A developer accommodating unit and a process cartridge

Abstract

This utility model discloses a developer container unit and processing cartridge, relating to the field of image forming technology. The developer container unit includes a frame, a first sheet, a rotating component, and a second sheet. The frame has a powder outlet. The first sheet is connected to the frame and has a powder discharge port corresponding to the powder outlet. The rotating component is rotatably mounted on the frame. The second sheet is connected to the rotating component and initially seals the powder discharge port. When the rotating component rotates, it moves the second sheet away from the first sheet to expose the powder discharge port. This utility model's developer container unit, through the cooperation of the first and second sheets, simultaneously satisfies the dual requirements of high sealing performance and easy opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to a developer container unit and processing box. Background Technology

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging equipment is a device that uses the principle of electrophotography to form images on a printing medium such as paper. It includes a printer and a processing cartridge detachably installed within the printer. The developer container unit is the core component of the processing cartridge, responsible for storing and supplying the developer. Its design must balance sealing performance, storage efficiency, and ease of use. In existing technologies, the sealing methods for the toner outlet of the developer container unit mainly fall into two categories: one requires the user to manually tear off the seal to activate the developer, which relies on manual operation and carries the risk of seal failure; the other uses a rotating component (such as a stirring rack) within the toner hopper to automatically release the developer by peeling off the seal. To further improve sealing performance, some designs employ a structure where the developer is individually packaged in a bag and then fixed within the processing cartridge frame. This double seal of the bag and frame effectively prevents toner leakage during transportation and storage.

[0003] However, while the aforementioned independent bag packaging design improves the sealing performance, the compatibility between the bag and the frame limits the amount of developer that can be stored. It also fails to fully utilize the internal space of the processing cartridge frame, resulting in a contradiction between equipment size and storage efficiency, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the dual requirements of high sealing performance and easy opening. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a developer container unit and processing box that can simultaneously meet the dual requirements of high sealing performance and easy opening.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a developer-containing unit is provided, comprising: The frame, which is provided with a powder outlet, A first sheet is connected to the frame, and the first sheet is provided with a powder discharge port corresponding to the powder outlet. A rotating component is rotatably mounted on the frame; The second sheet is connected to the rotating component and can seal the powder discharge port in the initial state. When the rotating component rotates, it can move the second sheet away from the first sheet to expose the powder discharge port.

