Toner cartridges and handling cartridges

Abstract

This utility model discloses a toner cartridge and a processing cartridge, which are detachably installed in an imaging device. The toner cartridge is used to contain toner and supply toner to the outside of the cartridge. The toner cartridge includes: a cartridge body, including a toner receiving chamber for storing toner and a toner discharge port for discharging toner; a conveying component, rotatably supported by the cartridge body, for conveying toner from the toner receiving chamber toward the toner discharge port, the conveying component being fully exposed within the toner receiving chamber; a drive assembly, disposed at one longitudinal end of the cartridge body; an opening / closing device for sealing the toner discharge port, both the toner discharge port and the opening / closing device being disposed on the bottom surface of the cartridge body; and a pump, configured to blow airflow toward the toner discharge port to facilitate the discharge of toner from the toner discharge port. The toner cartridge provided by this utility model has the advantage of simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging technology; more specifically, it relates to a toner cartridge for replenishing toner in a processing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] For example, image forming equipment (hereinafter referred to as "imaging equipment") in laser printers and copiers typically uses removable processing cartridges. A typical processing cartridge includes at least a developing cartridge with a developing roller or a drum cartridge with a photosensitive drum. During imaging operations, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum. The developing roller supplies developer to the photosensitive drum, developing the electrostatic latent image on the drum for imaging operations.

[0003] As the developer (hereinafter referred to as "toner") in the processing cartridge is consumed, toner can be replenished to the processing cartridge through the toner cartridge to reduce the frequency of processing cartridge replacement and reduce operating costs.

[0004] A toner cartridge, detachably mounted to an imaging device / processing cartridge and used to replenish toner to the processing cartridge, includes a cartridge body and an air pump. When the air pump is compressed, its internal gas enters the discharge chamber to blow the toner, delivering the toner from the discharge port of the discharge chamber to the outside to replenish the processing cartridge. However, the internal chambers of the toner cartridge include interconnected structures such as a toner receiving chamber, a toner communicating chamber, and a toner discharge chamber. The conveying components used to transport the toner need to penetrate through the internal structure of the toner cartridge. In addition, an air inlet needs to be provided at the top of the toner cartridge to maintain the compression-expansion motion of the pump. The above toner cartridge structure is too complex, and there are problems such as easy assembly misalignment due to bumps during transportation and improper fit of components during use. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the main objective of this invention is to provide a simplified toner cartridge for use in solving...

[0006] This invention addresses the technical problems described in the background section. A first aspect of this invention discloses a toner cartridge, detachably installed in an imaging device. The toner cartridge is used to contain and supply toner to the outside of the cartridge. The toner cartridge includes: a cartridge body, comprising a toner receiving chamber for storing toner and a toner discharge port for discharging toner; a conveying component, rotatably supported by the cartridge body, for conveying toner from the toner receiving chamber toward the toner discharge port, the conveying component being fully exposed within the toner receiving chamber; a drive assembly, disposed at one longitudinal end of the cartridge body; an opening / closing device for sealing the toner discharge port, both the toner discharge port and the opening / closing device being disposed on the bottom surface of the cartridge body; and a pump, configured to blow airflow toward the toner discharge port to facilitate the discharge of toner from the toner discharge port.

[0007] In some embodiments, the toner cartridge includes an exhaust pipe in communication with the pump, through which the pump blows airflow into or adjacent to the toner outlet.

[0008] In some implementations, one end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end is located in the adjacent area of ​​the powder discharge port, with the other end of the exhaust pipe fixedly disposed relative to the box body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the airflow is configured to enter the toner receiving chamber from the other end of the exhaust pipe, and the toner receiving chamber creates a pressure difference with the outside of the housing.

[0010] In some implementations, the distance between the other end of the exhaust pipe and the powder discharge port is 5mm to 2cm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the opener / closer is configured to move between an open position where the powder discharge port is open and a closed position where the powder discharge port is closed, and after the opener / closer is in the open position, the other end of the exhaust pipe is exposed through the powder discharge port.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a compression gear, and the pump performs periodic compression-expansion motions as the compression gear rotates.

[0013] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a through-hole connecting the toner receiving chamber and the pump, the through-hole being sealed by an elastic element.

[0014] In some implementations, the elastic element is capable of elastic deformation under the action of the pump, thereby creating a pressure difference between the interior of the toner receiving chamber and the exterior of the housing.

