A developing cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developing box, the developing box can install to the electrophotographic imaging device with the light blocking piece in detachable mode, the developing box includes: casing, the casing has the first side and second side of opposite arrangement in the first direction, the casing has the third side and fourth side of opposite arrangement in the second direction with the first direction intersection, developing roller, coupling gear, light emitting piece, the light emitting piece can emit the light signal, abuts against the protrusion, and the abuts against the protrusion with the light blocking piece abuts against to keep the light blocking piece is located in the light blocking state, power, is used to provide the power for the light emitting piece, in the second direction, the power is located between the abuts against protrusion the light emitting piece, compared with prior art, the utility model discloses developing box no longer sets up the protrusion of being detected, has reduced the production cost of developing box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging technology, and in particular to a developing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technology discloses a developing cartridge that can be installed together with a drum cartridge into an electrophotographic imaging apparatus. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller, a powder feeding roller, a chip, a detection protrusion, electrodes, and a coupling gear for receiving driving force. The detection protrusion can move relative to the housing according to the rotation of the coupling gear, thereby transmitting information about the developing cartridge to the imaging apparatus to help the imaging apparatus identify the developing cartridge. Simultaneously, when the developing cartridge is installed in the electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the electrodes make electrical contact with the apparatus to receive power from the apparatus and transmit it to the developing roller or powder feeding roller. After being energized, the developing roller or powder feeding roller has a stronger adsorption force on the developer, which can effectively improve the imaging quality of the developing cartridge.

[0003] In the prior art, the electrodes in the developing cartridge and the detection protrusion that can move relative to the housing are located on the same side of the developing cartridge. This technical solution provides limited space for the electrodes, and interference between the electrodes and the detection protrusion is likely to occur during use. This requires the electrodes and the detection protrusion to be manufactured with high precision, which increases the production cost of the developing cartridge. To solve the problem of excessively high production costs, this utility model proposes a new developing cartridge.

[0004] In addition, in the existing technology, the developing cartridge transmits information to the electrophotographic imaging device through mechanical components. However, the failure rate of mechanical components is relatively high. Both manufacturers and consumers of developing cartridges need an electronic design to transmit information from the developing cartridge to the electrophotographic imaging device in order to improve the stability of the developing cartridge. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, this utility model provides a developing cartridge to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, mainly through the following technical solution:

[0006] A developing cartridge, detachably mountable to an electrophotographic imaging device having a light-blocking element, the developing cartridge comprising:

[0007] A housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side disposed opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the housing being used to contain developer;

[0008] A developing roller, which is located on the third side of the housing in the second direction, and the developing roller is rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in the first direction;

[0009] A coupling gear, located on the first side of the housing in the first direction, the coupling gear being capable of receiving external driving force from the developing cartridge and rotating about a coupling gear axis extending in the first direction;

[0010] A light-emitting element capable of emitting light signals;

[0011] An abutting protrusion abuts against the light-blocking member to keep the light-blocking member in the light-blocking position;

[0012] A power source for providing power to the light-emitting element;

[0013] In the second direction, the power source is located between the abutment protrusion and the light-emitting element.

[0014] Furthermore, in the first direction, the abutment protrusion is closer to the second side of the housing than to the first side of the housing.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes electrodes having electrical contact portions;

[0016] In the second direction, the distance between the abutting protrusion and the light-emitting element is less than the distance between the abutting protrusion and the electrical contact portion of the electrode.

[0017] Furthermore, the housing has a powder hopper, which is provided with a powder filling port for adding developer;

[0018] When viewed along the first direction, at least a portion of the abutment protrusion overlaps with the powder filling port.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a contact switch and a trigger gear. The trigger gear can rotate according to the rotation of the coupling gear. The trigger gear can control the contact switch to move between an on position and an off position to control the light signal of the light-emitting element to emit or extinguish.

[0020] Furthermore, in the first direction, the distance between the abutting protrusion and the coupling gear is less than the distance between the light-emitting element and the coupling gear.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a printed circuit board, which is used to control the light-emitting element to emit or extinguish light signals;

[0022] The light-emitting element is disposed on the printed circuit board, and in the first direction, the printed circuit board is located on the second side of the housing.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a contact switch and a connector, the connector being used for electrically connecting the contact switch and the printed circuit board;

[0024] The developing cartridge also includes a cover that extends in the first direction from a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing, the cover covering at least a portion of the connector.

