Powder box

Abstract

The utility model provides a powder box which can be detachably installed in imaging equipment, an in-place detection assembly and a guide rail groove are arranged in the imaging equipment, and in the installation direction of the powder box, the in-place detection assembly is located on the downstream side of the guide rail groove; a guide part and an in-place triggering mechanism are arranged on the first end wall in the length direction of the powder box, the guide part can be in sliding fit with the guide rail groove, and the in-place triggering mechanism is arranged on the downstream side of the guide part in the mounting direction of the powder box and can trigger the in-place detection assembly; the in-place triggering mechanism comprises a connecting part, a triggering part and an elastic deformation part; the connecting part is connected with the first end wall, and the triggering part can be switched between a triggering position and an avoiding position; when the trigger part is located at the avoiding position, the trigger part can be in sliding fit with the guide rail groove; when the trigger part is in the trigger position, the trigger part can trigger the in-place detection assembly. The powder box is simple in structure and convenient to assemble, and a user can conveniently judge whether the powder box falls in place in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic imaging technology, and in particular to a toner cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Imaging equipment typically uses removable toner cartridges to supply toner, which develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive element and then transfers it onto a medium such as paper to form a visible image.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN107924154B discloses a toner container with a detection component (the protrusion mentioned in the text). This component can contact a detection element (the sensor mentioned in the text) within an image forming apparatus, enabling the image forming apparatus to detect whether the developing unit is correctly installed. The process of the detection component contacting the image forming apparatus's door cover requires contact between the mating surface of the toner container's housing and a connecting rod, which then moves the protrusion via transmission components. Therefore, when the toner container is installed in the printer, the detection component on the toner container does not immediately trigger the printer's detection element, preventing the printer from recognizing correct installation. The user must close the printer door cover and actuate the linkage mechanism to trigger the printer's detection element, thus determining correct installation. This makes the installation process complex and cumbersome, negatively impacting the user experience. Furthermore, the addition of transmission components and connecting rods not only increases the number of parts, complicates the structure, and makes assembly difficult, but also significantly reduces the volume of the toner container, thereby decreasing its usable size. In addition, the large number of parts results in extremely high precision requirements for the fit between each component, and they are also very easy to be damaged, leading to a high rate of damage or failure of the toner container. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a toner cartridge that is simple in structure, easy to assemble, and allows users to quickly determine whether it has been properly dispensed into the machine.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives of this utility model, a toner cartridge is provided. The toner cartridge can be detachably installed within an imaging device. The imaging device includes a positioning detection component and a guide rail groove. In the installation direction of the toner cartridge, the positioning detection component is located downstream of the guide rail groove. A guide member and a positioning trigger mechanism are provided on the first end wall along the length direction of the toner cartridge. The guide member can slide with the guide rail groove. In the installation direction of the toner cartridge, the positioning trigger mechanism is located downstream of the guide member and can trigger the positioning detection component. The positioning trigger mechanism includes a connection... The device comprises a triggering part, a triggering part, and an elastically deformable part; the connecting part is connected to the first end wall, and the triggering part can switch between a trigger position and a clearance position; when the triggering part is in the clearance position, the triggering part can slide and engage with the guide rail groove; when the triggering part is in the trigger position, the triggering part can trigger the position detection component; with the installation of the toner cartridge, the triggering part enters the guide rail groove, and under the action of the guide rail groove, the elastically deformable part is compressed and deformed, and the triggering part moves to the clearance position; when the toner cartridge moves to the position where the triggering part is separated from the guide rail groove, under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastically deformable part, the triggering part moves to the trigger position.

[0006] As can be seen above, when installing the toner cartridge into the imaging device, the trigger part enters the guide rail groove before the guide member. The side wall of the guide rail groove applies a force to the trigger part, forcing the trigger part to move to the clearance position. At this time, the elastic deformation part is in a stored state. Then, the guide member slides with the guide rail groove to guide the installation of the toner cartridge. When the toner cartridge moves to the position where the trigger part is separated from the guide rail groove, the trigger part is no longer subjected to the force of the guide rail groove. At this time, under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic deformation part, the trigger part moves from the clearance position to the trigger position to trigger the position detection component.

[0007] Therefore, under the action of the elastic deformation part in the positioning trigger mechanism set on the end wall of the toner cartridge, the trigger part can cooperate with the guide rail groove to realize the movement of the trigger part between the trigger position and the avoidance position. There is no need for a complex transmission structure to drive the trigger part to move. The structure is simple, the number of parts is greatly reduced, the assembly is convenient, and the volume occupied is small. This comprehensively improves the performance of the toner cartridge and reduces the failure and damage rate of the toner cartridge.