[0015] This utility model also discloses a processing box for receiving toner supplied by the toner cartridge described above. The pump promotes the replenishment of toner from the discharge port to the processing box by creating a pressure difference between the toner receiving chamber and the outside of the box.

[0016] The toner cartridge with any of the above embodiments, by having only a toner receiving chamber inside the cartridge and the toner discharge port directly connected to the toner receiving chamber, allows the conveying components to be fully exposed inside the toner receiving chamber, thereby increasing the contact area between the conveying components and the toner, further improving the toner supply efficiency, and ultimately achieving the goal of simplifying the toner cartridge structure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the toner cartridge in Example 1;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of the toner cartridge in Example 1;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the toner cartridge in Example 1;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Top view;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 AA section view;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a first exploded structural diagram of the toner cartridge in Example 2;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a second exploded structural diagram of the toner cartridge in Example 2;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge in Example 2.

[0025] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge being installed in the imaging device in Example 3.

[0026] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge after some components have been hidden in Example 3.

[0027] Figure 9C and Figure 9D This is an exploded view of the toner cartridge after some components have been hidden in Example 3.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge after it is hidden from the main body in Example 4.

[0029] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge after it is hidden from the main body in Example 5.

[0030] Figure 11B This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge after the end cap is hidden in Example 5.

[0031] Figure 11C This is a schematic diagram of the main body of the toner cartridge in Example 5.

[0032] Figure 11D and Figure 11E This is a schematic diagram of the piston in the carbon powder cartridge in Example 5.

[0033] Figure 11F This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge during the toner feeding process in Example 5.

[0034] Figure 12A This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge after it is hidden from the main body in Example 6.

[0035] Figure 12BThis is a schematic diagram of the main body of the toner cartridge in Example 6.

[0036] Figure 12C This is a schematic diagram of the toner cartridge during the toner feeding process in Example 6. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Specific details are set forth in the following description with reference to 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. To more clearly illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the toner cartridge of Embodiment 1 includes a cartridge body 10. The cartridge body 10 has a toner receiving chamber 111 for storing toner and a toner discharge port 112 for discharging toner. Exemplarily, the cartridge body 10 includes a main frame 11 and a cover 12. The cover 12 is installed to the main frame 11 to form a toner receiving chamber 111 inside the main frame 11. The cover 12 is located at the top end of the cartridge 10, forming the cartridge body.

[0040] The toner receiving chamber 111 on the top surface of the main frame 10 and the main frame 11 is provided with a toner discharge port 112 for discharging toner from the internal cavity of the main frame 11 to the outside of the box 10 / replenishing to the processing box. The toner discharge port 112 is located on the bottom surface of the box 10 (i.e. the bottom surface of the main frame 11).

[0041] And facing the bottom of the box 10.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, a gate-like opening / closing device 14 is installed on the lower surface of the main frame 11 of the housing 10 to seal the toner discharge port 112 connecting the toner receiving chamber 111 to the outside. The opening / closing device 14 has a limiting part 141, such as a latch, to prevent it from detaching from the housing 10 / main frame 11; an elastic seal is provided between the opening / closing device 14 and the housing 10 / main frame 11 to prevent toner leakage from the gap between them.

[0043] The opener 14 can move between the open position of opening the toner discharge port 112 and the closed position of closing the toner discharge port 112. When the opener 14 is in the open position, the toner in the toner receiving chamber 111 can be discharged from the toner discharge port 112 to the outside of the box body 10 / replenished to the processing box.

