Carbon powder processing cartridge

Abstract

A toner processing box includes: a toner hopper with a toner outlet; a stirring frame disposed within the toner hopper, the stirring frame having stirring blades with sealing portions for sealing the toner outlet; a gear assembly end of the stirring frame including a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion, the second assembly portion being located outside the first assembly portion and having an outer diameter smaller than the first assembly portion, and having a retaining groove on the second assembly portion; a stirring frame gear disposed at the gear assembly end, the stirring frame gear having an assembly hole adapted to mate with the first assembly portion; a limiting sleeve fitted onto the second assembly portion, the limiting sleeve having a through hole for the second assembly portion to pass through and a retaining claw that mates with the retaining groove; a protrusion at the end of the retaining claw can engage with the retaining groove, placing the limiting sleeve in a limited position; when the limiting sleeve is in the limited position, the end of the retaining claw abuts against the stirring frame gear, preventing the stirring frame gear from moving outward. This utility model processing box can automatically tear off the sealing film, making it convenient and stable to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electronic imaging and photography technology, and specifically relates to a toner processing box for an image forming device. Background Technology

[0002] The processing cartridge is a removable unit that fits into the main unit of an image forming device. As a single unit, it includes a toner container. The toner container has a toner outlet through which the toner is conveyed outwards. To prevent toner leakage and contamination, a sealing film is usually installed at the toner outlet before shipment to prevent toner from leaking out. One end of the sealing film extends outside the toner container. To use it, pull the end of the sealing film extending outwards to tear it off, thus opening the toner outlet and allowing the toner to be conveyed to the developing unit. This structure, using a sealing film to close the toner outlet, requires manually tearing off the film during use, which is cumbersome and inconvenient.

[0003] To overcome the inconvenience of manually tearing the film, utility model patent CN223427011U discloses a processing box with an automatically removable sealing structure at the powder outlet. A sealing part is provided on the stirring blades to close the powder outlet. When the processing box is not in use, the sealing part of the stirring blades is attached to the powder outlet, sealing it. When the processing box is in use, the stirring frame is driven to rotate the stirring blades. As the stirring blades rotate under the drive of the stirring frame, they automatically tear off the seal from the powder outlet, releasing the seal without manual removal, thus improving ease of use. The stirring frame of this processing box has a two-section structure. When the stirring frame gear and the second assembly part are engaged, the stirring frame gear cannot drive the stirring frame to rotate; it can only drive the stirring frame to rotate when the stirring frame gear is engaged with the first assembly part. However, in actual use, it was found that the limiting ribs cannot effectively limit the stirring frame gear during use, causing the stirring frame gear to sometimes move from the first assembly part to the second assembly part, thus failing to drive the stirring frame to rotate and affecting the normal use of the processing box. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a toner treatment box that can prevent the gears of the stirring rack from shifting during operation and ensure the normal use of the treatment box.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A toner processing box includes: a toner hopper containing toner, the toner hopper having a toner outlet; a stirring frame disposed within the toner hopper, the stirring frame having stirring blades, the stirring blades having a sealing portion for sealing the toner outlet, the gear assembly end of the stirring frame including a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion, the second assembly portion being located outside the first assembly portion and having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first assembly portion, the second assembly portion having a retaining groove; a stirring frame gear disposed at the gear assembly end, the stirring frame gear having an assembly hole adapted to mate with the first assembly portion; a limiting bushing sleeve fitted onto the second assembly portion, the limiting bushing having a through hole for the second assembly portion to pass through, and a retaining claw that mates with the retaining groove; the protrusion at the end of the retaining claw can engage with the retaining groove, so that the limiting bushing is in a limiting position, when the limiting bushing is in the limiting position, the end of the retaining claw abuts against the stirring frame gear, preventing the stirring frame gear from moving outward.

[0007] Furthermore, the limiting bushing has at least two latches spaced apart along the circumference.

[0008] Furthermore, the groove extends along the circumferential surface of the second assembly part and is an annular groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the first assembly part is prismatic, the second assembly part is cylindrical, and the shape of the assembly hole is adapted to the shape of the first assembly part.

