Integrated toner cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of integrated carbon powder box and electrophotographic imaging equipment, integrated carbon powder box includes photosensitive unit, developing unit, protective cover, end cover and magnetic suction component, photosensitive unit is fixedly connected with protective cover, the fixed connection of protective cover and developing unit, protective cover has the pivot portion of second power receiving head of cover and is equipped with the block of dialing, end cover has the hole for avoiding and connecting through-hole, the first power receiving head of developing unit passes through the hole for avoiding, pivot portion is rotatably installed in connecting through-hole, block of dialing can drive protective cover to drive developing unit rotate around the axis of pivot portion;Magnetic suction component includes the first magnetic piece of being installed on end cover and the second magnetic piece of being installed on protective cover, the magnetic attraction force of being attracted can be generated between the first magnetic piece and the second magnetic piece, photosensitive drum and developing roller separate when two magnetic pieces attract;Electrophotographic imaging equipment includes the integrated carbon powder box, the structure of integrated carbon powder box is simple, ensure that developing roller and photosensitive drum can be reliably separated when not imaging operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging technology, specifically to an integrated toner cartridge and an electrophotographic imaging device equipped with the integrated toner cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging equipment (such as laser printers) is a device that uses the principle of electrophotography to form an image on an image-forming medium (such as paper) through at least the processes of charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, and cleaning. The material device used in electrophotographic imaging equipment for printing consumables is generally called a toner cartridge. The application of toner cartridges allows users to perform a certain degree of maintenance on electrophotographic imaging equipment themselves (such as replacing toner cartridges, replenishing toner and developer) without relying on professional repair personnel, greatly improving the convenience and ease of maintenance of electrophotographic imaging equipment in daily use.

[0003] Existing toner cartridges can be divided into integrated toner cartridges and separate toner cartridges. Regardless of the type, they all include a photosensitive unit and a developing unit. During the imaging process, the photosensitive drum of the photosensitive unit is irradiated by a laser from the optical system of the electrophotographic imaging equipment, thereby forming a corresponding electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive layer of the drum. Simultaneously, a toggle mechanism within the electrophotographic imaging equipment moves a lever on the developing unit relative to the photosensitive unit, thereby controlling the developing roller of the developing unit to press against the photosensitive drum with a certain pressure. This allows the developing roller to supply developer (toner) to the photosensitive drum, developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Subsequently, the image forming medium passes through the paper path formed between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, allowing the developer to be transferred onto the image forming medium to form the desired image. When the toner cartridge is not in imaging operation, the toggle mechanism moves the toggle block in the opposite direction to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. This allows the cleaning mechanism inside the electrophotographic imaging equipment or the cleaning mechanism on the photosensitive unit to clean the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum, ensuring the imaging quality of the next imaging operation.

[0004] like Figure 1As shown, a conventional integrated toner cartridge 9 is provided with a biasing assembly 93, which includes a first tension spring 931 and a second tension spring 932. The first tension spring 931 is connected between the photosensitive unit 91 and the developing unit 92, and is located on the side of the photosensitive unit 91 and the developing unit 92 away from the photosensitive drum 911 and the developing roller 921. The first end of the second tension spring 932 is connected to the photosensitive unit 91, and a lever 922 is rotatably connected to the housing 923 of the developing unit 92. The lever 922 is provided with a strip groove 9221, and the second end of the second tension spring 932 is slidably disposed in the strip groove 9221. When the toggle mechanism 90 moves to the left in the figure, the toggle block 922 rotates relative to the housing 923 of the developing unit 92 so that the second end of the second tension spring 932 passes the lower half of the midpoint of the groove 9221. At this time, the second tension spring 932 contracts and the first tension spring 931 is stretched, and the developing roller 921 abuts against the photosensitive drum 911. When the toggle mechanism 90 moves to the right in the figure, the toggle block 922 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the housing 923 of the developing unit 92 so that the second end of the second tension spring 932 passes the upper half of the midpoint of the groove 9221. At this time, the second tension spring 932 is stretched and the first tension spring 931 contracts, and the developing roller 921 separates from the photosensitive drum 911. It is evident that the separation and joining of the developing roller 921 and the photosensitive drum 911 rely on the extension and contraction (elastic force change) of the first tension spring 931 and the second tension spring 932, and the position of the second end of the second tension spring 932 relative to the strip groove 9221. This results in a change in elastic force between the first tension spring 931 and / or the second tension spring 932 when plastic deformation (fatigue) occurs, thus preventing the developing roller 921 from reliably separating from the photosensitive drum 911. Furthermore, assisting the separation of the developing roller 921 from the photosensitive drum 911 through the aforementioned bias component 93 significantly increases the structural complexity, assembly difficulty, and production cost of the integrated toner cartridge 9. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the main objective of this invention is to provide an integrated toner cartridge with a simple structure that ensures reliable separation of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum during non-imaging operations.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide an electronic photographic imaging device equipped with the aforementioned integrated toner cartridge.

