Developing cartridge

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a developing box, and relates to the field of printing consumables. The developing box comprises a shell, a functional part and a linkage. The shell contains a developer. The functional part is rotationally connected with the shell. The linkage is used for driving the functional part to rotate. The linkage comprises a linkage driving head. The linkage driving head is used for receiving a driving force from a printer side. The rotational axis of the linkage driving head is arranged at an angle with the rotational axis of the functional part. The linkage is at least partially inclined relative to the functional part. When the developing box is installed in a printer, the linkage can avoid interference with parts of the printer, thereby making the installation of the developing box smooth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing consumables, and more particularly to a developing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Printers are common office equipment. With the continuous advancement of image forming technology, the requirements for developing cartridges are also increasing. Not only must the developing cartridge reliably supply developer to the drum cartridge, but it also needs to be able to exchange information with the drum cartridge or image forming apparatus to obtain relevant data. Furthermore, during installation, printing, and stopping of printing, the developing cartridge must ensure that its components are not damaged, and that it can perform all actions accurately and stably.

[0003] In related technologies, the developing cartridge includes a linkage that receives the driving force of the printer drive head. After receiving the rotational driving force of the printer drive head, the linkage transmits it to the various power-requiring components of the developing cartridge via a gear system to achieve normal machine operation.

[0004] However, during the installation of the developing cartridge, the linkage is prone to interference with the printer's components, posing a technical problem that makes the installation of the developing cartridge difficult. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a developer cartridge to solve the technical problem that the linkage is prone to interference with printer components during developer cartridge installation, resulting in difficulties in developer cartridge installation.

[0006] This application provides a developing cartridge, including:

[0007] Housing, the housing being used to contain developer;

[0008] Functional component, which is rotatably connected to the housing;

[0009] A linkage is provided for driving the functional component to rotate. The linkage includes a linkage drive head for receiving driving force from the printer side. The rotation axis of the linkage drive head is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the functional component.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the linkage further includes a linkage gear connected to the linkage drive head, the linkage gear meshing with a gear on the functional component.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the linkage drive head is fixedly connected to the linkage gear.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the rotation axis of the linkage gear is parallel to or coincides with the rotation axis of the linkage drive head.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the rotation axis of the linkage gear is not in the same plane as the rotation axis of the gear on the functional component.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the linkage drive head is movably connected to the linkage gear.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the linkage drive head includes a mounting part and a drive part, the linkage gear is provided with a first connecting cavity, the mounting part is movably disposed in the first connecting cavity, the drive part is disposed on the mounting part, and the drive part is connected to the linkage gear in the rotation direction of the linkage gear.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the rotation axis of the linkage gear intersects with the rotation axis of the linkage drive head.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the rotation axis of the linkage gear is parallel to the rotation axis of the gear on the functional component.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the linkage gear meshes with the gear on the functional component using helical teeth.

[0019] This application provides a developer cartridge in which the rotation axis of the linkage drive head of the linkage is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the functional component, so that the linkage is at least partially tilted relative to the functional component. Therefore, when the developer cartridge is installed on the printer, the linkage can avoid interference with the printer components, thereby making the installation of the developer cartridge smooth. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. 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 developing cartridge structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of the developing cartridge structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 The linkage gear and the developing roller gear provided in Embodiment 1 of this application are in cooperation. Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 4The linkage gear and the developing roller gear provided in Embodiment 1 of this application are in cooperation. Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge structure provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial exploded view of the developing cartridge structure provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the linkage drive head and the linkage gear before they are engaged, as provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the linkage drive head and the linkage gear after they are engaged, as provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the rotational state of the linkage when it is not installed, as provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1-Developer cartridge; 11-Developer roller; 111-Developer roller gear; 1111-Second convex tooth; 12-Linker; 121-Linker drive head; 122-Linker gear; 1221-First convex tooth; 13-Transmission gear; 14-Stirring rack gear; 15-Fixed frame; 151-Through hole; 152-Protrusion; 16-Powder feed roller gear;

[0032] 1213-Mounting part; 1214-Drive part; 1211-Second protrusion; 1212-Second connecting cavity; 17-End cap; 171-Linker mounting hole; 1222-First connecting cavity; 1223-First protrusion; 1224-Recess; 2-Printer drive head. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" 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 application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly 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.

[0037] 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 this application. 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.

