A developing cartridge

Abstract

The utility model relates to electronic imaging technical field, concretely is a developing box, including box body, is used for storing developing agent, has the first end and second end with opposite arrangement in the first direction, has the third end and fourth end with opposite arrangement in the second direction, drive gear, rotates around the drive axis of extension in the first direction, is located the first end, stirring frame, rotates around the stirring axis of extension in the first direction, stirring gear, is located the first end, rotates with stirring frame according to the rotation of drive gear, detection gear, is located the first end, rotates according to the rotation of drive gear, detection gear and stirring gear are coaxially arranged, in the first direction, stirring gear is located between the side wall of the first end and detection gear, and stirring gear and detection gear respectively receive the power transmission of drive gear. The developing box of the utility model simplifies the transmission link, reduces the redundancy, is favorable for developing agent expansion and component layout, reduces maintenance difficulty and technical requirement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic imaging technology, specifically to a developing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] As a core, detachable component of an image forming apparatus (such as a laser printer or copier), the developer cartridge functions to transfer toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum via the developing roller to form a visible image. Existing developer cartridges typically include a cartridge body, a developing assembly, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly transmits power from the image forming apparatus to the developing roller, toner delivery roller, and agitator via a gear train. Simultaneously, it drives a detection component (such as an identification chip or mechanical marker) mounted on the cartridge body to engage with the detection unit of the image forming apparatus, enabling the identification of information such as the developer cartridge model and remaining lifespan.

[0003] However, the traditional developing cartridge has excessive redundancy in the transmission components that drive the tested items. This not only occupies too much internal space, but also requires the disassembly and installation of the gear set to be carried out in a specific sequence, increasing maintenance complexity and labor costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a developing cartridge with a simple structure and stable operation.

[0005] A developing cartridge, comprising: A housing for storing developer has a first end and a second end that are oppositely arranged in a first direction, and a third end and a fourth end that are oppositely arranged in a second direction. A drive gear, which rotates about a drive axis extending in a first direction, is located at the first end; The developing roller, which rotates about a developing axis extending in a first direction, is located at the third end; The stirring rack rotates about a stirring axis extending in the first direction; A stirring gear, located at the first end, rotates together with the stirring frame according to the rotation of the drive gear; A detection gear is located at the first end and rotates according to the rotation of the drive gear. The detection gear is coaxially arranged with the stirring gear. In the first direction, the stirring gear is located between the side wall of the first end and the detection gear. The stirring gear and the detection gear each receive the power transmitted by the drive gear.

[0006] In some embodiments, the stirring gear supports the detection gear, the stirring gear has a boss, and the detection gear is sleeved on the boss.

[0007] In some embodiments, in the first direction, there is a first distance between the teeth of the stirring gear and the detection gear, the first distance being 0mm-1.5mm.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first idler gear is also included, which meshes with the drive gear to receive power, and the first idler gear meshes with the stirring gear and the detection gear to transmit power.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device to be tested is also included, and the testing gear is provided with radially projecting protrusions that drive the device to move.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first cover is also included, which is detachably disposed on the first end, and the first idler wheel and the detection gear are disposed on the first cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first cover includes a track extending in the second direction, and the object being tested is guided by the track to move linearly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the detected component includes an identification part that is inserted into the track part and exposed to the outside through the track part.

[0013] In some embodiments, an elastic element is also included, which interacts with the object being tested and is compressed when the object being tested undergoes linear motion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first idler wheel includes a first large-diameter idler wheel and a first small-diameter idler wheel. The first large-diameter idler wheel meshes with the drive gear, and the first small-diameter idler wheel meshes with the stirring gear and the detection gear. In the first direction, the first small-diameter idler wheel is located between the first large-diameter idler wheel and the sidewall of the first end.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the developing cartridge of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: by setting the detection gear and the stirring gear coaxially, the transmission component structure of the traditional developing cartridge driving the tested part is changed, the transmission link is simplified, the redundancy is reduced, the internal space is saved, it is conducive to the expansion of developer capacity and component layout, and the disassembly and installation do not require a specific sequence, reducing the maintenance difficulty and technical requirements, and reducing material and labor costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention can be further understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but the focus is on illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In different views, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a first-view perspective perspective view of the developing box in Example 1; Figure 2 This is a second-view perspective perspective view of the developing box in Example 1; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the first end of the developing cartridge in Example 1; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the gear assembly of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1; Figure 6 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the second idler wheel and stirring gear of the developing cartridge in Example 1; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the engagement between the second idler wheel and the stirring gear in the developing cartridge in Example 1; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1; Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the developing box in Example 2; Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the first end of the developing cartridge in Example 2; Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in the modified example of Embodiment 2.

