Developing box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developing box which comprises a shell used for accommodating a developing agent; the coupling gear is used for receiving external driving force of the developing box; a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction; a chip having an electrical contact surface; a bracket for supporting the electrical contact surface; the supporting part can receive external force of the developing box so as to drive the developing box to deviate towards the direction of the electric contact surface; in the third direction, the electric contact surface is arranged at one end of the support, and the supporting protrusion is arranged at the other end of the support. In the first direction, the supporting part is overlapped with at least one part of the electric contact surface; compared with the prior art, the chip rack is provided with the supporting plate capable of receiving the external supporting force, so that the stability of electric connection between the developing box and the imaging device is further ensured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electrophotographic imaging, especially to a developing box. BACKGROUND

[0002] The developing box is a box for storing developing agent. After the developing agent in the developing box is consumed, the user can replace the developing box without the help of professionals after purchasing a new developing box. This simple method is favored by more and more users, and the developing box can be matched with a drum box and can be installed in an imaging device as a whole.

[0003] The prior art discloses a developing box. The developing box includes a housing for accommodating developing agent, a developing chip rack arranged at one end of the housing, and a developing chip supported on the developing chip rack. The developing chip stores information such as the model of the developing box and the newness of the developing box. The developing chip can be in electrical contact with an imaging device to establish a communication connection with the imaging device. However, the developing chip rack can move within a limited range and stroke relative to the housing. The developing chip supported on the developing chip rack will also move with the movement of the developing chip rack. This will make the electrical connection between the developing chip and the imaging device unstable, and there is a probability of disconnection. Therefore, these situations are obviously undesirable for manufacturers and users. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the utility model provides a developing box to solve the above technical problem, mainly through the following technical scheme:

[0005] A developing box includes:

[0006] a housing for accommodating developing agent, the housing having a first side and a second side arranged separately in a first direction, the housing having a third side and a fourth side arranged separately in a second direction intersecting the first direction;

[0007] a coupling gear for receiving a driving force from outside of the developing box, the coupling gear being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the coupling gear being located at the first side of the housing in the first direction;

[0008] a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, the developing roller being located at the third side of the housing in the second direction;

[0009] a chip having an electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface being located at the first side of the housing in the first direction;

[0010] a bracket for supporting the electrical contact surface;

[0011] a support plate configured to receive a force from outside of the developer cartridge to bias the developer cartridge in a direction of the electrical contact surface;

[0012] In a third direction crossing the first and second directions, the electrical contact surface is disposed at one end of the bracket, and the support plate is disposed at another end of the bracket.

[0013] In the first direction, the support plate overlaps at least a portion of the electrical contact surface.

[0014] Further, in the second direction, the support plate overlaps at least a portion of the electrical contact surface.

[0015] Further, the support plate is integrally formed with the bracket, and the support plate extends outwardly from an outer surface of the bracket.

[0016] The support plate extends downwardly in the third direction.

[0017] Further, the bracket further comprises a limiting slot recessed upwardly from a bottom of the bracket, and the limiting slot penetrates the bracket in the second direction.

[0018] In the first direction, the limiting slot is closer to the second side of the housing than the support plate.

[0019] Further, the support plate extends in the second direction, and in the second direction, the support plate overlaps at least a portion of the electrical contact surface.

[0020] Further, in a third direction crossing the first and second directions, bottoms of all the support plates are configured to be arc-shaped.

[0021] Further, the support plate comprises a contact surface configured to contact an outside of the developer cartridge.

[0022] At least a portion of the contact surface is configured to face in a direction opposite to a direction in which the electrical contact surface faces.

[0023] The utility model further provides a kind of developer cartridge, comprising:

[0024] A housing configured to contain a developer, the housing has a first side and a second side disposed separately in a first direction, and the housing has a third side and a fourth side disposed separately in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0025] a coupling gear for receiving a driving force from outside of the developing cartridge, the coupling gear rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the coupling gear located on the first side of the housing in the first direction;

[0026] a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, the developing roller located on the third side of the housing in the second direction;

[0027] a chip having an electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface located on the first side of the housing in the first direction;

[0028] a bracket for supporting the electrical contact surface;

[0029] characterized in that the developing cartridge further comprises a support protrusion, the support protrusion receivable of a force from outside of the developing cartridge to bias the developing cartridge in a direction of orientation towards the electrical contact surface;

[0030] in the first direction, the support protrusion overlaps at least a portion of the electrical contact surface;

[0031] the support protrusion extends in a third direction from a side of the bracket, the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0032] further, the support protrusion overlaps the electrical contact surface in the second direction.

