A developing cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developing box can be detachably installed in image forming device along with drum box in third direction, include: box body for storing developer, and the box body has first end and second end in first direction, has third end and fourth end in second direction, and fifth end and sixth end in third direction, developing roller is set up at third end, can rotate around first axis extending along first direction, power receiving part is set up at first end for receiving the driving force that image forming device applies, can rotate around second axis extending along first direction, storage medium includes the electric contact surface setting in second end, and electric contact surface can be connected with image forming device electricity, powder filling port is used for supplying developer to the inside of box body, sets up at first end or fourth end. The developing box of the utility model, through change powder filling port's position or change the setting form of chip frame, make developing box component quantity reduce, reduced the manufacturing cost of developing box.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a cartridge that uses toner to develop an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum. The cartridge has a developing roller that is rotatably supported within its housing. Development is performed by supplying toner stored in the housing from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum.

[0003] During the printing process, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum need to be in close contact to ensure normal printing. When printing is finished, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum need to be separated by a certain distance to avoid prolonged contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, which could lead to contamination of the photosensitive drum by excess developer adhering to the developing roller, deformation of the developing roller, or wear of the photosensitive drum.

[0004] The first end of the developing cartridge in the first direction is provided with a power receiving unit, a powder filling port, and a storage medium. When the developer is used up, the developer is replenished into the cartridge through the powder filling port.

[0005] Existing developer cartridges require the disassembly of the support bracket that holds the storage medium in order to replenish the developer through the powder filling port, which adds to the operation steps and is relatively cumbersome.

[0006] Therefore, a technical solution to the above problems is needed. Utility Model Content

[0007] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a developing cartridge to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] To achieve its purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A developing cartridge, detachably mounted together with a drum cartridge in an image forming apparatus along a third direction, the developing cartridge comprising: a cartridge body for storing developer, the cartridge body having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other in a second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end disposed opposite to each other in a third direction; a developing roller disposed at the third end and rotatable about a first axis extending along the first direction; a power receiving unit disposed at the first end for receiving a driving force applied by the image forming apparatus and rotatable about a second axis extending along the first direction; a storage medium including an electrical contact surface disposed at the second end, the electrical contact surface being electrically connected to the image forming apparatus; and a powder filling port for supplying developer into the cartridge body, the powder filling port being disposed at the first end or the fourth end.

[0010] Preferably, the developing cartridge further includes a cartridge handle disposed at the fourth end. When the powder filling port is disposed at the fourth end, in the first direction, the powder filling port is located between the cartridge handle and the first end or between the cartridge handle and the second end.

[0011] Preferably, the powder filling port is closer to the first end or closer to the second end relative to the box handle in the first direction.

[0012] Preferably, the developing cartridge further includes a supported portion, which includes a first supported portion disposed at the first end and a second supported portion disposed at the second end; when the powder filling port is disposed at the first end, in the second direction, there is a first distance H1 between the powder filling port and the first supported portion, and a second distance H2 between the first supported portion and the power receiving portion, wherein the first distance H1 is greater than the second distance H2.

[0013] Preferably, the first distance H1 ranges from 32mm to 48mm, and the second distance H2 ranges from 8mm to 15mm.

[0014] Preferably, the developing cartridge further includes a first cover disposed at the first end, wherein when the powder filling port is disposed at the first end, the projection of the first cover and the powder filling port in the first direction does not overlap or only partially overlaps.

[0015] Preferably, the developing cartridge further includes a chip holder fixedly disposed at the second end. The chip holder includes a mounting portion. When the storage medium is mounted on the mounting portion, the electrical contact surface faces the sixth end in a third direction, and the storage medium is not restricted relative to the chip holder.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting portion has rotating holes at both ends in the first direction, and the storage medium is further provided with a rotating shaft and a contact portion. The rotating shaft cooperates with the rotating holes, and during the process of the developing cartridge being installed in the drum cartridge, the contact portion cooperates with the drum assembly to push the storage medium to rotate relative to the chip holder.

[0017] Preferably, in the second direction, the width of the mounting portion is a fifth distance H5, the width of the storage medium is a sixth distance H6, and the difference between the fifth distance H5 and the sixth distance H6 ranges from 1.6 mm to 5 mm.

[0018] Preferably, in the third direction, there is a difference between the size of the mounting part and the size of the storage medium, which is a ninth distance H9, and the value of the ninth distance H9 ranges from 1.5mm to 3mm.

