Processing box with air pressure balance structure and image forming equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a processing box with an air pressure balance structure and image forming equipment, the processing box comprises a box body and a main powder outlet arranged on the box body, the processing box is characterized in that the box body is also provided with an air vent, the air vent is covered with a composite patch, the composite patch comprises an air permeable layer and an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is arranged on the air permeable layer. And the air-permeable hole diameter of the air-permeable layer is smaller than the particle size of powder particles in the box body. The air vent covering the composite patch is arranged in the box body, air pressure balance is realized by utilizing the characteristic that the aperture of the air permeable layer is smaller than that of powder particles, powder in the processing box is effectively prevented from leaking from the main powder outlet due to air pressure difference, and the processing box has the advantages of avoiding environmental pollution and reducing the use cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printer technology, and more particularly to a processing box and image forming device with a pressure balancing structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the design of processing cartridges for image forming equipment (such as printers), the toner or ink inside the cartridge needs to enter the image forming equipment or other related components (such as from the toner cartridge to the drum cartridge) through the toner outlet. Currently, most processing cartridges only have one toner outlet. For example, in common laser printer consumable processing cartridges, whether the drum cartridge and toner cartridge are integrated, or the drum cartridge and toner cartridge are sold separately but need to be assembled, only one toner outlet is provided for toner output. During the transportation of the processing cartridge, the internal air pressure will change due to factors such as external environmental compression. Although the toner outlet is usually sealed in an openable manner (such as through a lid structure), this seal is not absolutely airtight. When the internal air pressure of the processing cartridge is unstable due to compression, the toner inside the cartridge will be affected by the pressure difference. Due to the limited sealing of the toner outlet, toner may be squeezed out from the toner outlet. This situation will bring a series of problems. On the one hand, the extruded powder will cause powder waste and increase the cost of use. On the other hand, the sprayed powder will pollute the environment near the treatment box. This will not only affect the cleanliness of the treatment box and its surrounding components, but may also cause environmental pollution. It will also make the management of the treatment box during transportation more complicated and troublesome, and additional protective measures will be required to prevent powder leakage. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a processing box and image forming device with a pressure balance structure, which has the advantages of preventing powder leakage inside the processing box due to pressure difference, avoiding environmental pollution and reducing the cost of use.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] On the one hand, a processing box with an air pressure balance structure is provided, including a box body and a main powder outlet disposed on the box body, characterized in that: the box body is further provided with an air vent, the air vent is covered with a composite patch, the composite patch includes an air-permeable layer and an adhesive layer, and the air pore size of the air-permeable layer is smaller than the particle size of the powder particles in the box body.

[0006] Optionally, the adhesive layer is distributed in a ring shape on the circumferential edge of the breathable layer, and the adhesive width of the adhesive layer is 2-5mm.

[0007] Optionally, the outer surface of the box is provided with a groove, the vent is located at the bottom of the groove, and the composite patch is entirely pasted in the groove.

[0008] Optionally, the depth of the groove is greater than or equal to the thickness of the composite patch.

[0009] Optionally, the breathable layer includes an antistatic layer and a nanofiber filter layer that are sequentially bonded together. The antistatic layer is located on the side near the vent to prevent electrostatic adsorption of carbon powder, which could cause the breathable layer to become clogged.

[0010] Optionally, the breathable layer further includes a support mesh layer located on the side of the nanofiber filter layer away from the antistatic layer, which provides support for the breathable layer and protects the nanofiber filter layer from the outside.

[0011] Optionally, the adhesive layer is made of pressure-sensitive adhesive material with a 180° peel strength of 5-15 N / 25 mm and a holding power of more than 24 hours.

[0012] Optionally, the air permeability of the breathable layer and the volume of the box satisfy the following relationship: Q≥0.5V / T, where Q is the air permeability, V is the volume of the box, and T is the air pressure balance time threshold.

[0013] Optionally, the vent is a long strip structure, with its length direction perpendicular to the vibration direction of the processing box.

