Stirring structure of processing box and processing box using same

Abstract

The utility model provides a stirring structure of a processing box and the processing box applying the stirring structure. The stirring structure comprises a rotatable connecting shaft, wherein the axis direction of the rotatable connecting shaft is perpendicular to the extending direction of the reinforcing ribs; and the stirring blade is connected to the connecting shaft, and the stirring blade is provided with a through groove through which the reinforcing rib can pass. The passing groove comprises a first passing groove close to the direction of the connecting shaft and a second passing groove close to the direction of the connecting shaft. The second passing groove is communicated with the first passing groove, is close to the edge of the stirring blade and is in an opening shape; the width of the first passing groove is larger than that of the second passing groove. When the connecting shaft rotates, the edge of the second passing groove can be allowed to slide along the side wall of the reinforcing rib corresponding to the edge of the second passing groove. The powder bin stirring structure can effectively solve the contradiction among the strength, the efficiency and the applicability of a traditional powder bin stirring structure. And the problem of carbon powder accumulation caused by a stirring blind area in a powder bin due to reinforcing ribs in the processing box is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of stirring structure technology for processing boxes, and more particularly to a stirring structure for a processing box and a processing box using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Modern laser printers are driven by computer binary data. A laser beam carrying image and text information is generated by a video controller and a laser scanning system, and finally, an electrophotographic system completes the image transfer. The core process includes a selenium photosensitive drum obtaining surface potential through charging electrodes, laser beam exposure generating an electrostatic latent image, magnetic brush developer converting it into a toner image, toner transferring to paper through an electric field, and high-temperature fixing to form the image and text.

[0003] Currently, since toner is stored in a toner hopper and relies on agitator rollers and blades for uniform transport, the injection-molded housing is typically designed with internal reinforcing ribs to improve the structural strength of the toner hopper.

[0004] However, the internal reinforcing ribs can create a mixing blind zone within the toner cartridge, meaning the area around the reinforcing ribs is difficult to be covered by the mixing blades, leading to toner accumulation. Over time, the toner is prone to moisture absorption and clumping, potentially contaminating the entire toner cartridge and affecting print quality (such as uneven development and poor fixing). Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a stirring structure for a processing box and a processing box using the same, which can solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This utility model discloses a stirring structure for a processing box, applied to the processing box of an image forming device. The processing box includes a toner hopper for holding toner, and several reinforcing ribs are connected to the inner wall of the toner hopper. The stirring structure includes:

[0008] A rotatably connected shaft, the axis of which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the reinforcing rib; and

[0009] A stirring blade is connected to the connecting shaft, and the stirring blade has a through groove that allows the reinforcing rib to pass through. The through groove includes:

[0010] A first through slot near the direction of the connecting shaft; and

[0011] A second, open-shaped passageway connected to the first passageway and located near the edge of the stirring plate;

[0012] The width of the first through slot is wider than that of the second through slot;

[0013] When the connecting shaft rotates, the edge of the second through groove is allowed to slide along the sidewall of its corresponding reinforcing rib.

[0014] On one hand, the connecting shaft is connected to the housing, and a power source that can be used to drive its rotation is connected to the connecting shaft.

[0015] On the one hand, at least one stirring blade is provided on the connecting shaft.

[0016] On the one hand, the height of the reinforcing rib is not greater than the length of the second through groove.

[0017] On the one hand, the number of through grooves is greater than or equal to the number of reinforcing ribs.

[0018] On the one hand, at least two passage channels are provided, and when there are more than two passage channels, the passage channels are distributed at equal distances on the stirring plate, and / or are not distributed at equal distances.

[0019] On the one hand, the cross-section of the first through groove is one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, elliptical, waist-shaped, and trapezoidal.

[0020] On the one hand, it also includes flow holes, which are formed on the stirring plate between two adjacent flow channels;

[0021] The toner in the toner hopper is allowed to pass through the flow hole.

[0022] On the one hand, the cross-sectional structure of the flow hole is one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, elliptical, waist-shaped, and trapezoidal.

[0023] This utility model also provides a processing box, which includes the stirring structure of the processing box as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0025] 1. The reinforcing ribs on the inner wall of the powder hopper not only improve the structural strength, but also effectively avoid the powder retention problem caused by traditional reinforcing ribs through the through groove design on the stirring plate, achieving a win-win situation of "structural strengthening" and "anti-accumulation".

[0026] 2. By using the corner of the groove edge and the mixing plate body, it can reach the angle between the reinforcing rib and the inner wall, specifically removing carbon powder in areas prone to clumping and improving the uniformity of mixing.

