Developing cartridge

Abstract

A developing cartridge, comprising: a cartridge body, used for accommodating a developer; a developing roller, which rotates about an axis extending in a first direction; a power receiving part, used for receiving driving force from an image forming apparatus and located at a first end; an electrode, electrically connected to the developer roller and located at a second end; a storage medium, storing information about the developing cartridge; and electrical contact surfaces, electrically connected to the storage medium. The developing cartridge can cooperate with the image forming apparatus, such that the electrical contact surfaces and the developing cartridge are lifted upwards together with respect to the image forming apparatus, thus allowing the electrical contact surfaces to be electrically connected to electric terminals. In the present invention, by configuring the developing cartridge to cooperate with the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surfaces and the developing cartridge are lifted upwards together with respect to the image forming apparatus, thus allowing the electrical contact surfaces to be electrically connected to the electric terminals; the developing cartridge can be installed just by providing a support fixed with respect to the developing cartridge, thus reducing the manufacturing costs of the developing cartridge.

Description

A developing box

[0001] This application claims priority to four Chinese patent applications, namely, application number 202322610218.6 filed with the Patent Office of China on September 22, 2023, with the invention name “A developing box”; application number 202322952428.3 filed with the Patent Office of China on November 1, 2023, with the invention name “A developing box and drum assembly”; application number 202323250889.2 filed with the Patent Office of China on November 29, 2023, with the invention name “A developing device”; and application number 202323657911.5 filed with the Patent Office of China on December 29, 2023, with the invention name “A developing box and drum assembly”. The entire contents of all of them are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of image forming, and in particular to a developing box. Background Art

[0003] The image forming device is usually provided with an electrical terminal for reading the information stored in the chip (storage medium) and identifying the developer box information. In order to ensure stable contact between the electrical terminal and the electrical contact surface of the chip, the electrical terminal is usually provided in a recess in the image forming device, so that the chip is limited by the side wall of the recess after entering the recess, thereby ensuring that the electrical contact surface of the chip remains stable during the contact with the electrical terminal to avoid poor contact. However, in order to adapt to such an image forming device, the chip on the developer box needs to be able to move relative to the box body, otherwise the chip cannot enter the recess where the electrical terminal is located, or it is easy to collide and interfere with the protrusion in the image forming device, causing damage to the chip. If the chip can be moved relative to the box body, multiple parts need to be provided on the developer box so that the chip can be moved relative to the box body, which leads to problems such as increased cost of the developer box, increased parts, and complex assembly.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing cartridge capable of forming a process cartridge with a drum assembly and being detachably mounted in an image forming device along an installation direction, the image forming device being provided with an electrical terminal and a blocking structure, wherein the developing cartridge comprises:

[0006] a box body for accommodating a developer, having a first end and a second end in the first direction, a third end and a fourth end in the second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end in the third direction;

[0007] a developing roller that rotates about an axis extending in a first direction;

[0008] a power receiving portion, for receiving a driving force from the image forming device, located at the first end;

[0009] an electrode, electrically connected to the developing roller and located at the second end;

[0010] a storage medium storing information of the developing cartridge; and

[0011] an electrical contact surface, electrically connected to the storage medium;

[0012] The developing box can cooperate with the image forming device so that the electrical contact surface and the developing box are lifted upward relative to the image forming device, thereby forming an electrical connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical terminal.

[0013] The present invention arranges a developing box to cooperate with an image forming device so that the electrical contact surface is lifted upward together with the developing box relative to the image forming device, so that the electrical contact surface is electrically connected to the electrical terminal. There is no need to provide a movable bracket on the developing box so that the electrical contact surface moves relative to the developing box and then contacts the electrical terminal, so that the development box can be installed, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the development box.

[0014] In some embodiments, the developing box also includes a lifting structure. When the developing box moves along the installation direction over the blocking structure until the electrical contact surface is located below the electrical terminal, the lifting structure receives the force from the image forming device, thereby driving the developing box to lift in a third direction relative to the image forming device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly is located at the fourth end, the image forming device includes a door cover, and when the developing cartridge is installed in the image forming device, the lifting structure cooperates with the door cover to lift the developing cartridge in the third direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lifting structure includes a contact portion, and the door cover includes a lifting portion. When the door cover is fully closed, the line between the contact point between the lifting portion and the contact portion and the rotation axis of the power receiving portion is defined as L1, the normal line between the rotation axis of the power receiving portion and the door cover is L2, and the angle between L1 and L2 is a first angle A1, and the value range of A1 is 12° to 16.5°.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the door cover is fully closed, the distance between the contact point between the lifting portion and the contact portion and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving portion in the first direction ranges from 110 mm to 118 mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lifting structure includes an elastic member and a support member, one end of the elastic member is connected to the support member, and the other end is connected to the box body, and the support member is used to cooperate with the image forming device to lift the developing box in a third direction relative to the image forming device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the image forming device has a track, the track has a lower track and an upper track, the electric terminal and the blocking structure are located on the upper track, and the blocking structure is located behind the electric terminal in the second direction;

[0020] When the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming device along the rail, the supporting member contacts the lower rail, the blocking structure interferes with the electrical contact surface, and the developing cartridge is forced to move downward, and the elastic member is compressed;

[0021] When the electrical contact surface passes the blocking structure and is located below the electrical terminal in the third direction, the elastic member releases the elastic force to lift the developing box upward, and the electrical contact surface forms an electrical connection with the electrical terminal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the length of the elastic member in the third direction when the electrical contact surface interferes with the blocking structure is defined as C1, and the length of the elastic member in the third direction when the electrical contact surface crosses the blocking structure and is electrically connected to the electrical terminal is defined as C2, and the difference between C2 and C1 ranges from 2.1 mm to 4.1 mm.

[0023] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the distance between the electrical contact surface and the first end is greater than the distance between the support member and the first end;

[0024] The difference between the distances from the electrical contact surface and the support member to the first end is in the range of 6 mm to 12 mm.

[0025] In some embodiments, the distance between the electrical contact surface and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving part in the first direction ranges from 51 mm to 58 mm;

[0026] The distance between the support member and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving part in the first direction ranges from 42 mm to 68 mm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further includes a first cartridge urging member and a second cartridge urging member, wherein in a first direction, the first cartridge urging member is closer to the first end than the second cartridge urging member, and in a third direction, a size of the first cartridge urging member is smaller than a size of the second cartridge urging member;

[0028] The difference in size between the first box pushing member and the second box pushing member in the third direction ranges from 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the image forming device further includes a door cover and a connecting rod linked to the door cover, and when the door cover is closed, the connecting rod acts on the supporting member, forcing the supporting member to drive the developing box to lift upward.

[0030] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further comprises a bracket, the bracket being fixedly connected to the cartridge body;

[0031] The support member includes a first movable portion and a second movable portion. The first movable portion is provided with a first inclined surface. The connecting rod converts the force in the third direction into the force in the first direction by acting on the first inclined surface, thereby causing the first movable member to move in the first direction.

[0032] The first movable part or the second movable part is provided with a second inclined surface, and the first movable part moves the second movable member along the third direction through the second inclined surface, forcing the second movable part to abut against the bracket, thereby driving the developing box to lift upward.

[0033] In some embodiments, the elastic member includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member, the first movable portion is movably disposed on the bracket, and two ends of the first elastic member are respectively connected to the first movable portion and the bracket;

[0034] The second movable portion is movably disposed on the bracket, and two ends of the second elastic member are respectively connected to the second movable portion and the bracket;

[0035] When the first movable part moves along the first direction, the first elastic part is compressed, and when the second movable part moves upward, the second elastic part is compressed. The first elastic part enables the first movable part to move back and forth along the first direction, and the second elastic part applies an elastic force along the third direction to the developing box through the bracket, so that the developing box is lifted upward.

[0036] In some embodiments, the support member includes a first movable portion, on which a third inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface are provided; the elastic member includes a first elastic member;

[0037] The side wall of the image forming device is provided with a blocking portion, and when the developing cartridge is installed in the image forming device, the blocking portion interferes with the third inclined surface, forcing the first movable portion to move in the first direction, thereby compressing the first elastic member;

[0038] When the electrical contact surface is located below the electrical terminal in the third direction, the first elastic member is reset, and the first movable portion moves along the first direction toward the reset direction of the first elastic member.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the developing cartridge is in a position where the electrical contact surface is located below the electrical terminal in the third direction, projections of the first movable portion and the blocking portion at least partially overlap in the second direction.

[0040] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge is configured to be lifted relative to the drum assembly in a third direction so that the electrical contact surface is electrically connected to the electrical terminal;

[0041] The distance that the developing box is lifted relative to the drum assembly in the third direction ranges from 1 mm to 6 mm.

[0042] In some embodiments, when the developing cartridge is installed, the electrical contact surface abuts against and is squeezed by the blocking structure, and after the electrical contact surface passes over the blocking structure, it forms an electrical connection with the electrical terminal.

