Developing box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developing box which comprises a box body used for storing a developing agent and provided with a first end and a second end which are oppositely arranged in a first direction, and a third end and a fourth end which are oppositely arranged in a second direction; the developing roller is positioned at the third end; the driving part is positioned at the first end; the left forced pushing piece is movably arranged on the box body and receives the forced pushing force to move in the second direction relative to the box body; the electrode assembly is used for receiving external voltage and is electrically connected with the first conductive part; the electrode assembly comprises an electric receiving piece, the electric receiving piece is located at the second end and comprises a receiving part and a left guided part, the receiving part makes contact with the first conductive part and is driven by the first conductive part to enable the electric receiving piece to slide relative to the box body, the left guided part makes contact with the second abutting part, and the second abutting part blocks the electric receiving piece from moving. According to the scheme, the movable electric receiving piece cannot transmit the acting force of an external part to the box body, so that the developing box is stably mounted on the drum assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of image forming apparatus technology, and in particular to a developing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] A developing cartridge is a detachable component widely used in image forming apparatuses, comprising a developing roller. Image forming apparatuses typically have four developing cartridges corresponding to four photosensitive drums. Each developing cartridge contains a different color of developer. The developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum and transfers toner to it, allowing the image forming apparatus to utilize various colors of toner for better imaging and meeting diverse printing needs. To prevent damage to the developing roller or photosensitive drum due to prolonged contact, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum when not in use. When the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum, the drum assembly applies a pushing force to the developing cartridge, ensuring a tight fit between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge is equipped with electrodes that receive external voltage to enable the developing cartridge to transfer developer to the photosensitive drum. In existing technology, when the electrodes contact an external component to receive external voltage, they are subjected to a force applied by that component, which is then transmitted to the cartridge body. This structure subjectes the developing cartridge to an additional force beyond its intended installation, which may cause the developing cartridge to misalign with the drum assembly, resulting in poor print quality from the image forming apparatus. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a developing cartridge is provided, detachably mounted on a drum assembly of an image forming apparatus, the drum assembly including a second abutment portion and a first conductive portion, the first conductive portion being movable relative to the drum assembly, the developing cartridge comprising:

[0004] A housing for storing developer, the housing having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction intersecting each other;

[0005] The developing roller, located at the third end, is rotatable about a developing axis extending in the first direction;

[0006] The drive unit, located at the first end, is capable of receiving external power to rotate about a drive axis extending in the first direction;

[0007] The left pusher is movably disposed in the housing and receives the pushing force to move relative to the housing in the second direction.

[0008] An electrode assembly for receiving external voltage and electrically connected to the first conductive part;

[0009] The electrode assembly includes an electrical receiver located at the second end. The electrical receiver includes a receiving portion and a left guided portion. The receiving portion contacts the first conductive portion and is driven by the first conductive portion to slide relative to the housing. The left guided portion contacts the second abutting portion, which blocks the movement of the electrical receiver.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second end is provided with a left bearing, the electrical receiver is movably supported by the left bearing, and the electrical receiver slides in the second direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the distance by which the electrical receiver moves relative to the housing in the second direction is within the range of 0.5 mm to 5.5 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the left bearing is provided with a limiting post extending in the first direction, the electrical receiver is provided with a limiting hole, the limiting post is inserted into the limiting hole, and the size of the limiting hole is larger than the size of the limiting post.

[0013] In some embodiments, the left bearing is made of a conductive material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the left pusher is located at the second end, the left pusher interacts with the elastic element, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum assembly, the left pusher contacts the drum assembly to receive the pushing force and moves in a second direction toward the developing roller, and the elastic element is compressed.

[0015] In some embodiments, the left pusher and the elastic member are movably mounted on the left bearing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the left pusher is disposed at the sixth end, and the left pusher interacts with the elastic member. In the first direction, the left pusher is closer to the second end than the first end. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum assembly, the left pusher contacts the drum assembly to receive the pusher force and moves in the second direction toward the developing roller, and the elastic member is compressed.

[0017] In some embodiments, a right-hand pusher is also included, wherein the distance between the right-hand pusher and the first end in the first direction is less than the distance between the right-hand pusher and the second end.

[0018] In some embodiments, the left pusher is located at the fourth end, extends in the first direction, interacts with an elastic member, the image forming apparatus includes a top cover, the left pusher contacts the top cover to receive a pushing force and moves in a second direction toward the developing roller, and the elastic member is compressed.

[0019] In some embodiments, the device further includes a separating element and a contacting portion, the separating element being located at the first end and the contacting portion being located at the second end, wherein when the separating element receives a separating force, it uses the contacting portion as a fulcrum to cause the box body to rotate against the pushing force.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The electrical receiver in the electrode assembly of this solution can slide relative to the cartridge. When the receiving part contacts the external component to receive voltage, the electrical receiver slides relative to the cartridge. The force applied by the external component will not be transmitted to the cartridge through the electrical receiver, and the developing cartridge will not cause any unexpected movement / shaking. This ensures that the developing cartridge is stably installed on the drum assembly, thereby ensuring the printing quality of the image forming apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a first-view perspective perspective view of the drum assembly in Embodiment 1;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a second-view perspective perspective view of the drum assembly in Embodiment 1;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partial three-dimensional view of the drum assembly from a third perspective in Embodiment 1;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first protective cover of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the second end of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the second end of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a front view of the developing cartridge drive assembly in Embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a front view of the fixing plate fixing the left bearing in Embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the moving part in Embodiment 1;