[0007] To achieve the main objective of this utility model, it provides an integrated toner cartridge, comprising a photosensitive unit and a developing unit. The photosensitive unit includes a first cartridge body, a photosensitive drum rotatably mounted on the first cartridge body, and a first power receiving head for driving the photosensitive drum to rotate. The developing unit includes a second cartridge body, a developing roller rotatably mounted on the second cartridge body, and a second power receiving head for driving the developing roller to rotate. The integrated toner cartridge further includes a cover, an end cap, and a magnetic assembly. The cover is fixedly connected to the second cartridge body and has a pivot portion that covers the second power receiving head. The cover is also provided with a lever. The block has an end cap with a clearance through hole and a connection through hole. The first housing is fixedly connected to the end cap. The first power receiving head passes through the clearance through hole. The rotating shaft is rotatably installed in the connection through hole. The push block can drive the cover to drive the developing unit to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft. The magnetic attraction assembly includes a first magnetic element installed on the end cap and a second magnetic element installed on the cover. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element can generate a magnetic force that attracts each other. When the photosensitive drum contacts the developing roller, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element separate. When the photosensitive drum separates from the developing roller, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, during imaging operations, the toggle block is driven to rotate the developing unit relative to the end cover, causing the photosensitive drum to contact the developing roller. At this time, because the first and second magnetic components move away from each other, the magnetic attraction between them weakens, thus not affecting the contact between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, ensuring that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can always maintain a certain pressure and close contact. During non-imaging operations, the toggle block is driven to rotate the developing unit in the opposite direction, causing the photosensitive drum and the developing roller to separate. At this time, the first and second magnetic components move closer to each other until they attract together, thus keeping the photosensitive drum and the developing roller in a separated position. This facilitates the cleaning mechanism to clean the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum, ensuring the imaging quality of the next imaging operation. Compared with the existing integrated toner cartridges using bias components, the integrated toner cartridge provided by this utility model, under the action of the magnetic attraction component, can greatly simplify the structure, reduce assembly difficulty and production costs, and is less affected by the fatigue of functional components after long-term use, ensuring that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are always reliably separated during non-imaging operations.

[0009] A preferred embodiment is that one of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component is a magnet, and the other is made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material that can be attracted by a magnet; or both the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are magnets.

[0010] As can be seen from the above, the first and second magnetic components can be selected in different types according to factors such as installation space, installation structure, production cost, and usage environment, so that the magnetic components can use different models of integrated toner cartridges, thereby improving the practicality of the integrated toner cartridges.

[0011] A further embodiment is that the first magnetic component has a first attraction plane, and the second magnetic component has a second attraction plane; when the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are attracted, the first attraction plane and the second attraction plane are in close contact.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, this design ensures that there is a sufficiently large adsorption and bonding area between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component, so that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can be reliably confined to the separation position, improving the cleaning effect on the photosensitive drum, and also preventing waste powder that is accidentally dropped during the cleaning process from contaminating the image forming medium (such as paper).

