A toner container
By designing an inclined toner discharge channel and a movable discharge component in the toner container, the leakage problem of the toner container was solved, the applicability and production efficiency were enhanced, and the cost was reduced.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHUHAI DINGHUI TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images
Figure CN224328329U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laser printing, specifically to a toner container. Background Technology
[0002] Previously, as image forming apparatuses, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser (beam) printers were known. Furthermore, a toner container capable of being attached to (replaced) relative to the image forming apparatus and housing toner supplied to a developing mechanism such as a developing roller is known; the toner supply to this toner container is achieved through the interaction between its discharge port and receiving port located on both sides.
[0003] For example, patent document JP2024002977A discloses a toner container C and a developer cartridge B. The toner container C can be connected to the toner inlet on the developer cartridge B in the first axial direction through a toner outlet 34a provided at its end, thereby conveying toner to the developer cartridge B for developing operations.
[0004] With technological advancements and changing market demands, existing technologies need to be further developed. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a toner container, a developing unit, and a processing box.
[0006] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, the first aspect of this utility model provides a toner container that is detachably mounted on a developing unit. The developing unit is provided with a toner receiving section, the inlet of which is located in a first direction that coincides with or is parallel to the length direction of the toner container. The toner container includes a toner storage section, which is provided with a toner discharge channel that communicates with the inlet of the toner receiving section. The toner discharge direction of the toner discharge channel is inclined relative to the first direction.
[0007] In the above technical solution, the toner discharge direction of the toner discharge channel is set at an angle compared to the first direction. On the one hand, this can increase the applicability of the product to provide more diverse structures, and on the other hand, it can facilitate production and manufacturing, which helps to save costs.
[0008] In some embodiments, the angle between the toner discharge direction of the toner discharge channel and the first direction is less than 45°.
[0009] In some embodiments, the toner discharge channel includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel extending along a third direction orthogonal to a first direction, and the second channel being arranged in a direction intersecting the first channel and extending toward the inlet of the toner receiving section.
[0010] In some embodiments, a seal is provided at the outlet of the toner discharge channel to maintain the airtight connection between the outlet of the toner discharge channel and the inlet of the toner receiving section.
[0011] In the above technical solution, leakage of toner during transportation can be prevented by using sealing components.
[0012] In some embodiments, the toner container is provided with a channel portion protruding outward toward the developing unit, the channel portion being used to provide the toner discharge channel; wherein, the channel portion has an outer side wall extending upward away from the toner storage portion on a third direction orthogonal to a first direction, the extending direction of the outer side wall being the same as or different from the toner discharge direction of the toner discharge channel.
[0013] In some embodiments, the toner storage unit is provided with a toner outlet and a conductive component assembled at the toner outlet, and a toner discharge channel is disposed within the conductive component. The toner outlet is connected to the inlet of the toner receiving unit through the toner discharge channel.
[0014] In the above technical solutions, the split conductive components are more conducive to adapting to different types of toner containers, which can effectively improve the practicality of the product; at the same time, it can also increase the applicability of the product to provide more diverse structures, facilitate manufacturing, and help save costs.
[0015] In some embodiments, the outlet of the toner discharge channel is provided with a discharge member that can be switched in position. The discharge member has at least a first position located in the toner discharge channel and a second position extending into the toner receiving part. The discharge member is provided with a discharge port, and the toner discharge channel is connected to the toner receiving part through the discharge port.
[0016] In the above technical solution, toner is discharged through a discharge component. Only after the toner container is fully installed can the discharge component switch to the second position so that the discharge outlet is connected to the toner receiving part and toner is fed. This setting not only increases the diversity of discharge outlets, but also effectively prevents toner leakage, especially to prevent leakage of the toner container during transportation.
[0017] In some embodiments, the discharge member can be moved within the toner discharge channel to switch between a first position and a second position.
[0018] In some embodiments, a first elastic element is provided in the toner discharge channel, and the discharge member can squeeze the first elastic element when it is in the first position, thereby making the discharge member always tend to switch to the second position.