[0031] Figure 11This is a cross-sectional view of the second end of the developing cassette and drum assembly before they are assembled in Embodiment 1;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the second end of the developing cartridge and drum assembly in Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the second end of the developing cassette and drum assembly after they are assembled in Embodiment 1;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the left-hand pusher and drum assembly in Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the fourth end of the developing cartridge in a modified example of Embodiment 1;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion at the first end of the developing cartridge in Example 2;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a front view of the driving component in Embodiment 2;

[0038] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion at the second end in Example 2;

[0039] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the fit between the left bearing and the electrical receiver in Embodiment 2;

[0040] Figure 20 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the left bearing and electrical receiver in Embodiment 2;

[0041] Figure 21 This is an exploded view of the patch and the box in Example 2;

[0042] Figure 22 This is a first-view perspective perspective view of the developing box in Example 3;

[0043] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge explosion in Example 3;

[0044] Figure 24 This is a simplified perspective view of the developing cassette and drum assembly not fitting with the top cover in Embodiment 3;

[0045] Figure 25 This is a simplified perspective view of the developing cassette, drum assembly, and top cover in Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., 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; 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0051] For ease of description, this specification uses the left-right direction indicated in the attached drawings as the first direction, the front-back direction indicated in the attached drawings as the second direction, and the up-down direction indicated in the attached drawings as the third direction.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] like Figures 1-11 As shown, this embodiment provides a developing cartridge 1, which is detachably mounted on the drum assembly 2 of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is provided with a separation output component, and the drum assembly 2 is used to carry the developing cartridge 1.

[0054] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the drum assembly 2 includes a first sidewall 21, a second sidewall 22, and a photosensitive drum 23. The photosensitive drum 23 is rotatably supported by the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22. The photosensitive drum 23 receives developer provided by the developing cartridge 1 to form an electrostatic latent image. A first guide rail 211 is provided at the first sidewall 21, and a second guide rail 221 is provided at the second sidewall 22. Both the first guide rail 211 and the second guide rail 221 have arc-shaped openings to guide the developing cartridge 1 to be smoothly installed into the drum assembly 2. A first abutment portion 2211 and a second abutment portion 2212 are provided near the second guide rail 221. The second abutment portion 2212 is located at the end of the second guide rail 221 near the photosensitive drum 23 in a second direction. The drum assembly 2 also includes a first force-applying member 212 near the first sidewall 21 and a second force-applying member 222 near the second sidewall 22. The first force-applying member 212 and the second force-applying member 222 are symmetrically arranged in a first direction and are movable relative to the photosensitive drum 23. The drum assembly 2 is also provided with a separation rod 24 near the first side wall 21. The separation rod 24 can move relative to the drum assembly 2. Specifically, the separation rod 24 can receive the force applied by the separation force output member on the image forming apparatus, and thus, while displacing relative to the drum assembly 2, it applies a separation force to the developing cartridge 1, forcing the developing roller on the developing cartridge 1 to separate from the photosensitive drum 23.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the drum assembly 2 also includes a first conductive part 223 and a second conductive part 224. The first conductive part 223 is fixedly connected to the second force-applying member 222 and can move relative to the drum assembly 2 together with the second force-applying member 222. The first conductive part 223 can transmit voltage to the developing cartridge 1. The second conductive part 224 is disposed outside the second sidewall 22 of the drum assembly 2. The second conductive part 224 can introduce voltage (the voltage output by the image forming apparatus) into the drum assembly 2. Specifically, the second conductive part 224 is electrically connected to the first conductive part 223, and the second conductive part 224 can introduce voltage into the developing cartridge 1 through the first conductive part 223. In the second direction, the first conductive part 223 and the second force-applying member 222 are further away from the photosensitive drum 23 than the second abutment part 2212.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the drum assembly 2 also has a force-receiving component, specifically including a first force-receiving part 215 and a second force-receiving part 225. The first force-receiving part 215 and the second force-receiving part 225 are symmetrically arranged in the first direction, and the force-receiving component is arranged on the side of the drum assembly 2 opposite to the photosensitive drum 23 in the second direction.

[0057] like Figures 4-10 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, a separator, and an identification assembly.

[0058] The cartridge has a cavity for containing developer. The cartridge has a first end 11 and a second end 12 oppositely disposed in a first direction; a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 oppositely disposed in a second direction; and a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 oppositely disposed in a third direction. A transmission assembly is located at the first end 11 and receives power output from the image forming apparatus to drive the developing assembly in the developing cartridge 1. A first cover 111 is detachably fixed to the first end 11 by screws. The first cover 111 at least covers a portion of the transmission assembly and protects the transmission assembly.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the identification component is located at the first end 11. In this embodiment, the identification component is specifically a storage medium 113. The storage medium 113 is used to store information about the developing cartridge 1. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus, the information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, so that the developing cartridge 1 can be identified by the image forming apparatus. The storage medium 113 includes an electrical contact surface 1131 integrally formed therewith or separately electrically connected to it. The electrical contact surface 1131 can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus, specifically to an electrical contact pin on the image forming apparatus, thereby enabling the developing cartridge information in the storage medium 131 to be identified by the image forming apparatus.