[0013] Another preferred embodiment is that the end cap has a first mounting groove, the first magnetic component is installed in the first mounting groove, the first mounting groove and the first magnetic component are interference-fitted or bonded together, or the first magnetic component is integrally formed with the end cap by an insert injection molding process; the cover has a second mounting groove, the first magnetic component is installed in the second mounting groove, the second mounting groove and the second magnetic component are interference-fitted or bonded together, or the second magnetic component is integrally formed with the cover by an insert injection molding process.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, there are various ways to connect the end cap to the first magnetic component and various ways to connect the cover to the second magnetic component. This allows the connection between the end cap and the first magnetic component, and the connection between the cover and the second magnetic component, to be flexibly adjusted according to the model, structure, and installation space of the integrated toner cartridge. This further enhances the flexibility and practicality of integrated toner cartridge production and helps to reduce production costs.

[0015] Another preferred option is that the lever and the cover are detachably connected, or that the lever and the cover are integrally formed.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, the detachable connection design of the toggle and the cover allows the integrated toner cartridge to be adapted to different models of electronic imaging equipment by configuring toggles with different structures during the production process. It also helps to reduce mold costs, improve production flexibility, and reduce the risk of inventory backlog. Furthermore, molding the toggle and the cover into one piece helps to simplify the structure of the integrated toner cartridge and reduce assembly steps.

[0017] A further embodiment is that, when the lever and the cover are detachably connected, one of the lever and the cover is provided with an insertion hole, and the other is provided with a pin, with the pin inserted into the insertion hole; the lever is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part located on both sides of the pin, and the cover is provided with a third limiting part and a fourth limiting part located on both sides of the pin, the first limiting part and the third limiting part cooperate to restrict the lever from rotating around the pin in a first direction, and the second limiting part and the fourth limiting part cooperate to restrict the lever from rotating around the pin in the opposite direction in the first direction.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, this design can simplify the assembly structure of the push block and the cover, reduce assembly steps, and ensure that the push block can reliably drive the cover and the developing unit to rotate around the rotating shaft, thereby improving the reliability of controlling the separation / contact of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller.

[0019] A further proposed solution is to place the lever on the side of the second cartridge closer to the developing roller, with the magnetic assembly and the lever positioned on opposite sides of the rotating shaft.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, the position design of the toggle block helps to set up the toggle mechanism in the electrophotographic imaging equipment and better adapts to different types of electrophotographic imaging equipment; while the position design of the magnetic component can better avoid the magnetic component affecting the movement of toner in the second cartridge to the developing roller, and avoid the magnetic component getting too close to the area where electronic components are concentrated in the electrophotographic imaging equipment, and better utilize the space of the integrated toner cartridge to increase the toner capacity of the second cartridge.

[0021] A further proposed solution is that the first power receiver head is mounted on the end of the photosensitive drum; the second power receiver head is rotatably mounted on the second housing, the second power receiver head has a gear section, and the end of the developing roller is provided with a developing roller gear, which is connected to the gear section for transmission.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the connection structure design of the first power receiver head helps to simplify the structure of the imaging unit, reduce the number of components in the imaging unit, and thus reduce production costs; the connection structure design of the second power receiver head helps to prevent the first power receiver head and the second power receiver head from obstructing close contact between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, and / or prevents the first drive mechanism driving the first power receiver head to rotate and the second drive mechanism driving the second power receiver head to rotate in the electrophotographic imaging device from interfering with each other, and helps to optimize the layout of the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism within the electrophotographic imaging device.

[0023] To achieve another objective of this utility model, this utility model provides an electrophotographic imaging device, including a body, a processing cartridge mounting cavity, and a toggle mechanism within the processing cartridge mounting cavity. The aforementioned integrated toner cartridge is detachably mounted within the processing cartridge mounting cavity. The toggle end of the toggle mechanism is connected to a toggle block. The toggle end can drive the toggle block to rotate around a rotating shaft in a second direction, causing the photosensitive drum to contact the developing roller. The toggle end can also drive the toggle block to rotate in the opposite direction around the rotating shaft in the second direction, causing the photosensitive drum to separate from the developing roller.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, by configuring the aforementioned integrated toner cartridge, electrophotographic imaging equipment can improve image quality and reduce operating costs.