[0019] The developing cartridge of this invention, by changing the position of the powder filling port and the arrangement of the chip holder, makes the powder supply of the developing cartridge simple, with fewer parts and lower cost. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the developer cartridge installed in the drum cartridge according to Example 1;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the developing chamber in Example 1;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion at the first end of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

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

[0025] Figure 5 A front view of another embodiment of the powder filling port of the developer cartridge;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of another implementation method for the powder filling port of the developer cartridge;

[0027] Figure 7 A front view of another embodiment of the powder filling port of the undeveloped cartridge;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second end of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

[0029] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the developer cartridge identification component in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the developing cartridge and the separating element in Example 1.

[0031] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of another embodiment of the developer cartridge chip holder;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a second end front view of another embodiment of the developer cartridge chip holder;

[0033] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the electrical contact pins for the drum housing;

[0034] Figure 14A perspective view of another embodiment of the storage medium for the developing cartridge;

[0035] Figure 15 An exploded view of another embodiment of the developing cartridge;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the chip frame in Example 2;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the chip rack explosion in Example 2;

[0038] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the first state of the chip rack in Embodiment 2;

[0039] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the chip rack in Embodiment 2;

[0040] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the chip frame in Example 3;

[0041] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the chip rack used in Example 3;

[0042] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the chip rack used in a variation of Example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0045] An image forming apparatus includes a drum box. When the developing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge and the drum box cooperate to perform developing and imaging. The drum box is an existing structure; therefore, the following description of its structure is only brief. For better explanation of the various components of the drum box, the left-right direction (axial direction of the developing roller) is designated as the first direction, the front-back direction as the second direction (also the direction in which the developing cartridge is installed), and the up-down direction as the third direction (also the direction in which the drum box is pushed into the image forming apparatus). The first, second, and third directions intersect each other. In this description, the left-right direction is one embodiment of the first direction, the front-back direction as one embodiment of the second direction, and the up-down direction as one embodiment of the third direction. However, the first, second, and third directions are not limited to the left-right, front-back, and up-down directions. Furthermore, in this invention, the direction of the developing cartridge is defined the same as that of the drum box.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the drum box 2 includes a main frame, the main frame having a first side plate 21 and a second side plate 22 disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a photosensitive drum 23 rotatably supported by the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22, the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 23 being parallel to the first direction.

[0047] The drum box 2 can accommodate multiple detachable developing cartridges 1. Preferably, the drum box 2 can accommodate four developing cartridges 1. The drum box 2 is also provided with drum pressing members, including a first drum pressing member 24 and a second drum pressing member, which are respectively disposed near the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 in a first direction, for applying a third-direction pressing force to the developing cartridges 1.

[0048] The drum housing 2 is also provided with support protrusions, including a first support protrusion 211 and a second support protrusion, which are respectively disposed on the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22, and protrude along the first direction toward the side close to the photosensitive drum 23, for supporting the developing cartridge 1.

[0049] The second side plate 22 is also provided with an electrical recess 221, which is provided with an electrical contact pin. The electrical recess 221 is positioned facing the photosensitive drum 23 in a third direction, and the electrical contact pin inside it also extends along the third direction towards the photosensitive drum 23. The electrical contact pin is used to electrically connect with the developing cartridge 1 when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cassette 2, thereby transmitting information.

[0050] The drum box 2 also has a drum handle 25, which is located on the upstream side of the drum box 2 in the mounting direction of the image forming apparatus. The drum box 2 can be pushed into the image forming apparatus in the mounting direction (third direction) by means of the drum handle 25.

[0051] Other specific structures and operating methods of the drum cartridge 2 are existing technologies. The cooperation between the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2, as well as the cooperation between the drum cartridge 2 and the image forming apparatus, are also existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. This application only discloses the structure and operating process of the developing cartridge 2.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] refer to Figures 2 to 7 As shown, a developing cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 10, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, a power supply assembly, and a separation assembly. In this embodiment, the orientation of the developing cartridge 1 is the same as the orientation of the drum cartridge 2.

[0054] The cartridge 10 has a cavity for containing developer. The cartridge 10 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 arranged opposite each other in a first direction, a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 arranged opposite each other in a second direction, and a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 arranged opposite each other in a third direction. A cartridge handle 141 is provided on the fourth end 14. The user installs the developer cartridge 1 into the drum cassette 2 in the second direction using the cartridge handle 141. After being installed in the drum cassette 2, the developer cartridge 1 is installed together with the drum cassette 2 in the image forming apparatus in the third direction. In the third direction, the sixth end 16 of the developer cartridge 1 faces downstream in the installation direction (towards the image forming apparatus).