[0060] The storage medium 113 is located at the fourth end 14 in the second direction. The electrical contact surface 1131 has a first horizontal line L1. The first horizontal line L1 is a horizontal line formed by connecting the points where the electrical contact surface 1131 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus. In the second direction, the first horizontal line L1 is located behind the fourth end 14. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first horizontal line L1 on the electrolytic contact surface 1131 coincides with the fourth end 14 of the housing. That is, in the second direction, the relationship between the first distance between the fourth end 14 and the third end 13 and the second distance between the electrical contact surface 1131 and the third end 13 is that the first distance is less than or equal to the second distance. When the first distance is less than the second distance, the first horizontal line L1 is located behind the fourth end 14; when the first distance is equal to the second distance, the first horizontal line L1 coincides with the fourth end 14.

[0061] like Figure 5As shown, the storage medium 113 is fixedly mounted on the first bracket 114, and a second bracket 115 is provided at the first end 11. The second bracket 115 is integrally formed with the first cover 111, and the first bracket 114 is snapped onto the second bracket 115 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. A reinforcing rib 116 is also provided between the second bracket 115 and the first cover 111. The reinforcing rib 116 is used to increase the strength of the second bracket 115 and prevent the second bracket 115 from deforming relative to the first cover 111. In other embodiments, small reinforcing ribs (not shown in the figure) are also provided between the reinforcing rib 116 and the first cover 111 to further strengthen the structure. The specific arrangement is limited according to the specific usage environment of the developing cartridge 1, and will not be further limited here.

[0062] In other embodiments, the first bracket 114 may be omitted, and the storage medium 113 may be directly fixed on the second bracket 115.

[0063] The developing assembly includes a developing roller 131 and a powder feeding roller, both of which are rotatably mounted within a receiving cavity between a first end 11 and a second end 12. The rotation axes (developing axis and powder feeding axis) of both the developing roller 131 and the powder feeding roller extend in a first direction. The powder feeding roller is disposed adjacent to the developing roller 131, and in a second direction, the developing roller 131 is closer to the third end 13 than the powder feeding roller. The developing roller 131 is used to contact the photosensitive drum 23 to transfer developer to the photosensitive drum 23. The developing assembly also includes a powder exit blade disposed adjacent to the developing roller 131, extending along the first direction, and used to contact the developing roller 131 to control the thickness of the developer layer on the developing roller 131.

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, a transmission assembly is disposed at the first end 11. The transmission assembly includes a drive unit 40, which receives external power. The drive unit 40 is rotatably supported by the housing. The rotation axis (drive axis) of the drive unit 40 extends in a first direction. The drive unit 40 includes a power receiving unit 401 and a drive gear 402, which can be integrally formed or combined. In the first direction, the drive gear 402 is closer to the first end 11 than the power receiving unit 401. In this embodiment, the power receiving unit 401 and the drive gear 402 are integrally formed. The power receiving unit 401 receives the power output from the image forming apparatus, thereby driving the drive gear 402 to rotate and transmitting driving force.

[0065] like Figure 8As shown, the transmission assembly also includes a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, a first idler gear 43, and a second idler gear 44. The developing gear 41 is fixedly installed at one end of the developing roller 131 located at the first end 11 and drives the developing roller 131 to rotate. The powder feeding gear 42 is fixedly installed at one end of the powder feeding roller located at the first end 11 and drives the powder feeding roller 132 to rotate. The second idler gear 44 meshes with both the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42. The first idler gear 43 meshes with both the second idler gear 44 and the drive gear 402. The first idler gear 43 transmits driving force to the second idler gear 44, and the second idler gear 44 transmits driving force to both the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42, thus driving both the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42.

[0066] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 also includes a guided assembly and a pushing assembly. The guided assembly allows the developing cartridge 1 to be smoothly installed onto the drum assembly 2. The guided assembly includes a right guided portion 1121 and a left guided portion 1241. The right guided portion 1121 is located at the first end 11, and the left guided portion 1241 is located at the second end 12. In this embodiment, the right guided portion 1121 is preferably integrally formed with the first cover 111. In other embodiments, it can also be separately provided from the first cover 111. The right guided portion 1121 is arc-shaped and is guided by the first guide rail 211 to facilitate the installation of the developing cartridge 1. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed onto the drum assembly 2, the pushing assembly is abutted by the force-applying component to allow the developing cartridge 1 to receive the pushing force applied by the drum assembly 2, so that the developing roller 131 is in close contact with the photosensitive drum 23. The pushing assembly includes a right pushing member 1122 located at the first end 11. The right pushing member 1122 is abutted by the first force-applying component 212 to receive the pushing force. The developing cartridge 1 also includes a separating member 1123, which is a protrusion protruding along a first direction. The separating member 1123 can receive the separating force applied by the separating rod 24 on the drum assembly 2. In this embodiment, the right guided part 1121, the right pushing member 1122, and the separating member 1123 can be integrally formed to reduce the number of parts, or they can be set separately. The specific setting method is limited according to the usage environment of the developing cartridge 1. A contact portion is provided at the second end 12. When the separating member 1123 receives the separating force and drives the box body to move, the contact portion abuts against the external component, causing the box body to rotate away from the photosensitive drum with the contact portion as the fulcrum.

