Stirring blade, stirring assembly, and developer container

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of stirring vane and the stirring assembly and developer container with the stirring vane, the stirring vane has rotation axis, and rotatably installed to developer container, the developer container includes for outwardly discharging developer developer outlet, the stirring vane includes: vane main body, along the length direction of stirring vane, rotation axis passes through vane main body;First unit, connect with vane main body, for stirring and conveying developer to developer outlet;Second unit, connect with vane main body, for stirring and conveying developer to developer outlet;Auxiliary part, between first unit, second unit;Developer outlet is located on the rotation path of auxiliary part, along radial direction, auxiliary part protrudes from first unit and second unit, by such setting can effectively improve imaging quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging technology, and in particular to a stirring blade, a stirring assembly, and a developer container having the stirring assembly and detachably mounted to an electrophotographic imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] As a detachable core consumable of electrophotographic imaging equipment, the developer container's internal developer delivery efficiency directly determines the imaging effect of the imaging equipment. The developer container is usually equipped with a developer outlet and a stirring component. The stirring component stirs the developer while delivering it to the developer outlet to achieve external supply of developer.

[0003] The stirring assembly includes stirring blades and a support for supporting the stirring blades. The stirring blades are used to stir the developer. In the prior art, the conformity between the contour of the stirring blades and the inner wall of the developer container is insufficient, resulting in a gap between the two. This causes the developer to accumulate and remain there. This not only wastes the developer, but the clumps formed after long-term accumulation of the developer will also hinder the rotation of the blades and damage the transport stability, ultimately leading to a decrease in imaging quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a stirring blade to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. The specific solution is as follows:

[0005] A stirring blade having a rotation axis is rotatably mounted in a developer container, the developer container including a developer outlet for discharging developer. The stirring blade includes: a blade body, with the rotation axis passing through the blade body along the length of the stirring blade; a first unit connected to the blade body for stirring and conveying developer to the developer outlet; a second unit connected to the blade body for stirring and conveying developer to the developer outlet; and an auxiliary section located between the first unit and the second unit. The developer outlet is located on the rotation path of the auxiliary section in a radial direction, and the auxiliary section protrudes beyond the first and second units.

[0006] In some embodiments, a flow guide is formed between the first unit and the second unit. The flow guide is opposite to the auxiliary part in the radial direction. The flow guide is used to guide the developer to sink, so that the developer is closer to the developer outlet. The developer outlet is located on the rotation path of the flow guide.

[0007] In some embodiments, a portion of the outer contour of the stirring blade is inclined toward the flow guide.

[0008] In some embodiments, the developer container includes a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity for containing developer, with a first transition step formed between the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity. The second unit includes a fourth stirring blade in a radial direction, the fourth stirring blade having a first side and a second side located at the radial end, the first side corresponding to the first receiving cavity and the second side corresponding to the second receiving cavity, the vertical distance of the first side to the axis of rotation being less than the vertical distance of the second side to the axis of rotation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the developer container includes a receiving cavity for containing developer, and at least a portion of the radial end of the stirring blade is parallel to the axis of rotation and is used to abut against the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the stirring blade is further provided with a notch and a through hole for reducing developer resistance. The notch and the through hole are provided on at least one of the blade body, the first unit and the second unit, respectively located on both sides of the rotation axis. The notch opens toward the side away from the rotation axis.

[0011] This utility model also provides a stirring assembly, which includes a support member and the stirring blades, wherein the support member is used to support the stirring blades.

[0012] In some embodiments, the stirring assembly is further provided with an auxiliary component connected to the support member. In the radial direction, the auxiliary component is opposite to the stirring blade, and in the circumferential direction, the auxiliary component is opposite to the guide portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the stirring assembly further includes a reinforcing plate connected to the support member. In the radial direction, two reinforcing plates are located on both sides of the support member. In the circumferential direction, the reinforcing plates are opposite to the guide portion. One reinforcing plate is connected to the blade body, and the other reinforcing plate is connected to the auxiliary member.