[0033] further, the support protrusion is configured as a support plate, the support plate overlapping at least a portion of the electrical contact surface in the second direction;

[0034] the support plate is integrally formed with the bracket, the support plate extending outwardly from an outer surface of the bracket.

[0035] The developing cartridge in the utility model fixes the chip rack on the housing, so that the position of the chip rack relative to the housing does not change, avoids the problem that the chip supported on the chip rack is disconnected from the electrical contact of the imaging device after shaking, improves the electrical connection stability of the chip and the electrical contact, and further guarantees the electrical connection stability between the developing cartridge and the imaging device by arranging the support plate of the chip rack which can receive external support force. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is the schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the utility model;

[0037] Figure 2 is the schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the developing cartridge in another angle in the embodiment 1 of the utility model;

[0038] Figure 3 is a top view of the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the present application in the up-down direction;

[0039] Figure 4 is a left view of the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the present application in the left-right direction;

[0040] Figure 5 is a front view of the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the present application in the front-rear direction;

[0041] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the present application at A-A; Figure 5

[0042] Figure 7 is an exploded structural schematic view of the cover and the gear train in the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0043] Figure 8 is an exploded structural schematic view of the chip and the chip holder in the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0044] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional structural schematic view of the chip holder in the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0045] Figure 10 is a structural schematic view of the chip holder in the embodiment 1 of the present application from another angle;

[0046] Figure 11 is a structural schematic view of the chip holder in the embodiment 1 of the present application from still another angle;

[0047] Figure 12 is a three-dimensional structural schematic view of the guide rail in the prior art imaging device;

[0048] Figure 13 is a rear view of the developing cartridge in the embodiment 1 of the present application in the state of being installed into the imaging device;

[0049] Figure 14 is a left view of the developing cartridge and the guide rail when the developing cartridge starts to be installed into the imaging device in the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0050] Figure 15 is a left view of the developing cartridge and the guide rail at one time during the installation of the developing cartridge into the imaging device in the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0051] Figure 16 is a left view of the developing cartridge and the guide rail after the developing cartridge is installed into the imaging device in the embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0052] Figure 17 ​This is a left view of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 2 of this utility model in the left-right direction;

[0053] Figure 18 This is a front view of the developing cartridge in the front-rear direction in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0054] Figure 19 This is an exploded structural diagram of the chip and chip holder in the developing cartridge of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0055] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the chip holder in the front-to-back direction in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0056] Figure 21 This is a left view of the developing box and the guide rail after the developing box is installed in the imaging device in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0057] Figure 22 This is a left view of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of this utility model in the left-right direction;

[0058] Figure 23 This is an exploded structural diagram of the chip and chip holder in the developing cartridge of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0059] Figure 24 This is a front view of the left end of the developing cartridge in the front-rear direction in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0060] Figure 25 This is a top view of the left end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of this utility model in the vertical direction;

[0061] Figure 26 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the snap-fit ​​component in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0062] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view of the chip holder in the vertical direction of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of this utility model before it is installed into the imaging device;

[0063] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view of the chip holder in the vertical direction after the developing cartridge is installed into the imaging device in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0064] Figure 29 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0065] Figure 30 This is a top view of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model in the vertical direction;

[0066] Figure 31 This is a front view of the developing cartridge in the front-rear direction in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0067] Figure 32 This is a left view of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model in the left-right direction;

[0068] Figure 33 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the left end of the developing cartridge in another embodiment of Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0069] Figure 34 This is a left view of the chip holder in the left-right direction of another embodiment of Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0070] Figure 35 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0071] Figure 36 This is a top view of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 5 of this utility model in the vertical direction;

[0072] Figure 37 This is in embodiment 5 of the present utility model. Figure 36 Sectional view at point BB;

[0073] Figure 38 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge installed in the drum cartridge state in Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0074] Figure 39 The developing cartridge in embodiment 5 of this utility model is installed in the drum cartridge state. Figure 36 Sectional view at point BB. Detailed Implementation

[0075] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and technical effects of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solution of the developing cartridge of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this utility model. Example 1

[0076] like Figures 1-6 As shown in the figure, a developing cartridge 100 of this utility model is illustrated. The developing cartridge 100 can be detachably installed into an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device"), specifically a laser electronic printer. The imaging device has an internal cavity for accommodating the developing cartridge 100 of this utility model. One side of the cavity is provided with a guide rail 13 for guiding the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device and an electrical contact 12 for establishing an electrical connection between the imaging device and the developing cartridge 100 (e.g., ...). Figure 14 (As shown).