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a powder feeding roller, and a stirring frame. The developing roller 131 is located at the third end 13. The developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame are rotatably supported by the first end 11 and the second end 12, and their rotation axes all extend along a first direction. The rotation axis of the developing roller 131 is the first axis. The powder feeding roller is used to supply powder to the developing roller 131, and the stirring frame is used to stir the developer in the cartridge 10 to prevent deposition and agglomeration.

[0056] The transmission assembly is disposed at the first end 11 and includes a drive unit. The drive unit includes a power receiving unit 40 and a drive gear 43. The power receiving unit 40 is used to cooperate with the image forming apparatus to receive the driving force transmitted therefrom. The drive gear 40 is used to transmit the driving force. The power receiving unit 40 is capable of rotating about a second axis extending along a first direction.

[0057] The transmission assembly also includes a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, an idler gear 44, and a stirring gear 45. The developing gear 41 is coaxially and fixedly mounted on the end of the developing roller shaft near the first end 11. The powder feeding gear 42 is coaxially and fixedly mounted on the end of the powder feeding roller shaft near the first end 11. The stirring gear 45 is coaxially and fixedly mounted on the end of the stirring frame near the first end 11. The drive gear 43 directly meshes with the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42 to transmit driving force to the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42. The drive gear 43 also meshes with the stirring gear 45 through the idler gear 44 to transmit driving force to the stirring gear 45.

[0058] In other embodiments, the developing cartridge 1 may not be equipped with a stirring rack. Since the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum 2 along a third direction, the developing cartridge 1 can supply powder by the gravity of the developer itself, without the need for a stirring rack. Therefore, there is no need to set up a stirring gear 45 and an idler wheel 44 to transmit driving force, which reduces the number of parts and lowers the manufacturing cost of the developing cartridge 1. The specifics will not be elaborated here.

[0059] The developing cartridge 1 is also provided with a powder dispensing blade 132, which is used to abut against the developing roller 131 to limit the thickness of the developer on the developing roller 131 and ensure that the thickness of the developer on the developing roller 131 is always consistent.

[0060] The first end 11 is provided with a first cover 111, which is detachably fixed on the housing 10. The first cover 111 covers at least part of the transmission assembly for protecting the transmission assembly. The first cover 111 is also provided with a separation part 113, which is integrally formed with the first cover 111 and has a separation inclined surface 1131 for receiving the separation force output by the separation rod of the image forming apparatus to separate the developing roller 131 from the photosensitive drum 23.

[0061] The first end 11 is also provided with a powder filling port 114, which penetrates the first end 11 of the cartridge body 10. Developer can be added into the cartridge body 10 through the powder filling port 114. A round cover 1141 for sealing the powder filling port 114 is also provided on the powder filling port 114. It is detachably provided on the powder filling port 114 to prevent the developer from leaking to the outside of the cartridge body 10 through the powder filling port 114.

[0062] The cartridge body 10 is also provided with a supported portion, which can cooperate with the drum box 2 to support the developing cartridge 1 when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum box 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, the supported portion is a pair of protrusions provided on the cartridge body 10, including a first supported portion 112 provided near the first end 11 and a second supported portion 122 provided near the second end 12. In this embodiment, the projections of the first supported portion 112 and the second supported portion 122 in the first direction at least partially overlap, so that the two ends of the developing cartridge 1 can maintain balance when supported by the supported portion. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum box 2, the first supported portion 112 and the second supported portion 122 respectively cooperate with the first support protrusion 211 and the second support protrusion in the drum box 2 to support the developing cartridge 1.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first supported part 112 is integrally formed on the first cover 111, and the second supported part 122 is integrally formed on the box body 10. In other embodiments, the first supported part 112 may be integrally formed with the box body 10, or the first supported part 112 and the second supported part 122 may be separately provided from the developing box 1. The specifics will not be elaborated here.