[0027] 3. The trapezoidal flow holes on the stirring plate can effectively disperse the impact force, reduce stress concentration, and extend the life of the stirring plate.

[0028] 4. The "trumpet mouth" structure with a wider top and narrower bottom guides the toner through efficiently, which is especially suitable for particles with poor flowability and reduces the risk of clogging. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the shell and stirring structure of the processing box of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the stirring structure of the processing box of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the adjustment mechanism of the processing box of this utility model.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 100. Processing box; 101. Housing; 102. First curved surface;

[0036] 200. Powder hopper; 210. Reinforcing rib;

[0037] 300, stirring structure; 310, connecting shaft; 320, stirring blade; 321, through groove; 3211, first through groove; 3212, second through groove; 330, flow hole;

[0038] 400 Adjustment mechanism; 410 First guide groove; 420 Drive mechanism; 421 Limiting rod; 422 Limiting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 4This utility model provides a powder hopper 200 that can hold toner inside a processing box 100. In some processing boxes, a number of reinforcing ribs 210 are provided on the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 to improve the strength of the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 and enhance the overall structural integrity.

[0046] The processing box 100 is provided with a stirring structure 300, which can be used to stir the toner inside the processing box 100 to prevent the toner from accumulating and clumping.

[0047] Specifically, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the stirring structure 300 of the processing box 100 includes a rotatable connecting shaft 310 and a stirring blade 320. The stirring blade 320 is connected to the connecting shaft 310 such that the stirring blade 320 can be rotated and adjusted in position as the connecting shaft 310 rotates.

[0048] It should be noted that the axial direction of the connecting shaft 310 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the reinforcing rib 210, and a power source for driving its rotation is connected to the connecting shaft 310. The power source can be a separate motor mounted on the image forming equipment, connected directly or via an intermediate transmission mechanism to the connecting shaft 310. Alternatively, it can be other rotating components of the image forming equipment, connected to the connecting shaft 310 via an intermediate transmission mechanism. The intermediate transmission mechanism can be used for the mutual linkage between the two shafts, and its specific structure can be determined according to actual requirements.

[0049] For example, in one embodiment, the power source may be the photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus, with the end of the photosensitive drum connected to the connecting shaft 310 via a plurality of meshing gears to drive the rotation of the connecting shaft 310.

[0050] The stirring blade 320 is connected to the connecting shaft 310 and can rotate with the rotation of the connecting shaft 310. At least one stirring blade 320 is provided on the connecting shaft 310. When the processing box is large and there is a lot of toner in the powder hopper 200, multiple stirring blades 320 can be provided on the connecting shaft 310.

[0051] Furthermore, the stirring plate 320 is provided with a through groove 321 that allows the reinforcing rib 210 to pass through smoothly when the stirring plate 320 rotates. At the corner between the edge of the through groove 321 and the edge of the stirring plate 320 body, the reinforcing rib 210 and the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 are at the angle between them, allowing for the cleaning of toner at that location and preventing toner from clumping and accumulating.

[0052] It is important to note that the number of through grooves 321 is greater than or equal to the number of reinforcing ribs 210. Understandably, when the number of through grooves 321 equals the number of reinforcing ribs 210, it ensures that each reinforcing rib 210 position can be cleaned and agitated. When the number of through grooves 321 is greater than the number of reinforcing ribs 210, after matching the corresponding reinforcing ribs 210, the remaining through grooves 321 can be used for toner passage, improving the agitation effect of the device.

[0053] Furthermore, when at least two channels 321 are provided on the stirring plate 320, and when there are more than two channels 321, the channels 321 are distributed at equal intervals and / or non-equal intervals on the stirring plate 320. Distributing the channels 321 at equal intervals improves the uniformity of the stirring process. Distributing them at non-equal intervals adapts to the structural characteristics of the processing box 100, thereby ensuring the stability of the device during use.

[0054] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the through groove 321 includes a first through groove 3211 near the connecting shaft 310, and a second through groove 3212 that is open and communicates with the first through groove 3211 and is near the edge of the stirring plate 320. The width of the second through groove 3212 is the same as the width of the reinforcing rib 210, and when the connecting shaft 310 rotates, the edge of the second through groove 3212 can slide along the side wall of its corresponding reinforcing rib 210.

[0055] Understandably, when the edge of the second passage 3212 slides along the side wall of the reinforcing rib 210, the edge of the second passage 3212 can clean the toner adhering to the side wall of the reinforcing rib 210. At the same time, the corner between the edge of the second passage 3212 and the edge of the stirring plate 320 body can reach the angle between the reinforcing rib 210 and the inner wall of the powder hopper 200, thereby cleaning the toner at that location and preventing the toner from clumping and accumulating at that location.