[0077] For ease of description of the orientation of the developing cartridge 100, this application uses... Figure 3 The left and right directions marked in the middle refer to the left and right directions of the developing cartridge 100 (the first direction), and the coupling gear 111 is located near the left side of the developing cartridge 100 in the left and right direction; this application uses Figure 3 The front-back direction marked in the middle is the front-back direction of the developing cartridge 100 (second direction), and the handle 102a is close to the rear side of the developing cartridge 100 in the front-back direction; this application uses Figure 4 The vertical direction marked in the figure refers to the vertical direction of the developing cartridge 100 (third direction). The developing cartridge 100 has a top and a bottom that are separate from each other in the vertical direction, and the handle 102a is close to the top of the developing cartridge 100 in the vertical direction.

[0078] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 includes a housing 101. The housing 101 has a first side and a second side separated from each other in the left-right direction, namely the left side and the right side. The housing 101 also has a third side and a fourth side separated from each other in the front-back direction, namely the front side and the rear side. This application describes the developing cartridge 100 of the present invention with the left side as the first side, the right side as the second side, the front side as the third side, and the rear side as the fourth side as an example, but this is not a limitation. The opposite arrangement can be made in other embodiments of the present invention. The housing 101 includes a powder container 102, which is used to contain developer as imaging material. A handle 102a is provided on the top of the powder container 102. The handle 102a is close to the fourth side of the housing 101 in the front-back direction. A left cover 103 is detachably installed on the left side of the powder container 102. The left cover 103 is used to protect the gear train located on the left side of the powder container 102. The left cover 103 covers at least a portion of the gear train, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the gear system includes, but is not limited to, a coupling gear 111, a developing roller gear 112, a powder feeding roller gear 113, a stirring rack gear 114, and at least one idler gear 115. The coupling gear 111 includes a coupling part 111a and a gear part 111b. In the left-right direction, the coupling part 111a is further away from the powder hopper 102 than the gear part 111b. The gear part 111b rotates together with the coupling part 111a. In this embodiment, the gear part 111b and the coupling part 111a are integrally formed. Figure 8As shown, the coupling part 111a can penetrate through the through hole in the left cover 103 to be exposed on the first side of the housing 101. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging apparatus, the coupling part 111a is connected to a drive member (not shown) inside the imaging apparatus to receive the driving force of the imaging apparatus. The coupling gear 111 can rotate about a coupling gear axis extending in the left-right direction, and the gear part 111b rotates together with the coupling part 111a about their respective axes extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 113 mesh with the gear part 111b of the coupling gear 111, so that the developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 113 can receive the driving force of the coupling gear 111 and drive the developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 113 to rotate about the developing roller gear axis and the powder feeding roller gear axis extending in the left-right direction, respectively. The stirring rack gear 114 is meshed with the gear portion 111b of the coupling gear 111 via an idler gear 115, so that the stirring rack gear 114 can receive the driving force of the coupling gear 111 and rotate about the stirring rack gear axis extending in the left-right direction. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a developing roller 120, a powder feeding roller 130, and a stirring frame 140, which are rotatably supported by the housing 101. The developing roller gear 112, the powder feeding roller gear 113, and the stirring frame gear 114 are respectively connected to the left end of the developing roller 120, the powder feeding roller 130, and the stirring frame 140. The developing roller 120 can rotate around the developing roller axis extending in the left-right direction as the developing roller gear 112 rotates. The powder feeding roller 130 can rotate around the powder feeding roller axis extending in the left-right direction as the powder feeding roller gear 113 rotates. The stirring frame 140 can rotate around the stirring frame axis extending in the left-right direction as the stirring frame gear 114 rotates. The developing roller 120 is located on the third side of the housing 101 in the front-rear direction. The powder feeding roller 130 is positioned close to the developing roller 120 in the front-rear direction and is positioned on the fourth side of the housing 101 closer to the developing roller 120 than the developing roller 120. The stirring frame 140 is positioned on the fourth side of the housing 101 closer to the powder feeding roller 130 than the powder feeding roller 130 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the developing roller 120, the powder feeding roller 130, and the stirring frame 140 are arranged sequentially from front to back in the front-rear direction. The stirring frame 140 rotates to stir the developer inside the powder hopper 102 to prevent the developer inside the powder hopper 102 from clumping or precipitating and deteriorating, and delivers the developer to the powder feeding roller 113. The powder feeding roller 130 rotates to deliver the developer to the developing roller 120. The developing cartridge 100 can be detachably installed into a drum housing containing a photosensitive drum. In the installed state, the developing roller 120 corresponds to the photosensitive drum. The developing roller 120 delivers developer to the photosensitive drum by rotating to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, thereby realizing the imaging operation.

