Toner container and process cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses a carbon powder container which comprises a carbon powder storage part and a waste powder storage part, wherein the carbon powder storage part is provided with a carbon powder discharge channel and a carbon powder accommodating space; the waste powder storage part is provided with a waste powder inlet and a waste powder accommodating space; the powder feeding part is arranged in the carbon powder accommodating space; the rotating part acts on the powder feeding part so that the powder feeding part can convey the carbon powder in the carbon powder containing space to the carbon powder discharging channel, and the waste powder storage part is provided with a display part used for directly displaying the amount of the waste developing agent in the waste powder storage part. The powder feeding device is better in powder feeding effect, and meanwhile, a user can directly observe the amount of the waste developing agent in the waste powder storage part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging equipment; more specifically, it relates to a toner container and a processing box having the toner container. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application No. JP2024002379A discloses a toner container and a processing box, wherein the processing box includes a developing box (developing unit) with a developing roller, a drum box (photosensitive unit) with a photosensitive drum, and the aforementioned toner container. The toner container has a toner storage section and a waste toner storage section. The toner storage section is used to supply toner to the developing unit, and the waste toner storage section is used to collect waste toner from the photosensitive unit.

[0003] The present invention aims to improve the toner container disclosed in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model discloses a toner container, including a toner storage section with a toner discharge channel and a toner holding space, and a waste toner storage section with a waste toner inlet and a waste toner holding space; a toner feeding component disposed in the toner holding space; a rotating component acting on the toner feeding component to cause the toner feeding component to transport the toner in the toner holding space toward the toner discharge channel; and a waste toner storage section provided with a display piece for directly displaying the waste developer dosage inside the waste toner storage section.

[0005] In some embodiments, the powder feeding component is configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the central axis of the rotating component.

[0006] In some embodiments, the powder feeding component has a pushed portion, and the rotating component has a pushing portion that intermittently pushes the pushed portion; when the pushing portion pushes the pushed portion, the powder feeding component can move in a first direction; an elastic element is configured to act on the powder feeding component; when the pushing portion separates from the pushed portion, the powder feeding component can move in a second direction opposite to the first direction under the action of the elastic element.

[0007] In some embodiments, the powder feeding component includes a screw configured to rotate with the rotating component and to oscillate relative to the central axis of the rotating component.

[0008] In some embodiments, the screw and the rotating component are connected by a universal joint coupling.

[0009] In some embodiments, the display is made of a transparent material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the toner container is detachably mounted to an imaging device having a detection device capable of emitting detection light, and the waste toner storage unit includes a traveling device for allowing the detection light to travel, the traveling device including a first hole for allowing the detection light to enter the receiving unit and a second hole for allowing the detection light to exit from the waste toner storage unit; the traveling device also includes a light path conversion component capable of changing the travel path of the detection light.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical path conversion assembly includes a first action and a second action. The first action is used to receive the detection light entering from the first aperture and change the travel path of the detection light so that the detection light can reach the second action. The second action is used to change the travel path of the detection light reaching the second action so that the detection light can leave from the second aperture.

[0012] In some embodiments, the waste powder storage section has a waste powder containing bag and a protective cover covering the outside of the waste powder containing bag.

[0013] A processing box is also disclosed, comprising: a developing unit with a developing roller; a photosensitive unit with a photosensitive drum; and a toner container as described in any one of the preceding claims; wherein the toner storage section is used to supply toner to the developing unit, and the waste toner storage section is used to collect waste toner from the photosensitive unit.

[0014] Beneficial effects of this utility model: This utility model increases the powder feeding area of ​​the powder feeding component, achieving a better powder feeding effect. Simultaneously, the display component is designed to be light-transmitting, allowing users to directly observe the amount of waste developer in the waste powder storage section.

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this utility model, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the toner container in Example 1;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the toner container in Example 1;

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the toner container in Example 1;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the powder feeding component and its transmission mechanism in Example 1;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the powder feeding component in Example 1;

[0021] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the powder feeding component and its transmission mechanism in Example 2;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a first exploded structural diagram of the toner container in Example 3;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a second exploded structural diagram of the toner container in Example 3;

[0024] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the toner container in Example 4;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the waste powder storage section in Example 4;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the toner container in Example 5;

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the AA cross-sectional structure;

[0028] Figure 13 This is an exploded structural diagram of the protective cover for the toner containing bag in Example 5;

[0029] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the toner-containing bag in Example 5.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the toner container / developer cartridge involved in Embodiment 6 of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 16A The toner container / developer cartridge containing the unit according to Embodiment 6 of this utility model is located along... Figure 15 A three-dimensional diagram of the view from right to left after the section a1-a1 is cut.

[0032] Figure 16B The toner container / developer cartridge containing the unit according to Embodiment 6 of this utility model is located along... Figure 15 A three-dimensional diagram of the view from front to back after being cut along line a2-a2.