[0018] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Box body; 11. First end; 111. First cover; 112. Track section; 12. Second end; 121. Electrode; 122. Powder filling port; 13. Third end; 131. Developing roller; 132. Stirring frame; 14. Fourth end; 141. Handle section; 15. Fifth end; 16. Sixth end; 161. First pushing section; 162. Second pushing section; 21. Item to be tested; 211. Identification section; 22. Elastic element; 23. Fixing section; 40. Drive gear; 41. Developing gear; 42. Powder feeding gear; 43. First idler wheel; 431. First large-diameter idler wheel; 432. First small-diameter idler wheel; 44. Stirring gear; 441. Boss; 45. Second idler wheel; 451. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 an electrical connection; 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In this application, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The left-right direction is the first direction, the front-back direction is the second direction, and the up-down direction is the third direction, for the convenience of describing the box 1 in this application. The above is one embodiment of the direction definition and is only applicable to this application. Meanwhile, with... Figure 7 As indicated in the diagram, the distance between the teeth of the detection gear and the stirring gear in the first direction is defined as H.

[0024] Example 1 like Figures 1-10 As shown, this embodiment provides a developing cartridge.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the developing cartridge includes a cartridge body 1, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, and a first cover 111. The cartridge body 1 has a receiving cavity for containing developer. In a first direction, the cartridge body 1 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 disposed opposite to each other. In a second direction, the cartridge body 1 has a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 disposed opposite to each other, and a handle 141 is provided on the fourth end 14 to facilitate the user to pick up the developing cartridge. In a third direction, the cartridge body 1 has a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 disposed opposite to each other. The developing assembly is installed in the receiving cavity between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The transmission assembly is located at the first end 11 and is used to receive power output from the image forming apparatus to drive the developing assembly in the developing cartridge. The first cover 111 is detachably fixed to the first end 11 by screws. The first cover 111 at least covers a portion of the transmission assembly. The first cover 111 is used to protect the transmission assembly, and when viewed from a third direction upward or downward, the first cover 111 completely covers the transmission assembly.

[0026] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a powder feeding roller, and a stirring frame 132. The developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame 132 can all rotate within the receiving cavity, and their rotation axes all extend along a first direction. The powder feeding roller is positioned adjacent to the developing roller 131; specifically, in a second direction, the developing roller 131 is closer to the third end 13 than the powder feeding roller. The stirring frame 132 is used to stir the developer within the receiving cavity, facilitating the powder feeding roller's delivery of the developer to the developing roller 131 and preventing developer agglomeration.

[0027] The developing assembly also includes a powder discharge blade disposed adjacent to the developing roller 131 and extending in a first direction. The powder discharge blade is used to contact the developing roller 131 to control the thickness of the developer layer on the developing roller 131.