[0025] Furthermore, the connector is configured as a wire.

[0026] Furthermore, the light-emitting element is configured as an infrared lamp.

[0027] Beneficial effects:

[0028] Compared with existing technologies, the developing cartridge of this invention no longer has a detection protrusion. Instead, a light-emitting element replaces the function of the detection protrusion, reducing the production cost of the developing cartridge and facilitating its miniaturization. Furthermore, the design of the light-emitting element offers greater stability compared to the mechanical components used in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the developing cartridge from another angle in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge on the left side in the left-right direction in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge on the right side in the left-right direction in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developing cartridge on the upper side in the vertical direction in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge on the lower side in the vertical direction in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model, with the first cover hidden, on the left side in the left-right direction;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in the left-right direction in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the right side of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connection between the developing cartridge trigger component and the detected component in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developing cartridge in the lower part of the vertical direction when the cover is hidden in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover plate in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the cover plate from another angle in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 14 This is an exploded structural diagram of the chip and chip housing in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developing cartridge on the upper side in the vertical direction in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge on the right side in the left-right direction in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 2 of this utility model, with the first cover hidden, on the left side in the left-right direction;

[0047] Figure 19 This is an exploded structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the trigger gear in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0049] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developing cartridge on the upper side in the vertical direction in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0050] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge on the lower side in the vertical direction in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0051] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the front side of the developing cartridge in the front-rear direction in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0052] Figure 24This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge on the left side in the left-right direction when the first cover is hidden in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0053] Figure 25 This is an exploded structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0054] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode, developing roller, electrical connector and powder discharge blade on the lower side in the vertical direction in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0055] Figure 27 This is an exploded structural diagram of the cover plate in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0056] Figure 28 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0057] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developing cartridge on the upper side in the vertical direction in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0058] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge on the right side in the left-right direction in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0059] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model, with the first cover hidden, on the left side in the left-right direction;

[0060] Figure 32 This is an exploded structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0061] Figure 33 This is a right view of the developing cartridge in the left-right direction with part of the second cover hidden, according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and technical effects of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solution of the developing cartridge of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0063] Example 1:

[0064] Appendix Figure 1-7The present invention discloses a developing cartridge 100, which can be detachably mounted to a drum cartridge and, together with the drum cartridge, detachably mounted to an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device"). For ease of description, the developing cartridge 100 will be referred to as... Figure 1-2 The developing cartridge 100 shown has its length direction (axial direction of the developing roller 120) in the left-right direction (first direction), and the coupling gear 111 is located on the left side of the developing cartridge 100 in the left-right direction. Figure 1 The width direction of the developing cartridge 100 shown is the front-to-back direction (second direction), and the developing roller 120 is located at the front end of the developing cartridge 100 in the front-to-back direction. Figure 1 The direction that intersects the left-right and front-back directions is the up-down direction (third direction), and the electrical contact surface 141 faces downward of the developing cartridge 100 in the up-down direction.

[0065] like Figure 1-7 As shown, the developer cartridge 100 includes a housing 101, which has a powder container 102 for containing developer. The housing 101 has a first side surface (left side surface) and a second side surface (right side surface) opposite to each other in the left-right direction. The housing 101 also has a third side surface (front side surface) and a fourth side surface (rear side surface) opposite to each other in the front-back direction. A gear train for transmitting driving force to the developer delivery member in the developer cartridge 100 is provided on the first side surface of the housing 101. The housing 101 includes a first cover 103 provided on the first side surface in the left-right direction, the first cover 103 for protecting... The gear system includes, but is not limited to, a coupling gear 111, a developing roller gear 112, and a powder feeding roller gear 113. The coupling gear 111 has a coupling portion 111a. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the coupling portion 111a of the coupling gear 111 connects to a drive member (not shown) inside the imaging device to receive the driving force of the imaging device, causing the coupling gear 111 to rotate around a coupling gear axis extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 113 mesh with the coupling gear 111 to receive the driving force of the coupling gear 111 and rotate around their respective axes extending in the left-right direction. Figure 8As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a developing roller 120 and a powder feeding roller 130. The developing roller 120 and the powder feeding roller 130 are rotatably supported between the first and second side surfaces of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. The developing roller 120 is located on the third side surface of the housing 101 in the front-back direction. The developing roller 120 and the powder feeding roller 130 are in contact in the front-back direction. The developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 113 are respectively connected to the ends of the developing roller 120 and the powder feeding roller 130 in the left-right direction, so that the developing roller gear 112 and the powder feeding roller gear 113 respectively drive the developing roller 120 and the powder feeding roller 130 to rotate about their respective axes extending in the left-right direction. The powder feeding roller 130 rotates to deliver developer to the developing roller 120. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the drum cartridge, the developing roller 120 is in contact with the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge, and the developing roller 120 rotates to deliver developer to the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum.