[0019] In some embodiments, a movable first baffle is provided at the outlet of the toner discharge channel. The first baffle has a third position for blocking the outlet of the toner discharge channel and a fourth position for avoiding the outlet of the toner discharge channel.
[0020] 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
[0021] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view of the toner container in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a second perspective view of the toner container in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the toner container installed in the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view;
[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Horizontal sectional view;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the toner container in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Horizontal sectional view;
[0028] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the toner container installed in the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded view;
[0030] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the passageway section;
[0031] Figure 11 This is a horizontal sectional view of the toner container installed in the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the toner container installed in the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Exploded view;
[0034] Figure 14It is a 3D view of the toner container;
[0035] Figure 15 This is the installation diagram for the second baffle;
[0036] Figure 16 This is a horizontal sectional view of the toner container installed in the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;
[0037] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the first mating state of the discharge component and the first baffle.
[0038] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the second mating state of the discharge component, the first baffle, and the second baffle.
[0039] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A three-dimensional image. Detailed Implementation
[0040] 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.
[0041] Example 1
[0042] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the toner container 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a toner storage section 110 and a toner feeding component 131. The toner storage section 110 is provided with a toner discharge channel 111, and the toner feeding component 131 is disposed in the toner storage section 110 for conveying the toner in the toner storage section 110 toward the toner discharge channel 111. For example, the toner feeding component 131 is a toner feeding screw, which can rotate under the drive of a rotating component and convey toner.
[0043] In use, the toner container 100 can be installed on the developing unit 200 and the photosensitive unit of the processing cartridge, and the toner in the toner storage section 110 can be replenished to the developing unit 200 through the toner discharge channel 111; such as Figure 3 As shown, the developing unit 200 is provided with a toner receiving section 210. The inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210 is located on a first direction X1 that coincides with or is parallel to the length direction of the toner container 100. When the toner container 100 is installed on the developing unit 200 and the photosensitive unit of the processing cartridge, the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111 is aligned with and connected to the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210, thereby allowing the toner in the toner discharge channel 111 to be replenished into the developing unit 200 through the toner receiving section 210.
[0044] The toner container 100 has a channel portion 111a protruding outward toward the developing unit 200. The channel portion 111a provides a toner discharge channel 111; in other words, the discharge channel 111 is formed inside the channel portion 111a. Figure 4-5 As shown, the toner discharge channel 111 includes a first channel 1111 and a second channel 1112. Specifically, the first channel 1111 extends along a third direction Y1 orthogonal to the first direction X1, and the second channel 1112 is specifically arranged in a direction intersecting the first channel 1111 and extends toward the inlet 211 of the toner receiving unit 210. Specifically, the inlet of the first channel 1111 is connected to the toner storage unit 110, and under the drive of the toner feeding component 131, the toner is transported to the toner receiving unit 210 through the inlet of the first channel 1111 and the second channel 1112 in sequence.
[0045] In this embodiment, the toner discharge direction P1 of the second channel 1112 is specifically inclined relative to the first direction X1, that is, the toner in the second channel 1112 is not transported along the first direction X1; wherein, the toner discharge direction P1 in the second channel 1112 can be constant or variable, for example, the toner discharge path in the second channel 1112 can be a straight line, a broken line, a curve and other forms.
[0046] Please continue reading. Figure 5 In Example 1, the toner discharge direction P1 of the second channel 1112 can be constant. The angle between the discharge direction P1 and the first direction X1 is preferably less than 45°, for example, 10°, 20°, 30°, etc. Preferably, on the third direction Y1, the inlet of the second channel 1112 is closer to the toner storage section 110 than the outlet of the second channel 1112, which facilitates rapid toner transport.
[0047] The channel portion 111a has an outer wall 112 that is away from the toner storage portion 110 in the third direction Y1. The extending direction of the outer wall 112 is preferably the same as the toner discharge direction P1 of the second channel 1112, so that the toner discharge direction P1 of the second channel 1112 can be observed more intuitively.