[0028] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a transmission assembly is disposed at the first end 11. The transmission assembly includes a drive gear 40, a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, a first idler wheel 43, a stirring gear 44, and a second idler wheel 45. In this embodiment, the second idler wheel 45 is a detection gear. The drive gear 40 is used to receive the driving force of the image forming apparatus. The developing gear 41 is fixedly installed at one end of the developing roller 131 located at the first end 11, and the developing gear 41 can drive the developing roller 131 to rotate. The powder feeding gear 42 is fixedly installed at one end of the powder feeding roller located at the first end 11, and the powder feeding gear 42 can drive the powder feeding roller to rotate. The stirring gear 44 is fixedly installed at one end of the stirring frame 132 at the first end 11, and the stirring gear 44 can drive the stirring frame 132 to rotate. The first idler wheel 43 includes a first large-diameter idler wheel 431 and a first small-diameter idler wheel 432. The diameter of the first large-diameter idler wheel 431 is larger than the diameter of the first small-diameter idler wheel 432. In a first direction, the first small-diameter idler wheel 432 is located between the first large-diameter idler wheel 431 and the side wall of the first end 11. The developing gear 41, the powder feeding gear 42, and the first large-diameter idler wheel 431 simultaneously mesh with the drive gear 40. The stirring gear 44 and the second idler wheel 45 simultaneously mesh with the first small-diameter idler wheel 432. The stirring gear 44 and the second idler wheel 45 are coaxially arranged, and there is no driving force transmission between the stirring gear 44 and the second idler wheel 45. When viewed upwards or downwards in a third direction, the first cover 111 completely covers the powder feeding gear 42.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the developing cartridge also includes a push assembly, which includes a first push part 161 located at the first end 11 and a second push part 162 located at the second end 12. The first push part 161 and the second push part 162 are symmetrically arranged on the cartridge body 1, and the first push part 161 and the second push part 162 are close to the fourth end 14 in the second direction.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the developing cartridge also includes a test piece 21 and an elastic member 22. In the third direction, the test piece 21 is at least partially located above the second idler wheel 45, which has a radially protruding protrusion 451. When the developing cartridge starts working and needs to be tested, the drive gear 40 rotates the second idler wheel 45 via the first idler wheel 43, and the protrusion 451 on the second idler wheel 45 drives the test piece 21 to move. An identification part 211 is integrally formed on the test piece 21, which contacts the detection member on the image forming apparatus. A track part 112 is provided on the first cover 111, which extends in the second direction. The identification part 211 is inserted into the track part 112 and exposed outside through the track part 112. The test piece 21 moves linearly back and forth in the second direction guided by the track part 112, so that the detection member on the image forming apparatus can identify the test piece 21 and thus identify the information of the developing cartridge.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second direction, an elastic member 22 is provided between the tested member 21 and the first cover 111 near the fourth end 14 in the second direction. The elastic member 22 is used to compress / release the tested member 21 during the back-and-forth movement in the second direction, during the recognition of the image forming apparatus, and during the reset process, so as to apply an elastic force to the tested member 21, so that the tested member 21 is abutted and fixed or reset for re-detection.

[0032] In the first direction, the stirring gear 44 is located between the second idler wheel 45 and the housing 1, that is, between the second idler wheel 45 and the side wall of the first end 11. The stirring gear 44 is fixed on the stirring frame 132 and can drive the stirring frame 132 to rotate together. The stirring gear 44 is provided with a boss 441, the second idler wheel 45 is sleeved on the boss 441, and the second idler wheel 45 can rotate relative to the stirring gear 44 around the boss 441.

[0033] like Figure 7 As shown, the teeth of the stirring gear 44 and the second idler gear 45 are spaced at a first distance H in a first direction. This facilitates the removal of the second idler gear 45 from the stirring gear 44 and also makes it easier to distinguish between the two gears. The first distance H is preferably 0-1.5 mm, and in this embodiment, it is further preferably 1.1 mm. This distance prevents the second idler gear 45 and the stirring gear 44 from getting too close and causing interference, while also meeting the space requirements of the first end 11 to avoid interference between the second idler gear 45 and the other components of the first end 11. In other embodiments, where the space at the first end 11 is sufficient and does not affect the normal assembly of the developing cartridge, the first distance H can be greater than 1.5 mm to provide more ample space for installation.

[0034] In this embodiment, the developing cartridge can be installed inside the drum assembly, and the first cover 111 does not have a lifting part that can cooperate with the drum assembly, that is, the developing cartridge does not have a lifting part that cooperates with the drum assembly to remove the developing cartridge from the drum assembly.

[0035] like Figure 8 As shown, the second end 12 is provided with an electrode 121 and a powder filling port 122. The electrode 121 is used for electrical connection with the image forming apparatus to supply power to the developing roller 131 and / or the powder feeding roller. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrode 121 is a bearing provided at the second end 12, and the bearing is made of a conductive material. The powder filling port 122 is used to fill the receiving cavity with developer, and it has a round cap with the same shape as the powder filling port 122 for sealing to prevent the developer from leaking out through the powder filling port 122.

[0036] The developing roller 131 includes a developing roller shaft and a roller body that can rotate with the developing roller shaft. In other embodiments, the electrode 121 is electrically connected only to the roller body and not to the roller shaft.

[0037] This application arranges the second idler wheel 45 and the stirring gear 44 coaxially, and both mesh with the first idler wheel 43 and are driven by the first idler wheel 43. There is no power transmission between the second idler wheel 45 and the stirring gear 44, which reduces the volume occupied by the gear in the second direction and makes disassembly more convenient.