[0079] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a powder discharge blade 104 disposed between the developing roller 120 and the housing 101 in the front-to-back direction. The powder discharge blade 104 is used to control the thickness of the developer covering the surface of the developing roller 120 so that the developer covering the developing roller 120 is more uniform, thereby improving the imaging quality of the developing cartridge 100.

[0080] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a guided protrusion 106, a forced push protrusion 107, and a locking part 108 on both sides in the left-right direction. The guided protrusion 106 is used to cooperate with the guide groove in the drum cartridge to install the developing cartridge 100 into the correct position in the drum cartridge. The forced push protrusion 107 can receive external forces on the developing cartridge 100 to bias the developing roller 100 towards the photosensitive drum. Under the action of this external force, the contact between the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum is made tighter, thereby ensuring the imaging quality of the developing cartridge 100. The locking protrusion 108 can cooperate with the locking member on the drum cartridge to stably hold the developing cartridge 100 in the drum cartridge and prevent the developing cartridge 100 from falling out of the drum cartridge. Specifically, two guided protrusions 106 are provided, one on the first side and the other on the second side of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. The third side of the housing 101 is located closer to the front-back direction. Viewed from the left-right direction, at least a portion of the guided protrusion 106 overlaps with at least a portion of the developing roller 120. The guided protrusion 106 is constructed as a columnar protrusion extending in the left-right direction. Optionally, the guided protrusion 106 can also be formed by the roller shaft of the developing roller 120 extending out of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. Two forced push protrusions 107 are provided, one on each side of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. The fourth side of the housing 101 is located closer to the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the forced push protrusion 107 extends rearward from the rear side of the left cover 103 or the powder hopper 102. Optionally, the forced push protrusion 107 can also be located between the coupling gear axis and the stirring frame axis in the front-back direction. The locked part 108 is provided on one side of the housing 101 in the left-right direction, and in the front-back direction, the locked part 108 is further away from the developing roller 120 than the coupling gear 111. The locked protrusion 108 is closer to the forced push protrusion 107 in the front-back direction than the guided protrusion 106.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the first side of the developing cartridge 100 is also provided with a chip 170 and a chip holder 160 for supporting the chip 170. The chip holder 160 is installed on the left side of the housing 101 in the left-right direction, and the chip holder 160 is installed on the left side of the left cover 103 in the left-right direction. Figures 9-11As shown, the chip holder 160 has a chip receiving portion 161 and a connecting portion 162. The chip holder 160 has a downwardly recessed upper surface in the vertical direction to form the chip receiving portion 161, and the chip 170 is installed in the chip receiving portion 161. The connecting portion 162 is used to connect the main body of the chip holder 160 and the left cover 103, that is, the main body of the chip holder 160, the connecting portion 162, and the left cover 103 are arranged sequentially from left to right. The connecting portion 162 is constructed as an elastic buckle. The elastic buckle cooperates with the through hole opened on the outside of the left cover 103 to fix the chip holder 160 to the left side of the left cover 103. It can be understood that the chip holder 160 can also be fixed to the left side of the housing 101 by screws or other structures, which facilitates the disassembly, installation, replacement, and upgrade of the chip 170. It is also understood that the chip holder 160 can be integrally formed with the housing 101. The chip holder 160 can be formed by extending from the left end of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. The chip holder 160 can also be formed by extending outward from the outside of the left cover 103. Optionally, the chip holder 160 can also be formed by extending outward from the left side of the powder hopper 102. The chip 170 includes an electrical contact surface 171 and a storage unit (not shown) electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 171. The electrical contact surface 171 of the chip 170 can be electrically connected to the electrical contacts 12 of the imaging device. The storage unit stores information such as the model number and page yield of the developing cartridge 100. The electrical contact surface 171 is exposed on the top of the chip holder 160 in the vertical direction. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the developing cartridge 100 can read the information in the storage unit through the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contacts 12 in the imaging device, thereby establishing a communication connection with the imaging device and determining information such as the model number of the developing cartridge 100. When the developer in the developing cartridge 100 is about to be consumed, the imaging device can prompt the user to replace the developing cartridge 100 through the operation panel or indicator light.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the second side of the developing cartridge 100 also includes an electrode 150. The electrode 150 has an electrical contact portion 151 exposed in the left-right direction on the second side of the housing 101. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the electrical contact portion 151 can contact and form an electrical connection with a power supply component (not shown) inside the imaging device, so that the electrode 150 can receive power from the imaging device. The electrode 150 can also be electrically connected to the components of the developing cartridge 100, so that the electrode 150 can supply power to the components of the developing cartridge 100. When the components of the developing cartridge 100 receive power, it can help to transport the developer inside the developing cartridge 100, making the transport of the developer in the developing cartridge 100 smoother. Specifically, the components of the developing cartridge 100 include, but are not limited to, the developing roller 120, the powder feeding roller 130, and the powder exit blade. Furthermore, the electrode 150 can be electrically connected to one or more components of the developing cartridge 100.