[0064] like Figure 4As shown, the powder filling port 114 is located at the first end 11. Specifically, in the third direction, the straight line passing through the center of the powder filling port 114 is defined as the first straight line L1, the straight line passing through the center of the first supported part 112 is defined as the second straight line L2, and the straight line passing through the rotation axis of the power receiving part 40 is defined as the third straight line L3. In the second direction, there is a first distance H1 between the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2, and a second distance H2 between the second straight line L2 and the third straight line L3. The first distance H1 is greater than the second distance H2, that is, the first supported part 112 is located between the power receiving part 40 and the powder filling port 114 in the second direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first distance H1 ranges from 32mm to 48mm, preferably from 35mm to 45mm. The second distance H2 ranges from 8mm to 15mm, preferably from 9mm to 13mm. In this embodiment, based on the size of the developing cartridge 1, this arrangement of the powder filling port 114 does not affect the other components on the first end 11. Furthermore, in other embodiments, since the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 have different sizes, they can also be positioned outside this range depending on the specific usage environment.

[0066] The values ​​of the first distance H1 and the second distance H2 are chosen in such a way that the support part can contact the drum 2 to support the developing cartridge 1, while also ensuring that other parts of the developing cartridge 1 do not affect the filling of developer into the powder filling port 114. This is only a preferred embodiment, and the different dimensions set according to different developing cartridges 1 will not be described in detail here.

[0067] like Figure 5As shown, when the powder filling port 114 is located at the first end 11, the first cover 111 only partially overlaps with the powder filling port 114 (or the round cover 1141) in the first direction. The overlapping part does not affect the removal of the round cover 1141 and the filling of developer into the cartridge 10. Therefore, when filling the cartridge with developer, it is not necessary to remove the first cover 111 and then remove the round cover 1141. In other embodiments, the overlapping portion of the first cover 111 and the powder filling port 114 (or round cover 1141) is cut off, so that the first cover 111 and the powder filling port 114 (or round cover 1141) have no overlapping portion. Alternatively, the corresponding dimensions of the powder filling port 114 and the round cover 1141 are made smaller to avoid the first cover 111. The cut-off portion of the first cover 111 does not affect the fixation of the first cover 111, as its screw fixation is not at the cut-off point. Or, reducing the size of the powder filling port 114 does not affect the filling of developer. The above designs can also achieve the purpose of filling developer without disassembling the first cover 111. As for the setting of this powder filling port 114, it still satisfies the distance relationship mentioned above. This setting is only set to reduce steps and avoid the first cover 111, and no further limitations are made here.

[0068] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in other embodiments, the powder filling port 114 can be provided on the fourth end 14. Preferably, the powder filling port 114 is provided on the fourth end 14 near the first end 11 or near the second end 12. This arrangement allows the developing cartridge 1 to be tilted for powder filling when replenishing developer through the powder filling port 114, without affecting the powder filling efficiency. It also prevents the developer from accumulating after being poured into the cartridge body 10, resulting in insufficient developer volume.

[0069] In this embodiment, in the first direction, the powder filling port 114 is located between the case handle 141 and the first end 11, or between the case handle 141 and the second end 14. Specifically, in the third direction, the straight line containing the axis of symmetry of the case body 10 is the sixth straight line L6, the straight line containing the center of the powder filling port 114 on the fourth end 14 near the first end 11 is the seventh straight line L7, and the straight line containing the first end 11 of the case body 10 is the eighth straight line L8. In the first direction, the distance between the sixth straight line L6 and the seventh straight line L7 is greater than the distance between the seventh straight line L7 and the eighth straight line L8. More specifically, in the first direction, the distance between the sixth straight line L6 and the seventh straight line L7 occupies at least two-thirds of the distance between the sixth straight line L6 and the eighth straight line L8. That is, the powder filling port 114 on the fourth end 14 is closer to the first end 11 than the midpoint between the sixth straight line L6 and the eighth straight line L8. This arrangement facilitates the tilting of the case body 10 when filling it with developer, thereby improving the filling effect.

[0070] Furthermore, a powder filling port 114 can also be set at the fourth end 14 near the second end 12. Its setting position is the same as that of the powder filling port 114 near the first end 11, and its function is also the same. It will not be elaborated on here.

[0071] Preferably, in the first direction, the powder filling port 114 is closer to the first end 11 than the box handle 141, or the powder filling port 114 is closer to the second end than the box handle 141, so as to improve the filling effect and increase the filling efficiency. Specific details are not limited here.