[0043] The plane where the electrical contact surface is located is the fourth plane, and the plane passing through the rotation axis of the power receiving part and parallel to the fourth plane is the fifth plane. The height difference between the fourth plane and the fifth plane in the third direction ranges from 33mm to 36mm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a developing cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a drum assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the development cartridge and the drum assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a first end of a developing cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the developing cartridge without the first protective cover at the first end according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the second end of the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second end of the developing cartridge and the drum assembly after mating according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a developing cartridge and a drum assembly installed in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a developing cartridge and a drum assembly installed in an image forming apparatus in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the developing cartridge and the door cover in the second position in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG11 is an enlarged structural diagram of I in FIG10;

[0055] 12 is a schematic diagram of a first cooperation between the contact portion of the developing cartridge and the door cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] 13 is a schematic diagram of a second matching method between the contact portion of the developing cartridge and the door cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] 14 is a schematic diagram of a third matching method between the contact portion of the developing cartridge and the door cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a developing cartridge installed on a drum assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] 16 is a schematic structural diagram of the drum assembly of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0060] 17 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the drum assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first end of the developing cartridge when installed on the drum assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a developing cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] 20 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the first end of the developing cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] 21 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the identification component in the developing cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] 22 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention as viewed from the rear to the front along the second direction;

[0066] 23 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the side wall of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from left to right;

[0067] 24 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the distance between the upper guide rail and the lower guide rail of the side wall of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] 25 is a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure of a side wall of an image forming apparatus provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention as viewed from bottom to top;

[0069] FIG26 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the recognition component and the track when they begin to cooperate with each other according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] FIG27 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the identification component and the track in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the identification component and the track in cooperation with each other in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] FIG29 is a partial schematic diagram of a track according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] FIG30 is a schematic diagram showing a comparison of the distances between the electrical contact surface and the rotation axis of the driving portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] FIG31 is a schematic structural diagram of a bracket according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge before engaging with the track according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the track in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the track in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 35 is a schematic structural diagram of the first end of the developing cartridge according to embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 36 is an exploded schematic diagram of the first end of the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] 37 is a schematic diagram of a developing cartridge and a drum assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention installed in an image forming apparatus when the door cover is not closed;

[0081] 38 is a schematic diagram of a developing cartridge and a drum assembly installed in an image forming apparatus when the door cover is fully closed according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] FIG39 is a schematic diagram of the connection rod and the lifting structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] FIG40 is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the connection rod and the lifting structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 41 is a schematic structural diagram of the first end of the developing cartridge according to embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 42 is an exploded schematic diagram of the first end of the developing cartridge according to embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0086] 43 is a schematic diagram of a developing cartridge and a drum assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention when the door cover is fully closed when the developing cartridge and the drum assembly are installed in the image forming apparatus;

[0087] FIG44 is a schematic diagram of the coordination between the side wall and the lifting structure of the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0088] FIG45 is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the connection rod and the lifting structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] Figure 46 is a schematic structural diagram of a drum assembly according to embodiment six of the present invention;

[0090] 47 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and drum assembly of Embodiment 6 of the present invention installed in the image forming apparatus before the door cover is closed;

[0091] 48 is a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge and a drum assembly according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention when the door cover is fully closed when the developing cartridge and the drum assembly are installed in the image forming apparatus;

[0092] 49 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum assembly according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention when the door cover is fully closed when the developing cartridge and the drum assembly are installed in the image forming apparatus;

[0093] Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of embodiment 7 of the present invention in which the door cover is not fully closed.

[0094] Figure 51 is a schematic structural diagram of the drum assembly in embodiment eight of the present invention;

[0095] Figure 52 is an exploded view of the first protective cover in embodiment eight of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0097] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0098] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "fixed," and the like should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0099] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0100] In the above description, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0101] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, this embodiment provides a developing box 1, which can be installed on the drum assembly 2 in a detachable manner. The developing box 1 and the drum assembly 2 constitute a processing box, and the processing box can be installed in the image forming device along the installation direction, and the installation direction is generally the front-to-back direction.

[0102] As shown in FIG1 , the developer cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 10. The cartridge body 10 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 in a first direction, a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 in a second direction, and a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 in a third direction. The first, second, and third directions intersect with each other. In this embodiment, the first, second, and third directions are preferably perpendicular to each other. For ease of description, in this application, the first direction refers to the left-right direction, the second direction refers to the front-back direction, and the third direction refers to the up-down direction.

[0103] The developer cartridge 1 includes a developing roller 131, a stirring frame, and a powder feed roller. The developing roller 131, stirring frame, and powder feed roller are all rotatably mounted within a receiving chamber between the first end 11 and the second end 12, with their rotational axes extending along a first direction. In the second direction, the developing roller 131 is located at the third end 13, and the powder feed roller is positioned adjacent to the developing roller 131. Furthermore, in the second direction, the developing roller 131 is closer to the third end 13 of the cartridge body 1 than the powder feed roller. The stirring frame is used to stir the developer within the receiving chamber, causing friction in the developer and preventing it from clumping. The developer cartridge 1 also includes a powder discharge knife 132, which contacts the developing roller 131 and is used to control the thickness of the developer on the developing roller 131.

[0104] The fourth end 14 has a handle 141, which allows the user to remove the developer cartridge 1 from the drum assembly 2, or to remove the developer cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 together from the image forming apparatus. A first guide portion 112 is also provided on the first end 11, and a second guide portion 122 is also provided on the second end 12. The first guide portion 112 and / or the second guide portion 122 are used to guide the developer cartridge 1 when it is installed in the drum assembly 2. The developer cartridge is also provided with a first cartridge pushing member 113 at the first end 11 and a second cartridge pushing member 123 at the second end 12, which are used to cooperate with the drum assembly 2 to receive the pushing force applied by the drum assembly 2.

[0105] As shown in Figure 2, the drum assembly 2 includes a drum frame 20, a second bracket 26, a second storage medium 27, and a photosensitive drum 25. The photosensitive drum 25 is rotatably supported by the drum frame 20. The drum frame 20 includes a first wall 21 and a second wall 22, which are arranged opposite each other in a first direction. The drum frame 20 has one end 24 and another end 23 in a second direction. The photosensitive drum 25 is arranged at one end 24. At the other end 23, the drum assembly 2 has a second handle 231, which allows a user to hold the drum assembly 2. The first wall 21 is also provided with a second bracket 26. The second storage medium 27 is arranged at one end of the second bracket 26 in the third direction. When the developer cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2, the bracket 51 is closer to the developing roller 131 and / or the photosensitive drum 25 than the second bracket 26. There is also a first guide rail 211 on the first wall 21 and a second guide rail 221 on the second wall 22. The first guide rail 211 and / or the second guide rail 221 can cooperate with the first guide portion 112 and / or the second guide portion 122 to facilitate the installation of the developer box 1 on the drum assembly 2, and also play a certain supporting role.

[0106] The second storage medium 27 is provided with a second electrical contact surface 271 electrically connected to the second storage medium 27. The second storage medium 27 stores information of the drum assembly 2 and can contact the second electrical terminal of the image forming device to transmit the information of the drum assembly 2 to the image forming device. Specifically, the second storage medium 27 is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal on the image forming device through the second electrical contact surface 271.

[0107] The drum assembly 2 is further provided with a first drum pushing member, a second drum pushing member, and a locking member 222. The first drum pushing member includes a first force-applying member 212 and a first force-applying elastic member. The second drum pushing member is identical to the first drum pushing member and will not be described in detail here. The first force-applying member 212 is a rigid force-applying block, one end of which is connected to the first force-applying elastic member. The first force-applying elastic member can be a compression spring or the first drum pushing member itself is an elastic force-applying block. When the developer cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the first force-applying member 212 can apply a force in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 25 to the developer cartridge 1. The first force-applying member 212 and the second force-applying member in the first direction are respectively arranged at the drum assembly 2 near the first wall 21 and the second wall 22. Specifically, the first force-applying member 212 and the second force-applying member are respectively in contact with the first cartridge pushing member 113 and the second cartridge pushing member 123, generating a forward pushing force in the second direction on the developer cartridge 1, so that the developing roller 131 on the developer cartridge 1 can be closely fitted with the photosensitive drum 25 on the drum assembly 2. The locking member 222 is used to lock the developer cartridge 1. When the developer cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the locking member 222 cooperates with the developer cartridge 1 to fix the developer cartridge 1 in the drum assembly 2. When the developer cartridge is removed from the drum assembly 2, the locking member 222 disengages from the developer cartridge 1 and is unlocked. When the developing box 1 is installed with the drum assembly 2, the first wall 21 is adjacent to the first end 11 of the developing box 1, and the second wall 22 is adjacent to the second end 12 of the developing box 1. In this embodiment, the locking member 222 is arranged on the drum assembly 2 near the second wall 22.

[0108] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a first protective cover 111 is provided at the first end 11, and a bracket 51 is fixedly mounted on the first protective cover 111. A storage medium 52 is provided at one end in the third direction. The storage medium 52 is provided with an electrical contact surface 53 capable of electrical connection therewith. The storage medium 52 is detachably mounted on the bracket 51. The electrical contact surface 53 can be detachably mounted on the storage medium 52 or integrally formed with the storage medium 52. The storage medium 52 is used to store information related to the developer cartridge 1, such as whether the cartridge is new, storage information, consumable capacity, and the number of printable sheets. The information is then transmitted to the image forming device via the electrical contact surface 53 and an electrical terminal. The electrical contact surface 53 can be located directly on the storage medium 52 to achieve electrical connection therewith, or it can be electrically connected to the storage medium 52 via an intermediary. Some image forming devices have electrical terminals located at the second end, so the electrical contact surface 53 can also be located at the second end 12.

[0109] As shown in FIG4 , the developer cartridge 1 of this embodiment further includes a lifting structure. The lifting structure is configured to receive force from the image forming device, thereby driving the developer cartridge 1 to lift upward along the third direction from the first position to the second position, causing the developer cartridge 1 to displace in the third direction, thereby establishing electrical contact between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal of the image forming device. The lifting structure of this embodiment includes a contact portion 114. Specifically, the contact portion 114 is disposed on the first protective cover 111 of the developer cartridge 1 and is integrally formed with the first protective cover 111. In the second direction, the contact portion 114 is closer to the fourth end 14 than the third end 13. In the third direction, the contact portion 114 is closer to the fifth end 15 than the sixth end 16. In other embodiments, the contact portion 114 may be separate from the first protective cover 111, or may be integrally formed with the cartridge body 10.

[0110] As shown in Figure 5, the transmission assembly is arranged at the first end 11, which is at least partially wrapped by the first protective cover 111. The transmission assembly includes a driving part rotatably mounted on the first end 11, and the driving part includes a driving gear 43 and a power receiving part 40. The driving gear 43 is closer to the first end 11 of the box body 1 than the power receiving part 40 in the first direction. The power receiving part 40 is used to receive power output by the image forming device.