[0008] A further embodiment is that the positioning triggering mechanism also includes an elastic reset member and a trigger member; the elastic deformation part is located on the elastic reset member, and the connecting part and the trigger part are both located on the trigger member; the two ends of the elastic reset member are respectively connected to the trigger member and the first end wall.

[0009] As can be seen from the above, the elastic reset component facilitates the reset of the trigger component after it moves to the avoidance position under the action of the guide rail groove. There is no need to drive the transmission component to move by closing the door cover of the imaging equipment, so that the transmission component drives the trigger part of the positioning trigger mechanism to move. The number of parts is greatly reduced, the structure is simplified, and manufacturing and production are convenient.

[0010] A further embodiment is that a hinge shaft is also provided on the first end wall, and the connecting part is rotatably engaged with the hinge shaft; the elastic reset element is a torsion spring, the spring coil of the torsion spring is sleeved outside the connecting part, the trigger element is also provided with a first mounting part, the first mounting part is limited to the first torsion arm of the torsion spring, and the first end wall is also provided with a second mounting part, the second mounting part is limited to the second torsion arm of the torsion spring.

[0011] A further option is to make the elastic deformation part with an elastic material, and to connect the trigger part through the elastic deformation part.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, the elastic deformation part is made of elastic material, and the action of the positioning trigger mechanism can be realized by its own elasticity without the need for an elastic reset part. This simplifies the parts, facilitates manufacturing and processing, and also makes installation easier.

[0013] A further embodiment is provided with a positioning post on the first end wall, and a first limiting protrusion on the positioning post. The first limiting protrusion protrudes outward from the outer wall of the positioning post along the radial direction of the positioning post. The connecting part is provided with a positioning groove that mates with the positioning post and a first limiting groove that mates with the first limiting protrusion.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, the first limiting protrusion on the positioning post, the positioning groove on the connecting part that cooperates with the positioning post, and the first limiting groove that cooperates with the first limiting protrusion can effectively fix the positioning trigger mechanism.

[0015] A further option is that the positioning triggering mechanism also includes a limiting part, which is located close to the triggering part; a second limiting groove is also provided on the first end wall, and the limiting part extends into the second limiting groove and slides in cooperation with the second limiting groove.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, the limiting part is limited by the second limiting groove to prevent the limiting part from moving beyond its range.

[0017] A further option is to provide a second limiting protrusion on the limiting part, the second limiting protrusion being located at the free end of the limiting part, and the second limiting protrusion and the triggering part respectively engaging with the first end wall in the thickness direction of the first end wall.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, the second limiting protrusion provided on the limiting part makes the second limiting protrusion and the trigger part fit into the first end wall on both sides of the thickness direction of the first end wall, thereby preventing the limiting part from disengaging from the second limiting groove.

[0019] A further option is to provide an installation groove at the bottom of the second limiting groove. In the extension direction of the second limiting groove, the size of the second limiting groove is larger than the size of the installation groove, and the second limiting protrusion can slide and engage with the inner surface of the first end wall after being inserted from the installation groove.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, the mounting groove is provided to facilitate the installation of the limiting part with the second limiting protrusion onto the first end wall.

[0021] A further solution is to provide a guide surface on the trigger part, with the guide surface tilted upwards; and to provide an abutment protrusion on the top wall of the guide rail groove near the inlet end, with the guide surface and the abutment protrusion slidingly engaging to force the trigger part to move toward the avoidance position.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the set abutment boss forces the trigger part to move from the trigger position to the avoidance position, without the need to close the door cover to drive it, which greatly simplifies the structure and manufacturing. The set guide surface allows the positioning trigger mechanism to smoothly enter the guide rail groove and allows the trigger part to move smoothly from the trigger position to the avoidance position.

[0023] A further option is to position the second mounting part on the guide and close to the positioning trigger mechanism.

[0024] In summary, the powder box positioning triggering mechanism of this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and assemble, has low cost, and enables users to promptly determine whether the powder box has reached the correct position, while also improving the overall performance of the powder box. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the powder box of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of the first embodiment of the powder box of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the first end cap and triggering mechanism of the first embodiment of the powder box of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the first change in the trigger mechanism when the powder cartridge of this utility model is installed in an imaging device.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the second changing state of the trigger mechanism when the powder cartridge of this utility model is installed in an imaging device.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0031] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the first end cap and triggering mechanism of the second embodiment of the powder box of this utility model.