[0066] like Figure 1-7 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 is provided with a chip 140, which stores information about the developing cartridge 100. The chip 140 has an electrical contact surface 141 and is located on the first side surface of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the electrical contact surface 141 contacts and connects with the electrical contact head 11 inside the imaging device, thereby enabling the imaging device to establish a communication connection with the developing cartridge 100. The developing cartridge 100 is provided with an electrode 150, which is located on the second side surface of the housing 101 in the left-right direction. The electrode 150 has an electrical contact portion 151 exposed on the second side surface of the housing 101. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the electrical contact portion 151 contacts and forms an electrical connection with a power supply component (not shown) inside the imaging device to receive power from the imaging device. The electrode 150 can transmit power to the developer delivery components such as the developing roller 120 and / or the powder delivery roller 130 in the developing cartridge 100 to facilitate the delivery of developer in the developing cartridge 100. The developing cartridge 100 also includes a powder dispensing blade 105 as a developer delivery component. The powder dispensing blade 105 is used to adjust the thickness of the developer on the surface of the developing roller 120 to improve the imaging quality of the developing cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the electrode 150 is electrically connected to the powder dispensing blade 105.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the developing roller 120 includes a colloid 121, a roller shaft 122, and an insulating layer 123 disposed between the colloid 121 and the roller shaft 122, that is, the colloid 121 and the roller shaft 122 are insulated from each other.

[0068] The developing cartridge 100 includes a detection unit, which transmits information about the developing cartridge 100 to the imaging device, enabling the imaging device to identify the developing cartridge 100. The detection unit includes a triggering member and a detection component. Before the developing cartridge 100 is used, the detection unit can transmit information such as the age and condition of the developing cartridge 100 and the developer capacity to a detection component (not shown) of the imaging device. The triggering member can transmit a start signal to the detection component in response to the activation of the imaging device, thereby activating the detection component and transmitting a signal including the developing cartridge information to the imaging device. The detection component can transmit information such as the age and condition of the developing cartridge 100 and the developer capacity to the imaging device in response to the signal from the triggering member.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 9-10 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 is provided with an electrical detection component 160 and a light-emitting component 170. In this embodiment, the electrical detection component 160 serves as a trigger component and is electrically connected to the electrode 150. The electrical detection component 160 includes a detection circuit 161 and a signal transmission circuit 162. The detection circuit 161 is used to detect whether the electrode 150 receives power from the imaging device, and the signal transmission circuit 162 is used to transmit a signal to the light-emitting component 170 after the detection circuit 161 detects power. The light-emitting component 170 serves as the detected component and includes a control circuit 171, a light-emitting element 172, and a power supply 173. When the developing cartridge 100 is manufactured, the control circuit 171 stores information about the developing cartridge 100. The control circuit 171 can control the light-emitting element 172 to transmit the information about the developing cartridge 100 to the imaging device. The power supply 173 is used to provide power to the control circuit 171 and the light-emitting element 172. In this embodiment, the power supply 173 is a button battery.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the detection circuit 161 also includes a first electrical contact 161a and a second electrical contact 161b. The first electrical contact 161a is electrically connected to the electrode 150 through a conductor, and the second electrical contact 161b is electrically connected to a conductive spring 163. The conductive spring 163 is connected to a grounding member (not shown) in the imaging device, so that the power of the electrode 150 forms a current path in the detection circuit 161 through the first electrical contact 161a and the second electrical contact 161b.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 9As shown, the light-emitting element 172 is configured as an infrared lamp. The light-emitting element 172 can flash on and off under the control of the control circuit 171. The light-emitting element 172 transmits signals from the developing cartridge 100 to the imaging device via a photoelectric sensor, which serves as a detection component inside the imaging device. In this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is configured as a photoelectric switch (not shown). The photoelectric switch can identify the duration and frequency of the flashing of the light-emitting element 172, thereby acquiring information about the developing cartridge 100. The light-emitting element 172 is located on the right side of the developing cartridge 100 in the left-right direction and on the rear side of the developing cartridge 100 in the front-back direction.