[0111] The transmission assembly also includes a developing gear 41, a powder feed gear 42, an idler gear 44, and a stirring gear 45. The developing gear 41 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the end of the developing roller 131 near the first end 11. The powder feed gear 42 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the end of the powder feed roller near the first end 11. The stirring gear 45 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the end of the stirring frame near the first end 11. The driving gear 43 meshes with both the developing gear 41 and the powder feed gear 42, directly transmitting driving force to the developing gear 41 and the powder feed gear 42. The driving gear 43 can also transmit driving force to the stirring gear 45 via the idler gear 44.

[0112] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second end 12 is further provided with a powder filling port 121, a locked member 124, and an electrode 125. The electrode 125 protrudes outwardly relative to the second end 12 in a first direction. The electrode 125 receives electrical energy from the image forming device and transmits the electrical energy to the developing roller 131 and the powder feeding roller. That is, the electrode 125 is electrically connected to the developing roller 131 and the powder feeding roller. The powder filling port 121 passes through the second end 12 in the first direction and is used to allow developer to enter the box body 10. A matching cover is provided to seal the powder filling port 121 to prevent leakage of developer from the box body 10. In other embodiments, the electrode 125 can be electrically connected only to the powder feeding roller or only to the developing roller 131.

[0113] The second end 12 is also provided with a second contact portion 126. In the present application, the second contact portion 126 is integrally formed with the box body 10. In the first direction, it is symmetrically arranged with the contact portion 114 at the first end 11 and the second end 12 of the developer box 1. In the second direction, the second contact portion 126 is closer to the fourth end 14 than the powder filling port 121. It and the contact portion 114 cooperate with the door cover 92 to lift the developer box 1 relative to the drum assembly 2. The contact portion 114 and the second contact portion 126 lift the developer box 1 by cooperating with the door cover 92, which is more stable than only the contact portion 114 and the door cover 92 lifting the developer box 1. The second contact portion 126 has the same setting position, shape, etc. as the contact portion 114. Therefore, the subsequent description takes the contact portion 114 as an example. The matching dimensions, distances, etc. of the contact portion 114 mentioned later are also met for the second contact portion 126.

[0114] When the developing box 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the locking piece 222 cooperates with the locked piece 124. Specifically, the locking piece 222 has a locking surface 2221, and when the locking piece 222 initially cooperates with the locked piece 124, the locking surface 2221 is opposite to the locked surface 1241, and there is a second distance H2 between them. At this time, the developing box 1 can move up and down in the third direction in the drum assembly 2, and the moving distance is the same as the second distance H2. When the developing box 1 needs to be taken out of the drum assembly 2, the user presses the locking piece 222 to make the locking piece 222 rotate around an axis parallel to the first direction, and the cooperation between the locking piece 222 and the locked piece 124 is cancelled, thereby allowing the developing box 1 to be taken out of the drum assembly 2.

[0115] As shown in Figures 8-11 , a track 915 is provided on the side wall 91 of the image forming device. Track 915 is divided into an upper track 9151 and a lower track 9152. In the third direction, the upper track 9151 is located above the lower track 9152. The second protrusion 911 and the blocking protrusion 912 are both located on the upper track 9151. The second protrusion 911 has a second electrical terminal 913 on its front side in the second direction, and the blocking protrusion 912 has an electrical terminal 914 on its front side in the second direction. The image forming device also has a door cover 92, which is provided with a lifting portion 921. In this embodiment, the lifting portion 921 is symmetrically arranged on the door cover 92, and the door cover 92 can rotate counterclockwise along a closing trajectory M1 from an open position S1 to a closed position S2. During the process of installing the developing box 1 and the drum assembly 2 into the image forming device, the second storage medium 27 on the drum assembly 2 needs to pass over the second protrusion 911 along the installation direction before it can be electrically connected to the second electrical terminal 913, and the storage medium 52 on the developing box 1 needs to pass over the blocking protrusion 912 before it can be electrically connected to the electrical terminal 914.

[0116] In this embodiment, the blocking structure is a blocking protrusion 912, and the lifting structure is a contact portion 114. The developer cartridge 1 is installed along the track 915, so that after the electrical contact surface 53 passes under the blocking structure, the electrical contact surface 53 and the developer cartridge 1 are lifted upward, thereby forming electrical contact with the electrical terminal 914. Furthermore, the developer cartridge 1 has a first position and a second position when installed. When the developer cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed together with the image forming device, when the electrical contact surface 53 passes over the blocking structure in the installation direction and the second electrical contact surface 271 is in contact with the second electrical terminal 913, the developer cartridge 1 is in the first position, at which time the electrical contact surface 53 is located below the electrical terminal 914. Then, the lifting structure receives the force from the image forming device, thereby driving the developer cartridge 1 to lift upward from the first position to the second position, at which time the electrical contact surface 53 is electrically connected to the electrical terminal 914.

[0117] Specifically, when the developing box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed on the image forming device, the bracket 51 passes over the blocking protrusion 912 along the track 915 and stops at a position directly opposite to the electrical terminal 914 on the image forming device in the third direction, that is, it reaches the first position. During this process, the storage medium 52 and the electrical contact surface 53 have no interference with the blocking protrusion 912, that is, the projection of the electrical contact surface 53 and the blocking protrusion 912 in the second direction do not overlap, and when the developing box 1 is in the first position, there is a first distance H1 between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914, specifically the distance between the electrical contact surface 53 and the end of the electrical terminal 914 opposite to the electrical contact surface 53 in the third direction, and when the developing box 1 is in the first position, the second storage medium 271 on the drum assembly 2 contacts the second electrical terminal 913, and the image forming device recognizes the information of the drum assembly 2.

[0118] When the developer cartridge 1 is in the first position, the door cover 92 rotates counterclockwise along the closing trajectory M1 from the open position S1 to the closed position S2. When the door cover 92 is closed, the lifting portion 921 can abut against the contact portion 114, driving the developer cartridge 1 to move together, causing the developer cartridge 1 to be displaced in the third direction. When the door cover 92 is fully closed, the developer cartridge 1 is in the second position within the image forming device, the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal 914, and the image forming device recognizes the information of the developer cartridge 1. The locked surface 1241 also moves in the third direction with the developer cartridge 1, and the locked surface 1241 is in contact with the locking surface 2221. Preferably, the first distance H1 is set to be greater than or equal to the second distance H2, so that the locked surface 1241 and the locking surface 2221 can be closely in contact, preventing the developer cartridge 1 from shaking within the drum assembly 2 during operation of the image forming device, thereby affecting print quality.

[0119] Furthermore, when the developer box 1 reaches the first position, the electrical contact surface 53 can either be in contact with the lower end of the blocking protrusion 912 in the third direction and pass over it, or be at a certain distance from the lower end of the blocking protrusion 912 and pass over it. When the electrical contact surface 53 is in contact with the lower end of the blocking protrusion 912 in the third direction and pass over it, the distance between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914, that is, the first distance H1, has a minimum value H10, that is, H1=H10 at this time. When there is a certain distance between the electrical contact surface 53 and the blocking protrusion 912 (the distance is defined as H0), the distance between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914, that is, the first distance H1, is the minimum value H10 plus the distance H0 between the electrical contact surface 53 and the blocking protrusion 912, that is, H1=H10+H0. The second distance H2 between the locking surface 2221 and the locked surface 1241 changes with the change of the first distance H1 between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914 when the developer box 1 is in the first position. As long as the first distance H1 is greater than or equal to the second distance H2, no limitation is made here.

[0120] In this embodiment, a contact portion 114 is provided on the developer box 1. After the developer box 1 is installed in the image forming device, the contact portion 114 cooperates with the door cover 92, so that the developer box 1 and the electrical contact surface 53 are lifted together in the third direction relative to the drum assembly 2, thereby achieving the purpose of contact and identification between the electrical contact surface 53 on the developer box 1 and the electrical terminal 914. The bracket 51 does not need to be set as a movable chip holder, and the contact and identification between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914 can be achieved, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the developer box 1. In some embodiments, the electrical terminal 914 has elasticity in the third direction, and the first distance H1 between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914 in the third direction can be set to be greater than the second distance H2. When the first distance H1 is greater than the second distance H2, the excess distance of the first distance H1 relative to the second distance H2 is equal to the elasticity of the electrical terminal 914 in the third direction. When the electrical terminal 914 is configured to have no elasticity in the third direction, that is, when the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914 are in hard contact, the first distance H1 between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914 in the third direction can be set to be equal to the second distance H2. In this embodiment, the electrical terminal 914 is movable relative to the rail 915 in the third direction, that is, has a certain degree of elasticity, so the first distance H1 is set to be greater than or equal to the second distance H2.

[0121] In this embodiment, the electrical terminal 914 has a certain amount of elasticity in the third direction. Specifically, the movable range of the electrical terminal 914 in the third direction is 0 to 2 mm. The first distance H1=H10+H0, the value range of H10 is 1 mm to 2 mm, and the value range of H1 is 0 to 2 mm. When H1 is 0, the electrical contact surface 52 crosses the blocking protrusion 912 in a manner of contacting the blocking protrusion 912. When H1 is 2 mm, the distance between the electrical contact surface 52 and the blocking protrusion 912 when the electrical contact surface 52 crosses the blocking protrusion 912 is 2 mm. Therefore, when the first distance H1 is equal to the second distance H2, the value range of H1 is 1 to 4 mm. Therefore, the distance that the developer box 1 moves relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction ranges from 1 to 6 mm, that is, the sum of the first distance H1 and the movement of the electrical terminal 914. The value range of the second distance H2 is 2 to 5 mm. In this embodiment, the first distance H1 can be considered as the distance that the developer box 1 moves relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction, and the movement of the electrical terminal 914 is also included in the range of the first distance H1.