[0072] The cartridge body 10 is also provided with a cartridge pusher. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cartridge 2, the cartridge pusher can receive the pushing force of the drum pusher, so that the developing roller 131 can fit tightly against the photosensitive drum 23. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cartridge pusher includes a first cartridge pusher 161 and a second cartridge pusher 162, which are respectively disposed at the sixth end 16 near the first end 11 and near the second end 12. The first cartridge pusher 161 and the second cartridge pusher 162 cooperate with the first drum pusher 24 and the second drum pusher, respectively, to receive the pushing force. Preferably, the first cartridge pusher 161 and the second cartridge pusher 162 are symmetrically arranged to ensure that the force at the contact point between the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23 is consistent. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first cartridge pusher 161 and the second cartridge pusher 162 may be asymmetrically arranged, or the cartridge pusher may only be provided at one end of the developing cartridge 1.

[0073] The housing 20 is also equipped with guide components, including a first guide component 115 and a second guide component 121. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed into the drum cassette 2, the guide components can play a guiding role. Specifically, the guide components are collars sleeved on both ends of the developing roller shaft. In addition to their guiding function, they can also prevent damage to the developing roller shaft caused by direct contact between the developing roller shaft and the side wall, thus protecting the developing roller shaft.

[0074] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the cartridge 20 is further provided with an electrode, which is disposed on the second end 12 of the developing cartridge 1 and electrically connected to the developing roller 131. Specifically, the second end 12 is provided with a bearing 123, which is made of conductive material. The second guide 121 is integrally formed with the bearing 123. The second guide 121 also serves as an electrode for electrically connecting to the drum cartridge 2 and transmitting voltage to the developing cartridge 1.

[0075] An identification component is also provided at the second end 12 of the housing 10. The identification component includes a chip holder 30 and a storage medium 31. The chip holder 30 has a mounting part 301 for mounting the storage medium 31 at its third-direction end. The storage medium 31 has an electrical contact surface 32 that is electrically connected to it. The electrical contact surface 32 is used to contact the electrical contact pins on the drum cassette 2 so that the image forming apparatus can read the information in the storage medium, thereby identifying the information of the developing cartridge 1 (new or old, model, lifespan, etc.). The electrical contact surface 32 faces the third-direction on the developing cartridge 1, that is, the orientation of the electrical contact surface 32 is perpendicular to the second direction (the direction in which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cassette 2), and the electrical contact surface 32 is electrically connected to the end of the electrical contact pin near the photosensitive drum 23.

[0076] In some embodiments, the electrical contact surface 32 can be separately disposed from the storage medium 31, with information transmitted through a transmission medium. Therefore, the storage medium 31 can be disposed anywhere, and no further limitations are imposed here.

[0077] An elastic element 33 is also provided between the storage medium 31 and the mounting part 301. Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic element 33 is a sponge, or it can be other elastic components, such as elastic rubber. When the storage medium 31 is installed in the chip holder 30, the storage medium 31 is not fixed, that is, the storage medium 31 can move relative to the chip holder 30. The chip holder 30 is detachably fixed at the second end 12, that is, the chip holder 30 has no displacement relative to the housing 10. The chip holder 30 is fixed on the housing 10 by screws. Specifically, the chip holder 30 also has an extension 302, and the extension 302 has screw holes 303. The chip holder 30 is fixed at the second end 12 by the screw holes 303. The bearing 123 is also provided with a second screw hole 1231, which is detachably installed on the second end 12 by screws. In the second direction, there is a certain distance between the screw hole 303 on the extension 302 and the second screw hole 1231 on the bearing 123. Specifically, the screw hole 302 is closer to the fourth end 14 than the second supported part 122, and the second screw hole 1231 is closer to the third end 13 than the second supported part 122.

[0078] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the chip holder 30 is movably disposed on the second end 12, and the storage medium 31 is fixedly disposed on the chip holder 30 and can move relative to the second end 12 together with the chip holder 30.

[0079] like Figure 10As shown, the image forming apparatus has a separating member 90. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cassette 2, the separating member 90 moves axially in a first direction and abuts against the separating inclined surface 1131 on the separating section 113. The separating inclined surface 1131 decomposes the axial separating force applied by the separating member 90 to the separating section 113 into a force in a third direction, causing the developing roller 131 to separate from the photosensitive drum 23. When the developing roller 131 separates from the photosensitive drum 23, the storage medium 31 can move relative to the cartridge 10 under the action of the elastic member 33, preventing the electrical contact surface 32 from separating from the electrical contact pin, so that the image forming apparatus cannot recognize the information of the developing cartridge 1.