[0083] like Figures 12-14As shown in the figure, a guide rail 13 inside a prior art imaging device is used to guide the installation of the developing cartridge 100. The guide rail 13 includes a limiting rib 13a and a guide surface 13b. The limiting rib 13a extends in the vertical and front-back directions and is spaced apart from the guide surface 13b in the left-right direction. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the limiting rib 13a is closer to the powder compartment 102 in the left-right direction than the guide surface 13b. The guide surface 13b includes a first guide surface 13b1 and a second guide surface 13b2. The first guide surface 13b1 extends from the rear upper part to the front lower part, facing the front upper part; the second guide surface 13b2 extends from the rear lower part to the front upper part, facing the rear upper part. In the front-back direction, the second guide surface 13b2 is located in front of the first guide surface 13b1. Figure 14 As shown, the electrical contact 12 is positioned above the second guide surface 13b2 in the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the second guide surface 13b2 coincides with the electrical contact 12 in the front-back direction. The imaging device also has a mounting groove 11 with a certain depth in the vertical direction. The electrical contact 12 is located inside the mounting groove 11. During the installation of the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device, the electrical contact surface 171 can enter the interior of the mounting groove 11 and contact the electrical contact 12 located inside the mounting groove 11.

[0084] To ensure a stable connection between the electrical contact surface 171 in the developing cartridge 100 and the electrical contact 12 in the imaging device, the chip holder 160 can receive external forces to support the contact between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12, thus making the electrical connection between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device more stable. The developing cartridge 100 is provided with a support portion. Specifically, such as... Figures 9-11 As shown, the chip holder 160 also includes a limiting groove 163 and a support plate 164 as a support. The limiting groove 163 is formed at the bottom of the chip holder 160 and is configured to open downwards in the vertical direction. The limiting groove 163 extends through the chip holder 160 in the front-back direction. The support plate 164 extends from one side of the chip holder 160 in both the vertical and front-back directions. The support plate 164 and the limiting groove 163 are arranged from left to right in the horizontal direction. The support plate 164 is further away from the powder hopper 102 in the horizontal direction than the limiting groove 163. Figures 13-16As shown, during the installation of the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device, the limiting groove 163 cooperates with the limiting rib 13a of the guide rail 13 to restrict the movement of the chip holder 160 and the chip 170 in the left and right directions. The support plate 164 cooperates with the guide surface 13b to install the developing cartridge 100 into the correct position in the imaging device. At the same time, when the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the support plate 164 and the guide surface 13b remain in contact so that the support plate 164 receives the supporting force applied to it by the guide surface 13b, thereby ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12.

[0085] like Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from left to right along the left-right direction, the coupling gear 111 rotates clockwise. When the coupling gear 111 rotates, the chip 170 and the electrical contact surface 171 in the developing cartridge 100 are moved from top to bottom in the vertical direction by the rotational force provided by the coupling gear 111 in the downstream direction of the rotational direction of the coupling gear 111. This causes the electrical contact surface 171 to disengage from the electrical contact 12 and disconnect the electrical connection. To solve this technical problem, the support plate 164 is further away from the developing roller 120 than the coupling gear 111 in the front-back direction, and the support plate 164 is positioned in the vertical direction... Below the electrical contact surface 171, the support plate 164 can receive the supporting force from the outside of the developing cartridge 100 to counteract the rotational force provided by the coupling gear 111, thereby ensuring a stable contact between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12. Specifically, when the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the support plate 164 can contact the second guide surface 13b2 inside the imaging device to receive the supporting force provided by the imaging device to counteract the rotational force provided by the coupling gear 111, thereby ensuring a stable contact between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12, thus guaranteeing the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12.

[0086] Figures 14-16 The process of installing the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device is shown, such as... Figure 14 As shown, after the developing cartridge 100 enters the imaging device from back to front, the support plate 164 contacts the first guide surface 13b1. Under the action of the user's pushing force on the developing cartridge 100, the support plate 164 drives the developing cartridge 100 along the extension direction of the first guide surface 13b1. Figure 14 The X direction (marked in the middle) moves from the upper back to the lower front. For example... Figure 15 As shown, when the support plate 164 moves to the front end of the first guide surface 13b1, the electrical contact surface 171 of the chip 170 passes over the rear wall of the mounting groove 11, causing the electrical contact surface 171 to move below the mounting groove 11 and the electrical contact 12. At this time, as... Figures 15-16As shown, the support plate 164 contacts the second guide surface 13b2. Under the action of the user's pushing force on the developing cartridge 100, the support plate 164 drives the developing cartridge 100 along the extension direction of the second guide surface 13b2. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The electrical contact surface 171 (in the Y direction marked in the diagram) moves from the rear bottom to the front top, moving together with the developing cartridge 100 and the chip holder 160. During this process, the electrical contact surface 171 moves into the mounting groove 11 and contacts the electrical contact 12. Figure 16 As shown, when the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the support plate 164 is in contact with the second guide surface 13b2. At this time, the support plate 164 is supported by the guide surface 13, so as to support the contact between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12, ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device, and preventing the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12 from being disconnected due to vibration generated during imaging operation. Example 2