[0067] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, a left bearing 121, a conductive element 122, a fixing plate 123, an electrical receiver 124, and a powder filling port 127 are provided at the second end 12. The left bearing 121 can be used to support the developing roller and the powder feeding roller at one end near the second end 12. The left bearing 121 has a sliding groove 1211, which is a through hole penetrating the left bearing 121 along the first direction. The conductive element 122 can be a conductive steel sheet, and the conductive element 122 has a contact portion 1221 (a part of the conductive steel sheet). The conductive element 122 is fixedly mounted on the left bearing 121. In the first direction, the contact portion 1221 is directly opposite to the sliding groove 1211 on the left bearing 121. The conductive element 122 is connected to the roller body of the powder feeding roller and the developing roller 131. The powder filling port 127 is used to fill the developing cartridge 1 with developer, and it has a cover for sealing to prevent the developer in the receiving cavity from leaking out.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the fixing plate 123 can fix the left bearing 121 and the conductive element 122 to the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the fixing plate 123 has a through hole 1231 and the second end 12 also has a screw hole 1251. The fixing screw 125 cooperates with the through hole 1231 and the screw hole 1251 to fix the fixing plate 123 to the developing cartridge 1. In the first direction, the left bearing 121 is located between the fixing plate 123 and the cartridge body, and the conductive element 122 is located between the left bearing 121 and the cartridge body.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown in Figure A, in the first direction, the left bearing 121 and the screw hole 1251 have no overlapping portion; the left bearing 121 completely avoids the screw hole 1251. Figure 9 As shown in B, in the first direction, the projection portion of the fixing plate 123 coincides with that of the left bearing 121, so that the fixing plate 123 can fix the left bearing 121 to the developing cartridge 1, that is, the left bearing 121 is not fixed to the cartridge body by any screws / clasps or other means.

[0070] like Figure 10As shown in A and 10B, the electrical receiver 124 is made of conductive material and has a sliding protrusion that can engage with the sliding groove 1211 on the left bearing 121. The electrical receiver 124 is fixed to the left bearing 121 by engaging with the sliding groove 1211 through the sliding protrusion, and can move relative to the left bearing 121 along the sliding groove 1211. The electrical receiver 124 is provided with a left guided portion 1241, which is used to engage with the second guide rail 221 when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2. It is also connected with the right guided portion. The guide portion 1121 guides the developing cartridge 1 to be smoothly installed in the drum assembly 2. The left guided portion 1241 is located at the front end of the electrical receiver 124 (near the third end 13) in the second direction. The electrical receiver 124 also has a receiving portion 1242, which cooperates with the second force-applying member 222 and the first conductive portion 223 when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2. The receiving portion 1242 is located at the rear end of the electrical receiver 124 (near the fourth end 14) in the second direction. That is, in this embodiment, the electrical receiver 124 acts as an electrode to receive external voltage and can move relative to the cartridge body. The electrical receiver 124 and the conductive member 122 form an electrode assembly.

[0071] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 also has a left pusher 126, which is located near the second end 12. A mounting portion 161 is located at the sixth end 16 of the cartridge body, also near the second end 12. The left pusher 126 is slidably mounted on the mounting portion 161. An elastic member 1261 is also provided between the left pusher 126 and the cartridge body. Specifically, the elastic member 1261 is located within the mounting portion 161, with one end abutting against the bottom of the mounting portion 161 and the other end abutting against the left pusher 126. When the developing cartridge is installed in the drum assembly 2, the left pusher 126 and the second end... The force-receiving part 225 contacts (the second force-receiving part 225 is an external component) and moves forward in the second direction (towards the developing roller) (it can move entirely in the second direction or have a displacement component moving in the second direction). The elastic member 1261 is compressed, thereby applying a forward pushing force in the second direction to the developing cartridge 1. This force, together with the pushing force applied by the first force-applying member 212 to the right pushing member 1122, causes the developing roller 131 to adhere to the photosensitive drum 23, completing the developing operation. That is, the left pushing member 126 and the elastic member 1261 constitute part of the pushing assembly. The second force-applying member 222 on the drum assembly 2 does not apply a pushing force to the developing cartridge 1. In one embodiment, the elastic member 1261 may not be provided. The left pushing member 126 itself is elastic. When the left pushing member 126 contacts the second force-receiving part 225, it undergoes elastic deformation and transmits the elastic force (pushing force) to the cartridge body.

[0072] like Figures 11-14As shown, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the second guided portion 1241 at the end of the first electrical receiver 124 enters the second guide rail 221. The left guided portion 1241 guides the developing cartridge 1 to be installed in the drum assembly 2 along the second guide rail 221. At this time, the receiving portion 1242 at the other end of the electrical receiver 124 in the second direction contacts the second force-applying member 222 on the drum assembly 2. As the developing cartridge 1 continues to be installed in the drum assembly 2, the second force-applying member 222 generates a force on the electrical receiver 124 in the second direction, causing the electrical receiver 124 to move along the sliding groove 1211 relative to the left bearing. 121 moves (moves towards the developing roller) until the left guided part 1241 abuts against the second abutting part 2212 on the second guide rail 221, so that the force generated by the second force-applying member 222 no longer causes the electrical receiver 124 to move. Since the electrical receiver 124 can slide relative to the left bearing 121 along the sliding groove 1211, before the electrical receiver 124 abuts against the second abutting part 2212, the electrical receiver 124 can move a certain distance relative to the left bearing 121, that is, the force applied by the second force-applying member 222 to the electrical receiver 124 is not applied to the developing cartridge 1. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in place, the right pusher 1122 receives the pushing force along the second direction applied by the first force-applying member 212 on the drum assembly 2, and the left pusher 126 provided at the second end 12 abuts against the second force-receiving part 225 on the drum assembly 2, applying the pushing force along the second direction to the developing cartridge 1. The pushing forces on both sides make the developing roller 131 on the developing cartridge 1 and the photosensitive drum 23 on the drum assembly 2 come into close contact, completing the developing work.