[0080] like Figure 11 As shown, this is another embodiment of the chip holder in this application, namely, the chip holder 30 does not have the elastic element 33 and is integrally formed with the housing 10. The chip holder 30 also has a first fixing part 304 and a second fixing part 305. The first fixing part 304 is a reinforcing rib, and the second fixing part 305 is a reinforcing member used to connect the chip holder 30 and the fourth end 14. With this configuration, it can prevent the chip holder 30, which is integrally formed with the housing 10, from being damaged by the housing 10 due to low connection strength when subjected to external force. The reinforcing rib 304 can prevent the chip holder 30 from breaking relative to the housing 10 near the storage medium 31. The reinforcing member is also provided between the chip holder 30 and the fourth end 14, which increases the molding area between the chip holder 30 and the fourth end 14 and effectively prevents the chip holder 30 and the fourth end 14 from being damaged together due to uneven force.

[0081] like Figure 12 As shown, in the third direction, the straight line passing through the end of the electrical contact surface 32 near the third end is defined as the fourth straight line L4, and the straight line passing through the second screw hole 1231 is defined as the fifth straight line L5. Since in this embodiment, the first supported portion 112 and the second supported portion 122 are overlapped in the first direction, the straight line passing through the second supported portion 122 is defined as the second straight line L2. In the second direction, there is a third distance H3 between the fourth straight line L4 and the second straight line L2, and a fourth distance H4 between the second straight line L2 and the fifth straight line L5. The third distance H3 is greater than the fourth distance H4.

[0082] In this modified example, the chip holder 30 is integrally formed with the housing 10, so there is no need for screw holes 303 to fix the chip holder 30. In addition, in this modified example, the third distance H3 between the second supported portions 122 of the chip holder 30 is greater than the distance between the screw holes 303 and the second supported portions 122.

[0083] In this embodiment, the value range of the third distance H3 is 22mm to 31mm, preferably 23mm to 28mm. The value range of the fourth distance H4 is 6mm to 18mm, preferably 10mm to 14mm. In this embodiment, based on the size of the developing cartridge 1, the second screw hole 1231 or the chip holder 30 is set in this way so as not to affect the other components on the second end 12, while ensuring the normal use of the developing cartridge 1. Furthermore, in other embodiments, since the sizes of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 are different, they can also be set at positions outside this range depending on the specific usage environment.

[0084] like Figure 13 The drum box 2 has an electrical recess 221 on the second side plate 22. An electrical contact 222 extending toward the photosensitive drum 23 is provided in the electrical recess 221. The electrical contact 222 can be electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 32 to transmit electrical signals. At the top of the electrical recess 221 in the second direction, there is also an abutment portion 223.

[0085] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, this is another embodiment of the storage medium in this application. Specifically, the storage medium 30 is rotatable relative to the chip holder 30, and the electrical contact surface 32 faces a second direction (consistent with the direction in which the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum cartridge 2).

[0086] The chip holder 30 has a mounting portion 301 for mounting the storage medium with a rotating hole 306. The storage medium 30 has a rotating shaft 311 and a contact portion 312. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the contact portion 312 abuts against the contact portion 223, forcing the storage medium 31 to rotate relative to the chip holder 30. As a result, the electrical contact surface 32 abuts against the side wall of the electrical contact pin 222. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2 and the storage medium 31 is recognized by the electrical contact pin 222, the electrical contact surface 32 faces the second direction (consistent with the direction in which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2).

[0087] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the electrical contact surface 32 can be separately disposed from the storage medium 31, and the electrical contact surface 32 itself faces the second direction, so that when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum cartridge 2, it can abut against the side wall of the electrical contact pin 222 without rotating the storage medium 31.

[0088] By changing the position of the powder filling port on the developer cartridge and the way the chip holder is set, the volume of the second end of the developer cartridge can be simplified. At the same time, the number of components of the developer cartridge can be reduced, the cost of the developer cartridge can be reduced, and the installation method of the developer cartridge can be optimized, making it easier to install the developer cartridge into the drum cartridge.

[0089] Example 2

[0090] like Figures 16-19 As shown, in this embodiment, the storage medium 31 can move relative to the housing 10. Specifically, compared with the first embodiment, it can move relative to the housing 10 in the second direction (the direction of extension of the electrical contact surface). The rest is similar to the first embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0091] In this embodiment, the chip holder 30 has a mounting portion 301 for mounting the storage medium 31 and a claw 307. The claw 307 is a variable component relative to the chip holder 30, used to avoid the storage medium 31 when it is mounted on the mounting portion 301 and to fasten the storage medium 31 after it is mounted.