[0033] Figure 16C yes Figure 16B A plan view projected from front to back.

[0034] Figure 17 This is an exploded view of the toner container / developer cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 18A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the supply unit frame of the supply unit involved in Embodiment 7 of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 18B The supply unit frame in the supply unit of the toner container / developer cartridge involved in Embodiment 7 of this utility model is along... Figure 18A A three-dimensional diagram of the view from front to back after being cut along section a3-a3.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the supply unit cover of the supply unit according to Embodiment 7 of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the supply unit in the toner container / developer cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 21A The supply unit in the toner container / developer cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of this utility model is along Figure 20 The sectional view taken from left to right after cutting through section a4-a4.

[0040] Figure 21B This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the feeding component and mating parts of the supply unit in the toner container / developer cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 21C This is the mating component of the supply unit in the toner container / developer cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of this utility model. Figure 21B A schematic diagram after sectioning from a5 to a5.

[0042] Figure 21D This is a schematic diagram of the interaction between the feeding component and the mating component of the supply unit in the toner container / developer cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 22A and Figure 22B This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the toner container / developer cartridge involved in Embodiment 9 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in conjunction with embodiments in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the following embodiments and detailed description are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the toner container of Embodiment 1 includes a toner storage section 100 and a waste toner storage section 200. The toner storage section 100 is provided with a toner discharge channel 111, and the waste toner storage section 200 is provided with a waste toner inlet 211. Along the length direction X of the toner container, the waste toner storage section 200 is located at one end of the toner storage section 100. In use, the toner container can be installed on the developing unit and the photosensitive unit of the processing cartridge. The toner in the toner storage section 100 can be replenished to the developing unit through the toner discharge channel 111, and the waste toner in the photosensitive unit can enter the waste toner storage section 200 through the waste toner inlet 211.

[0047] Specifically, the toner storage unit 100 has a first frame 110 that forms an internal toner containing space, and a toner discharge channel 111 is disposed on the first frame 110 and communicates with the toner containing space. The waste toner storage unit 200 has a second frame 210 that forms an internal waste toner containing space, and a waste toner inlet 211 is disposed on the second frame 210 and communicates with the waste toner containing space.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment, the toner-containing space within the first frame 110 includes a first containing cavity 101 and a second containing cavity 102 that are interconnected. Preferably, the volume of the second containing cavity 102 is larger than the volume of the first containing cavity 101. The toner discharge channel 111 is connected to the first containing cavity 101. The first containing cavity 101 is provided with a toner feeding component 140a for stirring the toner and conveying it to the toner discharge channel 111. The second containing cavity 102 is provided with a stirring component 150 for stirring the toner and allowing it to enter the first containing cavity 102.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, a spacer sleeve 120 is provided between the first frame 110 and the second frame 210. The spacer sleeve 120 contains a transmission mechanism 160 for transmitting rotational driving force between the stirring component 150 and the powder feeding component 140a. In Embodiment 1, the spacer sleeve 120 forms a separate structure with the first frame 110 and the second frame 210, with the first frame 110 and the second frame 210 connected to opposite sides of the spacer sleeve 120. As a variation of Embodiment 1, the spacer sleeve can be integrally formed with either the first frame 110 or the second frame 210. As another variation of Embodiment 1, the first frame 110 and the second frame 210 can be integrally formed, forming a transmission space between them for the transmission mechanism 160, with the spacer sleeve 120 covering the outside of the transmission mechanism 160.

[0050] In Embodiment 1, the stirring component 150 is rotatably supported on the first frame 110 and includes a rotating shaft 151 and stirring blades 152; the powder feeding component 140a is movably supported on the first frame 110 and is used to transport the toner in the toner storage section 110 toward the toner discharge channel 111.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the transmission mechanism 160 includes a rotating component 161 acting on the powder feeding component 140a and a transmission member 162 mounted on the rotating shaft 151 of the stirring component 150. The rotating component 161 includes a gear portion 161a, and the transmission member 162 also has a gear portion that directly meshes with the gear portion 161a or indirectly meshes with it through an intermediate gear. A driving force input portion (not visible in the figure) is mounted on one end of the rotating shaft 151 relative to the transmission member 162. The outer side of the driving force input portion is covered with an end cap 130 connected to the first frame 110. The driving force input portion may be a gear partially exposed to the end cap 130, but is not limited to this.

[0052] The powder feeding component 140a is configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the central axis (i.e., the axis of rotation) of the rotating component 161. In Embodiment 1, the central axis of the rotating component 161 is parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the toner container. In use, the driving force input unit can receive rotational driving force from the developing unit of the electrophotographic imaging device body or the processing cartridge, and then drive the powder feeding component 140a to feed powder via the stirring component 150 and the transmission mechanism 160. As a variation of Embodiment 1, the transmission component 162 and the rotating component 161 can also use one or a combination of friction wheel transmission mechanism, belt transmission mechanism, chain transmission mechanism to realize the transmission of rotational driving force.