[0014] On the other hand, an image forming apparatus is provided, including the processing box as described above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: by setting a vent covered with a composite patch in the box body, the air pressure balance is achieved by utilizing the characteristic that the pore size of the breathable layer is smaller than that of the powder particles, which effectively prevents the powder inside the processing box from leaking from the main powder outlet due to the air pressure difference, and has the advantages of avoiding environmental pollution and reducing the cost of use. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled state of the processing box with a pressure balance structure described in the embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box described in the embodiment of this application, showing the location where the air vent is formed.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the composite patch described in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the breathable layer structure described in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] In the picture:

[0022] 100. Box body; 110. Groove; 120. Main powder outlet; 130. Vent; 200. Composite patch; 210. Breathable layer; 211. Antistatic layer; 212. Nanofiber filter layer; 213. Support mesh layer; 220. Adhesive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0027] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029] In existing technologies, laser printer cartridges generally employ a single toner outlet design, with the main outlet temporarily sealed by a lid. However, external pressure during transportation can create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cartridge, making it difficult for existing sealing structures to completely prevent powder leakage. Powder leakage not only wastes material but also pollutes the environment around the cartridge and increases transportation and management costs.

[0030] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a processing box with a pressure balancing structure, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown, the device includes a box body 100 and a main powder outlet 120 disposed on the box body 100. The box body 100 is also provided with a vent 130, which is covered by a composite patch 200. The composite patch 200 includes a breathable layer 210 and an adhesive layer 220. The pore size of the breathable layer 210 is smaller than the particle size of the powder particles inside the box body 100.

[0031] Vent 130 refers to an auxiliary channel independent of the main powder outlet 120, which is located in the non-pressure area of ​​the box body 100. Composite patch 200 refers to a gas selective barrier structure composed of functional material layers. Adhesive layer 220 is used to fix the breathable layer 210 to the edge of vent 130 to form a peripheral seal.

[0032] When the processing box is subjected to external pressure, the internal air pressure is released outward through the vent 130. The breathable layer 210 of the composite patch 200 allows gas to pass through but prevents powder leakage. The adhesive layer 220 forms a continuous adhesive strip along the edge of the breathable layer 210, ensuring the patch's firmness while preventing the adhesive area from obstructing gas flow. During gas exchange, the characteristic that the pore size of the breathable layer 210 is smaller than the powder particle size forms a physical filtration barrier, achieving dynamic air pressure balance.

[0033] It should be noted that the fact that the pore size of the breathable layer 210 is smaller than the particle size of the powder particles inside the box 100 means that most of the powder particles inside the box 100 cannot pass through the breathable layer from the inside of the box 100 to the outside of the box 100, not that all the powder particles are smaller than the pore size of the breathable layer 210.

[0034] That is, while ensuring air pressure balance during transportation, no significant amount of powder particles will pass through the composite patch 200 regardless of the type of movement or vibration of the processing box.

[0035] This solution addresses the problem of powder leakage driven by pressure difference by adding an independent air pressure regulation channel and employing aperture control and material composite technology to establish a controllable gas exchange mechanism while maintaining airtightness.

[0036] Through the above technical solution, this application effectively prevents powder from overflowing through the pressure balance channel, significantly reducing material loss and environmental pollution risks during transportation. The gas exchange process can be completed automatically without manual intervention, improving the structural reliability of the processing box and avoiding the wear problems caused by frequent disassembly of traditional sealing structures.

[0037] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the adhesive layer 220 is distributed in a ring shape on the circumferential edge of the breathable layer 210, and the adhesive width of the adhesive layer 220 is 2-5mm.

[0038] The ring-shaped distribution refers to the adhesive layer 220 forming a closed ring structure around the edge of the breathable layer 210. This can be achieved by die-cutting tape or dispensing. This structure can evenly distribute the adhesive stress, avoid the risk of local delamination, and reduce the amount of adhesive material used to prevent clogging of the micropores of the breathable layer 210.

[0039] The bonding width refers to the lateral dimension of the contact surface between the adhesive layer 220 and the box body 100. It can be achieved by adjusting the tape die-cutting plate or controlling the dispensing pressure. The selection of this dimension range, such as 2-5mm, can ensure sufficient bonding strength while avoiding excessive occupation of the effective breathable area of ​​the breathable layer 210.