[0044] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the powder feeding screw 30, as an example of a conveying component, is a movable part that can move relative to the main frame 11 and is rotatably supported by the main frame 11. The powder discharge port 112 is located downstream of the powder feeding screw 30 in the conveying direction. Toner is conveyed from the toner receiving chamber 111 toward the powder discharge port 112 along the rotation axis of the powder feeding screw 30. At least a portion of the powder feeding screw 30 is exposed inside the toner receiving chamber 111. Preferably, the powder feeding screw 30 can be completely exposed inside the toner receiving chamber 111 to increase the contact surface with the toner and further improve the powder supply efficiency. As a variation of the embodiment, a powder feeding conveyor belt, powder feeding conveyor plate, or reciprocating shaking powder feeding blades that are installed along the length of the housing 10 can be used as the conveying component. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0045] The toner receiving chamber 111 is also equipped with a stirring component 40. The stirring component 40 is a movable part that can move relative to the main frame 11 and is rotatably supported by the main frame 11. During rotation, it can stir the toner in the toner receiving chamber 111 to enhance the toner flowability and thus improve the toner supply efficiency. Preferably, the rotation axes of both the stirring component 40 and the toner feeding screw 30 are parallel to the length direction of the housing 10. The stirring component 40 includes a stirring frame 41 rotatably supported on the main frame 11 and a stirring blade 42 mounted on the stirring frame 41. The stirring blade 42 extends along the rotation axis of the stirring component 40 and can undergo elastic deformation. The end of the stirring blade 42 away from the stirring frame 41 can contact at least a portion of the inner wall of the toner receiving chamber 111 during stirring to achieve a better stirring effect and reduce the amount of toner adhering / residual on the inner wall of the toner receiving chamber 111.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, a drive assembly is provided on one of the longitudinal end sidewalls 13 of the box body 10. The drive assembly includes at least a stirring gear 41 and a powder feeding gear 31. The stirring gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 31 are respectively connected to the stirring component 40 and the powder feeding screw 30, and can drive the stirring component 40 and the powder feeding screw 30 to rotate respectively. The drive assembly can also be equipped with at least one idler wheel to make the transmission system more stable.

[0047] Furthermore, the toner cartridge of this embodiment also includes a pump 20, which can blow airflow into the interior or adjacent area of ​​the toner discharge port 112 through an exhaust pipe 22 connected thereto, to promote the discharge of toner from the toner discharge port 112. The pump 20 is preferably disposed on the longitudinal end sidewall 13 of the cartridge body 10. One end of the exhaust pipe 22 is a connection end connected to the air outlet of the pump 20, and the other end is a blowing end 221. The blowing end 221 is disposed in the adjacent area of ​​the toner discharge port 112, or it can be directly connected to or aligned with the toner discharge port 112. The exhaust pipe 22 can be a foldable flexible pipe or a deformable elastic pipe for easy installation; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0048] Preferably, the air-blowing end 221 of the exhaust pipe 22 is fixed relative to the housing 10. For example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, a connecting hole 113 is provided adjacent to the powder discharge port 112 in the box body 10 / main frame 11. The air blowing end 221 of the exhaust pipe 22 is positioned inside the connecting hole 113 to blow airflow into the adjacent area of ​​the powder discharge port 112. The air blowing end 221 can be interference-fitted with the connecting hole 113, or fixed in the connecting hole 113 by adhesive, or integrally formed with the connecting hole 113 / main frame 11 / box body 10. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this. In this embodiment, the air blowing end 221 and the connecting hole 113 are sealed by the opening and closing device 14. After the opening and closing device 14 is opened, the air blowing end 221 and the connecting hole 113 are exposed.

[0049] As a variation of the embodiment, the blowing end 221 of the exhaust pipe 22 can also be directly connected to the powder discharge port 112 or aligned with the powder discharge port 112 (the blowing end 221 is located above the powder discharge port 112) so as to blow airflow into the interior of the powder discharge port 112.

[0050] Preferably, the air blowing end 221 is located in the adjacent area of ​​the powder discharge port 112 and positioned by the connecting hole 113 to prevent toner from being drawn into the pump 20 along with the gas when the pump 20 expands, thus preventing the pump 20 from being contaminated. At this time, the distance between the air blowing end 221 and the powder discharge port 112 can be controlled between 5mm and 2cm to achieve a better toner discharge effect.

[0051] Furthermore, the drive assembly disposed on the longitudinal end sidewall 13 also includes at least a compression gear 21. A linkage mechanism (not shown in the figure) is provided between the compression gear 21 and the pump 20. Through this linkage mechanism, the pump 20 can perform periodic compression-expansion motion as the compression gear 21 rotates. The compression gear 21 is disposed between the stirring gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 31.

[0052] Between the two, or between the compression gear 21 and the stirring gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 31, at least one of them includes an idler gear to increase the stability of the drive system and adapt to a wider variety of usage environments.

[0053] In this embodiment, pump 20 is a reciprocating compression-expansion bellows pump, which changes its internal volume through expansion and compression. When pump 20 is compressed, the air pressure inside pump 20 increases, and the gas inside pump 20 forms an airflow. The airflow blows from the blowing end 221 of exhaust pipe 22 onto the inside or adjacent area of ​​toner discharge port 112, promoting the discharge of toner from toner discharge port 112. In addition, the airflow can also enter toner receiving chamber 111 from blowing end 221, creating a pressure difference between toner receiving chamber 111 and the outside, which further promotes the discharge of toner from toner discharge port 112 to the outside of the cartridge 10 / to replenish the processing cartridge.