[0073] The electrical receiver 124 passes through the sliding groove 1211 on the left bearing 121 via a sliding protrusion and contacts the contact portion 1221 on the conductive member 122. The receiver 1242 contacts the second force-applying member 222 and also contacts the first conductive part 223. It is connected to the power electrode through the second conductive part 224. The electrical receiver 124 and the conductive member 122 then electrify the powder feeding roller and the developing roller body, thereby ionizing the developer and enabling the developing cartridge 1 to complete the developing operation.

[0074] In the first direction, the left pusher 126 is located between the right pusher 1122 and at least part of the electrode (electric receiver 124). In the first direction, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2, the left pusher 126 is located between the first force-applying member 212 and the second force-applying member 222, and is closer to the second force-applying member 222 than the first force-applying member 212.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the developing roller shaft of the developing roller 131 is an insulated shaft and is not electrically connected to the conductive component 122. That is, only the developing roller body of the developing roller 131 is electrically connected to the conductive component 122.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first distance between the fourth end 14 and the third end 13 is less than or equal to the second distance between the electrical contact surface 1131 and the third end 13. The two ends of the developing cartridge 1 are lengthened to increase the capacity of the receiving cavity of the developing cartridge 1. Moreover, this type of developing cartridge does not need to be equipped with a stirring rack. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2 and starts working, gravity can cause the developer to fall freely onto the powder feeding roller, so that the developing cartridge 1 completes the developing work.

[0077] like Figure 15 As shown, this is a variation of Embodiment 1. In this variation, a second mounting hole 162 is provided near the first end 11 and near the fourth end 14 at the sixth end 16. The right pusher 117 is slidably mounted in the second mounting hole 162. The right pusher 117 can slide relative to the cartridge body. In the first direction, the distance between the right pusher 117 and the first end 11 is less than the distance between the right pusher 117 and the second end 12. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the right pusher 117 contacts the first force-receiving part 215 and moves forward in the second direction. The right elastic member 1171 is compressed, applying a pushing force in the second direction to the developing cartridge 1. The right pusher 117 and the left pusher 126 are symmetrically arranged and contact the first force-receiving part 215 and the second force-receiving part 225 on the drum assembly 2, respectively, to apply a pushing force along the second direction to the developing cartridge 1, so that the developing roller 131 contacts the photosensitive drum 23. In this modified example, neither the first force-applying part 212 nor the second force-applying part 222 applies a pushing force to the developing cartridge 1. In this modified example, the right pusher 2122 may not be provided at the first end 11.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left force pusher 126 and the right force pusher 117 are symmetrically arranged in the first direction, and in the first direction, after the developing cartridge is installed on the drum assembly 2, the left force pusher 126 and the right force pusher 117 are both located between the first force applying member 212 and the second force applying member 222. In other embodiments, the left force pusher 126 and the right force pusher 117 may be asymmetrically arranged.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] like Figures 16-20 As shown, this embodiment provides a developing cartridge 1, which differs from the first embodiment in that the gear arrangement is different and the position of the left pusher 126 is different.

[0081] like Figure 16 As shown, a first cover 111 is disposed at a first end 11. The first cover 111 has a notch at a third-direction upward position near the fifth end 15, through which at least a portion of the gears of the transmission assembly can be exposed. The developing roller 131 includes a developing roller shaft 1312 and a developing roller body 1311 that can rotate together with the developing roller shaft 1312.

[0082] like Figure 17 As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission assembly includes a first idler wheel 43 and a powder feeding gear 42 that mesh with the drive gear 402. The first idler wheel 43 meshes with the developing gear 41 through a second idler wheel 44. When the first cover 111 is installed on the first end 11, the second idler wheel 44 and the developing gear 41 can be exposed through the notch.

[0083] like Figures 18-20 As shown, the second end 12 is provided with a left bearing 121, a fixing plate 123, and an electrical receiver 124. The electrical receiver 124 has a limiting hole 1243, and the left bearing 121 has a limiting post 1213. The electrical receiver 124 cooperates with the limiting hole 1243 and the limiting post 1213 (the limiting post 1213 is inserted into the limiting hole 1243), so that the electrical receiver 124 is placed on the left bearing 121, and the electrical receiver 124 can move back and forth relative to the left bearing 121 in the second direction. In this embodiment, both the electrical receiver 124 and the left bearing 121 are made of conductive material (i.e., both serve as electrode components). The fixing plate 123 is used to fix the left bearing 121 to the second end 12. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the electrical receiver 124 can contact the second force-applying member 222 and abut against the second abutting part 2212. At the same time, it can also receive the electrical energy transmitted by the first conductive part 223. That is, the second force-applying member 222 only outputs electrical energy to the developing cartridge 1 through the electrical receiver 124 and does not apply a pushing force to the developing cartridge. The specific process is exactly the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0084] In this embodiment, the size of the limiting hole 1243 is larger than the size of the limiting post 124. The length of the limiting hole 1243 on the electrical receiver 124 in the second direction is about 4.5mm. The distance that the electrical receiver 124 moves relative to the left bearing 121 in the second direction through the limiting hole 1243 is 2mm. That is, in this embodiment, the width of the limiting post 124 in the second direction is 2mm.