[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sealing element 113 is preferably provided at the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111. The sealing element 113 can be a rubber sealing ring, a sealing gasket, etc., to maintain the sealing between the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111 and the inlet 211 of the toner receiving part 210, and to prevent toner leakage. The sealing element 113 is, for example, directly attached to the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111 by adhesive bonding.
[0049] For example, the toner storage unit 110 in Embodiment 1 may also include a stirring component 151. The stirring component 151 includes a rotating shaft 151a and stirring blades 151b. The rotating shaft 151a is rotatably supported on the first and second end sidewalls of the toner container 100 along its length. The two ends of the rotating shaft 151a are respectively provided with a driving force input unit and a transmission component. The driving force input unit is used to receive rotational driving force. The transmission component can directly cooperate with the rotating component to transmit the rotational driving force (e.g., directly forming a gear / friction wheel cooperation structure), or it can indirectly cooperate with the rotating component to transmit the rotational driving force, for example, through an intermediate gear / friction wheel, belt drive mechanism, chain drive mechanism, etc. The driving force input unit can be a gear, but is not limited thereto.
[0050] Example 2
[0051] In Example 2, the extending direction of the outer wall 112 of the channel portion 111a may also be different from the toner discharge direction P2 of the second channel 1112; for example... Figure 6-7 As shown, the extension direction of the outer wall 112 is parallel to the first direction X1, so the toner discharge direction of the second channel 1112 cannot be directly observed from the outside.
[0052] Example 3
[0053] In embodiment 3, a channel portion 111a is provided by an independent conductive component 111b, which is mounted on the toner container 100; wherein, the toner discharge channel 111 is disposed within the conductive component 111b; as shown Figure 8-9 As shown, the outer wall of the toner container 100 is provided with a toner outlet 101 that communicates with the toner storage section 110. The inlet of the toner discharge channel 111 is aligned with and communicates with the toner outlet 101, and the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111 is aligned with and communicates with the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210. The toner in the toner storage section 110 is discharged through the toner outlet 101 under the drive of the toner feeding component 131, and is replenished into the developing unit 200 through the toner discharge channel 111 and the toner receiving section 210.
[0054] Specifically, the toner outlet 101 is preferably located on the outer wall of the toner container 100 near the developing unit 200; wherein, the toner discharge direction P3 of the toner outlet 101 is preferably coincident with or parallel to the third direction Y1; in other embodiments, the toner outlet 101 may also be located at other locations, which will not be elaborated here.
[0055] like Figure 9-10As shown, the conductive component 111b is provided with a pin 114, and the toner container 100 is provided with a slot 102 on the outer wall corresponding to the conductive component 111b. The conductive component 111b is installed onto the toner container 100 through the insertion and engagement between the pin 114 and the slot 102. In other embodiments, the conductive component 111b can also be installed onto the toner container 100 by means of bonding, magnetic attraction, bolts, etc., which will not be elaborated here.
[0056] The toner discharge channel 111 in Example 3 can be the same as in Example 1, or it can be in other forms besides Example 1; for example, such as Figure 11 As shown, in Embodiment 3, the first channel 1111 extends along a third direction Y1 orthogonal to the first direction X1, and the second channel 1112 extends along the first direction X1, forming an L-shaped structure between the first channel 1111 and the second channel 1112. In another optional embodiment, the first channel 1111 and the second channel 1112 can also be integrally formed as an arc extending from the toner outlet 101 to the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210, and so on. It should be noted that the toner discharge channel 111 can also have other forms, as long as it can achieve the connection between the toner outlet 101 and the toner receiving section 210. This is not a limitation here and will not be elaborated further.