[0054] As a variation of the embodiment, pump 20 may also be a positive displacement pump with other structures, such as piston pump, plunger pump, gear pump, diaphragm pump, screw pump, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the pump 20 does not need to be equipped with an exhaust pipe 22 connected to it to facilitate the discharge of toner from the toner discharge port 112, which further simplifies the internal structure of the toner receiving chamber 111. Other descriptions of Embodiment 2 can be found in Embodiment 1 and will not be repeated here. Figures 6 to 8 As shown in Embodiment 2, the housing 10 / main frame 11 is provided with a through hole 114 sealed by the elastic element 51, and the through hole 114 communicates with the toner receiving chamber 111. Exemplarily, the through hole 114 has a hollow columnar structure, which is provided on the end side wall 13 of the housing 10 / main frame 11 and protrudes from the end side wall 13, and the compression gear 21 can be installed on the outer peripheral wall of the through hole 114.

[0057] The elastic element 51 can be provided at the outer end 114a (the end away from the toner chamber 111) of the through hole 114, or at the inner end (the end close to the toner chamber 111) of the through hole 114, or at both the outer end 114a and the inner end of the through hole 114. This application does not limit this.

[0058] Pump 20 is connected to through-hole 114, for example, the open end of pump 20 is fixed to the outer end 114a of through-hole 114 or the outer peripheral wall of through-hole 114. Pump 20 enables elastic member 51 to undergo elastic deformation toward the interior of toner receiving chamber 111. Specifically, when pump 20 is compressed, its internal air pressure increases, and elastic member 51 undergoes elastic deformation under the action of internal air pressure of pump 20, protruding into through-hole 114 or directly into toner receiving chamber 111, so that the air pressure inside toner receiving chamber 111 forms an air pressure difference with the outside of box 10 / processing box, thereby promoting the discharge of toner from discharge port 112. When pump 20 expands, its internal air pressure decreases, and elastic member 51 can elastically recover under the action of its own elastic force. Elastic member 51 is preferably an elastic membrane, but it can also be an elastic sealing plug or other elastic sealing element, as long as it can seal through-hole 114 and generate an appropriate amount of elastic deformation when pump 20 is compressed.

[0059] Preferably, the toner cartridge includes an elastic reset member independent of the elastic member 51. The elastic member 51 is connected to the outer end 114a of the through hole 114. A spring 52, which serves as an example of the elastic reset member, is provided in the through hole 114. One end of the spring 52 is connected to the elastic member 51 (e.g., abutting), and the other end is connected to the end sidewall 13 (e.g., abutting). When the pump 20 expands, the rebound force of the spring 52 can cause the elastic member 51 to achieve a stable and reliable elastic recovery.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, a hollow positioning post 115 protruding into the through hole 114 is provided on the end sidewall 13. The spring 52 is sleeved on the hollow positioning post 115 to restrict the radial movement of the spring within the through hole 114. It is easy to understand that the spring 52 can also be replaced by an elastic restoring element such as a silicone sleeve or a rubber sleeve.

[0061] In this application, the toner cartridge housing 10 may only have a toner receiving chamber 111, with the toner discharge port 112 directly connected to the toner receiving chamber 111. This eliminates the need for a separate toner communication chamber and toner discharge chamber as in the prior art, simplifying the toner cartridge structure and reducing its processing difficulty and production cost. Furthermore, the toner cartridge of this application does not require an additional air inlet on the housing 10 to maintain the pump's compression-expansion motion, thus improving the toner cartridge's sealing performance.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] like Figure 9A As shown, the toner cartridge 31 is detachably installed in the imaging device 9 (hereinafter referred to as the "imaging device"). The toner cartridge 31 is used to contain toner and supply toner to the developing assembly (both independent processing cartridges and processing cartridges installed in the imaging device can be referred to as "developing assembly") in the imaging device 9. The toner cartridge 31 has a receiving portion 311 for storing toner and a discharging portion 312 for supplying toner to the processing cartridge. The receiving portion 311 has a cartridge body 3110 and a receiving cavity 3111 formed inside the cartridge body 3110 (e.g., ...). Figure 9C As shown), the receiving part 311 is used to directly receive toner, and the toner cartridge 31 also has an end cap 313 disposed at the end of the cartridge body 3110 away from the discharge part 312. The end cap 313 is detachably installed on the cartridge body 3110 to facilitate the replenishment of toner into the receiving part 311 and the observation or installation of the components of the toner cartridge 31.