[0040] During the assembly of the composite patch 200, the adhesive layer 220 is confined to the annular area at the outer edge of the breathable layer 210, allowing the central area of ​​the breathable layer 210 to be fully exposed to achieve gas exchange. When the width of the adhesive layer 220 is controlled, for example, to 2-5 mm, it can both meet the requirements for fixing the composite patch 200 in the vibration environment of the treatment box during transportation and prevent excessively wide adhesive layers from overflowing into the central area of ​​the breathable layer 210 and blocking the vents. During assembly, a hot-pressing process is used to form a continuous sealing ring between the annular adhesive layer and the bottom of the groove 110 of the box body 100, while maintaining unobstructed gas passages between the breathable layer 210 and the box body 100.

[0041] As a preferred option, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the outer surface of the box 100 is provided with a groove 110, the vent 130 is provided at the bottom of the groove 110, and the composite patch 200 is entirely pasted in the groove 110.

[0042] The groove 110 provides space for the vent 130 and the composite patch 200, preventing the composite patch 200 from falling off due to direct contact with external forces. The arrangement of the vent 130 at the bottom of the groove 110 confines the gas exchange path within the groove 110, preventing external dust from entering the housing 100 through the breathable layer 210. After the composite patch 200 is fully embedded in the groove 110, its surface height does not exceed the outer surface of the housing 100, reducing the risk of the patch edge lifting due to friction during transportation or assembly.

[0043] The depth of the groove 110 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the composite patch 200. The depth of the groove 110 is configured to be at least equal to the total thickness of the composite patch 200. When the composite patch 200 is adhered to the bottom of the groove 110, if the depth of the groove 110 is equal to the patch thickness, the outer surface of the composite patch 200 is flush with the outer surface of the box 100; if the depth of the groove 110 exceeds the patch thickness, an embedded structure is formed. This design protects the composite patch 200 from scratches by external objects during transportation, while also preventing the adhesive layer 220 from peeling off due to the composite patch 200 protruding from the surface of the box 100. The vent 130 at the bottom of the groove 110 maintains an airflow path through the composite patch 200, ensuring stable communication between the breathable layer 210 and the external environment during air pressure balance.

[0044] This application embodiment also provides an example illustrating the specific structure of the breathable layer 210, see below. Figure 4 As shown, the breathable layer 210 includes an antistatic layer 211 and a nanofiber filter layer 212 that are sequentially bonded together. The antistatic layer 211 is located on the side near the vent 130 and is used to prevent the breathable layer 210 from being blocked by electrostatic adsorption of carbon powder.

[0045] The antistatic layer 211 refers to a functional layer constructed using conductive materials or an antistatic coating. Specifically, it can be achieved using a polyester film with added conductive carbon black or a composite material coated with metal oxides. Its function is to eliminate static electricity buildup and prevent carbon powder from accumulating on the surface of the breathable layer 210 due to electrostatic adsorption. The nanofiber filter layer 212 refers to a filter structure composed of fibers with diameters at the nanometer level. Specifically, it can be achieved by processing polyacrylonitrile or polyurethane materials into a mesh structure using electrospinning technology. Its function is to intercept carbon powder particles through micron-sized pores while maintaining gas permeability.

[0046] The antistatic layer 211 faces directly into the interior space of the housing 100. When the toner moves towards the vent 130 with the airflow, the antistatic layer 211 conducts its charge through conductivity, preventing toner from adhering to the surface of the breathable layer 210 due to static electricity. The nanofiber filter layer 212 is located on the outside of the antistatic layer 211. Its fiber gaps are smaller than the toner particle size but larger than the gas molecule size, allowing gas to pass freely while blocking toner penetration. The two layers are tightly bonded together by hot pressing or adhesive bonding, forming a continuous physical barrier.