[0072] Compared with the existing technology where the developing cartridge transmits information to the imaging device through the movement of the detected protrusion, the developing cartridge 100 of this invention transmits information to the imaging device more stably through the light-emitting element 172, and the structure is more compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the developing cartridge 100. In other words, the developing cartridge 100 of this invention replaces the function of the detected protrusion with the light-emitting element 172. The use of the light-emitting element 172 has a smaller volume compared to the use of the detected protrusion, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the developing cartridge 100.

[0073] Alternatively, in one feasible embodiment of this utility model, the detection circuit 161, the signal transmission circuit 162, the control circuit 171, and the power supply 173 are integrated onto a single circuit board 180.

[0074] In another possible embodiment of this invention, the triggering member can also be configured as a contact switch responsive to the rotation of the coupling gear 111 of the developing cartridge 100. Before use, the imaging device can start pre-rotation and transmit driving force to the coupling gear 111 through the driving member. The rotation of the coupling gear 111 can trigger the contact switch, thereby transmitting a start signal to the detected member, thus activating the detected member and sending a signal indicating whether the imaging device includes the developing cartridge 100.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, in the vertical direction, there is a distance W between the bottom surface 102a of the powder hopper 102 and the lower end of the powder hopper 102, wherein W gradually decreases from back to front along the bottom surface 102a in the front-back direction. Alternatively, the bottom surface 102a of the powder hopper 102 is configured as an inclined surface towards the front end of the developing cartridge 100 in the front-back direction. When the developing cartridge 100 is in use, the developer can move towards the front end of the developing roller 120 under the action of gravity. In other words, the inclined surface at the bottom of the powder hopper 102 can replace the function of the stirrer in the prior art, thus simplifying the structure of the developing cartridge 100 and reducing the production cost of the developing cartridge 100.

[0076] like Figure 11-13As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a cover plate 106 disposed at the lower end of the housing 101 in the vertical direction. The cover plate 106 is plate-shaped and extends in the horizontal direction. The electrical contact surface 141 is located on the left side of the cover plate 106 in the horizontal direction and at the front end of the electrical contact surface 141 in the front-back direction. The cover plate 106 is disposed between the electrical contact portion 151 of the electrode 150 and the electrical contact surface 141 of the chip 140 in the horizontal direction. During the operation of the developing cartridge 100, the cover plate 106 is arranged to contact the paper. Through contact with the paper, the cover plate 106 can guide the paper to the position between the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller (not shown) in the drum cartridge, realizing the function of guiding the paper movement. The dimension of the cover plate 106 in the horizontal direction is larger than the dimension of the paper in the horizontal direction to increase the contact area between the cover plate 106 and the paper and reduce the paper jam rate. The cover plate 106 and the housing 101 are separate components. The cover plate 106 is detachably mounted on the housing 101 and is arranged to cover the ribs 101e at the bottom of the housing 101, so that the multiple ribs 101e are not exposed to the outside of the developing cartridge 100. Specifically, the cover plate 106 is constructed as a plate for covering the multiple ribs 101e. The cover plate 106 has a first surface 106a and a second surface 106b respectively disposed on opposite sides in the thickness direction of the cover plate 106. The first surface 106a is concave, and the second surface 106b is convex. In other words, when the cover plate 106 is mounted on the developing cartridge 100, the first surface 106a faces the housing 101, while the second surface 106b is exposed to the outside of the developing cartridge 100. The second surface 106b can contact the paper during paper movement and is used to guide the movement of the paper, preventing the paper from spilling out. Currently stuck; projected in the left and right direction, the cover plate 106 is roughly "L" shaped. The cover plate 106 includes a first cover plate body 1061 and a second cover plate body 1062 that are intersected in their respective extending directions. The width of the first cover plate body 1061 is greater than the width of the second cover plate body 1062. An arc-shaped bending portion 1063 is also connected between the first cover plate body 1061 and the second cover plate body 1062. This bending portion 1063 can make the transition between the first cover plate body 1061 and the second cover plate body 1062 smoother and avoid problems such as large gaps at the joint between the two.