[0087] like Figures 17-21 As shown, a developing cartridge 100 according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model is illustrated. The similarities with Embodiment 1 described above will not be repeated here. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that this embodiment has a different chip holder than those in the previous embodiments. For example... Figures 17-19 As shown, a chip 170 is disposed on the left side of the developing cartridge 100. The chip 170 is supported on the left side of the housing 101 by a chip holder 260. The chip holder 260 is detachably mounted on the left side of the housing 101 and the left side of the left cover 103. The chip holder 260 includes a chip holder body 260a and a pusher 260b. An elastic member 260c is disposed between the chip holder body 260a and the pusher 260b. With the cooperation of the elastic member 260c, the pusher 260b can interact with the chip holder body 260a and the pusher 260b. Figure 12 The groove 13c shown is located between the guide surface 13b and the limiting rib 13a in the left-right direction. (As shown) Figure 21As shown, when the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, at least a portion of the pusher 260b is positioned inside the groove 13c in the front-back direction, thereby restricting the movement of the developing cartridge 100 relative to the imaging device in the front-back direction, and further ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 171 in the developing cartridge 100 and the electrical contact 12 in the imaging device. The chip holder 260 has a chip receiving slot 261, a connecting part 262, a limiting slot 263, and a support plate 264. In order to make the structure of the chip holder 260 more compact, the chip receiving slot 261 is formed by a downward indentation from the top surface of the chip holder body 260a in the vertical direction. The support plate 264 and the pusher 206b are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The pusher 206b is closer to the powder compartment 102 than the support plate 264 in the horizontal direction. The connecting part 262 is used to connect the chip holder 260 and the left cover 103. The limiting slot 263 is formed by extending upward from the bottom of the pusher 260b in the vertical direction. The support plate 264 is formed by extending from one side of the chip holder body 260a in the front-back direction and the vertical direction. The bottom surface of the support plate 264 in the vertical direction is arc-shaped, which reduces the interference between the developing cartridge 100 and the internal structure of the imaging device, and makes it easier to load and unload the developing cartridge 100 in the imaging device. Example 3

[0088] like Figures 22-28 As shown, a developing cartridge 100 according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model is illustrated. The similarities with Embodiments 1-2 described above will not be repeated here. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that the chip holder of the developing cartridge 100 in this embodiment is different from that in the previous embodiments. In this embodiment, the chip holder 360 no longer has a support plate. Instead, the chip holder 360 of the developing cartridge 100 in this embodiment is provided with a snap-fit ​​member 367 as a support. The snap-fit ​​member 367 can receive external forces from the developing cartridge 100 to support the electrical contact surface 171 on the developing cartridge 100 and the electrical contact 12 inside the imaging device, making the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12 more stable. Figure 25 As shown, the latching member 367 is movably connected to the chip holder body 360a relative to the chip holder 360. The latching member 367 includes a force-receiving part 367a, a latching part 367b, a pivot shaft 367c, and a holding part 367d. The force-receiving part 367a extends out of the front end of the chip holder body 360a in the front-rear direction. In other words, at least a portion of the force-receiving part 367a is exposed in front of the chip holder 360 in the front-rear direction to receive forces from outside the developing cartridge 100. After receiving forces from outside the developing cartridge 100, the force-receiving part 367a can move relative to the chip holder 360. The latching part 367b extends to the left side of the chip holder body 360a in the left-right direction. In other words, at least a portion of the latching part 367b is exposed on the left side of the chip holder 360 in the left-right direction. The latching part 367b can move according to the movement of the force-receiving part 367a.Figures 27-28 As shown, a support groove 14 and an abutment plate 15 are also provided on one side of the imaging device. The support groove 14 extends in the front-to-back direction and is located on one side of the developing cartridge 100 when the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device. During the process of installing the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device from back to front, under the pushing force applied by the user to the developing cartridge 100, the developing cartridge 100 drives the force-receiving part 367a to move towards the abutment plate 15 and makes the force-receiving part 367a contact with the abutment plate 15. At this time, the force-receiving part 367a applies a pushing force to the abutment plate 15. Correspondingly, the abutment plate 15 also applies a reaction force to the force-receiving part 367a. Under the action of the reaction force, the force-receiving part 367a overcomes the force of the holding part 367d and causes the locking member 367 to move from front to back around the pivot axis 367c. Figure 27 The first position shown is rotated to Figure 28 In the second position shown, the movement of the force-receiving part 367a causes the locking part 367b to move from right to left around the pivot axis 367. Figure 27 The first position shown is rotated to Figure 28 In the second position shown, during this process, the latching part 367b moves from the right side of the support groove 14 to the inside of the support groove 14. At this time, at least a portion of the latching part 367b is located inside the support groove 14. The support groove 14 is used to apply a supporting force to the latching part 367b in the vertical direction to counteract the rotational force provided by the coupling gear 111, thereby ensuring stable contact between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12. This ensures the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12, while preventing the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 171 and the electrical contact 12 from being disconnected due to vibrations generated during imaging operations. Example 4