[0057] Example 4
[0058] In embodiment 4, a discharge member 170 with a position switchable is provided at the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111. The discharge member 170 has at least a first position in the toner discharge channel 111 and a second position extending into the toner receiving section 210. The discharge member 170 has an inner cavity 171 and an outlet 172 communicating with the inner cavity 171. The inner cavity 171 is connected to the toner discharge channel 111. When the discharge member 170 is in the second position, the outlet 172 is connected to the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210, so that the toner discharged in the toner discharge channel 111 can be replenished into the developing unit 200 through the inner cavity 171 and the outlet 172.
[0059] The discharge member 170 can move within the toner discharge channel 111 to switch between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the extension direction of the second channel 1112 can be inclined relative to the first direction, such as the arrangement in Embodiment 1. In other embodiments, the movement direction of the discharge member 170 can also be the same as the extension direction of the second channel 1112 of the toner discharge channel 111, as long as the discharge member 170 can be inserted. The extension direction of the second channel 1112 is not limited here.
[0060] In Embodiment 4, the extension direction of the second channel 1112 is set along the first direction; the following is in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 12-19 Let's go into a more detailed explanation.
[0061] The discharge member 170 has an outer end wall 173 near the toner receiving part 210 in a first direction and a plurality of outer peripheral sidewalls 174 surrounding the first direction, wherein the discharge port 172 is provided on the outer peripheral sidewalls 174, thereby making the toner discharge direction P4 of the discharge port 172 different from the first direction.
[0062] For example, the second channel 1112 is a square channel, and the discharge member 170 is a square pipe adapted to the second channel 1112. The end of the discharge member 170 located inside the second channel 1112 in the first direction forms an opening 175 to communicate with the second channel 1112. In other embodiments, the second channel 1112 may also be configured with other shapes. For example, the second channel 1112 may also be a circular channel, and the discharge member 170 may be a circular pipe adapted to the second channel 1112. This embodiment does not limit the shape of the second channel 1112 and the discharge member 170, and will not elaborate on them one by one.
[0063] Furthermore, a first elastic element 176 is provided in the toner discharge channel 111. When the discharge member 170 is in the first position, it can squeeze the first elastic element 176, thereby making the discharge member 170 always tend to switch to the second position. Preferably, the discharge member 170 is slidably disposed in the toner discharge channel 111. When the discharge member 170 is not subjected to external forces, the first elastic element 176 can drive the discharge member 170 in the first position to slide and switch to the second position, thereby exposing it to the discharge outlet 172.
[0064] like Figure 14 and Figure 17 As shown, the channel portion 111a preferably has a movable first baffle 103. The first baffle 103 has a third position for blocking the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111 and a fourth position for avoiding the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111. When the first baffle 103 is in the third position, it can limit the discharge member 170, preventing it from switching to the second position. In use, the first baffle 103 is moved to the fourth position. At this time, under the action of the first elastic member 176, the discharge member 170 can extend outward from the first position to switch to the second position. Figure 18-19 As shown.
[0065] The channel portion 111a is further provided with a second elastic member 104. When the first baffle 103 is in the fourth position, it can compress the second elastic member 104, thereby causing the first baffle 103 to tend to switch to the third position. Preferably, the first baffle 103 is slidably disposed on the channel portion 111a. When the first baffle 103 is not subjected to external forces, the second elastic member 104 can keep the first baffle 103 in the third position and keep the toner discharge channel 111 blocked.
[0066] Please refer to it again. Figure 15 A second baffle 201 may be provided at the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210. The second baffle 201 has a fifth position for blocking the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210 and a sixth position for avoiding the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210. When the second baffle 201 is in the fifth position, it can seal the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210, preventing the toner in the toner receiving section 210 from being contaminated. In use, the second baffle 201 is moved to the sixth position to avoid the discharge member 170. At this time, under the action of the first elastic member 176, the discharge member 170 can extend outward from the first position to switch to the second position, so that the discharge outlet 172 of the discharge member 170 is connected to the toner receiving section 210. Figure 18-19 As shown.