[0038] As described in the background section, during the installation of the developing cartridge, the actuator is prone to interference with printer components, resulting in difficulties in cartridge installation. The inventors have discovered that this problem arises because the rotation axis of the portion of the actuator that receives the printer's driving force is parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller. This causes the actuator to easily interfere with printer components during developing cartridge installation, leading to difficulties in cartridge installation.

[0039] The gears on the actuator mesh with the gears on the developing roller in a linear meshing manner.

[0040] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a developer cartridge in which the linkage is at least partially tilted relative to the functional components. This allows the linkage to avoid interference with printer components during the installation of the developer cartridge, thereby ensuring smooth installation.

[0041] The developing cartridge provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Figure 1 This application provides a structure for a developer cartridge 1. An embodiment of this application provides a developer cartridge 1 including a housing. The housing is used to contain developer. The housing extends along a first direction, that is, the housing extends along the X direction. The -X direction of the housing is a first side of the housing, and the +X direction of the housing is a second side of the housing.

[0044] The developing cartridge 1 also includes a functional component. The functional component is rotatably connected to the housing. The axis of rotation of the functional component extends along a first direction.

[0045] In some examples, the developing cartridge 1 includes a developing roller 11, a stirring frame, or a powder feeding roller. The functional component can be one of the developing roller 11, the stirring frame, or the powder feeding roller.

[0046] The developing roller 11, the stirring frame, and the powder feeding roller are each equipped with gears. The gears on the developing roller 11, the stirring frame, and the powder feeding roller are located on the first side of the housing.

[0047] The developing cartridge 1 also includes a linkage 12, which is located on the first side of the housing. The linkage 12 is used to drive the functional components to rotate.

[0048] See Figure 2 As shown, the linkage 12 includes a linkage drive head 121. The linkage drive head 121 is the power receiving end of the linkage 12.

[0049] After the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the machine, the linkage drive head 121 is connected to the printer drive head. The printer drive head can drive the linkage drive head 121 to rotate, so that the linkage drive head 121 can receive the driving force from the printer side.

[0050] The rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121 is j.

[0051] In some examples, the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121 is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the functional component, that is, the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121 is not parallel to the rotation axis of the functional component. This setting causes the linkage 12 to be at least partially tilted relative to the functional component, so that when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the machine, the linkage 12 can avoid interference with the printer components, thereby making the installation of the developing cartridge 1 smooth.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the linkage 12 further includes a linkage gear 122 connected to the linkage drive head 121. The linkage gear 122 rotates with the linkage drive head 121. The linkage 12 can transmit rotational power to the gears on the developing roller 11, the stirring frame, and the powder feeding roller via the linkage gear 122.

[0053] Among them, the gear on the developing roller 11 is the developing roller gear 111. The gear on the stirring frame is the stirring frame gear 14. The gear on the powder feeding roller is the powder feeding roller gear 16.

[0054] The linkage gear 122 meshes with the developing roller gear 111. The linkage gear 122 meshes with the powder feeding roller gear 16. The linkage gear 122 meshes with the transmission gear 13, and the transmission gear 13 meshes with the stirring rack gear 14.

[0055] The axis of rotation of at least one of the developing roller gear 111, the powder feeding roller gear 16, the drive gear 13, and the stirring frame gear 14 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 11.

[0056] In the following embodiments, the functional component is illustrated using the developing roller 11 as an example. The linkage gear 122 engages with the gear on the developing roller 11 using helical teeth. The linkage 122 can drive the developing roller 11 to rotate via the linkage gear 122 and the developing roller gear 111.

[0057] The rotation axis of the developing roller 11 is i. The rotation axis of the developing roller 11 extends along a first direction.

[0058] In some examples, the developing cartridge 1 has a mounting bracket 15 on its first side for securing mechanisms such as the linkage 12 and the developing roller gear 111. The mounting bracket 15 has a through hole 151 through which the output end of the developing roller gear 111 passes and connects to the developing roller 11, thus supporting the developing roller 11 and reducing vibration when transmitting driving force. The mounting bracket 15 also has a protrusion 152 that passes through the linkage gear 122 for support.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the linkage drive head 121 is fixedly connected to the linkage gear 122. With this configuration, the linkage gear 122 rotates following the linkage drive head 121.

[0060] The linkage drive head 121 can be welded to the linkage gear 122, or it can be integrally formed.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 may coincide with the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121, that is, the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 is j. Alternatively, the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 may also be parallel to the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121, that is, the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 is parallel to j. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 coincides with the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121.