[0038] Example 2 like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the second type of developing cartridge provided in this application has the same structure as the embodiment, and will not be described in detail here. The difference is that the detection component of the developing cartridge in this embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0039] In this embodiment, all gears on the transmission assembly are mounted on the first end 11. The first cover 111 is detachably mounted on the first end 11 to cover at least part of the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a drive gear 40 and a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, and a first idler gear 43 that mesh directly with the drive gear 40. The first idler gear 43 also meshes with a stirring gear 44 and a second idler gear 45. The stirring gear 44 and the second idler gear 45 mesh coaxially. The second idler gear 45 is provided with a protrusion 451, which is the same as in Embodiment 1 and will not be described in detail here.

[0040] When the second idler wheel 45 rotates, the protrusion 451 on it causes the tested component 21 to move linearly along a preset track on the first cover 111 in the second direction. An identification part 211 is provided on the end of the tested component 21 away from the housing 1 in the first direction. The tested component 21 drives the identification part 211 to move, and the identification part 211 contacts the image forming apparatus, thus realizing the detection of the developing cartridge. A fixing part 23 is also provided on the first cover 111, which is detachably installed on the first cover 111. The tested component 21 and the identification part 211 are separately provided. The fixing part 23 is used to install the identification part 211. The tested component 21 drives the identification part 211, allowing the identification part 211 to move along the fixing part 23; that is, the fixing part 23 is the track part 112.

[0041] like Figure 11 As shown, a modified example is provided, specifically as follows: both the second idler wheel 45 and the first idler wheel 43 can be disposed on the first cover 111, that is, the first cover 111, the first idler wheel 43, and the second idler wheel 45 form a modular unit. In this case, the first end 11 is only provided with a drive gear 40, a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, and a stirring gear 44. When the first cover 111 is installed, the first idler wheel 43 and the second idler wheel 45 on the first cover 111 can cooperate with the remaining gears on the first end 11, enabling the developing cartridge to work normally. This arrangement makes the disassembly and installation of the developing cartridge more convenient.

[0042] Preferably, in this application, the optimal setting is only one of the settings. For different printer models, the alarm range is different. Even if it is not the optimal setting, it will not affect the use and can still achieve the above purpose, as long as it is within the above distance range. The specifics will not be elaborated here.

[0043] In summary, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this application. The technical scope of this application is not limited to the content of the specification; all equivalent variations and modifications of the shape, structure, features, and spirit described in the claims of this application should be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, comprising: A housing for storing developer has a first end and a second end that are oppositely arranged in a first direction, and a third end and a fourth end that are oppositely arranged in a second direction. A drive gear, which rotates about a drive axis extending in a first direction, is located at the first end; The developing roller, which rotates about a developing axis extending in a first direction, is located at the third end; The stirring rack rotates about a stirring axis extending in the first direction; A stirring gear, located at the first end, rotates together with the stirring frame according to the rotation of the drive gear; A detection gear is located at the first end and rotates according to the rotation of the drive gear. The detection gear is coaxially arranged with the stirring gear. In the first direction, the stirring gear is located between the side wall of the first end and the detection gear. The stirring gear and the detection gear each receive the power transmitted by the drive gear.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring gear supports the detection gear, and the stirring gear is provided with a boss, on which the detection gear is sleeved.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, there is a first distance between the teeth of the stirring gear and the detection gear, the first distance being 0mm-1.5mm.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first idler gear, which meshes with the drive gear to receive power, and the first idler gear meshes with the stirring gear and the detection gear to transmit power.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a test piece, wherein the test gear is provided with a radially protruding protrusion that drives the test piece to move.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a first cover, which is detachably disposed on the first end, and the first idler wheel and the detection gear are disposed on the first cover.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first cover includes a track extending in the second direction, and the tested component is guided by the track to make linear movements.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detected component includes an identification part, which is inserted into the track part and exposed to the outside through the track part.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element that interacts with the object being tested, and the elastic element is compressed when the object being tested makes a linear movement.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first idler wheel includes a first large-diameter idler wheel and a first small-diameter idler wheel. The first large-diameter idler wheel meshes with the drive gear, and the first small-diameter idler wheel meshes with the stirring gear and the detection gear. In the first direction, the first small-diameter idler wheel is located between the first large-diameter idler wheel and the side wall of the first end.

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