[0092] The chip holder 30 can be detachably and fixedly mounted on the housing 10. In the second direction, the distance between the claw 307 and the bottom of the mounting part 301 in the second direction is a fifth distance H5, and the width of the storage medium 31 in the second direction is a sixth distance H6. The fifth distance H5 is greater than the sixth distance H6. In this embodiment, the difference between the fifth distance H5 and the sixth distance H6 is in the range of 1.6mm to 5mm. Preferably, the difference between the fifth distance H5 and the sixth distance H6 is in the range of 2mm to 3.5mm. Therefore, the storage medium 31 can move relative to the chip holder 30 in the second direction within the mounting part 301, that is, the storage medium 31 moves along the extension direction of the electrical contact surface 32. The difference between the fifth distance H5 and the sixth distance H6 is in such a range that the storage medium 31 can move relative to the housing 10 within the mounting part 301 without disconnecting the electrical contact surface 32 from the electrical contact pin 222.

[0093] like Figure 18 , Figure 19As shown, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cartridge 2, the electrical contact pin 222 inside the drum cartridge 2 can electrically connect with the electrical connection surface 32 on the storage medium 31, enabling the image forming apparatus to recognize the developing cartridge 1. The straight line connecting the point of contact between the electrical contact pin 222 and the electrical contact surface 32 is designated as the ninth straight line L9, and the surface where the jaws 307 engage the storage medium 31 is designated as the tenth straight line L10. A seventh distance H7 exists between the tenth straight line L10 and the ninth straight line L9 in the second direction. Since the storage medium 31 can move relative to the cartridge body 10 within the mounting part 301, the contact point between the electrical contact pin 222 and the electrical contact surface 32 also continuously moves in the second direction. Therefore, the seventh distance H7 has a minimum value and a maximum value. The minimum value is the distance from the contact point to the jaw when the storage medium 31 contacts the jaw 307, and the maximum value is the distance between the contact point and the jaw 307 when the storage medium 31 moves to its furthest point in the second direction. The range of the difference between the minimum and maximum values ​​conforms to the range of the difference between the fifth distance H5 and the sixth distance H6. Preferably, in this embodiment, since the electric contact pin 222 can be deformed to a certain extent, the difference in the range of the seventh distance H7 is smaller than the difference between the fifth distance H5 and the sixth distance H6.

[0094] By making the storage medium movable relative to the cartridge without the need for elastic components, the contact area between the electrical contact surface and the terminal is increased. This also simplifies the number of components in the developing cartridge, reduces the cost of the developing cartridge, optimizes the installation method of the developing cartridge, and reduces the interruption of information transmission caused by poor contact of the developing cartridge.

[0095] Example 3

[0096] like Figures 20-22 As shown, in this embodiment, the storage medium 31 can move in a third direction relative to the housing 10. Unlike the direction of movement in Embodiment 2, the storage medium 31 moves in a third direction (perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 32) in this embodiment. The rest of the structure is the same as in Embodiment 2, and will not be described in detail here.

[0097] like Figure 20 , Figure 21As shown, in this embodiment, the depth of the mounting portion 301 of the chip holder 30 for mounting the storage medium in the third direction is greater than the thickness of the storage medium 31 in the third direction. Therefore, when the storage medium 31 is installed in the mounting portion 301, there is a certain distance between the end of the storage medium 31 away from the electrical contact surface 32 and the bottom wall of the mounting portion 301 (this distance is the difference between the depth of the mounting portion 301 in the third direction and the thickness of the storage medium 31), which is the ninth distance H9. The value range of the ninth distance H9 is 1.5mm to 3mm. Furthermore, the dimensions of the mounting portion 301 in the first and second directions are the same as the dimensions of the storage medium 31, which can prevent the storage medium 31 from moving in directions other than the third direction. Therefore, the storage medium 31 can only move up and down relative to the housing 10 in the third direction within the mounting portion 301, that is, the storage medium moves in a direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface.

[0098] In this embodiment, the storage medium 31 is loaded onto the chip holder 30 along the first direction, that is, the claw 307 engages the storage medium 31 along the first direction, and there is no gap between the claw 307 and the storage medium 31, thus firmly fixing the storage medium in the first direction.

[0099] When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cartridge 2, the electrical contact pin 222 extends into the mounting part 301 and applies an upward force to the storage medium 31 in the third direction, forcing the storage medium 31 to move in the third direction. Finally, the storage medium 31 comes into contact with the bottom wall of the mounting part 301. At this time, the electrical contact pin 222 is in stable contact with the electrical contact surface 32, and the image forming apparatus recognizes the information of the developing cartridge 1.