[0062] The rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the developing roller 11, meaning that the linkage gear 122 is tilted relative to the developing roller 11. It can be understood that the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 is not parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 11.

[0063] In one possible implementation, see Figure 3 As shown, the linkage gear 122 and the developing roller gear 111 adopt an interleaved gear transmission.

[0064] Among them, interleaved gear transmission refers to the transmission of power through two gears whose axes of rotation are at an angle.

[0065] By employing interleaved gear transmission, when the actuator gear 122 meshes with the developing roller gear 111, the tooth surface of the actuator gear 122 and the tooth surface of the developing roller gear 111 are set at an angle. In other words, the tooth surface of the actuator gear 122 and the tooth surface of the developing roller gear 111 are not parallel. This allows for the adjustment of the relative position of the actuator gear 122 and the developing roller gear 111 while transmitting torque.

[0066] It should be noted that interleaved gear drives can be divided into the following types: interleaved shaft helical gear drives, hypoid gear drives, and worm gear drives.

[0067] Crossed-axis helical gear transmission: Power transmission is achieved through the cross-axis design of helical gears.

[0068] Hypoid gear transmission: The axes of the gears are not in the same plane.

[0069] Worm gear drive: Power transmission is achieved through the staggered shaft design of the worm and worm wheel.

[0070] See in some examples Figure 4 As shown, the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 and the rotation axis of the developing roller gear 111 are not in the same plane, and the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the developing roller gear 111.

[0071] The linkage gear 122 has a first tooth 1221, and the developing roller gear 111 has a second tooth 1111. The first tooth 1221 and the second tooth 1111 mesh with each other in a point meshing manner.

[0072] The rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 is j. The rotation axis of the developing roller gear 111 is i. Exemplarily, the angle between the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 and the rotation axis of the developing roller gear 111 can be greater than or equal to 5° and less than or equal to 10°.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] The difference between the developing cartridge 1 in Embodiment 2 and the developing cartridge 1 in Embodiment 1 is that the linkage drive head 121 is movably connected to the linkage gear 122. It can be understood that the linkage drive head 121 can move relative to the linkage gear 122.

[0075] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural diagram of the engagement between the linkage drive head 121 and the linkage gear 122 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram before the drive head 121 and the linkage gear 122 are engaged. Figure 5 For the linkage drive head 121 and the linkage gear 122 to press Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the installation and assembly structure.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 does not have a fixing frame, and the developing cartridge 1 in the second embodiment is provided with an end cap 17.

[0077] One end of the linkage drive head 121 is configured to cooperate with the printer drive head 2 through the linkage mounting hole 171 of the end cover 17, and the other end of the linkage drive head 121 is configured to cooperate with the linkage gear 122. The linkage gear 122 is connected directly or indirectly to the developing roller gear 111, the stirring rack gear 14, the powder feeding roller gear 16, etc.

[0078] See in some examples Figure 7 As shown, a second connecting cavity 1212 is provided at one end of the linkage drive head 121. The second connecting cavity 1212 is formed by a plurality of protruding second protrusions 1211. The second connecting cavity 1212 is used to cooperate in installing the printer drive head 2, thereby receiving the driving force input by the printer drive head 2.

[0079] The other end of the linkage drive head 121 includes a mounting part 1213 and a drive part 1214. The linkage gear 122 is provided with a first connecting cavity 1222. The mounting part 1213 is movably disposed in the first connecting cavity 1222. The drive part 1214 is disposed on the mounting part 1213 and is connected to the linkage gear 122 in the rotation direction of the linkage gear 122. With this configuration, when the mounting part 1213 rotates in the first connecting cavity 1222, the drive part 1214 can drive the linkage gear 122 to rotate.

[0080] A first protrusion 1223 is provided on the mating side of the linkage gear 122 and the mounting portion 1213 of the linkage drive head 121, and the first protrusion 1223 surrounds to form a first connecting cavity 1222. The first connecting cavity 1222 accommodates the mounting portion 1213, forming a movable connection.

[0081] In some embodiments, a plurality of first protrusions 1223 are provided, and the plurality of first protrusions 1223 are spaced apart to form recesses 1224. The driving part 1214 of the linkage drive head 121 is configured to cooperate with the recesses 1224. When the mounting part 1213 rotates in the first connecting cavity 1222, the driving part 1214 moves the first protrusions 1223 through the recesses 1224, causing the linkage gear 122 to rotate.