[0025] A further embodiment is that the actuating end has an actuating part, the actuating part has a clearance part; the actuating block has a mating part, the mating part mates with the actuating part and can extend into the clearance part; the depth of the clearance part is greater than the maximum height to which the mating part extends into the clearance part when the mating part rotates around the rotating shaft.

[0026] As can be seen from the above, this design can prevent the toggle block and the toggle end from jamming each other during the movement of the toggle block. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an existing integrated toner cartridge.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the integrated toner cartridge of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the integrated toner cartridge of this utility model, with the first omitted component.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the cover of the first embodiment of the integrated toner cartridge of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the second omitted component of the first embodiment of the integrated toner cartridge of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the end cap of the first embodiment of the integrated toner cartridge of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the cover of the second embodiment of the integrated toner cartridge of this utility model.

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] First embodiment of integrated toner cartridge Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The integrated toner cartridge 100 includes an imaging unit 1, a developing unit 2, a protective cover 3, an end cap 4, and a magnetic suction assembly 5.

[0036] Imaging unit 1 includes a first housing 11, a photosensitive drum 12, a first power receiving head 13, and a charging roller 14. The photosensitive drum 12 is rotatably mounted on the first housing 11 around its own axis. The first power receiving head 13 is used to receive external driving force and drive the photosensitive drum 12 to rotate. The charging roller 14 is mounted on the first housing 11 and is used to uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 12 so that the photosensitive drum 12 forms an electrostatic latent image on its own surface after being irradiated by the laser system in the electrophotographic imaging device.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first housing 11 is provided with a waste toner compartment, and the photosensitive drum 12 is located at the toner inlet of the waste toner compartment. The first power receiving head 13 is installed at the end of the photosensitive drum 12, so that the first power receiving head 13 can directly rotate the photosensitive drum 12 without the need for an additional transmission structure to drive the photosensitive drum 12. This effectively simplifies the structure of the imaging unit 1, reduces the number of parts and production costs, and improves transmission efficiency. In addition, the imaging unit 1 preferably also includes a cleaning blade, which is installed on the first housing 11. The cleaning blade of the cleaning blade contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 and is located at the toner inlet of the waste toner compartment, so that the waste toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 can be removed by the cleaning blade and recycled into the waste toner compartment, which ensures imaging quality and prevents waste toner from falling onto the pattern forming medium (such as paper). It is understood that in other embodiments, the first housing 11 may not be provided with a waste toner hopper, and the imaging unit 1 may not include a cleaning scraper. Of course, correspondingly, the electrophotographic imaging device is provided with a cleaning mechanism to clean the waste toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0038] The developing unit 2 includes a second housing 21, a developing roller 22, a second power receiving head 23, a toner delivery roller, and a toner discharge blade. The second housing 21 has a toner hopper containing toner. The developing roller 22 is rotatably mounted on the second housing 21 around its own axis and is located at the toner outlet of the toner hopper. The toner delivery roller is rotatably mounted on the second housing 21 around its own axis and is located inside the toner hopper. The toner delivery roller is used to more evenly transfer the toner in the toner hopper to the developing roller 22, so that the developing roller 22 can transfer the toner to the photosensitive drum 12 for electrostatic latent image development. The second power receiving head 23 receives external driving force and drives the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 12 to rotate. The toner discharge blade is mounted on the second housing 21, and the blade of the toner discharge blade contacts the surface of the developing roller 22 and is located at the air outlet of the toner hopper. The toner discharge blade is used to control the thickness of the toner layer adsorbed on the surface of the developing roller 22 to ensure the thickness of the developed toner layer on the photosensitive drum 12, thereby ensuring image quality.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second power receiving head 23 is rotatably mounted on the second housing 21 around its own axis. The second power receiving head 23 has a gear section; the end of the developing roller 22 is provided with a developing roller gear 221, and the end of the powder feeding roller is provided with a powder feeding roller gear. The developing roller gear 221 and the powder feeding roller gear mesh with the gear section of the second power receiving head 23, so that the developing roller 22 and the powder feeding roller rotate relative to each other at a set speed ratio. This connection structure design of the second power receiving head 23 helps to prevent the first power receiving head 13 and the second power receiving head 23 from obstructing close contact between the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22, and / or prevents interference between the first drive mechanism driving the first power receiving head 13 and the second drive mechanism driving the second power receiving head 23 in the electrophotographic imaging device. Furthermore, it helps to optimize the layout of the first and second drive mechanisms within the electrophotographic imaging device. It is understood that in some embodiments, the gear portion of the second power receiving head 23 can mesh with the developing roller gear 221 via an idler wheel / idler wheel set, and / or mesh with the powder feeding roller gear via an idler wheel / idler wheel set; in some embodiments, the second power receiving head 23 can be directly mounted on the end of the developing roller 22, but this may affect the transmission effect, and there may be a risk that the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22 will not have a good close contact effect, and there may be a risk that the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism of the electrophotographic imaging device will interfere due to insufficient space, increasing the structural complexity and design difficulty.