[0077] like Figure 14As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a cover 142 for covering the electrical contact surface 141. The cover 142 is disposed at the bottom of the chip receiving portion 101a on the housing 101 and is used to cover the bottom of the chip receiving portion 101a. The cover 142 is constructed as a plastic film covering the opening of the chip receiving portion 101a. The cover 142 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the chip receiving portion 101a by adhesive or ultrasonic welding. The cover 142 is used to protect the electrical contact surface 141 of the developing cartridge 100, preventing the electrical contact surface 141 from becoming dirty during storage or transportation, thereby ensuring that the electrical contact surface 141 has stable electrical properties and improving the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 141 and the imaging device in the developing cartridge 100. The cover 142 is located at the bottom of the housing 101 in the vertical direction, on the left side of the housing 101 in the horizontal direction, and on the front side of the housing 101 in the front-back direction. This makes it easier for the electrical contact surface 141 of the developing cartridge 100 to contact the electrical contact head 11 during the installation of the developing cartridge 100 into the imaging device, thus avoiding interference between the developing cartridge 100 and the electrical contact head 11.

[0078] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 includes a light-blocking plate 174, which can block the light in the imaging device, preventing the switch from being interfered with by other light, thereby improving the stability of the photoelectric switch.

[0079] In other possible embodiments of this invention, the light-blocking plate 174 is no longer disposed on the developing cartridge 100, but is disposed inside the imaging device. The light-blocking plate 174 can move between a light-blocking position and a non-light-blocking position. This arrangement can reduce interference between the developing cartridge 100 and the imaging device, thereby facilitating the installation of the developing cartridge into the imaging device. The developing cartridge 100 includes a protrusion that can keep the light-blocking plate 174 inside the imaging device in the light-blocking position.

[0080] Example 2:

[0081] Figure 17-20 The image shows a developer cartridge 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same parts as in Embodiment 1 are not repeated here. The difference lies in the fact that the triggering component of the developer cartridge 100 in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1. The gear system of the developer cartridge 100 includes a trigger gear 261 and intermediate transmission gears 115 and 116 for transmitting the driving force of the coupling gear 111 to the trigger gear 261.

[0082] The developing cartridge 100 includes a triggering component and a detected component, such as... Figure 15-16 as well as Figures 19-20As shown, in this embodiment, the triggering device includes a trigger gear 261 and a contact switch 262, and the detected component includes a light-emitting element 272 and a power supply 271. The trigger gear 261 can rotate about a trigger gear axis extending in the left-right direction according to the rotation of the coupling gear 111. The trigger gear 261 is located between the left side of the powder hopper 102 and the first cover 103 in the left-right direction. At least a portion of the trigger gear 261 is protected by the first cover 103. The contact switch 262 is located on the left side of the powder hopper 102 in the left-right direction, and on the right side of the trigger gear 261 in the left-right direction, and is fixed to the left side wall of the powder hopper 102. The trigger gear 261 can contact the contact switch 262, thereby enabling the trigger gear 261 to control the contact switch 262 to switch between an on state and an off state. That is, the contact switch 262 can switch between an on state and an off state according to the rotation of the trigger gear 261. In the front-back direction, the contact switch 262 and at least a portion of the trigger gear 261 are overlapped. Further, as Figure 20 As shown, the trigger gear 261 extends multiple trigger protrusions 261a to the right on the right side in the left-right direction, and the multiple trigger protrusions 261a are spaced apart in the rotational direction of the trigger gear 261. Figure 15 As shown, the contact switch 262 is equipped with a lever 262a. The contact switch 262 is specifically a micro switch. The lever 262a can move between a contact position that puts the contact switch 262 in the ON state and an open position that puts the contact switch 262 in the OFF state. During the rotation of the trigger gear 261, the trigger protrusion 261a can move the lever 262a of the contact switch 262. The contact switch 262 is set to be in the ON state when the lever 262a is moved, and otherwise in the OFF state.