[0014] This utility model also provides a developer container, which includes a shell, a receiving cavity, a developer outlet, and the stirring assembly. The receiving cavity is located inside the shell and is used to contain the developer. The developer outlet is located on the shell. The stirring assembly is used to stir the developer and force the developer to be discharged from the developer outlet. The developer container can be detachably installed into an imaging device. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the developer container involved in this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This utility model relates to a developer container along... Figure 1 A sectional view taken at section CC.

[0017] Figure 3This is a plan view of the stirring blade involved in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the stirring assembly and driving assembly involved in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the developer container involved in this utility model; Figure 2 This utility model relates to a developer container along... Figure 1 A sectional view taken at section CC; Figure 3 This is a plan view of the stirring blade involved in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the stirring assembly and driving assembly involved in this utility model.

[0020] Both the developer container A and the developing assembly can be detachably installed into an electrophotographic imaging device (not shown) equipped with a drive force output element, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the developer container A is used to store developer and to supply developer to developing components other than the developer container A. The developing components are rotatably provided with developing rollers for carrying developer.

[0021] For ease of description, developer container A is defined as follows: after developer container A is installed in imaging equipment, the direction of gravity of developer container A is downward, the direction opposite to the direction of gravity is upward, the length direction of developer container A is left-right, the left-right direction intersects with the up-down direction, and the direction that intersects with both the left-right and up-down directions is the front-back direction.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the developer container A includes a container body 1, and a receiving cavity 10 is formed inside the container body 1. The receiving cavity 10 includes a first receiving cavity 1b and a second receiving cavity 1c, both of which are used to contain developer. The container body 1 also includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12 that are connected to each other. The first receiving cavity 1b is formed in the first shell 11, and the second receiving cavity 1c is formed in the second shell 12. The first receiving cavity 1b and the second receiving cavity 1c are interconnected and have no independent partition structure. In the left-right direction, the first shell 11 is located to the left of the second shell 12, that is, the first receiving cavity 1b is located to the left of the second receiving cavity 1c.

[0023] Furthermore, the developer container A includes a developer outlet 2 for discharging developer, the developer outlet 2 being disposed on the first housing 11, through which the developer is supplied to the developing assembly. Figure 2As shown, the developer container A also includes a stirring assembly 3 and a driving assembly 4 connected to each other. The driving assembly 4 is used to receive driving force from the driving force output component of the imaging device to drive the stirring assembly 3 to rotate around the rotation axis L1. The end where the driving assembly 4 is located is defined as the driving end, and the end opposite to the driving end is the non-driving end. The rotation axis L1 is parallel to the left and right direction. The stirring assembly 3 is rotatably installed in the receiving cavity 10. The stirring assembly 3 is used to stir the developer to make it mix evenly, and at the same time deliver the developer to the developer outlet 2.

[0024] The stirring assembly 3 includes stirring blades 31 for stirring the developer and conveying it to the developer outlet 2. Overall, the stirring blades 31 have blade bodies 30, and the rotation axis L1 passes through the blade body 30 along the length of the stirring blades 31. Figure 3 As shown, the stirring blade 31 also includes a first unit 311, a second unit 312, and an intermediate unit 313. The intermediate unit 313 is located between the first unit 311 and the second unit 312. The first unit 311 and the intermediate unit 313 are disposed in the first receiving cavity. A portion of the second unit 312 is disposed in the first receiving cavity 1b, and the other portion is disposed in the second receiving cavity 1c. The first unit 311, the second unit 312, and the intermediate unit 313 are all connected to the blade body 30. The first unit 313 is used for stirring and conveying developer to the developer outlet 2. The second unit 312 is used for stirring and conveying developer to the developer outlet 2. The intermediate unit 313 is used to correspond to the developer outlet 2, or in other words, the developer outlet 2 is located on the rotation path of the intermediate unit 313. Generally speaking, along the left-right direction, the first unit 311, the intermediate unit 313, and the second unit 312 are arranged sequentially from left to right, and the intermediate unit 313 connects the first unit 311 and the second unit 312; with the rotation axis L1 as a reference, the first unit 311 includes a first stirring plate 3a and a second stirring plate 3b located on both sides of the axis, and the second unit 312 includes a third stirring plate 3c and a fourth stirring plate 3d located on both sides of the axis; preferably, the first stirring plate 3a, the second stirring plate 3b, the third stirring plate 3c, the fourth stirring plate 3d, and the intermediate unit 313 are integrally formed.