[0100] In this application, the electrical contact 222 is movable relative to the drum housing 2, i.e., the electrical contact 222 is retractable. The retraction range of the electrical contact 222 is 0mm to 4mm in the third direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ninth distance H9 is in the range of 1.5mm to 3mm, which ensures that the storage medium 31 moves relative to the mounting part 301 while also ensuring that the electrical contact 222 does not retract completely and can maintain stable contact with the electrical contact surface 32. Preferably, in this embodiment, the ninth distance H9 is in the range of 1.5mm to 2mm.

[0101] like Figure 22As shown, this is a variation of the present embodiment. In order to facilitate the installation of the storage medium 31 in the mounting part 301, and also because of the manufacturing process and process errors of the chip holder 30, the size of the mounting part 301 in the second direction is slightly larger than the size of the storage medium 31. This allows the storage medium 31 to move slightly forward and backward in the third direction in addition to moving up and down in the third direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cartridge 2, the storage medium 31 can be placed at an angle in the mounting part 301. The electrical contact pin 222 applies a forward force to the storage medium 31 in the third direction, thereby causing the storage medium 31 to abut against the bottom of the mounting part 301. This allows the storage medium 31 to make stable contact with the electrical contact surface 32. The contact process and the corresponding dimensions in the third direction are exactly the same as in Embodiment 2, and will not be described in detail here.

[0102] This embodiment changes the dimensions of the chip holder mounting part in a third direction, i.e., changes the depth of the mounting part, so that the storage medium can move up and down relative to the cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface. This eliminates the need for elastic elements, simplifies the number of components in the developing cartridge, reduces the cost of the developing cartridge, optimizes the installation method of the developing cartridge, and prevents poor contact in the developing cartridge.

[0103] 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 together with a drum cartridge in a third direction within an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The developing cartridge includes: A housing for storing developer, the housing having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other in a second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end disposed opposite to each other in a third direction. A developing roller is disposed at the third end and is rotatable about a first axis extending along the first direction; A power receiving unit, disposed at the first end, is used to receive the driving force applied by the image forming apparatus and is capable of rotating about a second axis extending along the first direction; The storage medium includes an electrical contact surface disposed at the second end, the electrical contact surface being electrically connected to the image forming apparatus; A powder filling port is used to supply developer into the cartridge, and the powder filling port is located at the first end or the fourth end.

2. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also includes a cartridge handle disposed at the fourth end. When the powder filling port is disposed at the fourth end, in the first direction, the powder filling port is located between the cartridge handle and the first end or between the cartridge handle and the second end.

3. A developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The powder filling port is closer to the first end or closer to the second end relative to the box handle in the first direction.

4. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing cartridge further includes a supported portion, which includes a first supported portion disposed at the first end and a second supported portion disposed at the second end; When the powder filling port is located at the first end, in the second direction, there is a first distance H1 between the powder filling port and the first supported part, and a second distance H2 between the first supported part and the power receiving part, wherein the first distance H1 is greater than the second distance H2.

5. A developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first distance H1 ranges from 32mm to 48mm, and the second distance H2 ranges from 8mm to 15mm.

6. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also includes a first cover disposed at the first end. When the powder filling port is disposed at the first end, the projection of the first cover and the powder filling port in the first direction does not overlap or only partially overlaps.

7. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also includes a chip holder, which is fixedly disposed at the second end. The chip holder includes a mounting portion. When the storage medium is mounted on the mounting portion, the electrical contact surface faces the sixth end in a third direction, and the storage medium is not restricted relative to the chip holder.

8. A developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting portion has rotating holes at both ends in the first direction. The storage medium is also provided with a rotating shaft and a contact portion. The rotating shaft cooperates with the rotating holes. During the process of installing the developing cartridge into the drum cartridge, the contact portion cooperates with the drum assembly to push the storage medium to rotate relative to the chip holder.

9. A developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the second direction, the width of the mounting part is a fifth distance H5, the width of the storage medium is a sixth distance H6, the fifth distance H5 is greater than the sixth distance H6, and the difference between the fifth distance H5 and the sixth distance H6 ranges from 1.6mm to 5mm.

10. A developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the third direction, the depth of the mounting part is greater than the thickness of the storage medium, and the difference is defined as the ninth distance H9, which ranges from 1.5mm to 3mm.

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