[0053] Specifically, the rotating component 161 also includes a wheel 161b coaxially arranged with the gear part 161a and a plurality of pushing parts 161c spaced circumferentially along the wheel 161b. The powder feeding component 140a has a powder feeding body 141 and a connecting shaft 142. The connecting shaft 142 is slidably engaged with the end wall 110a of the first frame 110 adjacent to the second frame 210, and protrudes from the end wall 110a to the outside of the first frame 110. The connecting shaft 142 is provided with a pushed part 143. When the rotating component 161 rotates, the pushing part 161c intermittently pushes the abutting inclined surface 1431 of the pushed part 143. The abutting inclined surface 1431 is inclined relative to the central axis (i.e., its rotation axis) of the rotating component 161, so that the powder feeding component 140a can move in the first direction X1. Furthermore, the surface of the pushing part 161c that contacts the abutting slope 1431 is preferably configured as an arc-shaped surface to push the powder feeding part 140a to move more smoothly and steadily.

[0054] The elastic element 171 is configured to act on the powder feeding component 140a and cause the powder feeding component 140a to move in a second direction X2, opposite to the first direction. The elastic element 171 can be a spring sleeved on the connecting shaft 142, with its two ends respectively abutting against the end wall 110a and the pushed part 143. This application does not limit the specific arrangement of the elastic element 171, as long as it can cause the powder feeding component 140a to move in the second direction X2. When the toner container is working, as the rotating component 161 rotates, when the pushing part 161c pushes the pushed part 143, the powder feeding component 140a can overcome the force of the elastic element 171 and move in the first direction X1; when the pushing part 141a separates from the pushed part 131d, the powder feeding component 131 can move in the second direction X2, opposite to the first direction X1, under the action of the elastic element 142. This process is repeated to convey the toner to the toner discharge channel 111.

[0055] In Example 1, as Figure 5 As shown, the powder feeding body 141 is preferably a powder feeding frame with a hollow or mesh structure to achieve a better powder feeding effect; wherein, the hollow or mesh structure is preferably inclined relative to the moving direction of the powder feeding component 140a. Further, combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the powder feeding component 140a has a support guide rod 144 at one end abutting against the connecting shaft 142. The first frame 110 has a support part 103, which has a guide groove / hole that slides with the support guide rod 144 to make the movement of the powder feeding component 140a more stable.

[0056] As a variation of Embodiment 1, the powder feeding component 140a may also have a stirring plate, for example, a stirring plate may be provided on the powder feeding body 141 to further stir and feed the powder.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] The main difference between Example 2 and Example 1 lies in the change in the structure of the powder feeding component and its transmission mechanism. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in Embodiment 2, screw 140b is used as a powder feeding component, and screw 140b is configured to swing relative to the central axis of rotating component 161.

[0059] The screw 140b and the rotating component 161 can be connected by a universal joint coupling, such as a cross-shaft universal joint coupling 172 or a ball joint universal joint coupling of the prior art. This allows the screw 140b to rotate with the rotating component 161 and also swing relative to the central axis of the rotating component 161. This increases the powder feeding area of ​​the screw 140b and provides additional stirring for the toner, achieving a better stirring and powder feeding effect.

[0060] In Embodiment 2, the rotating component 161 is provided with a gear portion 161a, and an intermediate gear 163 is provided between the gear portion 161a and the transmission component 162. As a variation of Embodiment 2, the gear portion 161a may also be configured to directly mesh with the gear of the transmission component 162. As another variation of Embodiment 2, the transmission of rotational driving force between the stirring component 150 and the rotating component 161 may also be achieved by one or a combination of friction wheel transmission mechanism, belt transmission mechanism, chain transmission mechanism, etc.

[0061] Example 3

[0062] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in Example 3, the first frame 110 forming the toner containing space and the second frame 210 forming the waste powder containing space are separate structures. Compared with the first frame 110 and the second frame 210 adopting an integrated structure, the separate structure adopted in Example 3 has the advantages of lower manufacturing difficulty and lower cost.

[0063] The second frame 210 can be directly or indirectly connected to one end of the first frame 110, for example, by means of snap-fit ​​connection, screw connection, adhesive connection, heat fusion connection, etc. Preferably, the second frame 210 and the first frame 110 adopt a detachable connection structure.

[0064] For example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second frame 210 is provided with multiple buckles 220, and the spacer sleeve 120 connected to the first frame 110 is provided with multiple slots 121. The buckles 220 and the slots 121 form a snap-fit, thereby indirectly connecting the second frame 210 to the first frame 110 in a detachable manner.

[0065] As a variation of Embodiment 3, the slot 121 can be disposed on the first frame 110 to directly connect the second frame 210 to the first frame 110. As another variation of Embodiment 3, the spacer sleeve 120 can have an integrally formed structure with the first frame 110. In this case, the spacer sleeve 120 is part of the first frame 110, and the second frame 210 is also directly connected to the first frame 110.