[0083] like Figure 16 and Figure 19 As shown, the light-emitting element 272 is disposed on the right side of the housing 101 in the left-right direction, and is located on the top of the housing 101 in the up-down direction. The power supply 271 provides power to the light-emitting element 272. The light-emitting element 272 is electrically connected to the power supply 271 and the contact switch 262. Specifically, the light-emitting element 272, the power supply 271, and the contact switch 262 are connected in series. Furthermore, the housing 101 also includes a second cover 104 installed on the right side of the powder hopper 102. The top of the second cover 104 is provided with an abutment protrusion 104a, such as... Figure 17 and Figure 19As shown, when the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the abutment protrusion 104a can abut against the light-blocking member 13 inside the imaging device, causing the light-blocking member 13 to rotate from a non-light-blocking position to a light-blocking position and remain in the light-blocking position, thereby blocking the light in the imaging device and preventing interference from other light sources to the photoelectric switch, thus improving the stability of the photoelectric switch. In the left-right direction, the abutment protrusion 104a is closer to the first side of the housing 101 than the light-emitting member 272, which is the light-emitting member. In other words, in the left-right direction, the distance between the abutment protrusion 104a and the coupling gear 111 is smaller than the distance between the light-emitting member and the coupling gear 111. In the front-back direction, the abutment protrusion 104a is located between the light-emitting member 272 and the electrode 150, and in the front-back direction, the distance between the abutment protrusion 104a and the light-emitting member 272 is smaller than the distance between the abutment protrusion 104a and the electrode 150. The second cover 104 extends rearwardly from the rear side in the front-rear direction, forming a forced-push protrusion 104b. When the developing cartridge 100 is mounted to the imaging device, the forced-push protrusion 104b receives the forward-push force from the pushing portion in the drum cartridge in the front-rear direction, thereby ensuring closer contact between the developing roller 120 in the developing cartridge 100 and the photosensitive drum in the drum cartridge. In the front-rear direction, the light-emitting element 272 is located between the forced-push protrusion 104b and the electrical contact portion 151 of the electrode 150.

[0084] like Figure 17 As shown, the powder container 102 includes a powder filling port 102c for adding developer into the powder container 102. The powder filling port 102c is opened on the right side of the powder container 102 in the left-right direction and is located below the light-emitting element 272 in the up-down direction.

[0085] like Figure 17 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 also includes a chip 140, which has an electrical contact surface 141. The electrical contact surface 141 is located at the bottom of the housing 101 in the vertical direction and faces downwards from the housing 101 in the vertical direction. Figure 17 As shown, the light irradiation direction X of the light-emitting element 272 is directed upwards towards the housing 101 in the vertical direction.

[0086] In one possible implementation of this embodiment, the light-emitting element 272 is electrically connected to the control chip, the control chip stores information about the developing cartridge 100, and the control chip can control the light-emitting element 272 to turn on and off according to the information about the developing cartridge 100. The contact switch 262 is used to activate the control chip.

[0087] Example 3:

[0088] Figure 21-27The image shows a developing cartridge 100 according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model. The same parts as those in Embodiments 1-2 described above will not be repeated here. The difference lies in the fact that the triggering component of the developing cartridge 100 in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiments 1-2. For example... Figure 21 and Figure 25 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 includes a light-emitting element 372 as the component to be detected, a control chip 373 for controlling the light-emitting element 372 to turn on and off, and a contact switch 362 for activating the control chip 373.

[0089] The control chip 373 includes a storage component, a control circuit, and a power supply. The storage component stores information about the developing cartridge 100. The control circuit controls the illumination of the light-emitting element 372 based on the information about the developing cartridge 100 stored in the storage component to transmit the information about the developing cartridge 100 to the imaging device. The power supply provides power to the control chip 373 and the light-emitting element 372.

[0090] like Figure 21 As shown, the control chip 373 is closer to the second side surface of the housing 101 in the left-right direction relative to the first side surface of the housing 101, and closer to the fourth side surface (rear side) of the housing 101 in the front-back direction, rather than the third side surface (front side). The developing cartridge 100 also includes a storage chip 140 for storing information of the developing cartridge 100. The electrical contact surface 141 of the storage chip 140 is closer to the first side surface of the housing 101 in the left-right direction relative to the second side surface of the housing 101, and closer to the third side surface of the housing 101 in the front-back direction relative to the fourth side surface of the housing 101. That is, the control chip 373 is located at a position far away from the storage chip 140 and the electrical contact surface 141, thereby avoiding interference between the control chip 373 and the storage chip 140 and the electrical contact surface 141.