[0047] By actively eliminating charge accumulation through the antistatic layer 211, the physical conditions for toner adsorption are fundamentally cut off. At the same time, by utilizing the high porosity of the nanofiber layer, stable air permeability is maintained during long-term use. This effectively prevents electrostatic adsorption of toner on the surface of the air permeable layer 210, avoids pressure imbalance inside and outside the box 100 caused by pore blockage, thereby reducing the risk of accidental toner leakage from the main toner outlet 120 during transportation or use, and extending the maintenance cycle of the treatment box.

[0048] As a further optional technical solution, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the breathable layer 210 also includes a support mesh layer 213, which is located on the side of the nanofiber filter layer 212 away from the antistatic layer 211, and is used to provide support for the breathable layer 210 and protect the nanofiber filter layer 212 from the outside.

[0049] The support mesh layer 213 refers to a rigid or semi-rigid material layer with a mesh structure. Its mesh pore size is larger than the air-permeable pore size of the nanofiber filter layer 212, providing mechanical support while ensuring air permeability. The support mesh layer 213 forms a physical support barrier by covering the outer surface of the nanofiber filter layer 212. During external vibration or compression, the support mesh layer 213 can withstand mechanical stress, preventing the nanofiber filter layer 212 from failing to breathe due to deformation or breakage. By introducing the support mesh layer 213, the overall structural compressive strength and durability are improved without affecting air permeability.

[0050] Preferably, the adhesive layer 220 is made of pressure-sensitive adhesive material with a 180° peel strength of 5-15 N / 25 mm and a holding power of more than 24 hours.

[0051] A 180° peel strength of 5-15 N / 25 mm refers to the range of force required for the adhesive layer to peel at a specific angle, as measured by standard testing methods. This range can be controlled by adjusting the degree of cross-linking of the pressure-sensitive adhesive's molecular chains or the proportion of the tackifier. This parameter range ensures that the adhesive layer 220 maintains stable adhesion under vibration or temperature changes, without being overly strong and causing damage to the composite patch 200 structure during disassembly.

[0052] The holding power of more than 24 hours refers to the lower limit of the time that the adhesive layer will not fall off when subjected to a standard load under vertical suspension. This can be achieved by adding anti-aging agents or improving cohesion. This indicator ensures that the composite patch 200 remains fixed to the surface of the box 100 during transportation or storage.

[0053] Specifically, pressure-sensitive adhesive material is applied to the annular adhesive layer 220, with an adhesion width of, for example, 2-5 mm. Pressure activates the adhesive layer to bond with the surface of the cartridge 100. Under conditions of printer cartridge vibration or temperature changes, a lower limit of 5 N / 25 mm for the 180° peel strength prevents partial detachment of the adhesive layer 220 due to mechanical impact, while an upper limit of 15 N / 25 mm avoids residual adhesive contaminating the surface of the cartridge 100 during disassembly and maintenance. The holding power index is verified by simulating long-term static load conditions to ensure the creep resistance of the adhesive layer, ensuring that the composite patch 200 remains intact and sealed even under transportation bumps or high-temperature storage environments. This solution addresses the reliability issue of the adhesive layer 220 under dynamic operating conditions.

[0054] Furthermore, the air permeability of the breathable layer 210 and the volume of the box 100 satisfy the following relationship: Q≥0.5V / T, where Q is the air permeability, V is the volume of the box 100, and T is the air pressure balance time threshold.

[0055] Air permeability refers to the volume of gas passing through the permeable layer 210 per unit time, which can be achieved using a multi-layer nanofiber membrane structure. Air permeability is controlled by adjusting fiber density and pore size distribution. Box volume 100 refers to the internal space of the processing box containing the powder, which can be precisely formed using 3D modeling combined with injection molding. Pressure equilibrium time threshold refers to the maximum time range within which the internal and external environments of the processing box can reach pressure equilibrium, which can be set based on the vibration frequency of the transportation environment and the amplitude of external pressure changes.