[0025] At least a portion of the outer contour of the stirring blade 31 contacts the inner wall of the receiving cavity 10. In other words, at least a portion of the radial end of the stirring blade is parallel to the axis of rotation and can abut against the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10 is designed as a straight surface and projected along the thickness direction of the stirring blade 31. At least a portion of the radial end of the stirring blade 31 is a straight line. Similarly, at least a portion of the axial end of the stirring blade 31 is also a straight line for engaging with the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10.

[0026] The first stirring blade 3a includes a first extension 3a2 connected to the blade body 30. In the radial direction, the first extension 3a2 has a first tip edge 3a1 located at the radial end. The first extension 3a2 is used to stir the developer and convey the developer to the developer outlet 2. The direction in which the first tip edge 3a1 extends is parallel to the rotation axis L1.

[0027] The second stirring blade 3b includes a first through hole 3b2 and a second extension 3b1 connected to the blade body 30. The second extension 3b1 is used to stir the developer and deliver the developer to the developer outlet 2. The first through hole 3b2 is located on the blade body 30 and / or the second extension 3b1. The first through hole 3b2 is used to allow the developer to flow in order to reduce the resistance of the developer to the stirring blade 31. In the radial direction, the second extension 3b1 has a second top edge 3b3 located at the radial end. The second top edge 3b3 can contact the inner wall of the receiving cavity 10. That is, in the radial direction, the radial distance of the second stirring blade 3b from the rotation axis L1 to the outer contour of the stirring blade 31 is greater than or equal to the radial distance from the rotation axis L1 to the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10.

[0028] The third stirring blade 3c includes a plurality of notches 3c1 spaced apart and a plurality of third extensions 3c2 spaced apart. The third extensions 3c2 are connected to the blade body 30. The notches 3c1 are located on the blade body 30 and / or the third extensions 3c2. The notches 3c1 are used to reduce the resistance of the developer. By setting the notches 3c1 and the second through holes 3d2 on both sides of the rotation axis L1, the resistance of the developer to the rotation of the stirring blade 31 can be reduced more effectively. The third extensions 3c2 are used to stir the developer and transport the developer toward the developer outlet 2. Along the left and right direction, the notches 3c1 and the third extensions 3c2 are alternately arranged. The notches 3c1 are located between two adjacent third extensions 3c2. The notches 3c1 open toward the side away from the rotation axis L1.

[0029] In some embodiments, the radial distance from the notch 3c1 to the rotation axis L1 gradually increases from the non-driving end side toward the driving end side.

[0030] In some embodiments, the radial distance from the notch 3c1 to the rotation axis L1 gradually decreases from the non-driving end side toward the driving end side.

[0031] A portion of the outer contour of the stirring blade 31 is inclined toward the developer outlet 2 / hereinafter referred to as the guide portion 35. Specifically, projected along the thickness direction of the stirring blade 31, the third stirring blade 3c is closer to the non-drive end than the first stirring blade 3a. In the radial direction, the third extension 3c2 has a third top edge 3c3 located at the radial end. The direction in which the third top edge 3c3 extends is parallel to the rotation axis L1. The third stirring blade 3c also has a first inclined edge 3c4 that is inclined from the third top edge 3c3 toward the developer outlet 2 / hereinafter referred to as the guide portion 35. The third top edge 3c3 is closer to the non-drive end than the first inclined edge 3c4. A first step 3c5 is formed between the first inclined edge 3c4 and the third top edge 3c3. The first inclined edge 3c4 is inclined relative to the rotation axis L1. Inclined, wherein, along the radial direction of the stirring blade 31, the dimension from the third top edge 3c3 to the rotation axis L1 is greater than the dimension from the first inclined edge 3c4 to the rotation axis L1, that is, from the non-driving end toward the driving end, the vertical distance from the radial end of the third stirring blade 3c to the rotation axis L1 gradually decreases.