[0122] As shown in Figures 12-14 , when the developer cartridge 1 and drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming apparatus and are in the first position, the lifting portion 921 rotates from the open position S1 to the closed position S2, abutting against the contact portion 114, causing the developer cartridge 1 to move in the third direction. Furthermore, from the first position to the second position, the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal 914. Specifically, in the second position, i.e., when the door cover 92 is fully closed, a door cover closing line L3 is defined. At this time, the line connecting the contact point of the contact portion 114 with the lifting portion 921 and the rotation axis of the power receiving portion 40 is L1, and the normal line between the power receiving portion 40 and the door cover 92 is L2. The angle between L1 and L2 is a first angle A1. As the size of the contact portion 114 changes, the angle between L1 and L2 also changes accordingly. For example, if the position of the contact portion 114 is raised, i.e., the contact point moves upward a certain distance in the third direction, the angle between L1 and L2 increases, reaching a second angle A2. When the setting size of the contact portion 114 is changed in the opposite way, that is, the contact point moves downward a certain distance in the third direction, the angle between L1 and L2 becomes smaller, which is now the third angle A3. The first angle A1 preferably takes a value between the maximum value of the second angle A2 and the minimum value of the third angle A3, that is, the relationship between the three angles is: the first angle A1 is less than or equal to the second angle A2, and the first angle A1 is greater than or equal to the third angle A3. When the first angle A1 is greater than the second angle A2, after the door cover 92 is fully closed and reaches the door cover closing line L3, the door cover 92 rotates counterclockwise from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 and abuts against the contact portion 114 on the developer box 1, causing the developer box 1 to be displaced in the third direction, but the contact portion 114 contacts the lifting portion 921 later, and the displacement of the developer box 1 in the third direction is less than the first distance H1, the electrical contact surface 53 does not contact the electrical terminal 914, and the third distance H3 remains between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914, and the image forming device cannot recognize the developer box 1; when the first When the angle A1 is smaller than the third angle A3, during the closing process of the door cover 92, the door cover 92 rotates counterclockwise from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 and abuts against the contact portion 114 on the developer box 1, causing the developer box 1 to be displaced in the third direction. However, the contact portion 114 contacts the lifting portion 921 earlier. When the displacement of the developer box 1 in the third direction is equal to the first distance H1, the electrical contact surface 53 can contact the electrical terminal 914, but the door cover 92 can only reach the door cover unclosed line L31 and cannot reach the door cover closed line L3, that is, the door cover 92 cannot be closed and the image forming device cannot work normally.

[0123] Preferably, the second angle A2 is equal to 16.5°, and the third angle A3 is equal to 12°. When the first angle A1 is less than or equal to 16.5°, the door cover 92 rotates counterclockwise from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 and abuts against the contact portion 114 on the developer cartridge 1, causing the developer cartridge 1 to be displaced in the third direction by a first distance H1. When the door cover 92 is fully closed and reaches the door cover closing line L3, the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal 914. When the first angle A1 is greater than or equal to 12°, the door cover 92 rotates counterclockwise from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 and abuts against the contact portion 114 on the developer cartridge 1, causing the developer cartridge 1 to be displaced in the third direction by the first distance H1. When the door cover 92 is fully closed and reaches the door cover closing line L3, the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal 914; conversely, when the first angle A1 is greater than 16.5°, the door cover 92 is fully closed and reaches the door cover closing line L3, the electrical contact surface 53 on the developing box 1 does not contact the electrical terminal 914, and there is a third distance H3 between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914; when the first angle A1 is less than 12°, after the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal 914, the door cover 92 is not fully closed and can only reach the door cover unclosed line L31, and the image forming device cannot work normally.

[0124] It should be noted that the second angle A2 equal to 16.5° and the third angle A3 equal to 12° are only an angle range designed for the specific design dimensions of the developer box and the image forming device in this embodiment. In other embodiments, adaptive changes can be made according to the relevant design dimensions of the developer box and different models of image forming devices to achieve the above-mentioned purpose. For example, for the remaining angles and the angle between L1 and L2 remains unchanged, but the change in the distance between the contact point of the contact portion 114 and the lifting portion 921 and the driving portion in the second direction can also have a similar effect to the angle change, that is, as long as the contact portion between the contact portion 114 and the door cover 92 is on the contact point movement trajectory M2 of the door cover 92, no specific restrictions are made here. As long as the contact portion 114 is provided on the developer box 1 and cooperates with the lifting portion 921 on the door cover 92 to cause the box body 10 to be displaced in the third direction so that the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal 914 and the developer box can work normally, it is sufficient.

[0125] In the present application, the distance between the contact portion 114 and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving portion 40 in the first direction ranges from 110 mm to 118 mm, and the distance between the contact portion 114 and the projection of the rotation axis of the developing roller 131 in the first direction ranges from 128 mm to 134 mm. The distance between the contact point of the lifting portion 921 and the contact portion 114 and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving portion 40 in the first direction ranges from 110 mm to 118 mm. Preferably, the distance between the contact point of the lifting portion 921 and the contact portion 114 and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving portion 40 in the first direction ranges from 110 mm to 115.5 mm. Since different image forming devices have certain differences, the contact point changes with the position of the lifting portion 921. In the present application, as long as the distance between the contact portion 114 and the projection of the contact point between the contact portion 114 and the lifting portion 921 in the first direction and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving portion 40 in the first direction meets the above value range, in other embodiments, according to the corresponding sizes of the developing box 1 and the image forming device, it is also possible to set the contact portion 114 outside the range, and no specific restrictions are made.

[0126] In this embodiment, a contact portion 114 is provided on the developer box 1. After the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device together, the contact portion 114 on the developer box 1 cooperates with the door cover 92 to achieve contact and recognition between the electrical contact surface 53 on the developer box 1 and the electrical terminal 914. There is no need to provide a movable bracket on the developer box 1 to cooperate with the blocking protrusion 912 to make the electrical contact surface 53 move relative to the developer box 1 and then contact the electrical terminal. Instead, only an integrally formed bracket is required, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the developer box 1.

[0127] Example 2:

[0128] This embodiment is generally the same as the embodiment, and the main difference is that the force received by the lifting structure of the developer box comes from different positions of the image forming device. The lifting structure of this embodiment cooperates with the track of the image forming device to drive the developer box to lift, and the lifting structure in this embodiment can move relative to the developer box. The lifting structure in this embodiment includes an elastic member 63 and a support member 62.

[0129] As shown in Figures 15-18, the drum assembly 2 includes a locking member 222. In this embodiment, the locking member 222 is disposed on the first wall 21 of the drum assembly 2. The locking member 222 includes an elastic arm 2222, which is preferably a torsion spring. The elastic arm 2222 is sleeved on the locking member 222. One end of the elastic arm 2222 abuts the locking member 222, and the other end abuts the first wall 21 of the drum assembly. As a result, the locking member 222 is maintained in the locked position by the elastic arm 2222. When a user presses the locking member 222 to rotate it from the locked position to the unlocked position, the elastic arm 2222 elastically deforms and accumulates elastic potential energy. After removing the developer cartridge and the user stops pressing, the accumulated elastic potential energy of the elastic arm 2222 causes the locking member 222 to reverse from the unlocked position to the locked position. The locking member 222 is provided with a locking groove 2223.

[0130] The drum assembly 2 further includes a drum pushing member. In this embodiment, the first drum pushing member includes a first force-applying member 212 and a first force-applying elastic member 213. The first force-applying elastic member 213 abuts between the drum assembly and the first force-applying member 212, allowing the first force-applying member 212 to move in the second direction relative to the drum assembly 2. The configuration of the second drum pushing member is the same as that of the first drum pushing member and will not be repeated here.

[0131] As shown in Figures 19-22, the first end 11 is provided with a first protective cover 111. The identification component of the developer cartridge is located at the first end 11 of the cartridge body, specifically, on the first protective cover 111. The identification component includes a storage medium 52, an electrical contact surface 53, a bracket 51, and a lifting structure, wherein the lifting structure includes an elastic member 63 and a support member 62.

[0132] The bracket 51 is used to mount the storage medium 52, the electrical contact surface 53, the elastic member 63, and the support member 62. In this embodiment, the bracket 51 includes a first bracket portion 511 and a second bracket portion 512. The first bracket portion 511 and the second bracket portion 512 are integrally formed, and the first bracket portion 511 is located in front of the second bracket portion 512 in the second direction. The first bracket portion 511 is used to mount the storage medium 52. Specifically, a mounting groove 513 is defined above the first bracket portion 511. The storage medium 52 is mounted in the mounting groove 513, and the electrical contact surface 53 fixed to the storage medium 52 is exposed on the first bracket portion 511. The second bracket portion 512 is used to mount the support member 62 and the elastic member 63. A hole is defined at the lower end of the second bracket portion 512.

[0133] As shown in Figure 21, the support member 62 extends in the third direction. Its upper end is inserted into the mounting hole of the second bracket portion 512, while its lower end is exposed from the bracket 51. The support member 62 is movable relative to the second bracket portion 512 in the third direction. The support member 62 includes a support portion 621 located at the lower end of the support member 63. The support portion 621 abuts against the image forming device rail 915 to provide a force for the developer cartridge to move upward relative to the drum assembly in the third direction. The support portion 621 includes a support slope 6211, which may be flat or curved. The support slope 6211 is designed to cooperate with the first lower segment 8a1 of the image forming device rail, described below, to guide the support portion 621, ensuring smooth movement along the first lower segment 8a1 of the image forming device rail to the top of the rail. The support member 62 has a hook 622 that engages with a slot 5121 in the side wall of the second bracket portion 512 to prevent the support member 62 from detaching from the lower end of the second bracket portion 512 when the support member 62 moves in the third direction. An elastic member 63 abuts the second bracket portion 512 at one end and the support member 62 at the other end. The elastic member 63 provides an elastic force to enable the support member 62 to move relative to the drum assembly in the third direction.

[0134] The projections of the support portion 621 and the electrical contact surface 53 in the second and third directions at least partially overlap. Specifically, the support portion 621 is located behind the storage medium 52 and the electrical contact surface 53 in the second direction and below the storage medium 52 and the electrical contact surface 53 in the third direction. Both the support portion 621 and the electrical contact surface 53 are partially located within a plane perpendicular to the first direction. There are multiple electrical contact surfaces 53 on the storage medium 52, and these multiple electrical contact surfaces 53 are arranged along the first direction. In the third direction, the projections of the support portion 62 and the electrical contact surface 53 partially overlap.