[0064] The toner cartridge 31 is further provided with a driven part 314; the receiving part 311 and the discharge part 312 are respectively located on both sides of the driven part 314; the imaging device 9 has a device body 90 and a positioning part 91 and a driving part 92 provided in the device body 90. The positioning part 91 is used to position the toner cartridge 31, and the driving part 92 is used to cooperate with the driven part 314 to transmit the rotational driving force output by the imaging device 9 to the toner cartridge 31, so that the driven part 314 is driven to rotate.

[0065] like Figure 9B , Figure 9C and Figure 9D As shown, the toner cartridge 31 also has a conveying member 315 for conveying toner from the receiving part 311 to the discharge part 312. The conveying member 315 includes a rotating shaft 3150 for cooperating with the driven part 314 and a powder feeding member 3151 for cooperating with the rotating shaft 3150. The rotating shaft 3150 rotates together with the driven part 314, and the powder feeding member 3151 moves with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3150. In this embodiment, the powder feeding member 3151 rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3150 to convey toner to the discharge part 312. The rotating shaft 3150 extends in the receiving part 311 and enters the discharge part 312. In this way, the toner located in the receiving part 311 can be directly conveyed to the discharge part 312 by the conveying member 315, which is beneficial to improving the powder feeding efficiency of the toner cartridge 31. Preferably, the rotating shaft 3150 is configured as a conical structure.

[0066] like Figure 9B , Figure 9C and Figure 9DAs shown, the driven part 314 has a driven part body 314a and a first connecting part 3141 extending toward the discharge part 312 and a second connecting part 3142 extending toward the receiving part 311 on the driven part body 314a; the end cap 313 has an end cap body 3130 and a mating part 3131 formed on the end cap body 3130, the mating part 3131 being used to mate with the rotating shaft 3150 to position the rotating shaft 3150, preferably, the mating part 3131 being configured as a mating hole; the end cap 313 also has a first connecting part 3141 extending toward the discharge part 312 on the end cap body 3130. The toner cartridge 31 is further provided with a plurality of sealing components for sealing the toner cartridge 31. The plurality of sealing components include a first sealing member 3171 for sealing the gap between the driven part 314 and the discharge part 312, a second sealing member 3172 for sealing the gap between the driven part 314 and the receiving part 311, and a third sealing member 3173 for sealing the gap between the receiving part 311 and the end cap 313. The provision of the first sealing member 3171, the second sealing member 3172 and the third sealing member 3173 further improves the sealing performance of the toner cartridge 31.

[0067] The sealing element can be attached to the corresponding components by adhesive bonding or welding, as long as the first sealing element 3171 can seal the gap between the driven part 314 and the discharge part 312, the second sealing element 3172 can seal the gap between the driven part 314 and the receiving part 311, and the third sealing element can seal the gap between the receiving part 311 and the end cap 313. For example, the first sealing element 3171 is fixedly installed on the first connecting part 141 or the discharge part 312, the second sealing element 3172 is fixedly installed on the second connecting part 3142 or the inner side of the cylinder body 3110 (the side of the cylinder body 3110 facing the rotating shaft 3150), and the third sealing element 3173 is fixedly installed on the third connecting part 3133 or the inner side of the cylinder body 3110.

[0068] In this invention, the frictional force between the driven part 314 and the discharge part 312 is small, and the discharge part 312 will not rotate with the driven part 314, or the discharge part 312 is positioned by the positioning part 91 and will not rotate with the driven part 314; when the second seal 3172 is installed in the second connecting part 3142, the second seal 3172 will rotate relative to the receiving part 311; when the second seal 3172 is installed in the cylinder body 3110, the driven part 314 will rotate relative to the second seal 3172. In other words, the receiving part 311 does not rotate relative to the discharging part 312, which can reduce the friction between the receiving part 311 and the second seal 3171, or reduce the friction between the driven part 314 and the second seal 3171. At the same time, the driven part 314 does not need to drive the cylinder body 3110 containing a lot of toner to rotate, which can reduce the load on the driven part 314. As a result, when the toner cylinder 31 is in the initial use stage, the load on the driven part 314 is reduced, and correspondingly, the load on the driving part 92 is also reduced.