[0010] Furthermore, a limiting rib protruding radially along the gear assembly end is provided between the first assembly part and the second assembly part, and the retaining groove is located on the outside of the limiting rib; the stirring rack gear is correspondingly provided with a clearance for the limiting rib to pass through.

[0011] Furthermore, during toner processing cartridge printing inspection, both the limiting bushing and the stirring rack gear are fitted onto the second assembly part, and the stirring rack gear can rotate freely; when the processing cartridge is installed and used, the limiting bushing is in the limiting position, the stirring rack gear is fitted onto the first assembly part, and can drive the stirring rack to rotate around its own axis.

[0012] As can be seen from the above technical solution, this utility model features a movable stirring rack gear and a limiting bushing at one end of the stirring rack. The stirring rack gear and the stirring rack employ a two-stage assembly structure, enabling the stirring rack to remain stationary during self-inspection printing in the toner cartridge production process. During normal use after being installed in the printer, the stirring rack automatically tears open the sealing film. This controllable rotation of the stirring rack avoids the tedious manual film removal, improving ease of use. Simultaneously, it ensures the airtightness of toner storage during printing tests, extending the toner's shelf life. Furthermore, the limiting bushing limits the movement of the stirring rack gear, preventing misalignment and ensuring proper transmission during normal use, thus guaranteeing the normal operation of the cartridge. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the toner processing box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the toner processing box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stirring rack in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stirring rack gear in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting bushing according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the various gears and limiting shafts assembled at the end of the powder hopper body according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first bracket being assembled at the end of the powder hopper body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting bushing not being in the limiting position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting bushing in the limiting position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the drawings illustrating the device structure will be partially enlarged without adhering to the general scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings are in a simplified form and use non-precise scales, solely for the purpose of conveniently and clearly illustrating the embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, in the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Terms such as "positive," "negative," "bottom," "upper," and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal connection of two components; and they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] To prevent developer leakage, contamination, and negative impact on user experience, existing processing cartridges are sealed with a protective film at the toner outlet before leaving the factory. This film must be removed before the cartridge is installed in printers or other image-forming equipment. After factory assembly, the processing cartridge typically undergoes print testing. This testing involves manually adding a small amount of toner to the developing roller cavity; the toner in the toner hopper is not used. Therefore, the sealing film must not be removed from the toner outlet during print testing; the toner outlet must remain properly sealed before user use.

[0027] To reduce user steps and improve user experience, CN223427011U proposes a processing box that improves the mixing blades to seal the toner outlet. Before use, the ends of the mixing blades are attached to the toner outlet of the toner hopper, acting as a sealing film without affecting print testing. After installation, the mixing blades rotate with the mixing frame, and during rotation, they can be detached from the toner outlet, allowing developer to be output for printing. However, the inventors discovered that during operation, the mixing frame gear sometimes shifts from the first assembly part to the second assembly part at the end of the mixing frame, preventing the gear from driving the mixing frame and causing the processing box to malfunction.

[0028] To address the above problems, this embodiment proposes a toner processing box, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the toner processing box includes a toner hopper body 1, a toner hopper cover 2, a stirring frame 3, a stirring frame gear 4, and stirring blades 5. The toner hopper body 1 and the toner hopper cover 2 are assembled together to form a closed box, which can contain the toner. The toner hopper body 1 is provided with a toner outlet 1a, through which the toner can be conveyed outwards. A first support 6 and a second support 7 are respectively provided at both ends of the toner hopper body 1. In this embodiment, the first support 6 is a conductive end support, and its function is to fix the SR roller shaft and limit the axial movement distance of the double-drive gear and the SR drive gear.