[0006] The developer-containing unit of this invention features a second sheet. One end of the second sheet is fixed to a rotating component, while the other end, in a naturally relaxed state, tightly adheres to the powder discharge port of the first sheet, forming a sealing surface. This effectively prevents developer leakage and avoids long-term pressure damage to the sheet surface caused by rigid seals. When the rotating component is driven to rotate, the second sheet curls and deforms with the rotation, gradually reducing its contact area with the powder discharge port until it is completely separated. Only a rotational force is needed to quickly expose the powder discharge port, significantly reducing operational complexity. The cooperation between the second and first sheets simultaneously meets the dual requirements of high sealing performance and easy opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, both the first sheet and the second sheet comprise at least two layers of a multilayer structure, and in the initial state, the first sheet and the second sheet are arranged in an alternating stacked configuration along the height direction of the developer-containing unit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the frame is a first end located downstream of the rotating component in the width direction of the developer-containing unit, and a second end located upstream of the rotating component in the width direction of the developer-containing unit, with at least one side of the first sheet near the second end fixed to the frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, the length and width of the second sheet are sufficient to completely cover the powder discharge port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the multilayer structure of the first sheet is configured as two layers, and the multilayer structure of the second sheet is configured as three layers.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the initial state, the layer closest to the powder outlet along the height direction of the developer-containing unit is the second sheet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the powder discharge port is configured as a plurality of holes arranged along the length of the developer containing unit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the powder discharge port is configured as an elongated through-hole along the length of the developer-containing unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first sheet and the second sheet are sealed by friction bonding.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second sheet at least surrounds a portion of the rotating component.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a processing cartridge is provided, detachably mounted to an electronic imaging device, comprising a drum unit and a developer-containing unit as described in any of the first aspects.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the developer container and processing box of this utility model, by setting a second sheet, one end of the second sheet is fixed to the rotating component, and the other end is tightly attached to the edge of the powder discharge port of the first sheet in a natural relaxed state to form a sealing surface, effectively preventing developer leakage, while avoiding long-term pressure damage to the surface of the sheet by rigid seals; when the rotating component is driven to rotate, the second sheet curls and deforms with the rotation, and its contact area with the powder discharge port gradually decreases until it is completely separated. Only a rotational force is needed to quickly expose the powder discharge port, which significantly reduces the complexity of operation. The cooperation between the second sheet and the first sheet can simultaneously meet the dual requirements of high sealing performance and easy opening. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a processing box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sheet, the rotating component, and the second sheet in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first sheet and the second sheet connected according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sheet and the second sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sheet and the second sheet in a variation of this utility model.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Drum unit; 2. Developer container unit; 21. Frame; 211. Toner hopper; 212. Fixing part; 213. Toner outlet; 214. First end; 215. Second end; 22. First sheet; 221. Toner outlet; 222. First toner discharge sheet; 223. Second toner discharge sheet; 23. Rotating component; 231. Developer coupling; 232. Stirring rack; 24. Second sheet; 241. Fixing section; 242. Connecting section; 243. Sealing section; 2431. First sealing sheet; 2432. Second sealing sheet; 2433. Third sealing sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more; the terms "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or a link; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" used in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] To more clearly describe the structure of the developer container unit 2, the length direction of the developer container unit 2 is defined as the X direction, the width direction as the Y direction, and the height direction as the Z direction. The rotation direction of the rotating component 23 that drives the second sheet 24 to open the powder discharge port 221 is the A direction. Specifically, in the following description, the rotation direction (A direction) is exemplified by a clockwise direction.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a processing box that is detachably installed in an electronic imaging device. The processing box is generally rectangular box-shaped and includes a drum unit 1 and a developing unit. The drum unit 1 includes a photosensitive drum, and the developing unit includes a developing roller and a developer container unit 2.

[0026] like Figure 2 , Figure 5As shown, the developer containing unit 2 includes a frame 21, a first sheet 22, a rotating component 23, and a second sheet 24. A powder hopper 211 is provided on the frame 21 for containing developer. A fixing part 212 for fixing the first sheet 22 is provided on the frame 21. A powder outlet 213 is provided on the frame 21, and the powder hopper 211 communicates with the powder outlet 213. The first sheet 22 is fixedly connected to the fixing part 212, and a powder discharge port 221 is provided on the first sheet 22, corresponding to the powder outlet 213, for discharging the developer contained in the powder hopper 211. In this embodiment, the powder discharge port 221 on the first sheet 22 can be several holes arranged along the length direction (X direction). The shape of the holes can be circular, rectangular, or other irregular shapes, and they can be arranged in a straight line or arbitrarily, as long as they correspond to the powder outlet 213. The rotating component 23 is disposed within the powder hopper 211 along its length (X direction) and rotatably mounted on the frame 21. The rotating component 23 can contact the developer within the powder hopper 211. The second sheet 24 seals the powder discharge port 221 on the first sheet 22. One end of the second sheet 24 is connected to the rotating component 23, and the end of the second sheet 24 away from the rotating component 23 can seal the powder discharge port 221 and at least partially surround the rotating component 23. Rotation of the rotating component 23 can move the second sheet 24 away from the first sheet 22, exposing the powder discharge port 221. In this embodiment, the first sheet 22 and the second sheet 24 are sealed by frictional adhesion. When the rotating component 23 rotates around the rotation direction (A direction), the second sheet 24 is deformed by the pressure of the inner wall of the powder hopper 211 and wraps around the rotating component 23 along the A direction until the second sheet 24 detaches from the first sheet 22. At this time, the powder discharge port 221 on the first sheet 22 is opened, thereby realizing powder discharge. The second sheet 24, wound around the rotating component 23, can stir the developer in the powder hopper 211 together with the rotating component 23.