[0069] In some implementations, such as Figure 9C and Figure 9D As shown, the toner cartridge 31 is also provided with a connector 316 for connecting the driven part 314 and the discharge part 312. The connector 316 is fixedly sleeved on the first connecting part 3141 and is rotatably supported by the discharge part 312. At this time, the discharge part 312 does not rotate with the driven part 314. In other words, the discharge part 312 is not driven by the driven part 314 and remains relatively fixed with the receiving part 311. The connector 316 can also be fixedly sleeved on the discharge part 312. At this time, the first connecting part 3141 / driven part 314 rotates relative to the discharge part 312 / connector 316. The connector 316 is detachably disposed between the driven part 314 and the discharge part 312, which can isolate the direct contact between the discharge part 312 and the attached part of the driven part 314, thereby reducing rotational friction and reducing the load on the imaging device.

[0070] In some embodiments, the driven part 314 is integrally formed with the rotating shaft 3150, so that the rotating shaft 3150 rotates more stably with the driven part 314, while simplifying the powder feeding structure and improving the driving force transmission efficiency.

[0071] In some embodiments, the driven part 314 and the rotating shaft 3150 can be separately arranged, such as... Figure 9C and Figure 9DAs shown, the driven part 314 is provided with a locking part 3140 for cooperating with the rotating shaft 3150. The locking part 3140 can be configured as a plurality of locking ribs 3143 extending from the inside of the driven part 314, or the locking part 3140 can be configured as an annular component extending from the plurality of locking ribs 3143, thereby achieving a tight fit between the driven part 314 and the rotating shaft 3150.

[0072] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft 3150 is integrally formed, which helps to simplify the structure of the conveyor 315.

[0073] In some implementations, such as Figure 9B , Figure 9C and Figure 9D As shown, the rotating shaft 3150 can be separately configured. The rotating shaft 3150 includes a first part 3150a located in the receiving part 311 and a second part 3150b located in the discharge part 312. Both the first part 3150a and the second part 3150b are driven by the driven part 314. The powder feeding component 3151 can also be separately configured. The powder feeding component 3151 includes a first powder feeding component 3151a for cooperating with the first part 3150a and a second powder feeding component 3151b for cooperating with the second part 3150b. 151a is connected to the first part 3150a, and the second powder feeding component 3151b is connected to the second part 3150b. Both the first powder feeding component 3151a and the second powder feeding component 3151b are configured as spiral blade structures. The pitch of the first powder feeding component 3151a is smaller than that of the second powder feeding component 3151b, which is beneficial to improving the powder feeding efficiency of the discharge part 312 to the developing assembly. The separate arrangement of the rotating shaft 3150 and the powder feeding component 3151 not only facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the toner cartridge 31, but also improves the utilization rate of each component in the toner cartridge 31.

[0074] Example 4

[0075] like Figure 10 As shown, the following will introduce Embodiment 4 of this application. The parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 3 will not be repeated in this embodiment. The difference from Embodiment 3 is that the structure of the transmission member 315 is different.

[0076] like Figure 10As shown, the conveying component 315 includes a rotating shaft 3150 and a powder feeding component 3151. The powder feeding component 3151 is located in the receiving portion 311 and is disposed near the end cover 313. The powder feeding component 3151 is used to cooperate with the rotating shaft 3150 so that the powder feeding component 3151 can rotate with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3150. The air force generated by the rotation of the powder feeding component 3151 causes the toner in the receiving portion 311 to be transported to the discharge portion 312. Preferably, the powder feeding component 3151 is integrally formed with the rotating shaft 3150, and the powder feeding component 3151 is configured as a blade structure.

[0077] In this embodiment, during the powder feeding process, the receiving part 311 does not rotate relative to the discharge part 312, so that when the toner cartridge 31 is in the initial use stage, the driven part 14 does not need to drive the cartridge body 3110 and the toner in the cartridge body 3110 to rotate together. As a result, the load on the driven part 314 is reduced, and correspondingly, the load on the driving part 392 is also reduced.

[0078] In some embodiments, the powder feeding component 3151 can also be separately arranged from the rotating shaft 3150. The connection method between the powder feeding component 3151 and the rotating shaft 3150 is not limited, as long as the powder feeding component 3151 can rotate with the rotating shaft 3150. Alternatively, the powder feeding component 3151 can be directly connected to the driven part 314, so that the driven part 314 directly drives the powder feeding component 3151 to rotate.

[0079] The end cap 313 also has an air inlet 3132 formed on the end cap body 3130 to ensure that the air pressure in the receiving cavity 3111 remains stable. The air inlet 3132 allows air to pass through but does not allow toner particles to pass through, so that the toner in the receiving part 311 will not flow out from the air inlet 3132.