[0067] Preferably, a third elastic member 202 is provided at the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210. When the second baffle 201 is in the sixth position, it can compress the third elastic member 202, thereby causing the second baffle 201 to tend to switch to the fifth position. Preferably, the second baffle 201 is slidably disposed on the outer wall of the toner receiving section 210. When the second baffle 201 is not subjected to external forces, the third elastic member 202 can keep the second baffle 201 in the fifth position and keep the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210 sealed.
[0068] In Example 4, when the toner container 100 is installed onto the developing unit 200 and the photosensitive unit of the processing cartridge, the opening of the first baffle 103 and the second baffle 201, as well as the extension of the discharge member 170, are preferably completed automatically during the installation of the toner container 100. The specific process is as follows: The toner receiving part 210 has an abutment part 203. During the installation of the toner container 100, the first baffle 103 can contact and abut against the abutment part 203. Similarly, during the installation of the toner container 100, the second baffle 201 can contact and abut against the discharge member 170. At least one outer peripheral sidewall 174 of the channel 111a abuts against each other; as the toner container 100 continues to be installed, the first baffle 103 gradually switches to the fourth position to open the outlet of the toner discharge channel 111, and at the same time, the second baffle 201 gradually switches to the sixth position to open the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210; at this time, under the action of the first elastic member 176, the discharge member 170 automatically switches to the second position until the outlet 172 of the discharge member 170 is connected to the inlet 211 of the toner receiving section 210.
[0069] Furthermore, a limiting part 177 is provided on the outer peripheral sidewall 174 of the discharge member 170, which is used to prevent the discharge member 170 from detaching from the second channel 1112.
[0070] In Example 4, the discharge component 170 can only switch to the second position after the toner container 100 is fully installed, so that the discharge port 172 is connected to the inlet 211 of the toner receiving part 210 and toner is fed. This setting not only increases the diversity of the discharge port 172, but also effectively prevents toner leakage.
[0071] Although the present invention has been described above through embodiments, the above embodiments are only used to exemplify the possible implementations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent 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 defined by the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A toner container, detachably mounted to a developing unit, the developing unit having a toner receiving section, the inlet of the toner receiving section being disposed in a first direction coinciding with or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner container; characterized in that: The toner container includes a toner storage section, which is provided with a toner discharge channel. The toner discharge channel is connected to the inlet of the toner receiving section, wherein the toner discharge direction of the toner discharge channel is inclined relative to a first direction.
2. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the toner discharge direction and the first direction of the toner discharge channel is less than 45°.
3. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toner discharge channel includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel extends along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the second channel is arranged in a direction intersecting the first channel and extends toward the inlet of the toner receiving section.
4. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: A seal is provided at the outlet of the toner discharge channel to maintain the airtight connection between the outlet of the toner discharge channel and the inlet of the toner receiving section.
5. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toner container is provided with a channel portion protruding outward toward the developing unit, the channel portion being used to provide the toner discharge channel; wherein, the channel portion has an outer side wall extending upward away from the toner storage portion in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction, the extending direction of the outer side wall being the same as or different from the toner discharge direction of the toner discharge channel.
6. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toner storage unit is provided with a toner outlet and a conductive component installed at the toner outlet. The toner discharge channel is disposed in the conductive component, and the toner outlet is connected to the inlet of the toner receiving unit through the toner discharge channel.
7. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet of the toner discharge channel is provided with a discharge member that can be switched in position. The discharge member has at least a first position located in the toner discharge channel and a second position extending into the toner receiving part. The discharge member is provided with a discharge port, and the toner discharge channel is connected to the toner receiving part through the discharge port.
8. The toner container according to claim 7, characterized in that: The discharge component can move within the toner discharge channel to switch between a first position and a second position.
9. The toner container according to claim 8, characterized in that: A first elastic element is provided in the toner discharge channel. When the discharge member is in the first position, it can squeeze the first elastic element, thereby making the discharge member always tend to switch to the second position.
10. The toner container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet of the toner discharge channel is provided with a movable first baffle. The first baffle has a third position for blocking the outlet of the toner discharge channel and a fourth position for avoiding the outlet of the toner discharge channel.