[0029] The mixing frame 3 is rotatably mounted inside the powder hopper 1. A mixing frame gear 4 is located at one end of the mixing frame 3; for ease of explanation, the end of the mixing frame 3 where the mixing frame gear is mounted is defined as the gear mounting end. The mixing frame gear 4 can rotate under the drive of an external driving force, thereby causing the mixing frame 3 to rotate around its own axis. The mixing blade 5 is mounted on the mixing frame 3 and can rotate with it. The mixing blade 5 has a connecting part 5a that is fixed to the mixing frame 3, and a sealing part 5b that can be adhered to the powder outlet 1a. Figure 1 (The portion filled with the diagonal line) The size of the sealing part 5b is at least enough to cover the powder outlet 1a. The connecting part 5a is connected to the stirring frame 3, and the sealing part 5b is pasted onto the powder outlet 1a.

[0030] When the toner processing box is not installed and in use, the sealing part 5b of the stirring blade 5 is attached to the toner outlet 1a, sealing the outlet 1a and preventing toner from being conveyed out through the outlet 1a, thus preventing leakage. When the processing box is installed in the image forming equipment and put into use, the stirring frame gear 4 receives the rotational driving force from the image forming equipment and rotates, driving the stirring frame 3 to rotate as well. The stirring frame 3 further drives the stirring blade 5 connected to it to rotate. After the stirring blade 5 rotates, it tears the sealing part 5b away from the toner outlet 1a.

[0031] In this embodiment, the stirring rack gear 4 meshes with a double-drive gear 8. The double-drive gear 8 transmits the rotational driving force of the image forming equipment, such as the printer, to the stirring rack gear 4, which in turn drives the stirring rack 3 to rotate. In this embodiment, the double-drive gear 8 meshes with the SR drive gear 9 (powder feeding roller drive gear), receiving the rotational driving force from the SR drive gear 9 and transmitting the rotational driving force to the stirring rack gear 4.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the gear assembly end 3a of the stirring rack 3 in this embodiment has a first assembly part 3a-1 and a second assembly part 3a-2. The second assembly part 3a-2 is located outside the first assembly part 3a-1 (the side closer to the midpoint of the stirring rack is the inner side, and the side farther from the midpoint of the stirring rack is the outer side). The outer diameter of the second assembly part 3a-2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first assembly part 3a-1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first assembly part 3a-1 is quadrilateral, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the stirring rack gear 4 is provided with an assembly hole 4a that fits into the assembly part. The assembly hole 4a is a through hole. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the assembly hole 4a of the stirring rack gear 4 is also a quadrilateral, while the cross-sectional shape of the second assembly part 3a-2 is circular, i.e., the second assembly part 3a-2 is cylindrical, the first assembly part 3a-1 is a quadrangular prism, and the assembly hole 4a on the stirring rack gear 4 is a square hole. The shape and diameter of the assembly hole 4a are adapted to the shape and outer diameter of the first assembly part 3a-1, so that the stirring rack gear 4 and the stirring rack 3 can be assembled together, realizing the transmission of driving force from the stirring rack gear 4 to the stirring rack 3. The diameter of the assembly hole 4a is larger than the outer diameter of the second assembly part 3a-2, so that the stirring rack gear 4 can rotate freely when fitted onto the second assembly part 3a-2 without causing the stirring rack 3 to rotate together, and without tearing the sealing part of the stirring blade from the powder outlet.

[0034] A limiting rib 3a-3 is provided between the first assembly part 3a-1 and the second assembly part 3a-2, and the limiting rib 3a-3 protrudes outward radially along the gear assembly end 3a. A clearance 4b is machined on the stirring frame gear 4, corresponding to the limiting rib 3a-3, allowing the limiting rib 3a-3 to pass through. When the stirring frame gear 4 is adjusted so that the clearance 4b and the limiting rib 3a-3 are aligned, the limiting rib 3a-3 can pass through the clearance 4b. At this time, the stirring frame gear 4 can be pushed inward, so that the stirring frame gear 4 can be moved from the second assembly part 3a-2 to the first assembly part 3a-1. The shape of the clearance 4b can be adapted to the shape of the limiting ribs 3a-3 so that the limiting ribs 3a-3 can pass through the clearance 4b. The number of clearances 4b can correspond to or exceed the number of limiting ribs 3a-3. For example, in this embodiment, two limiting ribs 3a-3 are provided, and four clearances 4b are provided on the stirring rack gear 4. As long as the positions of two clearances 4b are aligned with the positions of the limiting ribs 3a-3, the stirring rack gear 4 can move from the second assembly part 3a-2 to the first assembly part 3a-1. In other embodiments, only two clearances 4b may be provided on the stirring rack gear 4, which is not limited here. The limiting ribs 3a-3 can limit the stirring rack gear 4. When the stirring rack gear 4 is fitted on the first assembly part 3a-1, the limiting ribs 3a-3 can prevent the stirring rack gear 4 from retracting from the first assembly part 3a-1 to the second assembly part 3a-2. In addition to preventing the stirring rack gear 4 from sliding from the first assembly part 3a-1 to the second assembly part 3a-2, the limiting rib 3a-3 also prevents the stirring rack gear 4 from sliding from the second assembly part 3a-2 to the first assembly part 3a-1.