[0085] In other embodiments, the length of the limiting hole 1243 in the second direction can be greater than 4.5 mm or less than 4.5 mm, and the width of the limiting post 1213 can also be greater than 2 mm or less than 2 mm. The specific dimensions are determined according to the specific usage environment and manufacturing precision of the developing cartridge 1, as long as they can ensure that the distance of the electrical receiver 124 relative to the left bearing 121 in the second direction is within the range of 0.5 mm to 5.5 mm.

[0086] like Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, in this embodiment, the left pusher 126 is slidably disposed on the left bearing 121. The left bearing 121 also has a mounting portion 1212. In the second direction, the mounting portion 1212 is located on the side of the left bearing 121 near the fourth end 14. The mounting portion 1212 accommodates the left pusher 126 and the elastic member 1261. The mounting portion 1212 is provided with a sliding hole, and the left pusher 126 is provided with a pawl. The pawl is inserted into the sliding hole and slides relative to the sliding hole. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the left pusher 126 cooperates with the second force-receiving portion 225 on the drum assembly 2 to provide a pushing force to the developing cartridge 1. The specific process is the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be described in detail here. The left bearing 121 is also provided with a contact portion 129, which is located near the left pusher 126. The contact portion 129 is an arc-shaped protrusion. When the separator 1123 receives the separation force, the separator 1123 drives the housing to rotate around the contact portion 129 as the fulcrum. The contact portion 129 contacts the external component, preferably the drum assembly 2.

[0087] like Figure 18 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 also includes a conductive spring 128 (conductive component). One end of the conductive spring 128 abuts against the developing roller body 1311, and the other end abuts against the left bearing 121. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the electrical receiver 124 is electrically connected to the first conductive part 223 and supplies power to the developing roller body 1311 through the left bearing 121 and the conductive spring 128. The developing roller shaft 1312 is not electrically connected to the developing roller body 1311.

[0088] like Figure 21 As shown, the sixth end 16 also has a rib 164 for reinforcing the powder outlet where the developing roller 131 is located. There is a stepped portion 165 between the rib 164 and the surface of the sixth end 16. The stepped portion 165 forms a groove in the first direction and the second direction. The developing cartridge 1 also includes a patch 163. In this embodiment, the patch 163 extends along the first direction and its shape and size are the same as the shape and size of the groove. The patch 163 can be fixed to the groove (fitted with the rib 164) by means of gluing / welding, etc., so that the rib 164 is hidden between the patch 163 and the cartridge body.

[0089] In this embodiment, the height of the step portion 165 in the third direction is 0.5mm, and the thickness of the patch 163 is the same as that of the step portion 162, which is also 0.5mm, so that the patch 163 can be tightly attached to the step portion 165 and the bramble 164 during adhesive bonding / welding.

[0090] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the thickness of patch 163 can be greater than or less than the height of step portion 165, that is, the thickness of patch 163 can be in the range of 0.2mm to 1mm.

[0091] In this embodiment, patch 163 is made of opaque, hard plastic that is not easily deformed, making it easier to glue / weld onto rib 164.

[0092] Example 3

[0093] This embodiment provides another developing cartridge. The main differences from Embodiment 1 are: the setting of the electrical receiver 124 is different, and the structure of the push assembly is different.

[0094] like Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, in this embodiment, the electrical receiver 124 is fixedly disposed at the second end 12, that is, the left guided part 1241 is also fixedly disposed at the second end 12. Specifically, the electrical receiver 124 can be fixedly disposed on the left bearing 121. The electrical receiver 124 is made of conductive material. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the electrical receiver 124 can also be electrically connected to the drum assembly 2 (in contact with the first conductive part 223). That is, the drum assembly 2 supplies power to the developing roller 131 of the developing cartridge 1 through the electrical receiver 124, or supplies power to the developing roller 131 and the powder feeding roller on the developing cartridge 1.

[0095] In other embodiments, the electrical receiver 124 is made of a non-conductive material, and an electrode (not shown in the figure) is separately provided at the second end 12 of the developing cartridge 1. The electrode is only electrically connected to the drum assembly 2 to supply power to the developing roller or the developing roller and the powder feeding roller. The left guided part 1241 on the electrical receiver 124 only plays a guiding role when the developing cartridge 1 is installed with the drum assembly 2, and the specific details are not limited here.

[0096] like Figure 23 As shown, the second end 12 also has an abutment portion 129, which is disposed near the electrical receiver 124. The abutment portion 129 is a columnar portion extending outward from the second end 12 along a first direction, which is used to abut against the second abutment portion 2212 when the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are separated.

