Developing box

Abstract

The utility model provides a developing box which is detachably mounted in a drum box, the drum box is detachably mounted in imaging equipment, the imaging equipment is provided with a detection unit, the drum box is provided with a second driving force receiving component, and the second driving force receiving component can receive driving force from the imaging equipment; the developing box comprises: a box frame, wherein a powder cabin for accommodating a developing agent is arranged in the box frame; a developing roller rotatably disposed on the cartridge frame; a first driving force receiving member directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate; a member to be detected that can be detected by the detection unit; the detected member can move in response to the movement of the second driving force receiving member; according to the developing box with the structure, the detected component does not need to be moved by receiving the driving force from the first driving force receiving component, the detected opportunity of the detected component can be more flexibly set, and the dependence on the first driving force receiving component is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging equipment, and particularly to a developing box. BACKGROUND

[0002] As is known, as an electrophotographic imaging equipment, such an imaging equipment includes a main assembly, a drum cartridge provided with a photosensitive drum, and a developing box for supplying a developer to the photosensitive drum.

[0003] Such an imaging equipment includes a detection unit for judging information of the developing box installed in the imaging equipment. For example, the detection unit is used to judge whether the developing box newly installed to the imaging equipment is a new product or information such as the size capacity of the developing box. In such an imaging equipment, the detection unit can include a transmission mechanism, a switch member, a power supply, and an electrical signal detection member, the switch member, the power supply, and the electrical signal detection member can form an electrically conductive circuit, and the transmission member can drive the switch member to move between an open position for opening the circuit and a closed position for closing the circuit, so that the electrical signal detected by the electrical signal detection member changes, and then the information such as the model and the specification of the developing box is judged.

[0004] The developing box can be detachably installed in the main assembly of the imaging equipment, and such a developing box rotatably supports a detected mechanism provided with a protruding portion (a detected member) capable of touching and pushing the transmission mechanism, so that the switch member moves between the closed position and the open position. When the developing box is installed to the main assembly and the equipment is started, the detected mechanism is driven to move, the protruding portion directly or indirectly pushes the transmission mechanism to move, the transmission mechanism drives the switch member to move between the open position and the closed position in the process of swinging, the detection unit detects the change of the electrical signal, and the imaging equipment judges the information of the developing box based on the detection result of the optical sensor.

[0005] In some imaging equipment, the detection unit is provided with an optical sensor and a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism can switch between positions for shielding light and positions for not shielding light in the process of swinging, so that the electrical signal of the detection unit changes, and then the detection is realized.

[0006] In the research of such a developing box, how to drive the detected member and realize the cooperation with the detection unit of the imaging equipment is an important subject for the person skilled in the art to continuously research. UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS

[0007] The utility model aims at providing a developing box to further develop the prior art.

[0008] The utility model aims at providing a developing box to further develop the prior art.

[0009] A developing cartridge detachably installed in an image forming apparatus provided with a detection unit, the developing cartridge comprising:

[0010] a cartridge frame internally provided with a powder reservoir for accommodating a developer;

[0011] a developing roller rotatably provided on the cartridge frame;

[0012] a first driving force receiving member directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate;

[0013] a detected member capable of being detected by the detection unit;

[0014] the developing cartridge further comprising:

[0015] a power source member capable of directly or indirectly driving the detected member to move.

[0016] Preferably, the first driving force receiving member is provided at a first end of the developing cartridge and capable of directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate, and the detected member is provided at a second end of the developing cartridge.

[0017] Preferably, the developing cartridge is detachably installed in a cartridge frame, the cartridge frame is detachably installed in an image forming apparatus, and the power source member is a second driving force receiving member provided in the cartridge frame, the second driving force receiving member is capable of receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus, and the detected member is capable of moving in response to the movement of the second driving force receiving member.

[0018] Preferably, the second driving force receiving member is capable of directly or indirectly driving the detected member to rotate or swing or slide.

[0019] Preferably, the developing cartridge further comprises a transmission unit, the transmission unit is capable of being directly or indirectly driven by the second driving force receiving member, and the transmission unit is capable of transmitting a driving force to the detected member.

[0020] Preferably, the transmission unit comprises a first transmission member and a second transmission member, the first transmission member is capable of rotating to receive a driving force from the second driving force receiving member, and the second transmission member is capable of rotating to receive a driving force from the first transmission member and transmitting the driving force to the detected member.

[0021] Preferably, the developing cartridge further comprises a power cut-off mechanism, the power cut-off mechanism is provided on the detected member or the first transmission member or the second transmission member or the second driving force receiving member, and the power cut-off mechanism comprises a notch portion.