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0033] First embodiment of powder box

[0034] See Figures 1 to 3 The toner cartridge provided in this embodiment includes a housing 1, a first end cap 2, and a second end cap 3. The housing 1 has a toner hopper 10 for storing toner, and the first end cap 2 and the second end cap 3 are respectively disposed at both ends of the housing 1 along its length. The imaging device is provided with a guide rail groove 4 and a positioning detection component 5. In the installation direction of the toner cartridge, the positioning detection component 5 is located on the downstream side of the guide rail groove 4.

[0035] The first end cap 2 has a first end wall 20, and the second end cap 3 has a second end wall (not shown in the figure). The first end wall 20 and the second end wall are opposite each other in the length direction of the housing 1. A guide 6 and a positioning triggering mechanism 7 are provided on the first end wall 20. The guide 6 can slide with the guide rail groove 4. An abutment boss 40 is provided on the top wall of the guide rail groove 4 near the inlet end. In the installation direction of the powder box, the positioning triggering mechanism 7 is located downstream of the guide 6.

[0036] The positioning triggering mechanism 7 includes a trigger element 8 and an elastic reset element 71. The trigger element 8 is provided with a connecting part 80, a limiting part 82, and a triggering part 83. The limiting part 82 is located close to the triggering part 83, and the elastic deformation part is located on the elastic reset element 71. A hinge shaft 9 is provided on the first end wall 20, and the connecting part 80 is rotatably engaged with the hinge shaft 9. The elastic reset element 71 is a torsion spring. A torsion spring post 81 is provided on the connecting part 80, and a torsion spring ring is sleeved on the torsion spring post 81. A first mounting part 85 is provided on the trigger element 8, and a second mounting part 60 is provided on the guide element 6. The first mounting part 85 is limited and engaged with the first torsion arm of the torsion spring, and the second mounting part 60 is limited and engaged with the second torsion arm of the torsion spring. A second limiting groove 11 is formed on the first end wall 20, and the limiting part 82 extends into the second limiting groove 11 and slides in engagement with the second limiting groove 11. Optionally, the second limiting groove 11 can be omitted or replaced with a limiting post or other structures. The elastic reset component 71 uses a spring or other elastic component. The bottom end of the second limiting groove 11 is also provided with a mounting groove 21. In the extending direction of the second limiting groove 11, the size of the second limiting groove 11 is larger than the size of the mounting groove 21. The second limiting protrusion 19 can slide and engage with the surface of the first end wall 20 after being inserted into the mounting groove 21.

[0037] Preferably, a second limiting protrusion 19 is provided on the limiting part 82. The second limiting protrusion 19 is provided at the free end of the limiting part 82. The second limiting protrusion 19 and the trigger part 83 respectively cooperate with the first end wall 20 on both sides of the thickness direction of the first end wall 20.

[0038] The trigger part 83 is provided with a guide surface 84, which is inclined upwards. The guide surface 84 interacts with the abutment boss 40, forcing the trigger part 83 to move towards the clearance position. Preferably, the abutment boss 40 has an arc surface that interacts with the trigger part 83, and the opening of the arc surface faces away from the trigger part 83. This makes the movement of the trigger part 83 smoother when installing the toner cartridge.

[0039] The connecting part 80 is connected to the first end wall 20. The trigger part 83 can switch between the trigger position and the avoidance position. During the installation process, when the trigger part 83 is in the avoidance position, the trigger part 83 slides with the guide rail groove 4.

[0040] Alternatively, the second limiting groove 11 can be square, and a spring can be used instead of a torsion spring.

[0041] Combination Figures 4 to 6 During the installation of the toner cartridge into the imaging device, the guide surface 84 of the positioning trigger mechanism 7 contacts the abutment boss 40, and the trigger part 83 moves from the trigger position to the avoidance position. The trigger part 83 enters the guide rail groove 4 and slides into the guide rail groove 4, continuing to push the toner cartridge forward until the trigger part 83 leaves the guide rail groove 4. Under the action of the elastic deformation part, the trigger part 83 returns from the avoidance position to the trigger position, thereby triggering the positioning detection component 5 on the imaging device. The positioning detection component 5 transmits the information that the toner cartridge is installed in place to the control device.

[0042] Optionally, the position detection component 5 can be a micro switch or a photoelectric sensor, etc.