[0027] like Figures 2-4As shown, the downstream end of frame 21 in the width direction (Y direction) corresponding to the rotation direction (A direction) is designated as the first end 214, and the upstream end of frame 21 in the width direction (Y direction) corresponding to the rotation direction (A direction) is designated as the second end 215. Both the first sheet 22 and the second sheet 24 comprise at least two layers of multi-layered structure. The second sheet 24 includes a fixing section 241, a connecting section 242, and a sealing section 243. The fixing section 241, connecting section 242, and sealing section 243 are different positions of the same second sheet 24. The fixing section 241 is connected to the rotating component 23, the connecting section 242 at least partially surrounds the rotating component 23, and the sealing section 243 is a multi-layered structure comprising at least two layers. In the height direction (Z direction), the multi-layered structure of the first sheet 22 and the multi-layered structure of the second sheet 24 are arranged in an alternating layered structure, with the layer closest to the powder outlet 213 being the second sheet 24. In this embodiment, the multi-layer structure of the first sheet 22 is configured as two layers, and the multi-layer structure of the second sheet 24 is configured as three layers, achieving optimal sealing and opening effects. Specifically, the first sheet 22 includes a first powder discharge sheet 222 and a second powder discharge sheet 223, with a powder discharge port 221 correspondingly disposed on the first powder discharge sheet 222 and the second powder discharge sheet 223. The sealing section 243 includes a first sealing sheet 2431, a second sealing sheet 2432, and a third sealing sheet 2433. In this embodiment, in the initial state, with... Figure 4 For example, from top to bottom, the layers are a first sealing sheet 2431, a first powder discharge sheet 222, a second sealing sheet 2432, a second powder discharge sheet 223, and a third sealing sheet 2432. The friction between the multi-layered structure of the first sheet 22 and the multi-layered structure of the second sheet 24 ensures that there is no relative displacement between the multi-layered structures, thereby sealing the powder discharge ports 221 on the first and second powder discharge sheets 222 and 223. In the initial state, the length and width of the second sheet 24 at least completely cover the powder discharge ports 221 on the first sheet 22. As the second multilayer structure 244 gradually detaches from the powder discharge port 221, it first moves away from the second end 215. To ensure the stability of the first sheet 22 during the movement of the second multilayer structure 244 and to prevent the first sheet 22 from shaking or shifting due to the movement of the second multilayer structure 244, thus affecting the sealing and powder discharge effect, each layer of the first sheet 22 (i.e., the first powder discharge sheet 222 and the second powder discharge sheet 223) needs to be fixed to the fixing part 212 at least on one side near the second end 215. Optionally, if the first sheet 22 near the powder discharge port 213 is used as the bottom layer, the bottom layer first sheet 22 can be fixed to the fixing part 212 on multiple sides. Preferably, the bottom layer first sheet 22 near the powder discharge port 213 has its side near the first end 214 and its side near the second end 215 fixed to the fixing part 212 respectively.

[0028] The above solutions are preferred solutions in this embodiment, achieving the best balance between sealing effect and material cost. However, if cost is a primary consideration, for example, the first sheet 22 may only have a first row of powder sheet 222 without a second row of powder sheet 223; and the sealing section 243 of the second sheet 24 may only have a first sealing sheet 2431 without a second sealing sheet 2432 and a third sealing sheet 2433. In this case, the first sealing sheet 2431 may be placed below the first row of powder sheet 222 in the height direction (Z direction). This solution is simpler in structure and lower in cost. Alternatively, the sealing section 243 of the second sheet 24 may only have a first sealing sheet 2431 and a second sealing sheet 2432 without a third sealing sheet 2433. In this case, the first row of powder sheet 222 may be placed between the first sealing sheet 2431 and the second sealing sheet 2432 in the height direction (Z direction), which can also achieve a certain sealing effect.