[0066] Example 4

[0067] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in Embodiment 4, the first frame 110 forming the toner containing space has a first through hole 112, and the second frame 210 forming the waste toner containing space has a second through hole 212. The first through hole 112 and the second through hole 212 are arranged opposite to each other and connected to each other, so that the toner containing space in the first frame 110 and the waste toner containing space in the second frame 210 are interconnected. In use, the waste toner collected in the waste toner containing space can enter the toner containing space to realize the recycling of waste toner and reduce the cost of use. As a variation of Embodiment 4, the first frame 110 and the second frame 210 can have an integrally formed structure, as long as they have a toner flow hole connecting the toner containing space and the waste toner containing space.

[0068] Example 5

[0069] The main difference between Example 5 and the aforementioned examples and their variations lies in the structure of the waste powder storage section. Specifically, as shown... Figures 11 to 14 As shown, in Embodiment 5, the toner storage unit 500 includes a waste toner container bag 510 and a protective cover 520 covering the waste toner container bag 510.

[0070] like Figure 13 As shown, the protective cover 520 includes a housing 521 and a cover 522, the cover 522 being detachably connected to the housing 521, for example, snapping onto the opening side of the housing 521. Figure 14 As shown, the waste powder containing bag 510 has a bag body 511 and a waste powder inlet 512; the bag body 511 can be flexible, while the waste powder inlet 512 can have a certain rigidity to facilitate the installation of the waste powder containing bag 510. The bag body 511 can be connected to one end of the waste powder inlet 512 by means of bonding, heat fusion, etc., and the other end of the waste powder inlet 512 is configured to be exposed to the outside of the protective cover 520 through a through hole 5211 on the housing 521.

[0071] Preferably, the waste toner container 510 is detachably installed inside the protective cover 520. The waste toner container 510 can be disassembled and assembled after the cover 522 is opened, facilitating the emptying of waste toner and enabling the recycling of both the waste toner container 510 and the toner container. For example, combined with... Figures 12 to 14 As shown, the waste powder inlet 512 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 5121 on its outer periphery, and a snap-fit ​​groove 5212 inside the housing 521. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 5121 can be inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove 5212 to achieve the installation and positioning of the waste powder holding bag 510. The waste powder holding bag 510 can also be installed inside the protective cover 520 through other detachable structures, such as interchange the positions of the snap-fit ​​groove 5212 and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 5121. This application does not limit this.

[0072] As disclosed in the prior art, the toner container of this application can be used in a processing cartridge including a developing unit and a photosensitive unit. The developing unit is equipped with a developing roller, and the photosensitive unit is equipped with a photosensitive drum; a toner storage section is used to supply toner to the developing unit, and a waste toner storage section is used to collect waste toner from the photosensitive unit.

[0073] Example 6

[0074] The processing cartridge is a replaceable unit for an imaging device. The developer cartridge C (referred to as "developer cartridge" or "toner container" in this specification) is a container capable of holding at least unused developer (referred to as "new developer"). The developer cartridge C can be detachably installed to the processing cartridge, and then the developer cartridge and the processing cartridge can be detachably installed to the imaging device. Alternatively, the developer cartridge C and the processing cartridge can be detachably installed to the imaging device separately.

[0075] The processing cartridge includes a processing cartridge housing and a rotating component rotatably disposed within the processing cartridge housing. The rotating component is at least used to carry or agitate new developer from the developer cartridge C. The rotating component includes at least a developing roller for carrying the developer.

[0076] like Figure 15 As shown, the developer cartridge C includes a toner storage / supply unit 30 for storing new developer and a waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 for storing used developer (hereinafter referred to as "waste developer"). The toner storage / supply unit 30 is used to supply new developer to the processing cartridge. With the developer cartridge C placed normally on a horizontal surface as a reference, the direction of gravity of the developer cartridge C is downward, the direction opposite to the direction of gravity is upward, and the direction intersecting the upward and downward directions is the left and right direction. The toner storage / supply unit 30 and the waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 are arranged along the left and right direction, or in other words, the toner storage / supply unit 30 and the waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 are detachably connected along the left and right direction, and the waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 is located to the left of the toner storage / supply unit 30. The direction intersecting both the upward and downward directions and the left and right directions is the front and back direction. Preferably, the upward and downward directions, the left and right directions, and the front and back directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0077] In the left-right direction, the developer cartridge C has a first end 301 and a second end 302 disposed opposite to each other. The end of the toner storage / supply unit 30 away from the waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 is the first end 301, and the end of the waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 away from the toner storage / supply unit 30 is the second end 302. In the up-down direction, the developer cartridge C also has a third end 303 and a fourth end 304 disposed opposite to each other, with the third end 303 located above the fourth end 304.