[0043] Second embodiment of the powder box

[0044] See Figure 7 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a positioning post is provided on the first end wall 12, the positioning trigger mechanism 15 is made of elastic material, the elastic deformation part 22 is located between the connecting part 16 and the trigger part 23, and a first limiting protrusion 14 is provided on the positioning post 13, which protrudes outward from the outer wall of the positioning post 13 radially. The connecting part 16 includes a positioning groove 17 that cooperates with the positioning post 13 and a first limiting groove 18 that cooperates with the first limiting protrusion 14, and the positioning groove 17 and the first limiting groove 18 are connected. In this way, there is no need to set a torsion spring, and the positioning trigger mechanism 15 can be reset under its own elastic force during the powder box installation process. Optionally, the positioning groove 17 and the first limiting groove 18 can also be set separately. Optionally, the second limiting groove 24 can be omitted, and the positioning trigger mechanism 15 can return to its original position under its own elastic restoring force.

[0045] In summary, the positioning triggering mechanism of the powder box in this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and assemble, has a low cost, and enables users to judge in a timely manner whether the powder box has been properly positioned, while improving the overall performance of the powder box.

Claims

1. A toner cartridge, which can be detachably installed inside an imaging device, the imaging device being provided with a positioning detection component and a guide rail groove, wherein, in the installation direction of the toner cartridge, the positioning detection component is located on the downstream side of the guide rail groove; The first end wall along the length of the powder box is provided with a guide and a positioning trigger mechanism. The guide can slide with the guide rail groove. In the installation direction of the powder box, the positioning trigger mechanism is located on the downstream side of the guide and can trigger the positioning detection component. Its features are: The positioning triggering mechanism includes a connecting part, a triggering part, and an elastically deformable part; The connecting part is connected to the first end wall, and the triggering part can switch between a triggering position and a clearance position; When the triggering part is in the avoidance position, the triggering part can slide with the guide rail groove; When the triggering part is in the trigger position, the triggering part can trigger the position detection component; As the powder box is installed, the trigger part enters the guide rail groove. Under the action of the guide rail groove, the elastic deformation part is compressed and deformed, and the trigger part moves to the clearance position. When the powder box moves to the position where the trigger part is separated from the guide rail groove, the trigger part moves to the trigger position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic deformation part.

2. The powder box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning triggering mechanism further includes an elastic reset element and a trigger element; The elastic deformation portion is located on the elastic reset member, and the connecting portion and the trigger portion are both located on the trigger member; The two ends of the elastic reset member are respectively connected to the trigger member and the first end wall.

3. The powder box according to claim 2, characterized in that: A hinge pin is also provided on the first end wall, and the connecting part is rotatably engaged with the hinge pin; The elastic reset component is a torsion spring, and the spring coil of the torsion spring is sleeved outside the connecting part. The trigger component is also provided with a first mounting part, which is limited and cooperates with the first torsion arm of the torsion spring. The first end wall is also provided with a second mounting part, which is limited and cooperates with the second torsion arm of the torsion spring.

4. The powder box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic deformation part is made of elastic material, and the connecting part is connected to the trigger part through the elastic deformation part.

5. The powder box according to claim 4, characterized in that: A positioning post is provided on the first end wall, and a first limiting protrusion is provided on the positioning post. The first limiting protrusion protrudes outward from the outer wall of the positioning post along the radial direction of the positioning post. The connecting part is provided with a positioning groove that cooperates with the positioning post and a first limiting groove that cooperates with the first limiting protrusion.

6. The powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The positioning trigger mechanism further includes a limiting part, which is disposed close to the trigger part; A second limiting groove is also provided on the first end wall, and the limiting part extends into the second limiting groove and slides in cooperation with the second limiting groove.

7. The powder box according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting part is provided with a second limiting protrusion, which is located at the free end of the limiting part. The second limiting protrusion and the trigger part are respectively located on both sides of the thickness direction of the first end wall and are limited and cooperate with the first end wall.

8. The powder box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom end of the second limiting groove is also provided with an installation groove. In the extending direction of the second limiting groove, the size of the second limiting groove is larger than the size of the installation groove. The second limiting protrusion can slide and engage with the inner surface of the first end wall after being inserted from the installation groove.

9. The powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The trigger part is provided with a guide surface, which is inclined upwards. A contact protrusion is provided on the top wall of the guide rail groove near the entrance end. The guide surface slides in cooperation with the contact protrusion, forcing the trigger part to move toward the avoidance position.

10. The powder box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second mounting part is located on the guide and is positioned close to the positioning trigger mechanism.

Images