[0135] In the first direction, the distance between the electrical contact surface 53 and the first end 11 is greater than the distance between the support member 52 and the first end 11, and the difference ranges from 6mm to 12mm. The distance between the electrical contact surface 53 and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving part 40 in the first direction ranges from 51mm to 58mm, and the distance between the support member 62 and the projection of the power receiving part 40 in the first direction ranges from 42 to 68mm.

[0136] When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2 , the identification assembly is located outside the drum assembly 2 . Specifically, the supporting portion 621 of the supporting member 62 is farther away from the second wall 22 relative to the first wall 21 .

[0137] The developer cartridge 1 further includes a cartridge pushing member. In this embodiment, the cartridge pushing member is disposed at the fourth end 14 in the second direction and is symmetrically disposed at the first end 11 and the second end 12 in the first direction. The cartridge pushing member includes a first cartridge pushing member 113 and a second cartridge pushing member 123. In this embodiment, the cartridge pushing member differs from that in the first embodiment only in position, and the rest of its functions are identical, and will not be described in detail herein.

[0138] When the developing box is installed in the drum assembly 2, the locked member 124 pushes the locking member 222, causing the locking member 222 to rotate, and the locked member 124 is inserted into the locking groove 2223. The locking member 222 rotates in the opposite direction under the elastic force of the elastic arm 2222, so that the developing box 1 is in a locked state in the drum assembly 2.

[0139] As shown in Figure 18, in order to ensure that the developing cartridge and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device, the developing cartridge 1 locked in the drum assembly 2 can move upward or downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction so as to achieve electrical connection between the identification assembly and the electrical terminal 914, the distance that the first cartridge pushing member 113 can move downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction is set to be greater than the distance that the second cartridge pushing member 123 can move downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction. Specifically, the first cartridge pushing member 113 does not abut against the bottom wall of the drum assembly in the third direction, while the second cartridge pushing member 123 abuts against the bottom wall in the third direction. The lower end of the first cartridge pushing member 113 has a recess 1131, and the lower end of the second cartridge pushing member 123 has a protrusion 1231. When the developer cartridge 1 is locked in the drum assembly 2, a gap exists between the recessed portion 1131 of the first cartridge urging member 113 and the bottom wall of the drum assembly 2 in the third direction, i.e., the first cartridge urging member 113 does not abut against the bottom wall in the third direction, while the protruding portion 1231 of the second cartridge urging member 123 abuts against the bottom wall of the drum assembly 2 in the third direction. This allows the first cartridge urging member 113 of the developer cartridge 1 to have sufficient distance to move upward or downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction. Thus, during installation of the developer cartridge and the drum assembly 2 in the image forming apparatus, the first end 11 of the developer cartridge 1 locked in the drum assembly 2 can move upward or downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction, thereby achieving electrical connection between the identification assembly and the electrical terminal 914. The first cartridge urging member 113 does not abut against the bottom wall in the third direction, while the second cartridge urging member 123 abuts against the bottom wall in the third direction. Furthermore, the cartridge urging member and the bottom wall effectively maintain contact between the developer roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0140] In this embodiment, the identification component and the locked member 124 are both arranged on the first protective cover 111. Specifically, the dimension of the first protective cover 111 close to the fourth end 14 in the second direction is shortened, and the dimension of the box body 10 close to the fourth end 14 in the first direction is lengthened, so that the identification component and the locked member 124 can be set at this position. No further restrictions are made here for the specific details.

[0141] In this embodiment, the size of the first box pushing member 113 in the third direction is smaller than the size of the second box pushing member 123 in the third direction, that is, in the first direction, the projection of the second box pushing member 123 completely covers the projection of the first box pushing member 113. Therefore, the distance that the first box pushing member 113 can move upward or downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction is greater than the distance that the second box pushing member 123 can move upward or downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction, so that the first end 11 of the developing box 1 can move upward or downward relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction. Its function is similar to that of Example 1, and its moving distance is roughly the same as the first distance H1 in Example 1. The details will not be elaborated here.

[0142] In this embodiment, the size of the first box pushing member 113 in the third direction is smaller than the size of the second box pushing member 123 in the third direction, that is, the size of the second box pushing member 123 in the third direction has a certain difference with the size of the first box pushing member 113 in the third direction, and the value range is 2mm~4.5mm.

[0143] In some embodiments, the structure of the second box pushing member 123 can also be changed at the same time, so that the first box pushing member 113 can move the same or a larger distance relative to the drum assembly 2 in the third direction compared to the second box pushing member 123. Specifically, the protrusion 1231 at the lower end of the second box pushing member 123 is further extended downward in the third direction to increase the distance between the first box pushing member 113 and the bottom wall of the drum assembly 2 in the third direction.

[0144] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the track 915 includes an upper track 9151 and a lower track 9152. The lower track 9152 includes a first lower segment 8a1, a second lower sub-segment 8a2, a third lower sub-segment 8a3, a fourth lower sub-segment 8a4 and a fifth lower sub-segment 8a5 connected in sequence.

[0145] The first lower segment 8a1 is an inclined surface, with its front end positioned higher than its rear end. The first lower segment 8a1 is used to guide the support portion 621 of the support member 62. The second lower sub-segment 8a2 is generally parallel to the second direction. The third lower sub-segment 8a3 is an inclined surface, with its inclination direction opposite to that of the first lower segment 8a1. The fourth lower sub-segment 8a4 is generally parallel to the second direction, and the fifth lower sub-segment 8a5 is inclined in the opposite direction to that of the first lower segment 8a1.

[0146] The upper rail 9151 includes a first protrusion 8b11, a first upper subsegment 8b1, a second upper subsegment 8b2, a third upper subsegment 8b3, a fourth upper subsegment 8b4, a fifth upper subsegment 8b5, a sixth upper subsegment 8b6, and an identification recess 8b7, ​​which are connected in sequence. In this embodiment, the protrusion formed between the fifth upper subsegment 8b5 and the sixth upper subsegment 8b6 can be understood as equivalent to the blocking protrusion 912 in the first embodiment, and its function is exactly the same as that of the blocking protrusion 912 in the first embodiment. That is, the blocking structure in this embodiment is the protrusion formed between the fifth upper subsegment 8b5 and the sixth upper subsegment 8b6.

[0147] The first upper sub-segment 8b1 is an inclined surface, and the front end of the first upper sub-segment 8b1 is lower than the rear end. The first upper sub-segment 8b1 is roughly opposite to the inclination direction of the first upper sub-segment 8a1, the second upper sub-segment 8b2 is roughly parallel to the second direction, the third upper sub-segment 8b3 is roughly the same as the inclination direction of the first upper sub-segment 8b1, the fourth upper sub-segment 8b4 is roughly the same as the second direction, the fifth upper sub-segment 8b5 and the sixth upper sub-segment 8b6 are roughly the same as the inclination direction of the first upper sub-segment 8b1, there is a height difference between the fifth upper sub-segment 8b5 and the sixth upper sub-segment 8b6, the sixth upper sub-segment 8b6 is located in front of and below the fifth upper sub-segment 8b5, and the identification recess 8b7 is located above the front end of the fifth upper sub-segment 8b5 in the third direction.

[0148] The distance between the second upper subsegment 8b2 and the first lower subsegment 8a1 is D0, the distance between the fourth upper subsegment 8b4 and the second lower subsegment 8a2 is D1, the distance between the fourth upper subsegment 8b4 and the fourth lower subsegment 8a4 is D2, the distance between the fifth upper subsegment 8b5 and the fifth lower subsegment 8a5 is D3, the distance between the sixth upper subsegment 8b6 and the fifth lower subsegment 8a5 is D4, and the distance between the identification recess 8b7 and the fifth lower subsegment 8a5 is D5. D0>D1, D2>D1, D3>D2, D4<D3, and D5>D4. D1=24.8±1mm, D2=26.7±1mm, D3=27.4±1mm, D4=25.1±1mm, and D5=27.2±1mm.

[0149] As shown in Figures 26-28, when the developing box 1 locked in the drum assembly 2 is loaded into the image forming device from back to front along the second direction together with the drum assembly 2, the storage medium 52 on the identification assembly is located below the first protrusion 8b11 and does not contact the first protrusion 8b11, and the support member 63 does not contact the lower rail 9152. Then, the storage medium 52 is not in contact with the first upper sub-segment 8b1 and the second upper sub-segment 8b2, and at this time the support member 62 is not in contact with the lower rail 9152 (this process can also be that the storage medium 52 is in contact with the front end of the first upper sub-segment 8b1 and the second upper sub-segment 8b2, and at this time the support member 62 is not in contact with the lower rail 9152, so that the storage medium 52 is subjected to a downward force, the developer box moves downward as a whole, and the elastic member 63 is not compressed). Then, the storage medium 52 moves to the third upper sub-segment 8b3 and is abutted by the third upper sub-segment 8b3, so that the developer box moves downward as a whole again, and at this time the elastic member 63 may not abut against the first sub-segment 8a1 (the elastic member 63 may also abut against the first sub-segment 8a1. If the elastic member 63 abuts against the first sub-segment 8a1, the support portion 621 of the support member 62 abuts against the first sub-segment 8a1 and moves upward along the first sub-segment 8a1, so that the developer box 1 as a whole moves upward relative to the drum assembly 2, and the support portion 621 squeezes the elastic member 63).

[0150] When the storage medium 52 moves to the fourth upper sub-segment 8b4, the support portion 6211 abuts against the first lower sub-segment 8a1 and moves upward along the first lower sub-segment 8a1, causing the developer cartridge 1 as a whole to move upward relative to the drum assembly 2, and the support portion 621 presses the elastic member 63. When the storage medium 52 is in the fourth upper sub-segment 8b4, the support portion 6211 moves from the first lower sub-segment 8a1 to the second lower sub-segment 8a2. Under the elastic force of the elastic member 63, the support portion 621 moves downward and abuts against the second lower sub-segment 8a2.

[0151] As shown in Figure 27, when the storage medium 52 moves to the fifth upper sub-segment 8b5, the support portion 621 abuts against the third lower sub-segment 8a3. Since the distance between the fifth upper sub-segment 8b5 and the third lower sub-segment 8a3 is greater than D3, and D3>D2>D1, the elastic member 63 recovers its elastic extension and the developing box moves downward.

