imaging device. Specifically, when the linkage assembly 20 is in the first position, the chip assembly 50 is away from the imaging device; during the movement of the linkage assembly 20 from the first position to the second position, the second rack 221 drives the second gear part 51 to rotate, the second gear part 51 drives the translation part 52 and the storage part 53 on the translation part 52 to move, and the part of the storage part 53 electrically connected with the imaging device gradually moves away from the second end cover 18 and towards the position where the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device is located; when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the second position, the storage part 53 contacts the electrical contact 201 of the imaging device to establish a communication connection.

[0082] In this way, the first force applying protrusion 21 and the moving assembly 40 are driven by the gear and rack, and the second force applying protrusion 22 and the chip assembly 50 are also driven by the gear and rack, the linkage assembly 20 can be used to synchronously control the moving assembly 40 and the chip assembly 50, the structure of the toner cartridge 100 can be simplified, the compactness of the toner cartridge 100 can be improved, and the cost of the toner cartridge 100 can be reduced.

[0083] Embodiment 3

[0084] Next, the embodiment 3 in the utility model will be described in detail in combination with the accompanying drawings Figure 17 and Figure 18 The embodiment 3 provides a toner cartridge 100, and the same parts of the toner cartridge 100 in the embodiment 3 and the toner cartridge 100 in the embodiment 1 will not be described herein again. The toner cartridge 100 in the embodiment 3 is different from the toner cartridge 100 in the embodiment 1 in that the linkage assembly 20 in the embodiment 3 further comprises a fifth force applying protrusion 25.

[0085] As shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the linkage assembly 20 comprises the fifth force applying protrusion 25, and the fifth force applying protrusion 25 is located on the side of the linkage assembly 20 away from the first opening 15. The toner cartridge 100 further comprises a detected protrusion 70, and the detected protrusion 70 has a detection position. At the detection position, the detected protrusion 70 can change the state of a sensor in the imaging device, so that the imaging device detects whether the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device by the change of the state of the sensor, and verifies the toner cartridge 100.

[0086] The fifth force applying protrusion 25 is connected to the detected protrusion 70, and when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the second position, the fifth force applying protrusion 25 can drive the detected protrusion 70 to move to the detection position.

[0087] In the embodiment, when the linkage assembly 20 moves to the second position, the fifth force applying protrusion 25 drives the detected protrusion 70 to move to the detection position, so that the imaging device can detect the detected protrusion 70 at the detection position, without setting an additional complex structure to drive the detected protrusion 70 to move to the detection position, which can simplify the structure of the toner cartridge 100, improve the compactness of the structure of the toner cartridge 100, and reduce the cost of the toner cartridge 100.

[0088] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, but not to limit them; 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 still be modified, or some technical features can be replaced equivalently; 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, characterized in that, The toner cartridge includes: The housing has a first side and a second side separated from each other in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side separated in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second side of the housing is provided with an outlet. A linkage component is connected to the second side of the housing. The linkage component includes a first force-applying protrusion, a mating surface facing the fourth side, and a second force-applying protrusion separated from the first force-applying protrusion in the second direction. The mating surface can receive an external driving force to move the linkage component between a first position and a second position. In the second direction, the mating surface of the linkage component in the first position is further away from the outlet than the mating surface of the linkage component in the second position. A baffle, operably connected to the first force-applying protrusion, the baffle being able to slide between a position of closing the outlet and a position of opening the outlet, following the movement of the first force-applying protrusion; A chip assembly operatively connected to the second force-applying protrusion, the chip assembly being movable in the first direction following the movement of the second force-applying protrusion.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toner cartridge also includes a movable component, one end of which is connected to the first force-applying protrusion and the other end of which is connected to the baffle. The movable component can move along with the first force-applying protrusion to drive the baffle to slide.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first force-applying protrusion is a first rack. The moving component includes a first gear part that meshes with the first rack and a sliding part connected to the first gear part. The baffle is connected to the sliding part. The first gear part can rotate as the first rack moves, and the sliding part can drive the baffle to slide as the first gear part rotates.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first force-applying protrusion is constructed as one of a first slider and a first slide groove. The moving component includes a moving part, a first gear part connected to the moving part, and a sliding part connected to the first gear part. The baffle is connected to the sliding part. The movable part is provided with the other of the first slider and the first slide groove. The movable part can move with the movement of the first force-applying protrusion. The first gear part can rotate with the movement of the movable part. The sliding part can drive the baffle to slide with the rotation of the first gear part.

5. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second force-applying protrusion is a second rack. The chip assembly includes a second gear portion adapted to the second rack, a translation portion connected to the second gear portion, and a storage portion connected to the translation portion. The second gear portion can rotate following the movement of the second rack, and the translation portion can drive the storage portion to move in the first direction following the rotation of the second gear portion.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second force-applying protrusion is one of a second slider and a second slide groove. The chip assembly includes a second gear section, a translation section connected to the second gear section, and a storage section connected to the translation section. The second gear section is provided with the other of the second slider and the second slide groove. The second gear section can rotate as the second force-applying protrusion moves. The translation section can drive the storage section to move in the first direction as the second gear section rotates.

7. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage component further includes a third force-applying protrusion, at least a portion of which is located at one end of the linkage component near the outlet. When the linkage component is in the second position in the second direction, at least a portion of the third force-applying protrusion extends out of the third side of the housing.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toner cartridge also includes a retainer, and the second side of the housing is provided with a second opening. The linkage assembly also includes a fourth force-applying protrusion, and the retainer is connected to the fourth force-applying protrusion. At least a portion of the retainer can move between a position retracted into the second opening and a position extended out of the second opening, following the movement of the fourth force-applying protrusion.

9. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toner cartridge also includes a detection protrusion, and the linkage component also includes a fifth force-applying protrusion, the detection protrusion being able to move along with the movement of the fifth force-applying protrusion.

10. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toner cartridge also includes a biasing member, one end of which is connected to the housing and the other end of which is connected to the linkage assembly. The biasing member can bias the linkage assembly toward the first position.

Images