[0022] Preferably, the second driving force receiving member is arranged at the first end of the developing cartridge, and the detected member is arranged at the second end of the developing cartridge, and the second driving force receiving member rotates by receiving driving force from the image forming device.

[0023] Preferably, the developing cartridge further comprises a first driving force transmission member and a second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member is directly or indirectly connected with the second driving force receiving member and the second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member is capable of rotating by receiving driving force from the second driving force receiving member, the second driving force transmission member is capable of rotating by being driven by the first driving force transmission member, and the developing cartridge further comprises a transmission unit, the transmission unit is capable of rotating by receiving driving force from the second driving force transmission member and transmitting driving force to the detected member.

[0024] Preferably, the detected member comprises a main body, a first force receiving part and a detected part, the first force receiving part is arranged on the main body and is used for receiving external driving force to move the detected member and enable the detected member to touch the detection unit; and / or

[0025] The power source member comprises a battery and a motor; or the power source member comprises a first magnet and a second magnet which repel each other; or the power source member comprises a gas pump or an oil pump.

[0026] The developing cartridge with the above structure does not need to realize the movement of the detected member by receiving driving force from the first driving force receiving member of the developing cartridge, the timing of detection of the detected member can be more flexible, and the dependence on the image forming device and the first driving force receiving member is reduced, and the load applied on the first driving force receiving member is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic view of the overall structure of the developing cartridge of the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the second end of the developing cartridge of the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the second end of the developing cartridge of the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the cooperation structure of the developing cartridge and the photosensitive drum of the embodiment 2 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present application is further described below in combination with the drawings and embodiments.

[0032] Embodiment 1

[0033] The present embodiment provides an imaging device, which comprises a main assembly and a detection unit and a driving transmission member (not shown in the figure) arranged in the main assembly, the detection unit and the driving transmission member are arranged at different sides of the main assembly. The detection unit is arranged at one side of the main assembly, and is used for detecting information of a developing cartridge installed in the main assembly, and is provided with a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism can swing around a rotation shaft under the action of the developing cartridge, and the imaging device judges the information of the developing cartridge in the case that the transmission mechanism swings to shield a sensor. The structure and detection principle of the imaging device of the present embodiment are basically the same as those of the printer disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN105759586A, and the related prior art will not be described here.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 The developing cartridge 10 is detachably installed in a drum cartridge provided with a photosensitive drum, and the drum cartridge is detachably installed in the main assembly of the above-mentioned imaging device. The developing cartridge 10 comprises a cartridge frame 11, a first driving force receiving member 12, a developing roller 13, a chip 16 and an electrode 17, and at least one of a powder feeding roller and a stirring member. In the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge, the developing cartridge has a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite to the first end 101. The cartridge frame 11 is provided with a powder compartment for accommodating developer. In the direction of the developing cartridge 10 being installed in the imaging device, the developing roller 13 is rotatably arranged at the front side of the cartridge frame 11, is exposed from the front side of the cartridge frame 11 and is opposite to the photosensitive drum when being installed in the imaging device, so as to be able to perform developing work. The powder feeding roller faces the developing roller 13 and is capable of transmitting developer to the developing roller 13; the stirring member is used for stirring the developer accommodated in the powder compartment. The first driving force receiving member 12 is arranged at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10, and is used for driving the developing roller 13 and the powder feeding roller to rotate. The chip 16 is arranged at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10, and is used for storing information such as specifications and models of the developing cartridge 10. The electrode 17 is arranged at the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10, and is used for receiving power from the imaging device and capable of being electrically connected to the developing roller 13.

[0035] In some embodiments, the chip 16 can be arranged at the second end 102, and the electrode 17 can be arranged at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1-3 The developing cartridge 10 of the present embodiment further comprises a power source member 2 and a detected member 3, wherein the power source member 2 is used for providing kinetic energy to the detected member 3 to move the detected member 3, and the movement of the detected member 3 can actuate a detection unit arranged in the imaging device, thereby achieving detection. Preferably, the developing cartridge 10 further comprises a trigger 4, which is used for triggering the power source member 2 to output power to the outside to directly or indirectly drive the detected member 3 to move.