[0040] Combination Figure 4 The cover 3 is fixedly connected to the second housing 21, and the cover 3 covers the second power receiving head 23, the developing roller gear 221, and the powder feeding roller gear, etc. The cover 3 has a rotating shaft 31, which covers the second power receiving head 23 and is coaxially arranged with the second power receiving head 23. In addition, the receiving part of the second power receiving head 23 passes through the rotating shaft 31, so that the receiving part can receive the driving force of the second drive mechanism of the electrophotographic imaging device.

[0041] The cover 3 is provided with a lever 32, which is used to cooperate with the lever end of the lever mechanism of the electrophotographic imaging device. When the lever 32 is levered by the lever end, the lever 32 can drive the developing unit 2 to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft 31 through the cover 3, so that the developing roller 22 is in close contact with the photosensitive drum 12, or the developing roller 22 is separated from the photosensitive drum 12.

[0042] In this embodiment, the toggle block 32 is designed to be detachably connected to the cover 3, thereby enabling the integrated toner cartridge 100 to be adapted to different models of electrophotographic imaging equipment by configuring toggle blocks 32 with different structures during the production process. This helps to reduce mold costs (the injection mold manufacturing cost and production cost of producing toggle blocks 32 separately are lower than the production cost of producing integrated toggle blocks 32 and cover 3 structures), and also improves production flexibility and reduces the risk of inventory backlog (for those who only need to change the structure of toggle blocks 32 to adapt to different models of electrophotographic imaging equipment, the usage requirements of different models of electrophotographic imaging equipment can be met by selecting a specific toggle block 32 structure through the universal second cartridge 21).

[0043] In this embodiment, one of the lever 32 and the cover 3 is provided with an insertion hole 321, and the other is provided with a pin 34, which is detachably inserted into the insertion hole 321. In this embodiment, the lever 32 is provided with an insertion hole 321, and the cover 3 is provided with a pin 34. Preferably, the lever 32 is provided with a first limiting part 322 and a second limiting part 323, which are located on opposite sides of the insertion hole 321 / pin 34. Correspondingly, the cover 3 is provided with a third limiting part 35 and a fourth limiting part 36 at the pin 34, which are also located on opposite sides of the pin 34. The first limiting part 322 is used to cooperate with the third limiting part 35 to restrict the lever 32 from rotating around the pin 34. Rotating in the first direction, the second limiting part 323 is used to cooperate with the fourth limiting part 36 to restrict the reverse rotation of the lever 32 around the pin 34 in the first direction. This structural design can simplify the assembly structure of the lever 32 and the cover 3, reduce the number of parts required for assembly, and thus reduce the assembly process. In addition, this structural design can also ensure that the lever 32 can reliably drive the cover 3 and the developing unit 2 to rotate around the rotating shaft 31 of the cover 3, and improve the reliability of controlling the contact / separation of the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22.