[0089] like Figures 29-34As shown, a developing cartridge 100 of embodiment 4 of this utility model is illustrated. The similarities with embodiments 1-3 above will not be repeated here. The difference between this embodiment and embodiments 1-3 above is that the chip holder of the developing cartridge 100 in this embodiment is different from the chip holder in embodiments 1-3 above. Specifically, in this embodiment, a chip holder 360 is provided on the developing cartridge 100. The chip holder 360 includes a support plate 364 and a limiting protrusion 365. The support plate 364 extends downward in the vertical direction from the outside of the main body 360a of the chip holder 360. The limiting protrusion 365 extends outward in the horizontal direction from the outside of the main body 360a, which is different from the support plate 364. The chip holder 360 is installed on the first side of the housing 101 in the horizontal direction. Optionally, the support plate 364 can also extend downward in the vertical direction from the left side of the left cover 103 or the powder compartment 102 in the horizontal direction. Similarly, the limiting protrusion 365 can also extend outward from the left side of the left cover 103 or the powder compartment 102 in the horizontal direction. These are not limited. The support plate 364 and the limiting protrusion 365 are fixedly positioned on the first side of the developing cartridge 100 in the horizontal direction. The limiting protrusion 365 has a contact surface 365a extending in the front-back direction at its leftmost end in the left-right direction. During the loading and unloading of the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device, the contact surface 365a can contact a side wall of the developing cartridge 100 in the left-right direction in the imaging device to limit the movement and / or rotation of the developing cartridge 100 in the left-right direction. This prevents the developing cartridge 100 from tilting due to unbalanced forces during loading and unloading into the imaging device, thereby reducing interference between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device during the loading and unloading process and making the loading and unloading process of the developing cartridge 100 smoother.

[0090] During the loading and unloading process of the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device, in order for the limiting protrusion 365 to better prevent the developing cartridge 100 from tilting, such as Figure 31 As shown, the leftmost end of the limiting protrusion 365 in the left-right direction is located to the left of the electrical contact surface 171a on the developing cartridge 100. In other words, the contact surface 365a is further away from the second side of the housing 101 in the developing cartridge 100 than the electrical contact surface 171a in the left-right direction; that is, the contact surface 365a is further away from the left side of the developing cartridge 100 than the electrical contact surface 171a in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the contact surface 365a is configured as the leftmost end of the developing cartridge 100 and the chip holder 360 in the left-right direction.

[0091] Figure 33 and Figure 34Another embodiment of this example is shown. In this embodiment, the chip holder 360 includes a limiting protrusion 366, which extends to the left in the left direction from the left side wall of the support plate 364. The limiting protrusion 366 in this embodiment has the same function as the limiting protrusion 365 in the above embodiment, and will not be described again here. Example 5

[0092] like Figures 35-39 As shown, a developing cartridge 100 according to Embodiment 5 of this utility model is illustrated. The similarities with Embodiments 1-4 described above will not be repeated here. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 4 is that the handle 202a of the developing cartridge 100 in this embodiment has a different configuration than the handle 102a in the developing cartridge 100 of the previous embodiments. In this embodiment, the handle 202a extends rearward from the rear side of the powder container 102 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the handle 202a extends rearward from the rear wall of the powder container 102 in the front-rear direction, and the distance the handle 202a extends in the front-rear direction is not less than half of the maximum distance of the main body of the powder container 102 in the front-rear direction. In other words, it extends to... Figure 37 Taking the powder hopper 102 shown as having a maximum extension distance of L1 in the front-to-back direction and the handle 202a having a maximum extension distance of L2 in the front-to-back direction as an example, then L2≥LI / 2.