[0037] In the embodiment, the power source member 2 comprises an elastic member 2 capable of accumulating elastic potential energy, and releasing the elastic potential energy to drive the detected member 3 to move directly or indirectly when triggered. The elastic member 2 is a torsion spring, one end of which is connected with the detected member 3, and the other end is connected with the fixing member 14 fixedly connected with the cartridge frame 11 / the end cover 15 / the cartridge frame 11. In the initial position, the torsion spring is compressed to accumulate elastic potential energy, and when the torsion spring releases the elastic potential energy, it can drive the detected member 3 to move. Specifically, the detected member 3 is rotatably arranged on the developing cartridge 10, and one end of the torsion spring abuts against the cartridge frame 11, and the other end is connected with the detected member 3.

[0038] In the embodiment, the trigger member 4 is arranged to be movable from the first position to the second position, in the first position, the power source member 2 is not triggered, and in the second position, the power source member 2 is triggered. The form of controlling the trigger member 4 to move from the first position to the second position can be subjected to external force or controlled by external force electrical signal. The trigger member 4 can be moved from the first position to the second position under the action of external force, for example, the external force can be the force of the door cover when the developing cartridge 10 is installed to the imaging device and the door cover is closed, or the driving force from the first driving force receiving member 12 on the imaging device driving force transmission member / the developing cartridge, or the driving force provided by the photosensitive drum / the photosensitive drum gear, or controlled by electricity.

[0039] Specifically, the trigger member 4 comprises a force receiving portion 41 and a limiting portion 42, the limiting portion 42 abuts against the detected member 3, and the force receiving portion 41 is configured to receive external force. More specifically, the detected member 3 is rotatably arranged on the developing cartridge 10, in the initial position (i.e. the position of the developing cartridge 10 before being detected by the imaging device), one end of the trigger member 4 abuts against the detected member 3, and the torsion spring is in a compressed state, at this time, the trigger member 4 is in the first position. When the trigger member 4 receives external force to rotate, the trigger member 4 rotates from the first position to the second position, and the trigger member 4 is disengaged from the abutment with the detected member 3, at this time, the torsion spring releases the elastic potential energy, and the detected member 3 is driven to rotate, thereby achieving detection.

[0040] In the embodiment, the power source member 2, the trigger member 4 and the detected member 3 are arranged at the same end of the developing cartridge 10, but they can also be arranged at different positions, and the designer can adjust according to the needs. For example, the power source member 2 can be arranged at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10, and the trigger member 4 and the detected member 3 are arranged at the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10; or the power source member 2 and the trigger member 4 are arranged at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10, and the detected member 3 is arranged at the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10; in some cases, the power source member 2 can also be arranged between the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the power source member 2 can include at least one of a compression spring, a tension spring, and an elastic spring.

[0042] Variation 1

[0043] The power source member includes a battery and a motor, the motor is electrically connected with the battery, the motor is capable of transmitting power to directly or indirectly drive the detected member to move; preferably, the trigger is configured as a switch to control the power on-off of the motor, when the trigger is triggered, the motor is turned on.

[0044] Variation 2

[0045] The power source member includes a first magnet and a second magnet which repel each other, when the trigger is in the first position, the first magnet and the second magnet are close to each other, when the trigger is in the second position, the first magnet and the second magnet are away from each other to directly or indirectly drive the detected member to move.

[0046] Variation 3

[0047] The power source member includes an air pump or an oil pump, the trigger is configured as a switch to control the air pump or the oil pump, when the trigger is in the first position, the switch is in the closed state, when the trigger is in the second position, the switch is in the open state, the air pump or the oil pump directly or indirectly drives the detected member to move.

[0048] Variation 4

[0049] The driving force to drive the detected member to move can come from a drum cartridge, for example, from a photosensitive drum or a second driving force receiving member provided in the drum cartridge.

[0050] Embodiment 2

[0051] The developing cartridge 10a and the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment have the same basic structure as the developing cartridge 10 and the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1, and the same parts will not be described again, and the main differences will be described below.

[0052] The driving force to drive the detected member 3a to move can come from a drum cartridge (not shown in the figure), for example, from a photosensitive drum 20 or a second driving force receiving member 21 provided in the drum cartridge (not shown in the figure).

[0053] As Figure 4 shown, the detected member 3a of the present embodiment is capable of moving in response to the movement of the second driving force receiving member 21, the movement of the detected member 3a can be rotation, swing or sliding, at this time, the second driving force receiving member 21 can be regarded as a power source member; that is, the detected member 3a can be directly driven or indirectly driven by the second driving force receiving member 21.