[0035] A retaining groove 3a-4, recessed inward from the circumference of the second assembly part 3a-2, is provided on the circumferential surface of the second assembly part 3a-2. The retaining groove 3a-4 is located outside the limiting rib 3a-3. In this embodiment, the retaining groove 3a-4 extends along the circumferential surface of the second assembly part 3a-2 and is an annular groove. The limiting bushing 10 is fitted onto the gear assembly end 3a of the stirring frame 3. Figure 5 As shown, the limiting bushing 10 of this embodiment is provided with a through hole 10a extending along its own axial direction. The second assembly part 3a-2 of the stirring frame 3 can pass through the through hole 10a on the limiting bushing 10. The limiting bushing 10 has a latch 10b. In this embodiment, the limiting bushing 10 has three latches 10b evenly spaced along the circumference. The end of the latch 10b has an inwardly protruding protrusion 10c. When the limiting bushing 10 is fitted onto the second assembly part 3a-2, the protrusion 10c of the latch 10b can be engaged into the latching groove 3a-4 of the second assembly part 3a-2, so that the limiting bushing 10 cannot move upward along the stirring shaft (at this time, the limiting bushing is in the limiting position).

[0036] During product assembly, rotating components such as the powder feeding roller and stirring frame are installed into the powder hopper 1. The sealing part 5b of the stirring blade 5 is attached to the powder outlet 1a to seal the outlet 1a. The stirring frame gear 4, the double-linkage transmission gear 8, and the SR transmission gear 9 are located at one end of the powder hopper 1. The stirring frame gear 4 is mounted on the gear mounting end 3a of the stirring frame 3, and the SR transmission gear 9 is mounted on the end of the SR roller. The double-linkage transmission gear 8 meshes with both the stirring frame gear 4 and the SR transmission gear 9 to achieve transmission. Figure 6 As shown. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first bracket 6 after it is assembled at the end of the powder hopper body 1. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the middle, the limiting bushing 10 is only fitted onto the second assembly part 3a-2 of the stirring frame 3, and the retaining claw 10b of the limiting bushing 10 is not engaged in the retaining groove 3a-4, such as Figure 8 As shown.

[0037] When the toner cartridge is assembled and print test is performed, such as Figure 8 As shown, the stirring frame gear 4 is mounted on the second assembly part 3a-2. This ensures that even if the stirring frame gear 4 is driven to rotate by the meshing double transmission gear 8, it will not cause the stirring frame 3 to rotate, thus preventing the sealing part 5b of the stirring blade 5 from being torn off the powder outlet 1a. At this time, the limiting bushing 10 is fitted on the second assembly part 3a-2 and located outside the stirring frame gear 4, without affecting the rotation of the stirring frame gear 4.