[0044] Combination Figure 5 The end cap 4 has a clearance through hole 41 and a connection through hole 42. The first housing 11 is fixedly connected to the end cap 4, and the first power receiving head 13 passes through the clearance through hole 41, so that the receiving part of the first power receiving head 13 can receive the driving force of the first drive mechanism of the electrophotographic imaging device. The rotating shaft part 31 is rotatably installed in the connection through hole 42. When the toggle block 32 is toggled, the cover 3 can drive the developing unit 2 to rotate around the rotating shaft part 31 relative to the end cap 4. The cooperation between the end cap 4 and the cover 3 allows the developing unit 2 to move relative to the imaging unit 1 to a certain extent, thereby realizing the contact and separation of the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 12.

[0045] Combination Figure 6The magnetic attraction assembly 5 includes a first magnetic element 51 and a second magnetic element 52, which can generate an attractive magnetic force. The first magnetic element 51 is mounted on the end cap 4, and the second magnetic element 52 is mounted on the protective cover 3. When the photosensitive drum 12 contacts the developing roller 22, the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 separate; when the photosensitive drum 12 separates from the developing roller 22, the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 attract each other.

[0046] Preferably, the lever 32 is located on the side of the second cartridge 21 closest to the developing roller 22, while the magnetic component 5 and the lever 32 are located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft 31, that is, the magnetic component 5 is located on the side of the second cartridge 21 away from the developing roller 22. On the one hand, the position design of the lever 32 helps to set up the toggle mechanism in the electrophotographic imaging device to better adapt to different types of electrophotographic imaging devices; on the other hand, the position design of the magnetic component 5 can better avoid affecting the movement of toner in the second cartridge 21 towards the developing roller 22, and also avoids the magnetic component 5 from being too close to the area where electronic components are concentrated in the electrophotographic imaging device (most electronic components are located at the bottom of the integrated toner cartridge 100, that is, on the side close to the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22), and also makes full use of the space redundancy of the integrated toner cartridge 100 to increase the toner capacity of the second cartridge 21.

[0047] In some embodiments, one of the first magnetic elements 51 is a magnet, and the other is made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material that can be attracted by a magnet [such as iron, iron alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys (such as cobalt-iron alloys), etc.].

[0048] In some embodiments, the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 are both magnets, wherein, as can be seen from the foregoing, the first magnetic element 51 (magnet) and the second magnetic element 52 (magnet) have a magnetic force that attracts each other.

[0049] As can be seen from the above, the first magnetic component 51 and the second magnetic component 52 can be selected according to factors such as installation space, installation structure, production cost, and usage environment, so that the magnetic component 5 can use different models of integrated toner cartridges 100, thereby improving the practicality of the integrated toner cartridges 100.

[0050] Preferably, the first magnetic element 51 has a first attraction surface 511, and the second magnetic element 52 has a second attraction surface 521; when the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 are attracted, the first attraction surface 511 and the second attraction surface 521 are in close contact. The first attraction surface 511 and the second attraction surface 521 ensure a sufficiently large adsorption and contact area between the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52, thereby effectively ensuring that the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22 can be reliably confined to the separated position, improving the cleaning effect and reliability of the photosensitive drum 12, and also preventing waste powder accidentally falling during the cleaning process from contaminating the image forming medium (such as paper).

[0051] In this embodiment, the end cap 4 is provided with a first mounting groove 43, and the first magnetic element 51 is installed in the first mounting groove 43. Preferably, the first magnetic element 51 is interference-fitted with the first mounting groove 43. Alternatively, the first magnetic element 51 and the first mounting groove 43 can be bonded together with adhesive. The cover 3 is provided with a second mounting groove 33, and the second magnetic element 52 is installed in the second mounting groove 33. Preferably, the second magnetic element 52 is interference-fitted with the second mounting groove 33. Alternatively, the second magnetic element 52 and the second mounting groove 33 can be bonded together with adhesive. It is understood that in some embodiments, the first magnetic element 51 and the end cap 4 can be integrally formed using an insert injection molding process, and / or the second magnetic element 52 and the cover 3 can be integrally formed using an insert injection molding process. As can be seen, the connection between the end cap 4 and the first magnetic component 51 is diverse, and the connection between the cover 3 and the second magnetic component 52 is varied. This allows the connection between the end cap 4 and the first magnetic component 51, and the connection between the cover 3 and the second magnetic component 52, to be flexibly adjusted according to the model, structure, and installation space of the integrated toner cartridge 100. This further enhances the flexibility and practicality of the integrated toner cartridge 100 production and helps to reduce production costs.