[0054] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the developing cartridge 10a is detachably installed in a drum cartridge (not shown) provided with the photosensitive drum 20, and the drum cartridge (not shown) is detachably installed in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the drum cartridge (not shown) further includes a second driving force receiving member 21, a first driving force transmitting member 22, and a second driving force transmitting member 23. The second driving force receiving member 21 is provided at a third end of the drum cartridge (not shown) and is rotatable by receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus. The first driving force transmitting member 22 and the second driving force transmitting member 23 are movable in response to the rotation of the second driving force receiving member 21. Specifically, the first driving force transmitting member 22 is directly or indirectly connected to the second driving force receiving member 21 and the second driving force transmitting member 23, and the second driving force transmitting member 23 is provided at a fourth end of the drum cartridge (not shown) and is rotatable by being driven by the first driving force transmitting member 22 when the first driving force transmitting member 22 receives the driving force from the second driving force receiving member 21. The third end of the drum cartridge and the fourth end of the drum cartridge are arranged opposite to each other in the length direction of the drum cartridge.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the first driving force transmitting member 22 is the photosensitive drum 20. In some embodiments, the first driving force transmitting member 22 can be a charging roller or other rotatable body supported on the drum cartridge (not shown). In other embodiments, the first driving force transmitting member 22 can be a translational or oscillating member, without being limited thereto.

[0057] The developing cartridge 10a includes a detected member 3a and a transmission unit 4a. The detected member 3a is detectable by applying a force to a transmission mechanism of a detection unit of the image forming apparatus. The transmission unit 4a is capable of receiving a driving force from the second driving force receiving member 21 and transmitting the driving force to the detected member 3a.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the detected member 3a is provided at the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10a and includes a main body portion 31a, a first force receiving portion 32a provided on the main body portion 31a for receiving an external driving force to move the detected member 3a, and a detected portion 33a provided on the main body portion 31a and capable of touching the transmission mechanism of the detection unit.

[0059] The transmission unit 4a is provided at the second end 102 of the developing cartridge and is provided with a first transmission member 41a rotatable by receiving a driving force from the second driving force transmitting member 23 and a second transmission member 42a rotatable by receiving a driving force from the first transmission member 41a and transmitting the driving force to the detected member 3a. The second transmission member 42a is engaged with the first force receiving portion 32a and transmits the driving force.

[0060] Specifically, the transmission of force between the second driving force transmission member 23 and the first transmission member 41a can be through gear engagement, or one of the second driving force transmission member 23 and the first transmission member 41a is provided with a rubber wheel and the other is provided with a gear portion for transmission, or through friction transmission. Similarly, the transmission of force between the first transmission member 41a and the second transmission member 42a can be through gear engagement, or one of the first transmission member 41a and the second transmission member 42a is provided with a rubber wheel and the other is provided with a gear portion for transmission, or through friction transmission. Similarly, the transmission of force between the second transmission member 42a and the detected member 3a can be through gear engagement, or one of the second transmission member 42a and the detected member 3a is provided with a rubber wheel and the other is provided with a gear portion for transmission, or through friction transmission.

[0061] When the developing cartridge 10a is installed into the drum cartridge, the first transmission member 41a and the second driving force transmission member 23 are engaged, when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are installed into the image forming device together and are detected, the second driving force receiving member 21 receives driving force from the image forming device to rotate, the second driving force receiving member 21 drives the photosensitive drum 20 and the second driving force transmission member 23 to rotate, and then transmits driving force to the first transmission member 41a and the second transmission member 42a, the second transmission member 42a drives the detected member 3a to rotate for detection.

[0062] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further comprises a power cut-off mechanism for cutting off the driving force transmitted to the detected member 3a; specifically, the cut-off mechanism can be a notch portion provided on the detected member, the first transmission member 41a, the second transmission member 42a or the second driving force receiving member 21.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first driving force transmission member 22 and the second driving force transmission member 23 can be omitted, the second driving force transmission member 23 is provided at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10a, the first transmission member 41a directly receives driving force from the second driving force receiving member 21, the first transmission member 41a transmits the driving force to the second transmission member 42a provided at the second end of the developing cartridge 10a through a rotating body, and then the second transmission member 42a drives the detected member 3a to rotate for detection. The rotating body spans the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10a, and the rotating body can be a developing roller, a powder feeding roller or a stirring member shaft.

[0064] In some embodiments, the second transmission member 42a can be omitted, and the first transmission member 41a directly transmits driving force to the detected member 3a.

[0065] In some embodiments, the detected member can be provided at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10a.

[0066] In some embodiments, the drum cartridge is provided with an idler gear, and the transmission unit 4a receives driving force from the idler gear.

[0067] In some embodiments, the transmission unit 4a receives driving force from a charging roller and a charging roller gear provided on the drum cartridge.