[0038] After the printing inspection is completed, the assembly worker pushes the limiting bushing 10 and the mixing rack gear 4 inward together, as shown. Figure 9 As shown, the stirring rack gear 4 is fitted onto the first assembly part 3a-1. Since the inner diameter of the mounting hole 4a of the stirring rack gear 4 is compatible with the outer diameter of the first assembly part 3a-1, the mounting hole 4a and the first assembly part 3a-1 fit together. When the stirring rack gear 4 rotates, it can drive the stirring rack 3 to rotate together, and the stirring rack 3 can work normally. After the limiting bushing 10 is pushed inward, the protrusion 10c at the end of the latch 3b engages in the latch groove 3a-4 of the second assembly part 3a-2. Restricted by the latch groove 3a-4, the limiting bushing 10 cannot move axially upward in the stirring rack, and the end of the latch 3b of the limiting bushing 10 abuts against the stirring rack gear 4, preventing the stirring rack gear 4 from moving outward, that is, from moving from the first assembly part 3a-1 to the second assembly part 3a-2. This allows the stirring rack gear to transmit power stably, ensuring the stable operation of the processing box.

[0039] As the stirring blade 5 rotates, it is carried away from the powder outlet 1a during rotation. When the stirring blade 5 rotates under the drive of the stirring frame 3 until the sealing part 5b completely leaves the powder outlet 1a, the powder outlet 1a is in an open state, and toner can pass through the powder outlet 1a. After the sealing part 5b separates from the powder outlet 1a, it rotates with the stirring frame 3 inside the powder hopper 1, which can stir the toner in the powder hopper 1 and transport the toner through the powder outlet 1a to the developing unit. This achieves automatic separation of the sealing structure at the powder outlet, allowing the developer to be transported out from the powder outlet, thus realizing normal printing function.

[0040] This invention achieves the following: The mixing rack is movably mounted with a gear and a limiting bushing at one end. This allows the mixing rack to remain stationary during self-test printing in the toner cartridge production process; and during normal use after being installed in the printer, the mixing rack automatically tears open the sealing film. The controllable rotation of the mixing rack avoids the tedious manual film removal, improving ease of use. Simultaneously, it ensures the airtightness of toner storage during printing tests, extending the toner's shelf life. The limiting bushing restricts the movement of the mixing rack gear, preventing displacement during normal use and ensuring proper transmission, which would affect the normal operation of the cartridge.

[0041] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A toner processing box, characterized in that, include: A powder hopper for containing toner, the powder hopper having a powder outlet; A stirring frame is installed inside the powder hopper. The stirring frame is provided with stirring blades. The stirring blades have a sealing part that seals the powder outlet. The gear assembly end of the stirring frame includes a first assembly part and a second assembly part. The second assembly part is located outside the first assembly part and the outer diameter of the second assembly part is smaller than the outer diameter of the first assembly part. The second assembly part is provided with a snap groove. The stirring frame gear is disposed at the gear assembly end, and the stirring frame gear has an assembly hole that is adapted to fit with the first assembly part; A limiting bushing is fitted onto the second assembly part. The limiting bushing has a through hole through which the second assembly part can pass, and a latching claw that can cooperate with the latching groove. The protrusion at the end of the latching claw can be latched into the latching groove, so that the limiting bushing is in a limiting position. When the limiting bushing is in the limiting position, the end of the latching claw abuts against the stirring frame gear, so that the stirring frame gear cannot move outward.

2. The toner processing box as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting bushing has at least two latches spaced apart along the circumference.

3. The toner processing box as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The groove extends along the circumferential surface of the second assembly part and is an annular groove.

4. The toner processing box as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first assembly part is prismatic, the second assembly part is cylindrical, and the shape of the assembly hole is adapted to the shape of the first assembly part.

5. The toner processing box as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting rib protruding radially along the gear assembly end is provided between the first assembly part and the second assembly part, and the retaining groove is located on the outside of the limiting rib; the stirring rack gear is correspondingly provided with a clearance for the limiting rib to pass through.

6. The toner processing box as described in claim 1, characterized in that: During toner processing cartridge printing inspection, the limiting bushing and the stirring rack gear are both fitted onto the second assembly part, and the stirring rack gear can rotate freely; when the processing cartridge is installed and used, the limiting bushing is in the limiting position, the stirring rack gear is fitted onto the first assembly part, and can drive the stirring rack to rotate around its own axis.

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