[0091] like Figure 22 , Figure 25 and Figure 27As shown, in this embodiment, the developing cartridge 100 includes a cover plate 306 for covering the bottom of the housing 101. A chip receiving portion 307 extends outward from one side of the cover plate 306 in the left-right direction. The chip receiving portion 307 is located to the left of the cover plate 306 in the left-right direction. The bottom of the chip receiving portion 307 is recessed upward to form a cavity 307a for receiving a memory chip 140. The cavity 307a has an exposed opening 307b facing downward in the vertical direction and a mounting opening 307c facing left in the left-right direction. A stop portion 307d is provided at the mounting opening 307c of the cavity 307a to prevent the memory chip 140 from leaving the cavity 307a. In this embodiment, the stop portion 307d is constructed as an elastic buckle. A connecting portion 307e for connecting with the cover portion 142 is also provided at the bottom of the chip receiving portion 307. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 307e is constructed as a connecting post.

[0092] like Figure 23 and Figure 25-26 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 includes an electrode 350, which has an electrical contact portion 351, a first connecting portion 352, and a second connecting portion 353. The electrical contact portion 351 is located to the right of the first connecting portion 352 and the second connecting portion 353 in the left-right direction. The electrical contact portion 351 is used for electrical connection with a power supply component inside the imaging device, and the first connecting portion 352 is electrically connected to the powder ejector blade 105. Figure 26 As shown, viewed from the left and right, at least a portion of the second connecting portion 353 overlaps with the colloid 121 of the developing roller 120. An electrical connector 121a is provided between the second connecting portion 353 and the colloid 121, and the second connecting portion 353 is electrically connected to the colloid 121 through the electrical connector 121a. That is, the electrode 350 is electrically connected to the colloid 121 of the developing roller 120, thereby enabling the colloid 121 of the developing roller 120 to receive power from the imaging device. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 121a is constructed as a conductive spring, with one end of the electrical connector 121a contacting the second connecting portion 353 and the other end of the electrical connector 121a contacting the colloid 121. Viewed from the left and right, the electrical connector 121a is spaced apart from the roller shaft 122 of the developing roller 120 to avoid contact between the electrical connector 121a and the metal roller shaft 122 of the developing roller 120, which would affect the power delivery from the electrical connector 121a to the colloid 121. Furthermore, an insulating layer 123 is provided on the outer surface of the roller 122 to prevent electrical connection between the electrical connector 121a and the roller 122.

[0093] like Figure 24As shown, the toner cartridge 102 of the housing 101 includes a toner filling port 302c, which is used to add developer to the interior of the toner cartridge 102. In this embodiment, the toner filling port 302c is located on the left side of the toner cartridge 102 in the left-right direction. At least a portion of the abutment protrusion 104a, at least a portion of the light-emitting element 372, and at least a portion of the control chip 373 overlap with the toner filling port 302c in the front-back direction. The toner filling port 302c is sealed by a sealing cap 303.

[0094] Example 4:

[0095] Figure 28-32 The image shows a developing cartridge 100 according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model. The same parts as those in Embodiments 1-3 described above will not be repeated here. The difference lies in that the triggering component of the developing cartridge 100 in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiments 1-3. For example... Figure 28-32 As shown, the developing cartridge 100 includes a test section 470.

[0096] like Figure 31 As shown, the gear system also includes a trigger gear 114 and an intermediate transmission gear that transmits driving force from the coupling gear 111 to the trigger gear 114. Specifically, in this embodiment, a first intermediate transmission gear 115 and a second intermediate transmission gear 116 connect the coupling gear 111 and the trigger gear 114. That is, the trigger gear 114 can rotate according to the rotation of the coupling gear 111. The trigger gear 114 is set as a half-tooth gear, and one side of the trigger gear 114 has a protrusion that protrudes to the right in the left-right direction.

[0097] like Figures 28-30 as well as Figure 32 As shown, the housing 101 includes a second cover 104 disposed on a second side surface in a left-right direction. The second cover 104 supports the detected part 470, covers at least a portion of the detected part 470, and protects the detected part 470. Figure 28 and Figure 33As shown, the detection unit 470 includes a light-emitting element 471, a printed circuit board (PCB) 472 for controlling the light-emitting element 471 to emit light, and a triggering member 473. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the light-emitting element 471 can send a light signal to the detection member inside the imaging device, thereby transmitting information about the developing cartridge 100 to the imaging device. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 471 is disposed on the PCB 472. In the front-back direction, the light-emitting element 471 is closer to the rear side of the PCB 472, and in the left-right direction, the light-emitting element 471 is closer to the right side of the PCB 472. The PCB 472 is also provided with a connection port 472a and a button battery 472b as a power source. The triggering member 473 includes a contact switch 473a, a connector 473b, and a connector 473c for connecting the contact switch 473a and the connector 473b. The connector 473b is connected to the connection port 472a, and the connector 473c is constructed as a wire. The contact switch 473a is located to the right of the trigger gear 114 in the left-right direction, and is positioned close to the trigger gear 114. The contact switch 473a has an on state and an off state. Specifically, the contact switch 473a includes a contact piece and a contact switch body. The contact piece can contact a protrusion on the trigger gear 114. The contact switch 473a is configured to be in the on state when the contact piece is contacted, and in the off state otherwise. Therefore, the contact switch 473a can switch between the on state and the off state according to the rotation of the trigger gear 114.