[0152] When the storage medium 52 moves over the protrusion structure formed between the fifth upper sub-segment 8b5 and the sixth upper sub-segment 8b6 to the sixth upper sub-segment 8b6, the elastic member 63 is compressed and the support portion 621 abuts against the fourth lower sub-segment 8a4 and the fifth lower sub-segment 8a5.

[0153] When the storage medium 52 moves from the sixth upper sub-segment 8b6 to below the identification recess 8b7, ​​the support portion 621 abuts against the fifth lower sub-segment 8a5. Since D5 is less than D4, the developer box 1 as a whole moves upward in the third direction relative to the drum assembly 2 under the elastic recovery action of the elastic member 63, so that the electrical contact surface 53 enters the identification recess 8b7 and contacts the electrical terminal 914, thereby realizing electrical connection between the electrical contact surface 53 and the electrical terminal 914.

[0154] In this embodiment, when the storage medium 52 passes over the protrusion formed between the fifth upper subsegment 8b5 and the sixth upper subsegment 8b6 and moves to the sixth upper subsegment 8b6, the elastic member 63 is compressed, and the length of the elastic member 63 in the third direction is C1. When the storage medium 52 passes over the sixth upper subsegment 8b6 and moves below the identification recess 8b7, ​​the elastic member 63 returns under the action of the elastic force, disconnecting the electrical contact surface 53 from the electrical terminal 914. At this time, the length of the elastic member 63 in the third direction is C2, and C2 is greater than C1. The difference between C2 and C1 ranges from 2.1 mm to 4.1 mm, i.e., 2.1 mm ≤ C2 - C1 ≤ 4.2 mm.

[0155] In this embodiment, the storage medium 52 is in contact with the upper rail 9151. In some embodiments, the storage medium 52 can also be set inside the first bracket portion 511, so that the first bracket portion 511 is in contact with the upper rail 9151, and the electrical contact surface 53 is transferred to the upper end of the first bracket portion 511. Finally, the development box can be moved in the third direction relative to the drum assembly, so that the electrical contact surface 53 can enter the identification recess 8b7 and contact and be electrically connected with the electrical terminal 914.

[0156] In this embodiment, the support member 62 cooperates with the track 915, so that the track 915 applies a reaction force to the support member 62 to compress the elastic member 63, and then the developer box 1 is lifted relative to the drum assembly 2 through the elastic force. Therefore, whether the image forming device directly applies a force to the lifting assembly to force the developer box 1 to lift or forces the developer box 1 to lift through the reaction, it is the image forming device that acts on the lifting assembly to force the developer box to lift.

[0157] In this embodiment, the support member 62 of the developing box 1 cooperates with the track 915 of the image forming device, so that the support member 62 moves upward / downward along the third direction during the installation of the developing box 1, compressing / releasing the elastic member 63. When the storage medium 52 on the developing box 1 interferes with the blocking structure, the support member 62 moves along the third direction, compressing the elastic member 63. When the storage medium on the developing box 1 passes the blocking structure, the elastic member 63 is released, and the developing box moves along the third direction, so that the electrical contact surface 53 enters the identification recess 8b7 and contacts and electrically connects with the electrical terminal 914.

[0158] Example 3

[0159] The main difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that: when the developer box of this embodiment is installed, the electrical contact surface abuts against the blocking structure and is squeezed by the blocking structure to produce a downward displacement. After the electrical contact surface passes over the blocking structure from below, the squeezing effect disappears and it is lifted upward, so that the electrical contact surface forms electrical contact with the electrical terminal.

[0160] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the developer cartridge 1 is mounted within the image forming device via a track 915. The track 915 is provided with a groove that is recessed upward along the third direction and functions similarly to the identification recess 8b7 in the second embodiment. An electrical terminal 914 is disposed within the groove and is extendable relative to the groove in the third direction. The plane on which the highest surface of the groove in the third direction lies is a first plane X1, and the plane on which the lowest end of the electrical terminal 914 in the third direction lies is a second plane X2. The maximum distance between the first plane X1 and the second plane X2 in the third direction is approximately 2 mm, meaning that the maximum distance the electrical terminal 914 can extend relative to the groove is 2 mm. Alternatively, the electrical terminal 914 can be completely retracted within the groove, meaning that the distance between the first plane X1 and the second plane X2 in the third direction is zero.

[0161] Along the installation direction of the developer box 1, there is a blocking protrusion 912 located on the rear of the groove, which protrudes downward. The plane where the lowest end of the blocking protrusion 912 in the third direction is located is the third plane X3. Along the third direction, the third plane X3 is located below the first plane X1 and the second plane X2, and the distance D2 between the first plane X1 and the third plane X3 is approximately 3 mm. In this embodiment, the blocking structure is the blocking protrusion 912.

[0162] The first end 11 is also provided with a first box pushing member 113. In this embodiment, the first box pushing member 113 is located between the rotation axis of the power receiving part 40 and the rotation axis of the stirring gear 45. In some implementations, the first box pushing member 113 may be located behind the rotation axis of the stirring gear 45.

[0163] As shown in Figure 31, in this embodiment, the bracket 51 includes a mounting groove 513, a first surface 514, a second surface 515, and a mounting hole 516. The mounting groove 513 is a groove that is recessed downward in the third direction. The first surface 514 and the second surface 515 are located at opposite ends of the mounting groove 513 along the second direction. Both surfaces are inclined or curved, but their inclinations intersect. The first surface 514 extends forward along the second direction and downward along the third direction, while the second surface 515 extends forward along the second direction and upward along the third direction. The first surface 514 is primarily configured to contact the blocking protrusion 912 when the developer cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming device, while the second surface 515 is primarily configured to contact the blocking protrusion 912 when the developer cartridge 1 is removed from the image forming device. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 516 is preferably a threaded hole, allowing the bracket 51 to be fixed to the first protective cover 111 via screws 46. In other embodiments, the first surface 514 and the second surface 515 may not be provided.

[0164] As shown in Figures 32-34, the storage medium 52 is fixedly mounted in the mounting slot 513 of the bracket 51 by gluing or welding. A snap-fit ​​structure is also provided within the mounting slot 513 to facilitate the installation of the storage medium. The electrical contact surface 53 is planar. In this embodiment, the electrical contact surface 53 is lower than the highest surface of the mounting slot 513 of the bracket 51 to protect the storage medium 52 and the electrical contact surface 53. In some embodiments, the electrical contact surface 53 may be flush with or higher than the highest surface of the mounting slot 513.

[0165] The plane where the electrical contact surface 53 lies is defined as the fourth plane X4, and the plane passing through the rotation axis of the power receiving portion 40 and parallel to the fourth plane X4 is defined as the fifth plane X5. Along the third direction, the height difference D3 between the fourth plane X4 and the fifth plane X5 is 33 mm to 36 mm, preferably 33.5 mm to 35.5 mm in this embodiment. In some embodiments, if the electrical contact surface 53 is curved or inclined, the fourth plane X4 is a cross-section of the top of the curved or inclined surface.

[0166] In this embodiment, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus, the storage medium 52 can pass over the blocking protrusion 912 from below without moving relative to the cartridge body 10, and the electrical contact surface 53 is in stable contact with the electrical terminal 914. The installation process is as follows:

[0167] During installation of the developer cartridge 1 into the image forming apparatus, the first surface 514 of the bracket 51 interferes with the blocking protrusion 912, and the first surface 332 gradually receives the abutting force exerted by the blocking protrusion 912 in a direction opposite to its extension. At this point, the storage medium 52 is no longer compressed by the blocking protrusion 912. As the developer cartridge 1 continues to move in the installation direction, the blocking protrusion 912 abuts against the electrical contact surface 53 of the storage medium 52, which is slightly compressed by the blocking protrusion 912, causing a slight downward displacement or slight deformation of the electrical contact surface 53. This compression level does not damage the storage medium 52 and does not hinder the continued movement of the developer cartridge 1 in the installation direction. As the developer cartridge 1 continues to move in the installation direction, the electrical contact surface 53 is no longer compressed by the blocking protrusion 912 and returns to its original position. The developer cartridge 1 is fully installed in the image forming apparatus, and the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal 914.

[0168] After the developer cartridge 1 is fully installed in the image forming device, the distance along the third direction between the fourth plane X4 where the electrical contact surface 53 is located and the third plane X3 where the lowest end of the blocking protrusion 912 is located is 1 mm to 3 mm. The fourth plane X4 is located above the third plane X3. This distance corresponds to the amplitude of the slight downward displacement of the electrical contact surface 53 caused by compression, allowing the electrical contact surface 53 to pass below the blocking protrusion 912. If the fourth plane X4 is less than 1 mm above the third plane X3, the electrical contact surface 53 will not be able to maintain stable contact with the electrical terminal 914 after the developer cartridge 1 is fully installed in the image forming device. If the fourth plane X4 is greater than 3 mm above the third plane X3, the electrical contact surface 53 will not be able to pass below the blocking protrusion 912, and the developer cartridge 1 will not be properly installed in the image forming device.

[0169] That is, if the height difference D3 between the fourth plane X4 and the fifth plane X5 along the third direction is less than 33.5 mm, the electrical contact surface 53 will not be able to stably contact the electrical terminal 914. If the height difference D3 between the fourth plane X4 and the fifth plane X5 is less than 35.5 mm, the developer cartridge 1 may not be properly installed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the height difference D3 between the fourth plane X4 and the fifth plane X5 along the third direction is preferably 33.5 mm to 35.5 mm.

[0170] In this embodiment, the height of the electrical contact surface 53 is precisely designed to ensure that, during the installation of the developer cartridge 1, the storage medium 52 and the electrical contact surface 53 are in contact with the blocking protrusion 912 without hindering the developer cartridge 1 from continuing to move in the installation direction, while also ensuring stable contact with the electrical terminal 914 after passing over the protrusion. This structure also simplifies the structure of the developer cartridge and reduces the difficulty of producing the developer cartridge.