[0080] Example 5

[0081] like Figures 11A-11F As shown, the following will introduce Embodiment 5 of this application. The parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4 will not be repeated in this embodiment. The difference from Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4 is that the structure of the transmission member 315 is different.

[0082] like Figure 11A , Figure 11D and Figure 11FAs shown, the conveying member 315 includes a rotating shaft 3150 and a powder feeding member 3151. In this embodiment, the powder feeding member 3151 moves linearly with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3150. Specifically, the arrangement direction of the receiving portion 311 and the discharge portion 312 is defined as the length direction of the toner cartridge 31. The powder feeding member 3151 moves along the length direction of the toner cartridge 31 with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3150. The powder feeding member 3151 has an initial position and an end position. Along the length direction, the initial position is closer to the end cap 313 than the end position, or in other words, the end position is closer to the discharge portion 312 than the initial position. As the rotating shaft 3150 rotates, the powder feeding member 3151 moves from the initial position to the end position, thereby squeezing the toner in the receiving portion 311. The powder is then conveyed from the receiving part 311 to the discharge part 312. Preferably, the rotating shaft 3150 is configured as a threaded rod, and the powder feeding element 3151 is configured as a piston. The piston 3151 is conical and has a conical surface 3154. The piston 3151 pushes the powder at least using the conical surface 3154. To prevent the powder from leaking from the receiving cavity 3111, the contact portion between the piston 3151 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3111 is made of an elastic material, which can enhance the sealing performance between the contact portion and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3111. However, it is necessary to ensure that the driving force provided by the driven part 314 can overcome the friction between the contact portion and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3111. Preferably, the contact portion is configured as a sponge or the contact portion is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3111.

[0083] This design can reduce the amount of toner adhering to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3111, thereby improving toner utilization.

[0084] In some implementations, such as Figure 11E As shown, the piston 3151 also has an end face 3155, which can also be used to push carbon powder.

[0085] In some embodiments, the powder feeding component 3151 and the rotating shaft 3150 are separately arranged; the powder feeding component 3151 may be coaxial with the rotating shaft 3150 or not coaxial with the rotating shaft 3150. In the case where the powder feeding component 3151 and the rotating shaft 3150 are not coaxial, a driving force transmission device that can transmit driving force to the powder feeding component 3151 is also required between the powder feeding component 3151 and the rotating shaft 3150, so that the powder feeding component 3151 can move with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3150.

[0086] like Figure 11B , Figure 11C and Figure 11DAs shown, specifically, the piston 3151 has at least one limiting portion 3153 formed thereon and a threaded hole 3152 for engaging with the threaded rod 3150. The receiving portion 311 has at least one limiting portion 3112 extending inside the cylinder body 3110 for engaging with the limiting portion 3153, thereby restricting the piston 3151 from moving in the circumferential direction and positioning the piston 3151. This ensures that when the threaded rod 3150 rotates with the driven portion 314, the piston 3151 can only move in the arrangement direction of the receiving portion 311 and the discharge portion 312, which helps the piston 3151 to remain stable during powder feeding.

[0087] Example 6

[0088] like Figures 12A-12C As shown, the following will introduce Embodiment 6 of this application. The parts that are the same as those in Embodiments 3-5 above will not be repeated in this embodiment. The difference from Embodiments 3-5 above is that the structure of the conveying member 315 is different, and the receiving part 311 is used to indirectly receive toner.

[0089] like Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12C As shown, the conveying component 315 includes a rotating shaft 3150 and a powder feeding component 3151. The powder feeding component 3151 is used to hold toner and is configured as a flexible structural component that can extend and retract with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3150. Preferably, the powder feeding component 3151 is configured as a flexible bag, and the rotating shaft 3150 is configured as a threaded rod. The flexible bag 3151 has an initial state and a terminal state. The volume of the flexible bag 3151 in the initial state is greater than the volume of the flexible bag 3151 in the terminal state. In this embodiment, the powder feeding component 3151 and the rotating shaft 3150 are separately configured, and the powder feeding component 3151 is replaceable. This design allows the powder feeding component 3151 to be directly replaced when the toner in the toner cartridge 31 is exhausted, without the need to directly replenish the toner in the toner cartridge 31. This not only simplifies operation but also reduces environmental pollution.