[0068] The developing cartridge with such a structure can reduce the load on the first driving force receiving member by rotating the detected member by receiving driving force from the second driving force receiving member, and can improve the service life of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge.

[0069] In the above embodiments and their variants, the detected member can also be configured as a sliding member or a swinging member.

[0070] In the above embodiments and their variants, the power source member can accumulate elastic potential energy during the process of installing the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge / imaging device / closed door cover; for example, the torsional spring / compression spring / elastic clockwork / tension spring and the like are elastically deformed to accumulate elastic potential energy during this process. Or, the first magnet and the second magnet that repel each other are close to each other to accumulate potential energy during this process.

[0071] In the above embodiments and their variants, the power source member can accumulate potential energy by receiving power during the rotation of the photosensitive drum; for example, the power source member is provided with a friction wheel to receive driving force from the photosensitive drum.

[0072] In the above embodiments and their variants, the power source member can receive driving force from the photosensitive drum / cleaning roller / charging roller / driving gear provided on the drum assembly or movable component, and then directly or indirectly drive the detected member to move. In addition, for the mode of independently providing a power source, the influence of the jitter of the first driving force receiving member of the developing cartridge on the detection accuracy can be reduced.

[0073] It should be finally pointed out that: the above examples are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and are not limited thereto. In order to facilitate the differentiation of different components, the present application introduces the terms "first", "second" and the like. The terms "first", "second" and the like are not understood as a limitation on the number thereof. For example, the driving member described in the present application has a second gear portion, but it does not mean that the driving member must have a first gear portion and a third gear portion, etc. According to the description in the specification, the components described by "first", "second" and the like can be one or can include multiple. The terms "upper", "upper side", "lower", "lower side" in the specification are based on the description in the drawings, and are not a specific limitation on the orientation thereof. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments can still be modified, or some or all of the technical features can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus provided with a detection unit, the developing cartridge comprising: a cartridge frame having a powder reservoir for accommodating a developer therein; a developing roller rotatably provided on the cartridge frame; a first driving force receiving member directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate; a detected member detectable by the detection unit; characterized in that the developing cartridge further comprises: a power source member directly or indirectly driving the detected member to move.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The first driving force receiving member is provided at a first end of the developing cartridge and directly or indirectly drives the developing roller to rotate, and the detected member is provided at a second end of the developing cartridge.

3. The process cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The developing cartridge is detachably mountable to a cassette which is detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus, the power source member is a second driving force receiving member provided in the cassette, the second driving force receiving member is capable of receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus, and the detected member is capable of moving in response to the movement of the second driving force receiving member.

4. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, The second driving force receiving member is capable of directly driving or indirectly driving the detected member to rotate or swing or slide.

5. The process cartridge of claim 4 wherein, The developing cartridge further comprises a transmission unit, the transmission unit is directly or indirectly drivable by the second driving force receiving member, and the transmission unit is capable of transmitting a driving force to the detected member.

6. The process cartridge of claim 5 wherein, The transmission unit comprises a first transmission member and a second transmission member, the first transmission member is rotatable in response to the driving force received from the second driving force receiving member, and the second transmission member is rotatable in response to the driving force received from the first transmission member and transmits the driving force to the detected member.

7. The process cartridge of claim 6 wherein, The developing cartridge further comprises a power cut-off mechanism, the power cut-off mechanism is provided on the detected member or the first transmission member or the second transmission member or the second driving force receiving member, and the power cut-off mechanism comprises a notch portion.

8. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, The second driving force receiving member is provided at a first end of the cassette, and the detected member is provided at a second end of the developing cartridge, and the second driving force receiving member is rotatable in response to the driving force received from the image forming apparatus.

9. The process cartridge of claim 8 wherein, The cassette further comprises a first driving force transmission member and a second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member directly or indirectly connects the second driving force receiving member and the second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member is rotatable in response to the driving force received from the second driving force receiving member, and the second driving force transmission member is rotatable in response to the first driving force transmission member, the developing cartridge further comprises a transmission unit, the transmission unit is rotatable in response to the driving force received from the second driving force transmission member and transmits the driving force to the detected member.

10. The developer cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The detected member comprises a main body portion, a first force receiving portion and a detected portion, the first force receiving portion is provided on the main body portion and is used to receive an external driving force to move the detected member and to be capable of touching the detection unit; and / or The power source member includes a battery and a motor; or the power source member includes a first magnet and a second magnet that repel each other; or the power source member includes an air pump or an oil pump.

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