[0171] Example 4

[0172] This embodiment is generally the same as the embodiment, and the main difference is that the force received by the lifting structure of the developer box comes from different positions of the image forming device. The lifting structure of the embodiment 1 receives the force from the lifting part on the door cover of the image forming device to drive the developer box to lift, while the lifting structure of this embodiment receives the force from the connecting rod linked to the door cover to drive the developer box to lift.

[0173] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the image forming device includes a connecting rod 93 and a side wall 91. The connecting rod 93 and the door cover 92 can be linked together. After the developer cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming device, the door cover 92 closes along a closing trajectory M1. When closing, the connecting rod 93 moves forward in the second direction and upward in the third direction. When the door cover 92 is fully closed, the connecting rod 93 stops moving. The side wall 91 is provided with a track 915 for the developer cartridge 1 and an electrical terminal 914. The electrical terminal 914 can contact the storage medium 52 to achieve an electrical connection.

[0174] In this embodiment, the bracket 51 is integrally formed with the first protective cover 111 , is hollow inside and has a lifting structure installed therein, and has a first opening 517 thereon, which faces rightward in the first direction.

[0175] The lifting structure includes an elastic member and a supporting member. In this embodiment, the elastic member and the supporting member include a first movable portion 31 , a first elastic member 32 , a second movable portion 33 , and a second elastic member 34 .

[0176] The first movable portion 31 is located at the first opening 517 and can move left and right in the first direction. A first elastic member 32 is provided between the first movable portion 31 and the box body 10. When the first movable portion 31 moves left and right in the first direction, it can compress the first elastic member 32. In the third direction, the second movable portion 33 is located above the first movable portion 31 and abuts against the first movable portion 31. The second movable portion 33 can move up and down along the third direction. A second elastic member 34 is also provided between the second movable portion 33 and the bracket 51. When the second movable portion 33 moves up and down in the third direction, it can compress the second elastic member 34.

[0177] In this embodiment, the first movable portion 31 comprises a first inclined surface 311 , a first claw 312 , and a second inclined surface 313 . The first inclined surface 311 is disposed on a side of the first movable portion 31 away from the box body in the first direction and extends downward in the third direction. The first clamping claw 312 is provided on the front and rear sides of the first movable part 31 in the second direction, and the second inclined surface 313 is located on the upper side of the first movable part 31 in the third direction, and it is inclined upward along the third direction. The second inclined surface 313 abuts against the second movable part 33. The bracket 51 is provided with second openings 518 on the front and rear sides of the first opening 517, and the second openings 518 cooperate with the first clamping claw 312. When the first movable part 31 moves left and right along the first direction in the first opening 517, the first clamping claw 312 cooperates with the second opening 518 to limit the movement trajectory of the first movable part 31. The connecting rod 93 has a bent angle 932, which is received when the door cover 92 is closed and drives the connecting rod 93 to move forward and upward. The first inclined surface 311 can abut against the bent angle 932, and then receive the upward force transmitted by the connecting rod 93 to cause the first movable part 31 to move leftward in the first direction.

[0178] The second movable portion 33 is provided with a second claw, which can cooperate with the bracket 51 to limit the movement trajectory of the second movable portion 33. The second movable portion 33 abuts against the first inclined surface 313 on the lower side in the third direction. When the first movable portion 31 moves leftward along the first direction, the second movable portion 33 can receive the force transmitted by the first movable portion 31 through the first inclined surface 313 and then move upward along the third direction. When the second movable portion 33 moves upward, it can abut against the bracket 51, thereby driving the developing box 1 to move upward relative to the drum assembly 2, or the second movable portion compresses the second elastic member 34, so that the second elastic member 34 accumulates elastic force, and the developing box 1 drives the developing box 1 to move upward relative to the drum assembly 2 under the action of the second elastic member 34.

[0179] As shown in FIG37 to FIG40 , in this embodiment, the specific cooperation process between the lifting structure and the image forming device is as follows:

[0180] When the developing cartridge 1 is located at the first position, the door cover 92 is moved along the closing trajectory M1 from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 , driving the connecting rod 93 to move together.

[0181] When the connecting rod 93 is moving, the bend 932 thereon abuts against the first inclined surface 311 on the first movable part 31. When the first inclined surface 311 receives the force transmitted by the connecting rod 93 through the bend 932, the force is decomposed into forces along the first direction and the third direction. Among them, when the first component force F1 to the left along the first direction acts on the first movable part 31, the first movable part 31 will move to the left along the first direction, and the first elastic member 32 will be compressed, accumulating an elastic force opposite to the first component force F1. This elastic force can make the first movable part 31 abut against the connecting rod 93 more securely, and the first component force F1 is transmitted more securely, preventing the occurrence of loose abutment. At the same time, it can also play a role in resetting the first movable part 31.

[0182] When the first movable part 31 moves to the left along the first direction under the action of the first component force F1, the second inclined surface 313 abuts against the second movable part 33, and the second inclined surface 313 generates a second component force F2 upward along the third direction on the second movable part 33. Under the action of the second component force F2, the second movable part 33 moves upward along the third direction, and the second elastic member 34 is compressed, accumulating an elastic force opposite to the second component force F2. This elastic force can make the second movable part 33 abut against the first movable part 31 more firmly, and the force transmission is more secure. The second movable part 33 is in contact with the bracket 51. When the door cover 92 drives the connecting rod 93 to continue to move, the second movable part 33 is continuously acted upon by the second component force F2. At this time, the second movable part 33 continues to move upward, and drives the developing box 1 to move relative to the image forming device through the bracket 51, so that the developing box 1 reaches the second position, the electrical contact surface 53 is connected to the electrical terminal, the storage medium 52 is electrically connected to the image forming device, and the image forming device recognizes the information of the developing box 1. At this time, the door cover 92 is fully closed in the closed position S2, and the connecting rod 93 is in contact with the first movable part 31, so that the developing box 1 maintains the existing position where the storage medium 52 contacts the electrical terminal, and the developing box 1 can work normally.

[0183] Furthermore, in other embodiments, when the second movable portion 33 is acted upon by the second component force F2 and moves upward along the third direction, and the compressed second elastic member 34 is compressed to accumulate elastic force, the second elastic member 34 can be used to move the developing box 1 in the third direction relative to the drum assembly 2, so that the electrical contact surface 53 contacts the electrical terminal. The lifting process is the same as that in Example 2 and will not be elaborated on here.

[0184] By setting a lifting structure on the developing box, abutting against the connecting rod of the image forming device, the movement of the connecting rod when the door cover is closed is used to lift the entire developing box, so that the storage medium contacts the electrical terminal. The structure is simple and the operation is stable.

[0185] Example 5

[0186] Compared with the fourth embodiment, the present embodiment differs in that the second movable portion 33 and the second elastic member 34 are not provided, and the first movable portion 31 is provided with a third inclined surface 314 and a fourth inclined surface 315 for avoiding the blocking portion 917 on the side wall of the image forming device. The abutment position between the first movable portion 31 and the connecting rod 93 is different, and the rest of the structure is exactly the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

[0187] As shown in Figures 41-42, a third inclined surface 314 and a fourth inclined surface 315 are provided on the first movable portion 31, which are arranged on the side of the first movable portion 31 away from the box body 10 in the first direction. The third inclined surface 314 and the fourth inclined surface 315 both extend forward / backward along the second direction respectively and finally converge, that is, when viewed along the third direction, the third inclined surface 314 and the fourth inclined surface 315 are triangular.

[0188] As shown in Figures 43 to 45, when the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device, the first movable portion 31 abuts against the side wall 91 of the image forming device. The blocking portion 917 is on the side wall 91 of the image forming device. When the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device along the track 915, the third inclined surface 314 abuts against the blocking portion 917. The blocking portion 917 applies a third component force F3 to the first movable portion 31 to the left along the first direction through the third inclined surface 314. The first movable portion 31 moves to the left along the first direction under the action of the third component force F3. The first elastic member 32 is compressed, accumulating an elastic force opposite to the third component force F3. When the first movable portion 31 moves to the left along the first direction, it avoids the blocking portion 917. Afterwards, the end of the first movable part 31 in the first direction continues to abut against the side wall of the track 915, and the first elastic member 32 continues to be compressed. When the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed to the correct position in the image forming device along the track 915, that is, the developer box 1 is in the first position, the side wall of the track 915 no longer abuts against the first movable part 31, that is, there is no third component force F3 on the first movable part 31. At this time, the elastic force accumulated in the first elastic member 32 is released, pushing the first movable part 31 to move to the right along the first direction, at least partially extending into the side wall. At this time, viewed along the second direction, the side wall 91 of the image forming device at least partially overlaps with the first movable part 31. In the third direction, the first movable part 31 is at least partially located above the connecting rod 93.

[0189] Subsequently, the door cover 92 is closed. When the door cover 92 rotates and closes from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 along the trajectory M1, the door cover 92 drives the connecting rod 93 to move together. At this time, the upper surface 931 of the connecting rod 93 abuts against the first movable part 31, and the connecting rod 93 applies an upward lifting force F4 along the third direction to the first movable part 31. Since the first movable part 31 cannot move in the third direction relative to the bracket 51, after receiving the lifting force F4, the developing box 1 is driven upward relative to the image forming device through the bracket 51, so that the electrical contact surface 53 is connected to the electrical terminal, and the information of the developing box 1 stored in the storage medium 52 is recognized by the image forming device. When the door cover 92 is in the fully closed closed position S2, the connecting rod 93 continues to abut against the first movable part 31, so that the developing box 1 maintains the existing storage medium 52 in contact with the electrical terminal and does not move, and the developing box 1 works normally.

[0190] Furthermore, when the developing cartridge is used up and the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are taken out of the image forming device, the fourth inclined surface 315 first abuts against the side wall of the track 915, the first movable portion moves to the left along the first direction, and the first elastic member 32 is compressed. When the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are completely taken out, the first elastic member 32 causes the first movable portion 31 to move to the right along the first direction and reset. That is, the specific movement and abutment process of the first movable portion 31 is opposite to that during installation, and will not be elaborated on here.