[0078] The toner storage / supply unit 30 includes a container 31 for holding new developer. The container 31 includes a supply unit frame 32a and a supply unit cover 32b. The supply unit frame 32a and the supply unit cover 32b are detachably connected in the vertical direction. A developer receiving cavity for holding new developer is also formed between the supply unit frame 32a and the supply unit cover 32b.

[0079] The container 31 also includes a filling opening 33 and a first seal. The filling opening 33 is used to fill / replenish new developer into the developer cartridge C. The filling opening 33 may be located on the supply unit frame 32a or the supply unit cover 32b. The first seal is used to seal the filling opening 33.

[0080] The toner storage unit / supply unit 30 also includes a conveying unit 30a, which is used to convey the developer in the toner storage unit / supply unit 30 to the processing cartridge. Specifically, the conveying unit 30a is also provided with a toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b, through which the developer is conveyed to the processing cartridge.

[0081] Optionally, in the left-right direction, the conveying part 30a is located to the right of the toner storage part / supply unit 30. The conveying part 30a may be located on the supply unit frame 32a or the supply unit cover 32b. Preferably, the conveying part 30a is located in front of the supply unit frame 32a / supply unit cover 32b.

[0082] In some embodiments, the developer cartridge C is further provided with an end cap 50 at its first end 301 for connection with the toner storage / supply unit 30 to protect the components in the developer cartridge C.

[0083] like Figure 15 and 16A As shown, the waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 includes a housing with a waste developer accommodating cavity (hereinafter referred to as "accommodating cavity") 40a. The housing has a sidewall 40b located at the end of the waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 away from the toner storage / supply unit 30. The waste toner storage / accommodating unit 40 also includes a waste developer inlet 43, which allows waste developer to enter the accommodating cavity 40a.

[0084] The imaging equipment is equipped with a detection device for detecting the amount of waste developer within the accommodating cavity 40a. The detection device includes a light emitter and a light receiver; the light emitter emits a detection light beam R, and the light receiver receives the detection light beam R. Figure 16A , Figure 16B and Figure 16CAs shown, the waste powder storage / accommodation unit 40 also includes a traveling device 400 for allowing the detection light beam R to travel. The traveling device 400 includes a first hole 401 that allows the detection light beam R to enter the waste powder storage / accommodation unit 40 and a second hole 402 that allows the detection light beam R to leave the waste powder storage / accommodation unit 40. The first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are located on the side wall 40b.

[0085] The traveling device 400 also includes an optical path conversion component, which can change the travel path of the detection light beam R. The optical path conversion component is located on the side of the sidewall facing the receiving cavity 40a. The optical path conversion component includes a first action member 403 and a second action member 404. The first action member 403 is used to receive the detection light beam R entering from the first hole 401 and change the travel path of the detection light beam R. The detection light beam R reaches the second action member 404 from the first action member 403. The second action member 404 then changes the travel path of the detection light beam R that reaches the second action member 404, so that the detection light beam R can leave from the second hole 402.

[0086] In this embodiment, the optical path conversion component changes the path of the detection light beam R by reflecting it. The detection light beam R enters the optical path conversion component from the first hole 401, is reflected by the first actuating element 403 to the second actuating element 404, and then the second actuating element 404 reflects the detection light beam R out of the second hole 402. Finally, the detection light beam R is received by the light receiving element. Thus, in this embodiment, the detection light beam R is reflected out of the waste toner storage section / accommodating unit 40 after passing through the traveling device 400 and no longer irradiates the waste developer in the accommodating cavity 40a. In other words, this embodiment no longer uses the detection light beam R to pass through the waste toner storage section / accommodating unit 40 to indicate whether there is waste developer in the accommodating cavity 40a.

[0087] Optionally, both the first action member 403 and the second action member 404 are configured as reflectors, and the plane where the first action member 403 is located and the plane where the second action member 404 is located form an angle α, where α < 90°, so that the detection light R can be reflected smoothly. Preferably, α is 60°, that is, the first action member 403, the second action member 404 and a part of the sidewall 40b are formed into a triangular prism shape.

[0088] The first actuating element 403 and the second actuating element 404 can be connected by means of adhesive, snap-fit, magnetic attraction, etc. Preferably, the first actuating element 403 and the second actuating element 404 are integrally formed.

[0089] In some embodiments, a first partition is also provided in the housing of the housing unit. The first partition is located in the housing cavity 40a. The first partition is used to separate the optical path conversion component from the housing cavity 40a. Optionally, the first partition is connected to the side wall 40b.

[0090] In the vertical direction, the waste developer storage section / accommodating unit 40 is also provided with a display element 42a for directly displaying the amount of waste developer in the accommodating cavity 40a. Optionally, the display element 42a is configured as a light-transmitting element, and the user can directly observe the amount of waste developer inside the accommodating cavity 40a through the light-transmitting element 42a. Preferably, the light-transmitting element is made of transparent resin or glass material.

[0091] In some embodiments, the display element 42a can be extended into a strip shape, which makes it easier for users to observe the waste developer dosage.