[0052] When the integrated toner cartridge 100 is performing an imaging operation, the toggle block 32 is driven by the toggle end of the toggle mechanism of the electrophotographic imaging device, controlling the developing unit 2 to rotate around the shaft 31 relative to the end cover 4, so that the photosensitive drum 12 contacts the developing roller 22. At this time, since the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 are far apart, the magnetic attraction between them is weakened, thus not affecting the contact between the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22, ensuring that the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22 can always be kept in close contact with a certain pressure.

[0053] When the integrated toner cartridge 100 is not in imaging operation, the toggle block 32 is driven by the toggle end of the toggle mechanism, controlling the developing unit 2 to rotate in the opposite direction around the rotating shaft 31 relative to the end cover 4, so that the photosensitive drum 12 is separated from the developing roller 22. At this time, the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 approach each other until they are attracted together, so that the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22 are always kept in the separated position, which makes it easy for the cleaning mechanism to clean the toner residue on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, so as to ensure the imaging quality of the next imaging operation.

[0054] In summary, compared with the existing integrated toner cartridge 100 that uses bias components (such as tension springs, springs, etc.), the integrated toner cartridge 100 provided by this utility model can greatly simplify the structure, reduce assembly difficulty and production cost under the action of the magnetic suction component 5, and is less affected by the fatigue of functional components after long-term use, and can always ensure that the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 22 are always reliably separated when not in imaging operation.

[0055] Second embodiment of integrated toner cartridge Reference Figure 7 The difference between this embodiment and the integrated toner cartridge is that: In this embodiment, the push block 31' and the cover 3' are integrally formed. This design helps to simplify the structure of the integrated toner cartridge, reduce assembly steps, and improve production efficiency.

[0056] Example of an electrophotographic imaging device The electrophotographic imaging device includes a body, and the body has a processing box mounting cavity. The processing box mounting cavity is provided with a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism and a toggle mechanism; wherein, the processing box mounting cavity is equipped with the integrated toner cartridge described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the above-mentioned integrated toner cartridge.

[0057] The first power receiving head of the integrated toner cartridge is connected to the drive end of the first drive mechanism so that the first drive mechanism can drive the first power receiving head to rotate, thereby controlling the rotation of the photosensitive drum.

[0058] The second power receiving head of the integrated toner cartridge is connected to the drive end of the second drive mechanism, so that the second drive mechanism can drive the second power receiving head to rotate, thereby controlling the rotation of the developing roller, the toner feeding roller, etc.

[0059] The toggle switch of the integrated toner cartridge engages with the actuating end of the actuating mechanism. When the actuating end moves laterally in a third direction, the toggle switch drives the developing unit to rotate around the axis in a second direction, causing the photosensitive drum and the developing roller to contact each other with a certain pressure. At this time, the first and second magnetic components of the magnetic attraction assembly of the integrated toner cartridge move away from each other, weakening the magnetic attraction between them and thus not affecting the contact between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, ensuring that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can always maintain a certain pressure and close contact. When the actuating end moves laterally in the opposite direction in the third direction, the toggle switch drives the developing unit to rotate around the axis in the opposite direction in the second direction, causing the photosensitive drum and the developing roller to separate. At this time, the first and second magnetic components engage, keeping the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the separated position, facilitating the cleaning mechanism to clean the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum, ensuring the imaging quality of the next imaging operation.

[0060] Preferably, the actuating end has an actuating portion, the actuating portion has a clearance portion, and the actuating block has a mating portion (324, 324'), see [reference]. Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 7 The mating part (324, 324') mates with the actuating part and can extend into the clearance part; wherein, the depth of the clearance part is greater than the maximum height to which the mating part extends into the clearance part when the mating part rotates around the pivot. This design can prevent the actuating block and the actuating end from jamming each other during the movement of the actuating end of the actuating block.