[0032] The fourth stirring blade 3d includes a fourth extension 3d1 connected to the blade body 30. The fourth extension 3d1 is used to stir the developer and convey the developer to the developer outlet 2. The fourth stirring blade 3d also includes a plurality of spaced second through holes 3d2. The second through holes 3d2 are located on the blade body 30 and / or the fourth extension 3d1. The second through holes 3d2 are used to allow the developer to flow, so as to reduce the resistance of the developer to the stirring blade 31. Further, in the radial direction, the fourth extension 3d1 / fourth stirring blade 3d has a fourth top edge 3d3 located at the radial end. The fourth top edge 3d3 can abut against the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10. That is, the radial distance of the fourth stirring blade 3d from the rotation axis L1 to the outer contour of the stirring blade 31 is greater than or equal to the radial distance from the rotation axis L1 to the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10.

[0033] In some embodiments, the developer container A is further provided with a first transition step 6. Specifically, in the front-back direction, at least a portion of the first housing 11 is located behind the second housing 12, that is, a step-like structure is formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Correspondingly, a first transition step 6 is formed between the first receiving cavity 1b and the second receiving cavity 1c. The fourth stirring blade 3d is provided with a second transition step 7 corresponding to the first transition step 6. The second transition step 7 is located on the fourth top edge 3d3. Therefore, the fourth top edge 3d3 includes a first edge 3d31 and a second edge 3d32. In the left-right direction, the first edge 3d31 is located to the left of the second transition step 7 and corresponds to the first receiving cavity 1b. The second edge 3d32 is located to the right of the second transition step 7 and corresponds to the second receiving cavity 1c. The vertical distance from the first edge 3d31 to the rotation axis L1 is less than the vertical distance from the second edge 3d32 to the rotation axis L1. That is to say, at least a portion of the radial end of the fourth stirring blade 3d is stepped.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing 11 is located in front of the second housing 12 along the front-back direction. The first transition step is formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, that is, a step-like structure is formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Correspondingly, a step is formed between the first receiving cavity 1b and the second receiving cavity 1c. Similarly, the fourth stirring plate 3d is provided with a second transition step corresponding to the first transition step. With the second transition step as a reference, its left side is the left side of the fourth stirring plate 3d, and its right side is the right side of the fourth stirring plate 3d. The radial dimension of the left side of the fourth stirring plate 3d is greater than the radial dimension of the right side.

[0035] The outer contour of the stirring blade 31 is not limited, as long as at least a portion of its radial end mates with the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10.

[0036] A flow guide 35 is formed between the first unit 311 and the second unit 312. Specifically, a flow guide 35 is formed between the first stirring blade 3a and the third stirring blade 3c. In the radial direction, the flow guide 35 is opposite to the intermediate unit 313. Therefore, when the stirring blade 31 rotates, the flow guide 35 will also rotate together. The developer outlet 2 is located on the rotation path of the flow guide 35. The flow guide 35 is used to guide the developer to sink, so that the developer is closer to the developer outlet 2. The left side of the flow guide 35 is the first side surface 35a, that is, the side of the first stirring blade 3a away from the drive end is set as the first side surface 35a. In some embodiments, the first side surface 35a is inclined toward the developer outlet 2, that is, the first side surface 35a is inclined relative to the rotation axis L1. The right side of the flow guide 35 is the second side surface 35b, that is, the second side surface 35b is the side of the third stirring blade 3c near the drive end.