[0097] When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, and the developing roller 131 does not need to contact the photosensitive drum 23, it is necessary to separate the developing roller 131 from the photosensitive drum 23. At the first end 11, the separation rod 24 on the drum assembly 2 applies a separation force to the separation member 1123, and the developing roller 131 moves away from the photosensitive drum 23. At the same time, the abutting part 129 abuts against the second abutting part 2212 on the drum assembly 2, and the first end 11 rotates around the contact position between the abutting part 129 and the second abutting part 2212 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 23 (that is, the separation member 1123 receives the separation force and drives the cartridge body to rotate around the abutting part 129 as a fulcrum). In this embodiment, the abutting part 129 and the developing roller 131 at least partially overlap in the first direction.

[0098] like Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the push assembly is located at the fourth end 14, including a push member 31 and an elastic member 32. The push member 31 is a plate-shaped member extending in the length direction of a first direction. Multiple sleeves 311 and third claws 312 are provided on the push member 31. The sleeves 311 extend towards the developing roller 131 in the second direction, and the third claws 312 are located at the ends of the push member 31 in the first direction. In this embodiment, two priority sleeves 311 are provided and symmetrically arranged in the first direction, and two third claws 312 are also provided and symmetrically arranged at both ends of the push member 31 in the first direction. That is, only one push member is provided in this embodiment, which can be considered as the left push member.

[0099] like Figure 23 As shown, a fixing ear 141 and a fixing post 142 are provided on the fourth end 14. There are two fixing ears 141, which are symmetrically arranged on the fourth end 14 of the box body along the first direction. The fixing post 142 is provided on the fourth end of the box body 14, and is also symmetrically arranged along the first direction. The number of fixing ears 141 and fixing posts 142 is the same as the number of sleeves 311 and third claws 312.

[0100] like Figure 23 As shown, the pusher 31 is installed at the fourth end 14. Specifically, the pusher 31 is installed between the two fixed ears 141, that is, both ends of the pusher 31 abut against the fixed ears 141, which serves to limit the pusher 31 in the first direction. The fixed ears 141 are also provided with slides 1411, which can cooperate with the third claw 312. The pusher 31 can move back and forth along the slides 1411 in the second direction (it can be a displacement entirely in the second direction, or a component of movement in the second direction). The slides 1411 limit the pusher 31 in the second direction through the third claw 312 to prevent the pusher 31 from falling off the box.

[0101] like Figure 22As shown, in this embodiment, the straight line where the end of the electrical contact surface 1131 is close to the third end 13 in the second direction is defined as the first horizontal line L1. In the second direction, the first horizontal line L1 is located in front of the horizontal line formed by the point where the electrical contact surface 1131 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus, that is, the point where the image forming apparatus contacts the electrical contact surface 1131 is located behind the first horizontal line L1. In this embodiment, the horizontal line where the fourth end 14 is located coincides with the first horizontal line L1, or the first horizontal line L1 is slightly behind the horizontal line where the fourth end 14 of the cartridge is located. Therefore, in this embodiment, the horizontal line of the fourth end 14 of the cartridge is not shown. The first horizontal line L1 can be regarded as the horizontal line where the fourth end 14 is located. When the developing cartridge 1 is not installed in the image forming apparatus, the horizontal line where the end of the pusher 312 is far away from the third end 13 in the second direction is defined as the second horizontal line L2. The rotation axis of the drive unit 40 is defined as the third horizontal line L3. The horizontal line where the end of the fixing ear 141 is far away from the third end 13 in the second direction is defined as the fourth horizontal line L4. In this embodiment, the horizontal line where the end of the first cover 111 is far away from the third end 13 in the second direction is also defined as the fourth horizontal line. That is, the horizontal line where the end of the first cover 111 or the fixing ear 141 that is far away from the third end 13 in the second direction is further away from the third end 13 is the fourth horizontal line L4.

[0102] In the second direction, there is a certain distance between the second horizontal line L2 and the fourth horizontal line L4, and the fourth horizontal line L4 is located between the second horizontal line L2 and the first horizontal line L1. That is, the electrical contact surface 1131 is located between the push member 31 and the fourth end 14 in the second direction. In the second direction, the distance between the second horizontal line L2 and the first horizontal line L1 is less than the distance between the first horizontal line L1 and the third horizontal line L3. That is, the distance between the push member 31 and the fourth end 14 is less than the distance between the fourth end 14 and the driving part 40.

[0103] like Figure 23 As shown, one end of the elastic element 32 is sleeved on the fixed post 142, and the other end is sleeved in the sleeve 311. When the pushing member 31 receives external force and moves forward in the second direction, the elastic element 32 is compressed and deformed. When there is no external force on the pushing member 31, the elastic element 32 deforms and pushes the pushing member 31 to move backward in the second direction.

[0104] like Figure 24 and Figure 25As shown, the specific process of receiving the thrust after the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus is as follows: The image forming apparatus also includes a mounting cavity 90 and a top cover 91 (external component). When the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed together in the mounting cavity 90, the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the mounting cavity 90 along the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus, that is, the second direction of the developing cartridge and the drum assembly coincides with the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus, that is, the developing cartridge and the drum assembly are vertically inserted into the image forming apparatus (e.g., Figure 24 , Figure 25 (The direction shown is the installation direction of the developing cartridge). After the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming apparatus, the top cover 91 of the image forming apparatus is closed. When closed, a force is applied to the pusher 31 in the second direction, causing the pusher 31 to move forward in the second direction. The elastic member 32 is compressed. The compressed elastic member 32 applies a pushing force to the developing cartridge 1 in the second direction (i.e. towards the photosensitive drum 23), so that the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23 are tightly attached to each other, and the developing work is completed.