[0092] In some embodiments, the display element 42a may be located at the top of the waste toner storage / accommodation unit 40, which allows the user to directly observe the waste developer dosage from above.

[0093] In this embodiment, instead of using a complex box structure to indicate whether there is waste developer inside the receiving cavity 40a, a display piece 42a is used to show the amount of waste developer in the receiving cavity 40a. This allows users to directly observe the amount of waste developer in the waste toner storage section / receiving unit 40. At the same time, the structure of the developer box C is further simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the developer box C is also reduced.

[0094] Example 7

[0095] like Figure 17 As shown, the toner storage unit / supply unit 30 is provided with a toner feeding component / feeding component 35 for conveying / supplying developer to the conveying unit 30a / toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b. The feeding component 35 extends in the left and right direction and can rotate around the rotation axis L35 under the action of external force. Optionally, the rotation axis L35 is parallel to the left and right direction.

[0096] In some embodiments, the feed member 35 is configured in a spiral shape to facilitate the delivery of developer to the transport section 30a / toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b.

[0097] The developer cartridge C also includes a first drive assembly for receiving drive force from the imaging device. The feed component 35 receives drive force from the first drive assembly, and the drive force output by the imaging device can be transmitted to the transmission mechanism / second drive assembly 47 via the first drive assembly and the feed component 35.

[0098] The toner storage / supply unit 30 is also provided with a rotating shaft / stirring element 34a and stirring blade 34b for stirring the developer and mixing the developer evenly. The stirring element 34a and stirring blade 34b extend in the left and right direction and are connected to each other. The stirring element 34a and stirring blade 34b can rotate around the rotation axis L34 under the action of external force. Optionally, the rotation axis L34 and the rotation axis L35 are parallel to each other.

[0099] During the stirring process of the agitator 34a, the agitator blade 34b can also deliver the developer to the feed component 35. Optionally, the agitator blade 34b is configured to be curved.

[0100] In some embodiments, at least one slit may be provided on the stirring blade 34b to reduce the resistance experienced by the stirring blade 34b during the stirring process of the stirring member 34a stirring the developer.

[0101] The developer cartridge C is provided with a second drive assembly 47, which is used to drive the stirring piece 34a to rotate. The stirring blade 34b rotates together with the stirring piece 34a. Optionally, the second drive assembly 47 is configured as a gear set.

[0102] like Figure 18A and Figure 18B As shown, a first receiving portion 31a and a second receiving portion 31b are formed in the developer receiving cavity. The first receiving portion 31a and the second receiving portion 31b are arranged adjacent to each other. In the left-right direction, the maximum size of the first receiving cavity 31a is less than half the size of the second receiving portion 31b. In the first receiving portion 31a and the second receiving portion 31b, at least the first receiving portion 31a is connected to the conveying portion 30a. The developer in the second receiving portion 31b is first conveyed to the first receiving portion 31a by the feeding member 35, and then conveyed from the first receiving portion 31a to the processing cartridge through the toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b.

[0103] like Figure 17 As shown, the toner storage / supply unit 30 is provided with a conveying assembly 37, which is used to convey the developer entering the first receiving portion 31a toward the conveying portion 30a / toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b. At least a portion of the conveying assembly 37 is located within the first receiving portion 31a. Optionally, the conveying assembly 37 is configured as a fan or a movable component that reciprocates in a predetermined direction. In some embodiments, the conveying assembly 37 can be directly driven by a first drive assembly.

[0104] In some embodiments, the conveying component 37 can be indirectly driven to move by the first driving component, for example, the conveying component 37 moves as the feeding component 35 rotates.

[0105] like Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown, when the conveying component 37 is configured as a fan, the rotation of the fan will cause a change in the air pressure inside the first receiving part 31a. To ensure that the air pressure inside the first receiving part 31a is the same as the atmospheric pressure, optionally, an air hole 32b1 is provided on the supply unit cover 32b. The air hole 32b1 is used to connect the first receiving part 31a with the atmosphere. Preferably, the opening of the air hole 32b1 is not parallel to the vertical direction.

[0106] In some embodiments, the opening orientation of the vent 32b1 may also be parallel to the vertical direction.

[0107] The developer container cavity is also provided with a second separator M, and the first container 31a and the second container 31b are separated by the second separator M.

[0108] The second partition M can be used to support the feed component 35, which needs to pass through the second partition M to deliver the developer to the first receiving part 31a. The second partition M can prevent the feed component 35 from deforming.

[0109] The second partition M can also form a transfer cavity M1. The maximum size of the transfer cavity M1 in the left-right direction is less than half the size of the first receiving cavity 31a. When the feed component 35 is conveying developer to the first receiving cavity 31a, the developer on the feed component 35 may fall off the feed component 35 due to friction or air resistance when the feed component 35 passes through the second partition M, affecting the delivery efficiency of the developer. With the transfer cavity M1 provided, the developer conveyed by the feed component 35 can first accumulate in the transfer cavity M1 and then be conveyed by the feed component 35 to the first receiving cavity 31a. In other words, the transfer cavity M1 can provide a transfer space for developer delivery.