[0082] One end of the linkage drive head 121 is connected to the other end via an intermediate connecting rod.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the mounting portion 1213 of the linkage drive head 121 is rotatably connected to the first connecting cavity 1222 at an angle about the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122.

[0084] In some examples, the mounting part 1213 is a spherical structure, and the first connecting cavity 1222 has a concave arc surface. The spherical mounting part 1213 rotates on the concave arc surface, and the turning is smooth.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 intersects with the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121.

[0086] The rotation axis of the developing roller 11 extends along a first direction, which is the X-direction.

[0087] See Figure 1 As shown, the rotation axis of the developing roller 11 is i. The rotation axis of the developing roller gear 111 is i.

[0088] See Figure 8 As shown, the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121 is j. The rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121 is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the developing roller 11, that is, the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121 is not parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 11. This setting makes the linkage 12 at least partially tilted relative to the developing roller 11, so that when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the machine, the linkage 12 can avoid interference with the printer parts, thereby making the installation of the developing cartridge 1 smooth.

[0089] The axis of rotation of the printer drive head 2 can be parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 11. In other embodiments, the printer drive head 2 can rotate relative to the developing roller 11, and the axis of rotation of the printer drive head 2 can be set at an angle to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 11, that is, the axis of rotation of the printer drive head 2 is not parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 11.

[0090] See in some examples Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the rotation axis of the printer drive head 2 is n. The rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 is m. Both the rotation axes of the printer drive head 2 and the linkage gear 122 extend along a first direction, that is, both the rotation axes of the printer drive head 2 and the linkage gear 122 are parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 11. The rotation axis of the printer drive head 2 and the rotation axis of the linkage gear 122 are not on the same straight line.

[0091] It is understandable that the rotation axis of the printer drive head 2 is angled to the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121, meaning that the rotation axis of the printer drive head 2 is not parallel to the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121. After the second connecting cavity 1212 of the linkage drive head 121 and the printer drive head 2 are installed, the linkage drive head 121 protrudes beyond the contact position of the printer drive head 2 along the extension direction of its rotation axis. Therefore, the linkage drive head 121 is in an inclined state after installation, and the angle between the rotation axis of the linkage drive head 121 and the rotation axis of the printer drive head 2 is a preset angle. The linkage drive head 121 outputs driving force to the linkage gear 122 at the preset angle. The preset angle is α.

[0092] like Figure 9The diagram shown is a state diagram of the linkage 12 provided in this application embodiment when it is not installed on the machine. The linkage drive head 121 of the linkage 12 can not rotate along the rotation axis around the linkage gear 122, but rotate at an angle. Therefore, its structure is more flexible. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the machine, the linkage drive head 121 can move relative to the printer drive head 2. The linkage 12 can avoid the installation of printer parts, making the installation of the developing cartridge 1 smoother.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge (1), characterized in that, include: Housing, the housing being used to contain developer; Functional component, which is rotatably connected to the housing; A linkage (12) is used to drive the functional component to rotate. The linkage (12) includes a linkage drive head (121) for receiving the driving force from the printer side. The rotation axis of the linkage drive head (121) is set at an angle to the rotation axis of the functional component.

2. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage (12) also includes a linkage gear (122) connected to the linkage drive head (121), and the linkage gear (122) meshes with the gear on the functional component.

3. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linkage drive head (121) is fixedly connected to the linkage gear (122).

4. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the linkage gear (122) is parallel to or coincides with the rotation axis of the linkage drive head (121).

5. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the linkage gear (122) is not in the same plane as the rotation axis of the gear on the functional component.

6. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linkage drive head (121) is movably connected to the linkage gear (122).

7. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The linkage drive head (121) includes a mounting part (1213) and a drive part (1214). The linkage gear (122) is provided with a first connecting cavity (1222). The mounting part (1213) is movably disposed in the first connecting cavity (1222). The drive part (1214) is disposed on the mounting part (1213). The drive part (1214) is connected to the linkage gear (122) in the rotation direction of the linkage gear (122).

8. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the linkage gear (122) intersects with the rotation axis of the linkage drive head (121).

9. The developing cartridge (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the linkage gear (122) is parallel to the rotation axis of the gear on the functional component.

10. The developing cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The linkage gear (122) engages with the gear on the functional component using helical teeth.

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