[0061] It is evident that by configuring the aforementioned integrated toner cartridge, electrophotographic imaging equipment can improve image quality and reduce operating costs.

[0062] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. Integrated toner cartridge, including: A photosensitive unit, comprising a first housing, a photosensitive drum rotatably mounted on the first housing, and a first power receiving head for driving the photosensitive drum to rotate; The developing unit includes a second housing, a developing roller rotatably mounted on the second housing, and a second power receiving head that drives the developing roller to rotate. The integrated toner cartridge is characterized in that it further includes: A cover is fixedly connected to the second housing. The cover has a rotating shaft portion that covers the second power receiver head, and a lever is provided on the cover. An end cap has a clearance through hole and a connection through hole. The first housing is fixedly connected to the end cap. The first power receiving head passes through the clearance through hole. The rotating shaft is rotatably installed in the connection through hole. The toggle block can drive the cover to drive the developing unit to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft. The magnetic attraction assembly includes a first magnetic element mounted on the end cover and a second magnetic element mounted on the protective cover. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element can generate an attractive magnetic force. When the photosensitive drum contacts the developing roller, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element separate. When the photosensitive drum separates from the developing roller, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other.

2. The integrated toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component is a magnet, and the other is made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material that can be attracted by a magnet; or Both the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are magnets.

3. The integrated toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first magnetic component has a first attractive surface, and the second magnetic component has a second attractive surface; When the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are attracted to each other, the first attraction plane and the second attraction plane are in close contact.

4. The integrated toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap is provided with a first mounting groove, and the first magnetic component is installed in the first mounting groove. The first mounting groove and the first magnetic component are interference-fitted or bonded together for fixation. The first magnetic component is integrally formed with the end cap using an insert injection molding process; The cover is provided with a second mounting groove, and the first magnetic component is installed in the second mounting groove. The second mounting groove and the second magnetic component are interference-fitted or bonded together. The second magnetic component is integrally formed with the cover through an insert injection molding process.

5. The integrated toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lever is detachably connected to the cover, or The lever and the cover are integrally formed.

6. The integrated toner cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the lever is detachably connected to the cover, one of the lever and the cover is provided with a hole and the other is provided with a pin, and the pin is inserted into the hole; The lever is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part located on both sides of the pin shaft. The cover is provided with a third limiting part and a fourth limiting part located on both sides of the pin shaft. The first limiting part and the third limiting part cooperate to restrict the lever from rotating around the pin shaft in a first direction. The second limiting part and the fourth limiting part cooperate to restrict the lever from rotating around the pin shaft in the opposite direction in the first direction.

7. The integrated toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The lever is located on the side of the second housing near the developing roller, and the magnetic suction assembly and the lever are located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft.

8. The integrated toner cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first power receiver head is mounted on the end of the photosensitive drum; The second power receiving head is rotatably mounted on the second housing. The second power receiving head has a gear section, and the end of the developing roller is provided with a developing roller gear. The developing roller gear is connected to the gear section for transmission.

9. An electrophotographic imaging device, comprising a body, wherein the body is provided with a processing box mounting cavity, and a toggle mechanism is provided within the processing box mounting cavity, characterized in that: The processing box mounting cavity is detachably equipped with an integrated toner cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the actuating end of the actuating mechanism is connected to the actuating block. The actuating end can drive the actuating block to rotate around the rotating shaft in the second direction, so that the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the developing roller; The actuating end can also drive the actuating block to rotate in the opposite direction around the rotating shaft in the second direction, so as to separate the photosensitive drum from the developing roller.

10. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: The actuating end has an actuating part, and the actuating part has a clearance part; The lever has a mating part that engages with the actuating part and can extend into the clearance part; The depth of the clearance portion is greater than the maximum height to which the mating portion extends into the clearance portion when the mating portion rotates around the pivot portion.

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