[0110] When the delivery assembly 37 is set as a fan, the fan rotation will blow the developer toward the second container 31b. The transfer chamber M1 provides space for the movement of the developer. The developer will not be blown directly back to the second container 31b. The developer in the transfer chamber M1 can be delivered back to the first container 31a by the feed assembly 35.

[0111] In some embodiments, along the left-right direction, the conveying assembly 37 located in the first receiving portion 31a is located at one end close to the second partition M or at one end far from the second partition M, so that the developer can be continuously conveyed to the conveying portion 30a under the combined action of the feeding member 35 and the conveying assembly 37.

[0112] In some embodiments, the delivery assembly 37 may also be located in other positions within the developer receiving cavity, as long as it can deliver the developer to the delivery section 30a.

[0113] The toner storage unit / supply unit 30 also includes a blocking member 38, which is used to contact / abut against the vent 32b1, or in other words, the blocking member 38 is used to cover the vent 32b1 so that the developer cannot leak out of the toner storage unit / supply unit 30 through the vent 32b1. The blocking member 38 allows gas to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through; optionally, the blocking member 38 is glued to the supply unit cover 32b.

[0114] In some embodiments, in addition to adhesive bonding, the blocking member 38 can also be fixed to the supply unit cover 32b by means of snap-fitting or other methods. Preferably, the blocking member 38 is a sponge member.

[0115] In some embodiments, the supply unit cover 32b is further provided with a limiting plate 32b2, which is used to keep the blocking member 38 in contact with the air hole 32b1, preventing gaps from appearing between the blocking member 38 and the air hole 32b1, through which the developer would leak outwards; a second cavity 32b3 is also formed between the supply unit cover 32b and the limiting plate 32b2, the second cavity 32b3 is connected to the air hole 32b1 and the first receiving part 31a, the blocking member 38 is disposed in the second cavity 32b3, and the limiting plate 32b2 can also be used to restrict the movement of the blocking member 38 in the vertical direction, preventing the blocking member 38 from falling out of the second cavity 32b3.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first receiving portion 31a is further provided with a first cavity 31d, which is connected to the conveying portion 30a. The feeding component 35 passes through the second separator M in the left-right direction and enters the first cavity 31d. Under the combined action of the feeding component 35 and the conveying assembly 37, the developer can enter the conveying portion 30a more easily.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first cavity 31d has a right-facing opening 31c in the left-right direction, through which the feeding component 35 can be connected to the conveying assembly 37.

[0118] In this embodiment, by providing a delivery assembly 37 in the toner storage unit / supply unit 30, the developer can be efficiently and continuously delivered from the toner storage unit / supply unit 30 to the outside of the developer cartridge C.

[0119] Example 8

[0120] This embodiment only describes the differences from Embodiment Seven.

[0121] like Figure 20 and Figure 21AAs shown, in the front-rear direction, the conveying part 30a has a connecting channel 30a1 for conveying developer to the outside of the toner storage part / supply unit 30. The connecting channel 30a1 connects the toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b and the first receiving part 31a / first cavity 31d. In this embodiment, the conveying assembly 37 is configured with at least a portion of a mating member 36 located in the connecting channel 30a1. The mating member 36 is used to receive and transfer developer in the connecting channel 30a1. Optionally, the mating member 36 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0122] like Figure 21B and Figure 21C As shown, the mating part 36 includes a mating portion 36a, a mating part body 36b, and an output portion 36c connected in sequence. The mating portion 36a interacts with the feed member 35 to transfer developer from the feed member 35 to the mating portion 36a, and the mating part body 36b transfers developer from the mating portion 36a to the output portion 36c.

[0123] like Figure 21D As shown, the mating part 36 is configured as a turbine screw, and the output part 36c can be configured as a curved shape so that the mating part 36 can match the shape of the connecting channel 30a1.

[0124] In some embodiments, the mating part 36 is made of a deformable material. Preferably, the mating part 36 is made of rigid silicone, so that the mating part 36 can deform during movement, allowing the developer to be better transferred on the mating part 36.

[0125] The feed component 35 includes a feed component body 35a and a mating part 35b connected to each other. The feed component body 35a transfers developer to the mating part 35b by rotation. The mating part 35b drives the mating part 36a of the mating member 36, so that the developer is transferred to the mating member 36. The mating member 36 forces the developer to move toward the toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b. Finally, the developer is transferred toward the toner discharge channel / supply opening 30b through the mating member body 36b and the output part 36c.