[0056] Specifically, during transportation or use, when changes in external pressure cause a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 100, the breathable layer 210 achieves rapid gas exchange based on the relationship Q≥0.5V / T. For example, when the volume of the housing 100 is 500 ml and the pressure equilibrium time threshold is set to 10 seconds, the air permeability needs to reach at least 25 ml / s, which can be met by selecting a nanofiber filter layer 212 with corresponding air permeability. This design ensures that the pressure difference is eliminated within the time threshold, thereby preventing powder leakage from the powder outlet due to continuous pressure.

[0057] Preferably, the vent 130 is an elongated structure, with its length direction perpendicular to the vibration direction of the treatment box. An elongated structure refers to a linear opening formed by the through-hole extending in a single direction; specifically, it can be achieved using a rectangular or elliptical channel with a length of 8-15 mm and a width of 0.5-2 mm. The vibration direction refers to the main axial direction of the reciprocating motion of the treatment box under external force during transportation, which can be determined by analyzing the force direction under packaging conditions or by measuring actual transportation vibration data.

[0058] During transportation, when the treatment box is subjected to vibration perpendicular to the length of the elongated vent 130, the structural stability of the vent 130 is enhanced. Since the extension direction of the elongated opening is orthogonal to the vibration transmission direction, the resonance effect at the opening edge is effectively reduced, preventing fatigue damage to the adhesive interface between the composite patch 200 and the box body 100 due to continuous vibration. For example, when the treatment box experiences longitudinal bumps on a truck, if the length direction of the vent 130 is perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel, displacement of the composite patch 200 during lateral vibration can be prevented.

[0059] Meanwhile, this application also provides an image forming apparatus, including a processing box with a pressure balance structure. The processing box includes a box body 100 and a main powder outlet 120 disposed on the box body 100. The box body 100 is also provided with a vent 130, and the vent 130 is covered with a composite patch 200. The composite patch 200 includes a breathable layer 210 and an adhesive layer 220. The vent pore size of the breathable layer 210 is smaller than the particle size of the powder particles inside the box body 100.

[0060] During image forming equipment operation, the main powder outlet 120 of the processing cartridge delivers powder to the developing unit or photosensitive drum. This effectively reduces powder leakage caused by pressure changes during transportation and use, lowering powder waste and the risk of equipment contamination. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional sealing devices, simplifying the structural complexity of the processing cartridge.

[0061] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A processing box with a pressure balance structure, comprising a box body (100) and a main powder outlet (120) disposed on the box body (100), characterized in that: The box body (100) is also provided with a vent (130), which is covered with a composite patch (200). The composite patch (200) includes a breathable layer (210) and an adhesive layer (220). The vent pore size of the breathable layer (210) is smaller than the particle size of the powder particles inside the box body (100).

2. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adhesive layer (220) is distributed in a ring around the circumferential edge of the breathable layer (210), and the adhesive width of the adhesive layer (220) is 2-5 mm.

3. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the box body (100) is provided with a groove (110), the vent (130) is provided at the bottom of the groove (110), and the composite patch (200) is entirely pasted in the groove (110).

4. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The depth of the groove (110) is greater than or equal to the thickness of the composite patch (200).

5. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The breathable layer (210) includes an antistatic layer (211) and a nanofiber filter layer (212) that are sequentially attached to each other. The antistatic layer (211) is located on the side close to the vent (130) and is used to prevent the breathable layer (210) from being blocked by electrostatic adsorption of carbon powder.

6. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The breathable layer (210) further includes a support mesh layer (213), which is located on the side of the nanofiber filter layer (212) away from the antistatic layer (211) and is used to provide support for the breathable layer (210) and protect the nanofiber filter layer (212) from the outside.

7. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adhesive layer (220) is made of pressure-sensitive adhesive material, with a 180° peel strength of 5-15N / 25mm and a holding power of more than 24 hours.

8. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air permeability of the breathable layer (210) and the volume of the box (100) satisfy the following relationship: Q≥0.5V / T, where Q is the air permeability, V is the volume of the box (100), and T is the air pressure balance time threshold.

9. The processing box with a pressure balance structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vent (130) is a long strip structure, and its length direction is perpendicular to the vibration direction of the processing box.

10. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the processing box as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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