[0056] In one embodiment, the width of the first through groove 3211 is wider than that of the second through groove 3212. Since the first through groove 3211 is located closer to the connecting shaft 310, that is, the first through groove 3211 is located at the bottom of the second through groove 3212. The first through groove 3211 can be used to release stress at the bottom of the second through groove 3212 and facilitates the expansion of the width of the second through groove 3212 to a certain extent. This allows the stirring plate 320 to undergo elastic deformation to a certain extent, preventing rigid damage to the stirring plate 320, and simultaneously improving the toner flow efficiency by widening the bottom space.

[0057] Since the width of the second passage groove 3212 is the same as the width of the reinforcing rib 210, and when the edge of the second passage groove 3212 slides along the side wall of the reinforcing rib 210, the stirring blade 320 may deform to a certain extent at the position of the second passage groove 3212. Under the action of the first passage groove 3211, the deformation of the second passage groove 3212 can be facilitated, thereby improving the stirring effect of the stirring structure 300 of the processing box 100 in actual use.

[0058] It is understood that the widths of the first through groove 3211 and the second through groove 3212 mentioned above refer to the widths in the axial direction of the connecting shaft 310.

[0059] It should be noted that the cross-section of the first through groove 3211 can be one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, elliptical, oblong, and trapezoidal. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the first through groove 3211 is oblong, but it is not limited to this and can be determined according to actual needs.

[0060] Furthermore, since the width of the second passageway 3212 is based on the width of the reinforcing rib 210, in some embodiments, in conjunction with the structural requirements of the processing box 100, the width of the second passageway 3212 is between 1 and 10 millimeters.

[0061] Meanwhile, in order to facilitate the smooth passage of the second through groove 3212 through the reinforcing rib 210, the length of the second through groove is greater than the height of the reinforcing rib 210.

[0062] In one embodiment, the length of the second passage groove 3212 may be 12 to 16 mm. The height of the reinforcing rib 210 is at most two-thirds of the length of the second passage groove 3212. Based on this, when the stirring plate 320 is rotating, at least one-third of the length of the second passage groove 3212 in the direction adjacent to the first passage groove 3211 is empty. Therefore, the toner in the powder hopper 200 of the processing box 100 can pass through the stirring plate 320 from the remaining one-third length of the second passage groove 3212.

[0063] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, to improve the efficiency of toner passing through the stirring plate 320, multiple flow holes 330 may be provided on the stirring plate 320, and the flow holes 330 penetrate the stirring plate 320. Therefore, when the connecting shaft 310 rotates and the stirring plate 320 is in a following state, the toner in the toner hopper 200 can pass through the stirring plate 320 through the flow holes 330.

[0064] Specifically, the cross-sectional structure of the flow hole 330 is one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, elliptical, and trapezoidal. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional structure of the flow hole is trapezoidal, but it is not limited to this and can be determined according to actual needs.

[0065] Understandably, in this embodiment, the trapezoidal bevel design disperses the impact force on the edge of the hole when toner passes through, avoiding stress concentration problems similar to those at the right angles of rectangular holes, reducing the risk of breakage of the stirring plate 320 due to long-term stress, and improving structural durability. At the same time, the trapezoidal hole's upper-wide and lower-narrow structure can form a "trumpet mouth"-like flow guiding effect, guiding toner through the flow hole 330 more smoothly, reducing powder retention and accumulation, which is especially suitable for granular or poorly flowing toner.

[0066] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In one embodiment, the stirring blade 320 is connected to the connecting shaft 310. The connecting shaft 310 is connected to the housing 101 of an image forming apparatus and is connected to a power source.

[0067] It should be noted that when the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 is a cylindrical surface of equal diameter, the rotation axis of the connecting shaft 310 coincides with the axis of the cylindrical surface of the powder hopper 200. This ensures that the stirring blades 320 can cover all dead corners of the powder hopper 200 during rotation.

[0068] Please see Figure 4 When the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 is a cylindrical surface with a non-uniform diameter, the rotation center of the connecting shaft 310 can be set as a variable axis.

[0069] Understandably, since the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 is a cylindrical surface with a non-uniform diameter, and the distance between the rotation axis of the connecting shaft 310 and the edge of the stirring plate 320 is fixed, the rotation center of the connecting shaft 310 needs to be adjusted to be variable to accommodate different positions of the inner wall of the powder hopper 200.