[0090] like Figure 12B and Figure 12CAs shown, the flexible bag 3151 has a threaded hole 3152 formed thereon for engaging with the threaded rod 3150. When toner is stored in the flexible bag 3151, the flexible bag 3151 is restricted from moving in the circumferential direction under the gravity of the toner. This allows the flexible bag 3151 to transition from an initial state to a final state when the threaded rod 3150 rotates with the driven part 314, so that the toner stored therein can be smoothly supplied to the discharge part 312. Preferably, an elastic seal can also be provided between the threaded rod 3150 and the threaded hole 3152 to reduce the toner adhering to the threaded rod 3150, thereby further improving the toner utilization rate.

[0091] In some embodiments, the receiving part 311 is configured as a cylindrical structure made of rigid material, which facilitates the positioning part 91 to fix the toner cartridge 31. At the same time, the receiving part 311 made of rigid material can also prevent toner from leaking into the equipment body 90, further ensuring the sealing of the toner cartridge 31.

[0092] As stated above, the following beneficial effects can be achieved through this solution:

[0093] 1. The receiving part 311 does not rotate relative to the discharge part 312, so that when the toner cartridge 31 is in the initial use stage, the driven part 314 does not need to drive the cartridge body 3110 and the toner in the cartridge body 3110 to rotate together. As a result, the load on the driven part 314 is reduced, and correspondingly, the load on the driving part 92 is also reduced.

[0094] 2. The rotating shaft 3150 extends from the receiving part 311 to the discharge part 312. The powder feeding member 3151 can be simultaneously disposed in the receiving part 311 and the discharge part 312, so that the powder feeding efficiency of the conveying member 315 can be further improved.

[0095] 3. When the powder feeding component 3151 is configured as a piston, the powder feeding component 3151 contacts the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3111, which can reduce the adhesion of toner to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 3111 and improve the toner utilization rate.

[0096] 4. When the powder feeding component 3151 is configured as a flexible component, the powder feeding component 3151 is used to contain toner, and the powder feeding component 3151 is made of flexible material. The containing part 311 is configured as a cylindrical structure made of rigid material, which not only facilitates the positioning part 91 to fix the toner cartridge 31, but also prevents toner from leaking into the main body 90 of the equipment, further ensuring the sealing of the toner cartridge 31.

[0097] It should be noted that some identical descriptions in the different embodiments described above have been omitted. Unless there are contradictions or exclusions, the different embodiments disclosed above can be referenced, consulted, or combined with each other, and the technical features / components of different embodiments can also be combined and / or substituted with each other. The above embodiments are only used to exemplarily describe the possible implementation schemes of this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of this utility model. That is, any substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art in accordance with this utility model should also be covered by the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A toner cartridge, detachably mounted to an imaging device, the toner cartridge for containing toner and supplying toner to the outside of the toner cartridge; characterized in that, The toner cartridge includes: The housing includes a toner receiving chamber for storing toner and a toner discharge port for discharging toner. A conveying component, configured to be rotatably supported by the housing, is used to convey toner from the toner receiving chamber toward the toner discharge port, with the entire conveying component exposed within the toner receiving chamber; A drive assembly is disposed at one longitudinal end of the housing; An opening / closing device is used to seal the powder discharge port. Both the powder discharge port and the opening / closing device are located on the bottom surface of the box body. A pump is configured to blow airflow into the discharge port to facilitate the discharge of toner from the discharge port.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toner cartridge includes an exhaust pipe connected to the pump, through which the pump blows airflow into the interior or adjacent area of ​​the toner outlet.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end is located in the adjacent area of ​​the powder discharge port. The other end of the exhaust pipe is fixedly set relative to the box body.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The airflow is configured to enter the toner receiving chamber from the other end of the exhaust pipe, and the toner receiving chamber forms a pressure difference with the outside of the box.

5. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between the other end of the exhaust pipe and the powder discharge port is 5mm to 2cm.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opener / closer is configured to move between an open position (opening the powder discharge port) and a closed position (closing the powder discharge port), and when the opener / closer is in the open position, the other end of the exhaust pipe is exposed through the powder discharge port.

7. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a compression gear, and the pump performs periodic compression-expansion motions as the compression gear rotates.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a through hole connecting the toner receiving chamber and the pump, and the through hole is sealed by an elastic element.

9. The toner cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic element can undergo elastic deformation under the action of the pump, thereby creating a pressure difference between the inside of the toner receiving chamber and the outside of the box.

10. A processing box for receiving toner supplied by a toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The pump creates a pressure difference between the toner receiving chamber and the outside of the cartridge, which facilitates the replenishment of toner from the discharge port to the processing cartridge.

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