[0105] When the developing cartridge 1 has finished working and needs to be removed from the image forming apparatus, the top cover 90 of the image forming apparatus is opened. The image forming apparatus does not apply any force to the pusher 31. The elastic member 32 returns to its original shape and applies a force in the second direction backward to the pusher 31, causing the pusher 31 to reset.

[0106] like Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus and the top cover 91 is not closed, the second horizontal line L2 is further away from the third end 13 than the fourth horizontal line L4, that is, there is a certain distance between the second horizontal line L2 and the fourth horizontal line L4. When the top cover 91 is closed, the pushing member 31 moves forward, the elastic member 32 is compressed, and a pushing force is applied to the developing cartridge 1. At this time, the second horizontal line L2 coincides with the fourth horizontal line L4, or in other embodiments, the second horizontal line L2 does not coincide with the fourth horizontal line L4, but the distance between the second horizontal line L2 and the fourth horizontal line L4 is reduced.

[0107] In this embodiment, by providing a pusher 31 at the fourth end 12 of the developing cartridge, the top cover 91 of the image forming apparatus applies a forward pushing force along the second direction to the pusher 31, thereby making the developing roller fit against the photosensitive drum. There is no need to provide pushers at the left and right ends of the developing cartridge, thus reducing the volume of the developing cartridge 1 in the axial direction (first direction).

[0108] In further embodiments, the pusher 31 is rotatably connected to the cartridge body, meaning that the pusher 31 has displacement (movement component) relative to the cartridge body not only in the second direction but also in other directions. The pusher 31 configured in this way can receive the force applied by the top cover 91 in any direction. Furthermore, due to the deviation in the installation direction of the developing cartridge 1, the pusher 31 can also change the direction of the applied pushing force, as long as the applied force has a forward component in the second direction (i.e., the pusher has a movement component in the second direction). The pusher 31 configured in this way can effectively prevent it from getting stuck during translation due to the deviation in the installation of the developing cartridge when the top cover 92 is closed, thus preventing the effective application of pushing force to the developing cartridge 1. The specific configuration method is not limited here.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pusher 31 is mounted on the box body by a snap-fit ​​translational method, allowing it to translate along the track / fixed post in the second direction. In other embodiments, the box body and the pusher 31 may not be fixed by a snap-fit ​​translational method, but by a snap-fit ​​rotational method. That is, the pusher 31 is fixed on the box body by a rotatable ball / hinge or other means, so that the pusher 31 can not only translate along the second direction relative to the box body, but also move along other directions. The specific snap-fit ​​method is not limited here.

[0110] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge detachably mounted on a drum assembly of an image forming apparatus, the drum assembly including a second abutment portion and a first conductive portion, the first conductive portion being movable relative to the drum assembly, the developing cartridge comprising: A housing for storing developer, the housing having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction intersecting each other; The developing roller, located at the third end, is rotatable about a developing axis extending in the first direction; The drive unit, located at the first end, is capable of receiving external power to rotate about a drive axis extending in the first direction; The left pusher is movably disposed in the housing and receives the pushing force to move relative to the housing in the second direction. An electrode assembly for receiving external voltage and electrically connected to the first conductive part; Its characteristic is that it further includes: The electrode assembly includes an electrical receiver located at the second end. The electrical receiver includes a receiving portion and a left guided portion. The receiving portion contacts the first conductive portion and is driven by the first conductive portion to move the electrical receiver relative to the housing. The left guided portion contacts the second abutting portion, which blocks the movement of the electrical receiver.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end is provided with a left bearing, and the electrical receiver is movably supported by the left bearing, and the electrical receiver slides in the second direction.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance by which the electrical receiver moves relative to the housing in the second direction is within the range of 0.5 mm to 5.5 mm.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The left bearing is provided with a limiting post extending in the first direction, and the electrical receiver is provided with a limiting hole. The limiting post is inserted into the limiting hole, and the size of the limiting hole is larger than the size of the limiting post.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The left bearing is made of a conductive material.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The left pusher is located at the second end. The left pusher interacts with the elastic element. When the developing cartridge is installed on the drum assembly, the left pusher contacts the drum assembly to receive the pushing force and moves in the second direction toward the developing roller, and the elastic element is compressed.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The left pusher and the elastic element are movably mounted on the left bearing.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left pusher is disposed at the sixth end. The left pusher interacts with the elastic member. In the first direction, the left pusher is closer to the second end than the first end. When the developing cartridge is installed on the drum assembly, the left pusher contacts the drum assembly to receive the pushing force and moves in the second direction toward the developing roller. The elastic member is compressed.

9. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a right-hand pusher, wherein in the first direction, the distance between the right-hand pusher and the first end is less than the distance between the right-hand pusher and the second end.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left pusher is located at the fourth end and extends in the first direction. The left pusher interacts with the elastic member. The image forming apparatus includes a top cover. The left pusher contacts the top cover to receive the push force and moves in the second direction toward the developing roller. The elastic member is compressed.

11. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a separating component and a contacting portion, the separating component being located at the first end and the contacting portion being located at the second end, the separating component being located at the second end, and the separating component being located at the contacting portion as a fulcrum when receiving the separating force, causing the box body to rotate against the pushing force.

Images