[0126] Compared with Embodiment 7, firstly, the structure of the conveying component 37 in this embodiment is simpler. The conveying component 37 can directly interact with the feeding component 35. At the same time, at least a part of the conveying component 37 is located in the conveying section 30a. In this way, the conveying component 37 can directly convey the developer to the conveying section 30a, thereby improving the conveying efficiency of the developer. Secondly, the conveying component 37 can also be configured as a screw structure. The conveying component 37 and the feeding component 35 form a twin-screw structure. In this way, the conveying component 37 and the feeding component 35 occupy less space in the toner storage section / supply unit 30.

[0127] Example 9

[0128] like Figure 22A As shown, in this embodiment, the filling opening 33 of the toner storage unit / supply unit 30 is disposed above the receiving container 31. Optionally, the filling opening 33 is disposed on the supply unit cover 32b. Preferably, in the vertical direction, the filling opening 33 is located at the third end 303.

[0129] In addition, such as Figure 22B As shown, the waste toner storage / containment unit 40 is provided with a discharge port 41b and a second seal 41c. The discharge port 41b is used to discharge the waste developer in the waste toner storage / containment unit 40, and the second seal 41c is used to seal the discharge port 41b. Optionally, in the front-back direction, the discharge port 41b faces the rear.

[0130] The structure of the toner storage unit / supply unit 30 involved in this embodiment can be combined with any of the embodiments six to eight. This makes it convenient for users to add new developer to the toner storage unit / supply unit 30 and to clean up the waste developer in the waste toner storage unit / container unit 40, thereby improving the utilization rate of the developer cartridge C and reducing the user's operating costs.

[0131] [Beneficial Effects]

[0132] Compared with the prior art, the developer cartridge C provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0133] First, the waste developer storage / accommodating unit 40 of the developer cartridge C is provided with a display element 42a that can directly display the amount of waste developer in the accommodating cavity 40a. The structure of the developer cartridge C can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the developer cartridge C can also be reduced.

[0134] Second, a conveying assembly 37 is provided in the toner storage section / supply unit 30 of the developer cartridge C. Through the conveying assembly 37, the developer can be continuously conveyed from the toner storage section / supply unit 30 to the outside of the developer cartridge C, thereby improving the conveying efficiency of the developer.

[0135] Third, the toner storage / supply unit 30 of the developer cartridge C is provided with a filling opening 33 for filling the developer, and the waste toner storage / containment unit 40 is provided with a discharge outlet 41b for discharging waste developer, which makes it more convenient for users to replenish new developer to the developer cartridge C and to discharge waste developer.

[0136] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, some identical descriptions in the different embodiments described above have been omitted. Unless there are contradictions or exclusions, the different embodiments disclosed above can be referenced, consulted, or combined with each other, and the technical features / components of different embodiments can also be combined and / or substituted with each other.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described above through embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to exemplarily describe the possible implementations of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. That is, any substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present invention should also be covered by the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toner container, comprising a toner storage section having a toner discharge channel and a toner containing space, and a waste toner storage section having a waste toner inlet and a waste toner containing space; characterized in that: A powder feeding component is disposed within the toner receiving space; A rotating component acts on the powder feeding component to cause the powder feeding component to convey the toner in the toner receiving space toward the toner discharge channel, and The waste toner storage section is equipped with display panels to directly show the amount of waste developer stored inside the waste toner storage section.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder feeding component is configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the central axis of the rotating component.

3. The toner container according to claim 2, characterized in that: The powder feeding component is provided with a pushed part, and the rotating component is provided with a pushing part that intermittently pushes the pushed part; when the pushing part pushes the pushed part, the powder feeding component can move in a first direction; An elastic element is configured to act on the powder feeding component; when the pushing part separates from the pushed part, the powder feeding component can move in a second direction opposite to the first direction under the action of the elastic element.

4. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder feeding component includes a screw, which is configured to rotate with the rotating component and to oscillate relative to the central axis of the rotating component.

5. The toner container according to claim 4, characterized in that: The screw and the rotating component are connected by a universal joint coupling.

6. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display piece is made of transparent material.

7. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toner container is detachably mounted to an imaging device with a detection device capable of emitting detection light. The waste toner storage unit includes a traveling device for allowing the detection light to travel. The traveling device includes a first hole for allowing the detection light to enter the receiving unit and a second hole for allowing the detection light to exit the waste toner storage unit. The traveling device also includes a light path conversion component capable of changing the travel path of the detection light.

8. The toner container according to claim 7, characterized in that: The optical path conversion component includes a first functional element and a second functional element. The first functional element is used to receive the detection light entering from the first hole and change the travel path of the detection light so that the detection light can reach the second functional element. The second action is used to change the travel path of the detection light reaching the second action, so that the detection light can exit from the second hole.

9. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waste powder storage section has a waste powder holding bag and a protective cover covering the outside of the waste powder holding bag.

10. A processing box, characterized in that, include: The developing unit is equipped with a developing roller; The photosensitive unit is equipped with a photosensitive drum; The toner container as described in any one of claims 1-9; wherein the toner storage unit is used to supply toner to the developing unit, and the waste toner storage unit is used to collect waste toner from the photosensitive unit.

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