[0037] The intermediate unit 313 is also provided with an auxiliary part 313a for pushing developer. The auxiliary part 313a is connected to the blade body 30 and is located between the first unit 311 and the second unit 312. In the radial direction, the auxiliary part 313a extends from the blade body 30 to the side away from the guide part 35. In other words, the auxiliary part 313a is opposite to the guide part 35. The radial dimension of the auxiliary part 313a is greater than the radial distance from the rotation axis L1 to the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10. Or, the radial dimension of the auxiliary part 313a is greater than the first unit 311 and the second unit 312. In the radial direction, the auxiliary part 313a extends beyond the first unit 311 and the second unit 312. The developer outlet 2 is located on the rotation path of the auxiliary part 313a. When the intermediate unit 313 rotates to a position opposite to the developer outlet 2, the auxiliary part 313a can be exposed through the developer outlet 2. The structure, material and shape of the auxiliary part 313a are not limited, as long as it can push the developer inside the receiving cavity 10 to the outside.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the stirring assembly 3 also includes a support member 32 for supporting the stirring blade 31. The support member 32 is rotatably installed in the receiving cavity 10. The support member 32 can rotate around the rotation axis L1 along the rotation direction R to drive the stirring blade 31 to stir the developer. The length direction of the support member 32 is parallel to the left and right direction. In the front and back direction, the support member 32 is located behind the developer outlet 2. In the left and right direction, one end of the support member 32 is connected to the driving assembly 4. In some embodiments, the support member 32 passes through the first housing 11 and is connected to the driving assembly 4. In some embodiments, a bracket is provided inside the receiving cavity 10, and the other end of the support member 32 is supported by the bracket.

[0039] The object supporting the support member 32 is not limited, as long as the support member 32 can rotate and work within the receiving cavity 10. Preferably, the other end of the support member 32 is supported by the second housing 12.

[0040] In some embodiments, the stirring assembly 3 is further provided with an auxiliary component 33, which is connected to the support component 32. Specifically, in the radial direction, one side of the support component 32 is connected to the stirring blade 31, and the other side is connected to the auxiliary component 33. In other words, the auxiliary component 33 is radially opposite to the stirring blade 31, and in the circumferential direction, the auxiliary component 33 is opposite to the guide portion 35. The auxiliary component 33 is used to stir the developer that is opposite to the guide portion 35 in the circumferential direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the stirring assembly 3 further includes a reinforcing plate 34 connected to the support member 32. In the radial direction, two reinforcing plates 34 are located on both sides of the support member 32. One reinforcing plate 34 is connected to the intermediate unit 313 / blade body 30, and the other reinforcing plate 34 is connected to the auxiliary member 33. In the circumferential direction, the reinforcing plate 34 is opposite to the guide portion 35. The reinforcing plate 34 is used to increase the support area of ​​the stirring blade 30 and the auxiliary member 33, which can increase the stability of the stirring blade 30 and the auxiliary member 33.

[0042] In some embodiments, the notch 3c1 and the through hole are provided on at least one of the blade body 30, the first unit 311 and the second unit 312.

[0043] [Beneficial Effects]

[0044] 1. In the entire receiving cavity 10, the space on the left side of the guide section 35 is smaller than the space on the right side, resulting in poorer flow of the developer located on the left side of the guide section 35. The design of the first side 35a on the left side of the guide section 35 can accelerate the flow of the developer and provide an efficient sinking channel for the developer, thereby guiding it to flow towards the developer outlet 2. This not only optimizes the flow path of the developer and reduces the resistance of the developer, but also improves the output efficiency and stability of the developer.

[0045] 2. The guide section 35 and the auxiliary section 313a work together to significantly improve the stability of the developer supply to the outside. Specifically, during the rotation of the stirring assembly 3, the guide section 35 is responsible for collecting and guiding the developer above the developer outlet 2; the auxiliary section 313a extends by rotating to apply an outward mechanical push to the developer at the developer outlet 2, thereby actively clearing potential blockages and ultimately ensuring the continuity and stability of the developer supply.