[0029] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the rotating component 23 includes a developing coupling 231 and a stirring rack 232. The developing coupling 231 is engaged with the drive head of the electronic imaging device for rotation, and the fixed section 241 is connected to the stirring rack 232 by fasteners.

[0030] When the developer container unit 2 is in the initial state (i.e., the powder discharge port 221 is not opened), the multi-layer structure of the first sheet 22 and the multi-layer structure of the second sheet 24 are stacked in the height direction (Z direction), and the position of each layer is fixed by friction. At this time, the second sheet 24 completely covers the powder discharge port 221 of each layer of the first sheet 22 to prevent developer leakage. When powder discharge needs to be initiated, the developing coupling 231 transmits the driving force received from the drive head of the electro-imaging device to the stirring frame 232, thereby causing the stirring frame 232 to rotate around direction A (clockwise). This causes the second sheet 24 to move away from the first sheet 22. During this process, the connecting section 242 is pulled by the fixing section 241, causing the sealing section 243 to move away from the first sheet 22, until the contact area between the second sheet 24 and the powder discharge port 221 gradually decreases until they are completely separated, thus fully exposing the powder discharge port 221. The developer in the powder hopper 211 is discharged through the powder discharge port 221 and the powder outlet 213 under the action of gravity. Due to the deformation caused by the pressure of the inner wall of the powder hopper 211, the second sheet 24 eventually wraps around the stirring frame 232 along direction A (clockwise). After the powder discharge port 221 is opened, the discharge of developer and stirring are carried out simultaneously. The second sheet 24, which is wound on the stirring frame 232, rotates together with the rotating component 23 to mechanically stir the developer in the powder hopper 211, prevent clumping and ensure uniform supply.

[0031] like Figure 6As shown, this embodiment also provides a variation that differs from the above embodiment in that the powder discharge port 221 on each layer of the first sheet 22 is different. Specifically, the powder discharge port 221 on each layer of the first sheet 22 can be an elongated through hole arranged along the length direction (X direction), which can ensure that the developer is discharged smoothly and evenly, effectively avoiding the accumulation and blockage of the developer at the powder discharge port 221.

[0032] The developer container unit in the above embodiment has a reasonable structural design and is easy to use. This structure can also be used for other devices with similar usage requirements. In the above embodiment, the developer container unit can simultaneously meet the dual requirements of high sealing performance and easy opening through the cooperation of the first sheet 22 and the second sheet 24.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A developer-containing unit for containing developer, characterized in that, include: The frame has a powder outlet. A first sheet is connected to the frame, and the first sheet is provided with a powder discharge port corresponding to the powder outlet. A rotating component is rotatably mounted on the frame; The second sheet is connected to the rotating component and can seal the powder discharge port in the initial state. When the rotating component rotates, it can move the second sheet away from the first sheet to expose the powder discharge port.

2. The developer-containing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first sheet and the second sheet comprise at least two layers of a multilayer structure. In the initial state, the first sheet and the second sheet are arranged in an alternating stacked configuration along the height direction of the developer-containing unit.

3. The developer-containing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame has a first end downstream of the rotating component in the width direction of the developer-containing unit, and a second end upstream of the rotating component in the width direction of the developer-containing unit. The first sheet is fixed to the frame at least on one side close to the second end.

4. The developer-containing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length and width of the second sheet are sufficient to completely cover the powder discharge port.

5. The developer-containing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sheet has a two-layer multilayer structure, and the second sheet has a three-layer multilayer structure.

6. The developer-containing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the initial state, the layer closest to the powder outlet along the height direction of the developer-containing unit is the second sheet.

7. The developer-containing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder discharge port is configured as a plurality of holes arranged along the length direction of the developer containing unit.

8. The developer-containing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder discharge port is configured as an elongated through-hole along the length of the developer-containing unit.

9. The developer-containing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sheet and the second sheet are sealed together by friction bonding.

10. The developer-containing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sheet at least surrounds a portion of the rotating component.

11. A processing box, detachably mounted on an electronic imaging device, characterized in that, It includes a drum unit and a developer-containing unit as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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