[0093] Furthermore, such as Figure 36 As shown, the handle 202a is recessed to a certain depth on its upper surface in the vertical direction to form a recess 202a1. The recess 202a1 extends in the front-back and left-right directions, and the opening of the recess 202a1 faces upward in the vertical direction. Before the developing cartridge 100 is installed into the imaging device, the user's hand can be inserted into the recess 202a1. That is, the user can hold the handle 202a from top to bottom, so that during the installation of the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device, the user will habitually apply a downward pushing force to the developing cartridge 100, avoiding interference between the developing cartridge 100 and the upper wall surface inside the imaging device during the installation and removal process, so as to make the installation and removal process of the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device smoother.

[0094] The groove 202a1 has multiple finger grooves 202a2 arranged in the left-right direction on the rear side wall in the front-back direction. The multiple finger grooves 202a2 are used to guide the user to hold the device here. In this embodiment, there are four finger grooves 202a2 to correspond to the four fingers other than the thumb. When the user holds the developing cartridge 100, the user's fingers can enter the finger grooves 202a2 to improve the user's comfort in holding the developing cartridge 100.

[0095] likeFigures 38-39 The image shows the state when the developer cartridge 100 is installed in the drum housing 50. In this state, at least a portion of the handle 202a of the developer cartridge 100 is located above the rear wall 51a of the drum frame 51 in the drum housing 50 in the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the handle 202a covers the grip portion 51b of the drum housing 50 in the vertical direction. When the developer cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the user can hold the handle 202a of the developer cartridge 100 and the grip portion 51b of the drum housing 50 together, which facilitates the installation of the developer cartridge 100 and the drum housing 50 into the imaging device together.

[0096] The developing cartridge of this invention fixes the chip holder to the housing, ensuring that the position of the chip holder relative to the housing does not change. This avoids the problem of the chip supported on it losing contact with the electrical contacts of the imaging device due to shaking, thus improving the stability of the electrical connection between the chip and the electrical contacts. Furthermore, by providing a support plate that can receive external support force for the chip holder, the stability of the electrical connection between the developing cartridge and the imaging device is further guaranteed.

[0097] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, comprising: A housing for containing developer, the housing having a first side and a second side separately disposed in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side separately disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A coupling gear for receiving external driving force from the developing cartridge, the coupling gear being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the coupling gear being located on the first side of the housing in the first direction; A developing roller, rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, the developing roller being located on the third side of the housing in the second direction; The chip has an electrical contact surface located on the first side of the housing in the first direction; A bracket is used to support the electrical contact surface; The developing cartridge is characterized in that it further includes a support plate, which can receive external forces to drive the developing cartridge to shift toward the orientation direction of the electrical contact surface. In a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the electrical contact surface is disposed at one end of the bracket, and the support plate is disposed at the other end of the bracket; In the first direction, the support plate overlaps with at least a portion of the electrical contact surface.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second direction, the support plate overlaps with at least a portion of the electrical contact surface.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate is integrally formed with the bracket, and the support plate extends outward from the outer surface of the bracket; The support plate extends downward along a third direction.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket also includes a limiting groove, which is formed by an upward indentation from the bottom of the bracket and extends through the bracket in the second direction; In the first direction, the limiting groove is closer to the second side of the housing than the support plate.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate extends in the second direction; in the second direction, the support plate overlaps with at least a portion of the electrical contact surface.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the bottom of all support plates is constructed in an arc shape.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate includes a contact surface for contacting the exterior of the developing chamber; At least a portion of the contact surface is oriented in a direction opposite to the direction in which the electrical contact surface is oriented.

8. A developing cartridge, comprising: A housing for containing developer, the housing having a first side and a second side separately disposed in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side separately disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A coupling gear for receiving external driving force from the developing cartridge, the coupling gear being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the coupling gear being located on the first side of the housing in the first direction; A developing roller, rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, the developing roller being located on the third side of the housing in the second direction; The chip has an electrical contact surface located on the first side of the housing in the first direction; A bracket is used to support the electrical contact surface; The developing cartridge is characterized in that it further includes a support protrusion, which can receive external forces to drive the developing cartridge to shift toward the orientation direction of the electrical contact surface. In the first direction, the support protrusion overlaps with at least a portion of the electrical contact surface; The support protrusion extends upward from one side of the bracket in a third direction, which intersects the first direction and the second direction.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support protrusion overlaps with the electrical contact surface in the second direction.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support protrusion is configured as a support plate, and in the second direction, the support plate overlaps with at least a portion of the electrical contact surface; The support plate is integrally formed with the bracket, and the support plate extends outward from the outer surface of the bracket.

Images