[0046] 3. When the stirring component 3 rotates, the developer in the receiving cavity 10 is guided to the guiding part 35. At this time, in order to avoid excessive accumulation of developer which would obstruct the rotation of the stirring component 3, the auxiliary component 33 stirs the developer in the guiding part 35 to make it flow quickly and prevent the developer from clogging.

[0047] 4. During the rotation process, the stirring blade 31 cooperates with the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity 10, which can effectively avoid the developer residue caused by insufficient contact and reduce the waste of residual developer.

[0048] 5. A portion of the outer contour of the stirring blade 31 is inclined toward the developer outlet 2 / guide section 35. When the stirring blade 31 rotates, it will guide the developer in the receiving cavity 10 to the guide section 35.

[0049] 6. The reinforcing plate 34 increases the support area of ​​the stirring blade 30 and the auxiliary component 33, making the stirring blade 30 and the auxiliary component 33 more fully and evenly stressed, thus effectively improving their stress performance.

Claims

1. A stirring blade having a rotation axis, rotatably mounted in a developer container, the developer container including a developer outlet for discharging developer, characterized in that, The stirring blades include: The blade body has its rotation axis passing through it along the length of the stirring blade. The first unit, connected to the blade body, is used for stirring and conveying developer to the developer outlet; The second unit, connected to the blade body, is used for stirring and conveying developer to the developer outlet; The auxiliary unit is located between the first and second units; The developer outlet is located on the rotation path of the auxiliary part, and the auxiliary part protrudes from the first unit and the second unit in the radial direction.

2. The stirring blade according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flow guide is formed between the first unit and the second unit. In the radial direction, the flow guide is opposite to the auxiliary part. The flow guide is used to guide the developer to sink, so that the developer is closer to the developer outlet. The developer outlet is located on the rotation path of the flow guide.

3. The stirring blade according to claim 2, characterized in that, A portion of the outer contour of the stirring blade is inclined toward the flow guide.

4. The stirring blade according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developer container includes a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity for containing developer, with a first transition step formed between the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity. The second unit includes a fourth stirring blade in the radial direction, the fourth stirring blade having a first side and a second side located at the radial end, the first side corresponding to the first receiving cavity and the second side corresponding to the second receiving cavity, the vertical distance of the first side to the axis of rotation being less than the vertical distance of the second side to the axis of rotation.

5. The stirring blade according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developer container includes a receiving cavity for containing developer, and at least a portion of the radial end of the stirring blade is parallel to the axis of rotation and is used to abut against the corresponding inner wall of the receiving cavity.

6. The stirring blade according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring blade is also provided with a notch and a through hole for reducing developer resistance. The notch and the through hole are provided on at least one of the blade body, the first unit and the second unit, respectively located on both sides of the rotation axis. The notch opens toward the side away from the rotation axis.

7. A stirring assembly, characterized in that, It includes a support member and a stirring blade as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the support member is used to support the stirring blade.

8. The stirring assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stirring assembly is also provided with an auxiliary component connected to the support member. In the radial direction, the auxiliary component is opposite to the stirring blade, and in the circumferential direction, the auxiliary component is opposite to the guide portion.

9. The stirring assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The stirring assembly also includes reinforcing plates connected to the support member. In the radial direction, the two reinforcing plates are located on both sides of the support member. In the circumferential direction, the reinforcing plates are opposite to the guide section. One reinforcing plate is connected to the blade body, and the other reinforcing plate is connected to the auxiliary member.

10. A developer container, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a receiving cavity, a developer outlet, and a stirring assembly as described in any one of claims 7 to 9. The receiving cavity is located inside the housing for containing developer, the developer outlet is disposed on the housing, the stirring assembly is used to stir the developer and force the developer to be discharged from the developer outlet, and the developer container can be detachably installed into an imaging device.

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