[0070] Specifically, the axes of different micro-arc segments on the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 are collectively constructed on a first curved surface 102 that includes the axes of all micro-arc segments, and the rotation center of the connecting shaft 310 is always located on the first curved surface 102. Therefore, in the actual installation process, an adjustment mechanism 400 can be provided on the connecting shaft 310 to adjust the center position of the connecting shaft 310 so that it can slide along the first curved surface 102.

[0071] Specifically, please refer to 1 to Figure 4In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 400 may include a first guide groove 410 disposed on the housing 101 of the processing box 100, and a drive mechanism 420. The end of the connecting shaft 310 is located within the first guide groove 410, and the connecting shaft 310 is allowed to rotate within the first guide groove 410. It should be noted that the distance between the first guide groove 410 and the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 is equidistant.

[0072] The drive mechanism 420 includes a liftable limiting rod 421, and the limiting rod 421 is provided with an elongated limiting groove 422. The end of the connecting shaft 310 is also slidably disposed within the limiting groove 422. Therefore, when the limiting rod 421 is raised or lowered, the connecting shaft 310 is allowed to slide within the first guide groove 410. Thus, driven by the power source to which the connecting shaft 310 is originally connected, the connecting shaft 310 can slide along the first guide groove 410 while rotating. This effectively ensures the cleaning of the irregular powder hopper 200, greatly improving the applicability of this device.

[0073] Understandably, the first guide groove 410 and the adjustment mechanism 400 allow the centerline of the connecting shaft 310 to slide along the first curved surface 102 constructed from the axes of each micro-arc segment of the powder hopper 200, dynamically adapting to the irregular inner wall. This ensures a constant distance between the edge of the stirring blade 320 and the inner wall, improving the cleaning effect on the irregularly shaped powder hopper 200. Furthermore, the lifting and lowering drive of the connecting shaft 310 via the limiting rod 421 achieves a combined "rotation" and "translation" motion, overcoming the limitations of traditional fixed-axis stirring and covering more dead angles.

[0074] In summary, this utility model discloses a stirring structure for a processing box and a processing box using the same. The reinforcing ribs 210 on the inner wall of the powder hopper 200 enhance structural strength, while the design of the through grooves 321 on the stirring plate 320 effectively avoids the powder retention problem caused by traditional reinforcing ribs 210, achieving a win-win situation of "structural strengthening" and "anti-accumulation". Furthermore, the edge of the groove 321 and the corner of the stirring plate 320 body can penetrate the angle between the reinforcing ribs 210 and the inner wall, specifically removing carbon powder from areas prone to clumping and improving stirring uniformity.

[0075] The trapezoidal flow holes 330 located on the agitator 320 can effectively disperse impact force, reduce stress concentration, and extend the life of the agitator 320. At the same time, the "funnel-shaped" structure of the flow holes 330, which is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, guides the toner to pass through efficiently, which is especially suitable for particles with poor flowability and reduces the risk of clogging.

[0076] 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 stirring structure for a processing cartridge, applied to a processing cartridge of an image forming apparatus, the processing cartridge comprising a toner hopper for holding toner, and wherein a plurality of reinforcing ribs are connected to the inner wall of the toner hopper, characterized in that, include: A rotatable connecting shaft is provided, the axis of which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the reinforcing rib. and A stirring blade is connected to the connecting shaft, and the stirring blade has a through groove that allows the reinforcing rib to pass through. The through groove includes: A first through slot near the direction of the connecting shaft; and A second, open-shaped passageway connected to the first passageway and located near the edge of the stirring plate; The width of the first through slot is wider than that of the second through slot; When the connecting shaft rotates, the edge of the second through groove is allowed to slide along the sidewall of its corresponding reinforcing rib.

2. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting shaft is connected to the housing, and a power source that can be used to drive its rotation is connected to the connecting shaft.

3. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one stirring blade is provided on the connecting shaft.

4. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the reinforcing rib is not greater than the length of the second through groove.

5. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of through grooves is greater than or equal to the number of reinforcing ribs.

6. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The passage channels are provided in at least two ways, and when there are more than two passage channels, the passage channels are distributed at equal distances and / or at non-equal distances on the stirring plate.

7. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the first through groove is one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, elliptical, oblong, and trapezoidal.

8. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes flow holes, which are formed on the stirring plate between two adjacent flow channels; The toner in the toner hopper is allowed to pass through the flow hole.

9. The stirring structure of the processing box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cross-sectional structure of the flow hole is one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, elliptical, oblong, and trapezoidal.

10. A processing box, characterized in that, The mixing structure includes the processing box as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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