[0098] The developing cartridge 100 also includes a third cover 107 covering at least a portion of the connector 473c. The connector 473c is located between the third cover 107 and the housing 101 in the vertical direction. The top of the housing 101 is recessed downward in the vertical direction to form a receiving groove 102b. At least a portion of the connector 473c is located inside the receiving groove 102b. A first limiting member 102d extends upward from the top of the receiving groove 102b in the vertical direction. A second limiting member 107a is provided on the third cover 107. The cooperation between the first limiting member 102d and the second limiting member 107a fixes the third cover 107 to the top of the housing 101 and covers the receiving groove 102b to prevent the connector 473c from falling out of the receiving groove 102b.

[0099] like Figures 32-33 As shown, Figure 33This is a right-hand view of the developing cartridge 100 with a portion of the second cover 104 concealed. An abutment protrusion 104a is provided at the top front end of the second cover 104. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the abutment protrusion 104a can abut against a light-blocking member (not shown) inside the imaging device, causing the light-blocking member to rotate from a non-light-blocking position to a light-blocking position and remain in the light-blocking position, thereby blocking light from the imaging device and preventing interference from other light sources to the photoelectric switch, thus improving the stability of the photodetector. In the front-back direction, the abutment protrusion 104a is located between the light-emitting element 471 and the electrical contact portion 151 of the electrode 150. In the front-back direction, the distance between the abutment protrusion 104a and the light-emitting element 471 is less than the distance between the abutment protrusion 104a and the electrical contact portion 151. The power supply 172b is located between the abutment protrusion 104a and the light-emitting element 471. The top of the second cover 104 also has an opening 104b, through which the light-emitting element 471 is exposed to the outside.

[0100] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, the developing cartridge being detachably mounted to an electrophotographic imaging apparatus having a light-blocking element, the developing cartridge comprising: A housing having a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side disposed opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the housing being used to contain developer; A developing roller, which is located on the third side of the housing in the second direction, and the developing roller is rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in the first direction; A coupling gear, located on the first side of the housing in the first direction, the coupling gear being capable of receiving external driving force from the developing cartridge and rotating about a coupling gear axis extending in the first direction; The developing cartridge is characterized in that it further includes: A light-emitting element capable of emitting light signals; An abutting protrusion abuts against the light-blocking member to keep the light-blocking member in the light-blocking position; A power source for providing power to the light-emitting element; In the second direction, the power source is located between the abutment protrusion and the light-emitting element.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, the abutment protrusion is closer to the second side of the housing than to the first side of the housing.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes electrodes having electrical contact portions; In the second direction, the distance between the abutting protrusion and the light-emitting element is less than the distance between the abutting protrusion and the electrical contact portion of the electrode.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a powder container, which is provided with a powder filling port for adding developer; When viewed along the first direction, at least a portion of the abutment protrusion overlaps with the powder filling port.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a contact switch and a trigger gear, the trigger gear being able to rotate according to the rotation of the coupling gear, the trigger gear being able to control the contact switch to move between an on position and an off position, so as to control the light signal of the light-emitting element to emit or extinguish.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, the distance between the abutting protrusion and the coupling gear is less than the distance between the light-emitting element and the coupling gear.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a printed circuit board, which is used to control the light-emitting element to emit or extinguish light signals; The light-emitting element is disposed on the printed circuit board, and in the first direction, the printed circuit board is located on the second side of the housing.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a contact switch and a connector, the connector being electrically connected to the contact switch and the printed circuit board; The developing cartridge also includes a cover that extends in the first direction from a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing, the cover covering at least a portion of the connector.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector is configured as a wire.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting element is set as an infrared lamp.

Images