[0191] By setting a lifting structure on the developing box, abutting against the connecting rod of the image forming device, the movement of the connecting rod when the door cover is closed is used to lift the entire developing box, so that the storage medium contacts the electrical terminal. The structure is simple and the operation is stable.

[0192] Example 6

[0193] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment five is that in this embodiment, a lifting structure is not provided on the developer box 1, but a lifting structure is provided on the drum assembly 2. In this embodiment, the lifting structure is a protrusion 214, and in this embodiment, the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 move together relative to the image forming device, and the rest of the structure is exactly the same as in embodiment five.

[0194] As shown in Figures 46 to 48, a protrusion 214 is provided on the first wall 21 of the drum assembly 2, and the protrusion 214 protrudes relative to the drum assembly 2 along a first direction.

[0195] When the developing box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device and observed along the third direction, the protrusion 214 on the drum assembly 2 is at least partially located above the plate-shaped portion 933 on the connecting rod 93, that is, the projection of the protrusion 214 and the plate-shaped portion 933 in the third direction at least partially overlap.

[0196] When the door cover 92 rotates and closes from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 along the trajectory M1, it drives the connecting rod 93 to move together. At this time, the plate-shaped portion 933 abuts against the protrusion 214 on the drum assembly 2, and the plate-shaped portion 933 applies a second component force F2 upward in the third direction through the protrusion 214. Under the action of the second component force F2, the drum assembly 2 moves with the developing box 1 relative to the image forming device, so that the electrical contact surface 53 is electrically connected to the electrical terminal 914, and the storage medium 52 is electrically connected to the image forming device. At this time, the door cover 92 is in the fully closed closed position S2, and the plate-shaped portion 933 continues to abut against the drum assembly 2, so that the developing box 1 maintains the existing storage medium 52 in contact with the electrical terminal, and the developing box 1 works normally.

[0197] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 214 can be integrally formed with the drum assembly 2 or be separately provided. As long as the protrusion 214 has no displacement in the third direction relative to the drum assembly 2, the specific structure is not limited in detail here.

[0198] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two connecting rods 93 are provided along the first direction, and the second one is provided near the second wall 22 of the drum assembly 2. Therefore, in other embodiments, the protrusion 214 can be provided on the second wall 22 of the drum assembly 2 in the first direction, and the specific setting position is not further limited here.

[0199] A protrusion 214 is provided on the drum assembly 2. When the door cover 92 is closed and drives the connecting rod 93 to move, the drum assembly 2 and the developing box 1 are moved relative to the image forming device by abutting against the plate-like portion 933 on the connecting rod 93, thereby achieving the purpose of connecting the storage medium 52 with the electrical terminal. This arrangement eliminates the need to provide a component on the side wall of the developing box 1 to move the chip relative to the box body, thereby simplifying the structure of the developing box 1. In addition, this embodiment is simple and has a concise structure.

[0200] Example 7

[0201] The present embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the lifting structure is arranged in a different manner, and the protrusion 214 is not provided on the drum assembly 2. Instead, an external portion 70 that can be engaged with the door cover 92 is separately provided to abut against the drum assembly 2, so as to achieve the purpose of the drum assembly 2 driving the developing box 1 to move in the third direction relative to the image forming device. The rest of the structure is exactly the same as that of the third embodiment.

[0202] As shown in Figures 49 and 50, the peripheral part 70 is fixed to the door cover 92 by snapping. When the door cover 92 rotates and closes from the open position S1 to the closed position S2 along the closing trajectory M1, the peripheral part 70 on the door cover 92 abuts against the drum assembly 2. When the peripheral part 70 abuts against the drum assembly 2, it will generate a second component force F2 that is upward in the third direction on the drum assembly 2. Under the action of the second component force F2, the drum assembly drives the developing box 1 to move relative to the image forming device, so that the electrical contact surface 53 is connected to the electrical terminal, and the storage medium 52 is electrically connected to the image forming device. When the door cover 92 is in the fully closed closing position S2, the peripheral part 70 continues to abut against the drum assembly 2, so that the developing box 1 maintains the existing storage medium 52 in contact with the electrical terminal, and the developing box 1 works normally.

[0203] [Corrected 12.10.2024 according to Rule 91] Further, as shown in FIG50 , the peripheral portion 70 may also be provided on the drum assembly 2 , and abut against the door cover 92 when the door cover 92 is closed, so as to achieve the purpose of lifting the drum assembly 2 and the developer cartridge 1 .

[0204] Furthermore, the peripheral part can be block-shaped or plate-shaped, and similarly, the peripheral part can also be a group of parts, as long as it is fixed on the drum assembly 2 and / or the door cover 92, so that the door cover 92 can move the drum assembly 2 relative to the image forming device when it is closed, and the electrical terminal is in contact with the storage medium 52. No excessive restrictions are imposed here.

[0205] The peripheral part 70 is a peripheral component relative to the drum assembly or the door cover 92, and can be installed and fixed to the drum assembly 2 or the door cover 92 in a detachable manner.

[0206] By setting up an external part to lift the drum assembly, the chip on the developer box is brought into contact with the electrical terminal, which simplifies the structure of the developer box and reduces the manufacturing cost of the developer box 1. At the same time, one external part can be used repeatedly, and has a simple structure and is easy to use.

[0207] Furthermore, in the present invention, the bracket 51 and the first protective cover 111 are integrally formed, and the lifting structure is disposed within the bracket 51, and the purpose of lifting the developer cartridge 1 is achieved by abutting against the bracket 51. In other embodiments, the bracket 51 may be disposed separately from the first protective cover 111, as long as the bracket 51 does not move relative to the developer cartridge, or the lifting structure may not be disposed within the bracket 51 but may be disposed separately on the first protective cover 111, as long as it can abut against the connecting rod, or the bracket 51 may be integrally formed or separately disposed at the first end 11 of the cartridge body 10, and the lifting structure and the bracket 51 may cooperate to lift the developer cartridge, and the specific implementation is not further limited herein.

[0208] Furthermore, in the present invention, the second component force F2 is the same as the lifting force F4, that is, as long as the force causes the drum assembly and / or the developer box to move relative to the image forming device, as long as it is separated upward along the third direction, the specific direction is not specifically limited here.

[0209] By providing a lifting structure, when the door cover is closed, the developing box and / or the drum assembly can be moved relative to the image forming device, thereby allowing the chip to contact the electrical terminal, and the image forming device to identify the developing box. There is no need to provide a chip rack assembly on the developing box that enables the chip to move relative to the box body, thereby reducing the number of components of the developing box and lowering the manufacturing cost of the developing box. In addition, the lifting structure of the present invention is simple in structure and easy to use.

[0210] Embodiment 8:

[0211] Unless otherwise specified, the structure of the developing box in this embodiment is the same as that in Example 3. The main distinguishing feature in this embodiment is that the setting of the first box pushing member 113 is different in this embodiment. The first box pushing member 113 is no longer located between the rotation axis of the power receiving part 40 and the rotation axis of the stirring gear 45.

[0212] As shown in Figures 51 and 52, the drum assembly 2 also includes a force-bearing surface 215. The force-bearing surface 215 is located on the inner surface of the first wall 21. The force-bearing surface 215 is a plane and faces the photosensitive drum 25.

[0213] The first protective cover 111 is provided with a mounting portion 1111, which is a groove recessed along the second direction. The mounting portion 1111 is provided with a guide member 1112 extending along the second direction. The guide member 1112 is a strip-shaped through hole or a blind hole, preferably a through hole in this embodiment. The first cartridge pushing member 113 includes a third force-applying member 223 and a third force-applying elastic member 224. The third force-applying member 223 is movably mounted on the mounting portion 1111. The third force-applying member 223 includes a guided member 2231 and a force-bearing surface 2232. The guided member 2231 is in the shape of a ratchet that cooperates with the guide member 1112. The guided member 2231 is movable along the extension direction of the guide member 1112. The force-bearing surface 2232 is the surface of the third force-applying member 223 facing away from the developing roller 131. In the second direction, the third force-applying member 223 is located behind the rotation axis of the stirring gear 45. The third elastic member 224 is located in the mounting groove 37 and is abutted by the third elastic member 223 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 37. The third elastic member 224 can be compressed and stretched along the second direction. The third elastic member 224 can be an elastic medium such as a compression spring or sponge.

[0214] When the developer cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly, the force-bearing surface 2232 of the third force-applying member 223 abuts the force-applying surface 26 on the drum assembly. The force-applying surface 26 applies a urging force to the third force-applying member 223 in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum, causing the third force-applying member 223 to move toward the photosensitive drum and compressing the third force-applying elastic member 224. The third force-applying member 223 transmits the urging force to the cartridge body 10, causing the entire cartridge body to move toward the photosensitive drum, thereby bringing the developing roller 131 into close contact with the photosensitive drum. The third force-applying member 223 performs the same function as the first force-applying member 212 located on the first wall 21 of the drum assembly 2 in the first direction, except that it is located on the first protective cover 111. This will not be further described here.

[0215] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, they may make various modifications and improvements, or freely combine the above technical solutions, including freely combining the technical features of the different embodiments described above, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, which can be combined with a drum assembly to form a processing cartridge and can be detachably installed in an image forming device along an installation direction, wherein the image forming device is provided with an electrical terminal and a blocking structure, characterized in that: The developing box comprises: A box body, for containing a developer, having a first end and a second end in a first direction, a third end and a fourth end in a second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end in a third direction; a developing roller that rotates about an axis extending in a first direction; a power receiving portion, for receiving a driving force from the image forming device, located at the first end; an electrode, electrically connected to the developing roller and located at the second end; a storage medium storing information of the developing cartridge; and An electrical contact surface, electrically connected to the storage medium; The developing box can cooperate with the image forming device so that the electrical contact surface is lifted upward relative to the image forming device together with the developing box, so that the electrical contact surface is electrically connected with the electrical terminal.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The developing box also includes a lifting structure. When the developing box moves along the installation direction over the blocking structure until the electrical contact surface is located below the electrical terminal, the lifting structure receives the force from the image forming device to drive the developing box to be lifted in a third direction relative to the image forming device.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting assembly is located at the fourth end, the image forming device includes a door cover, and when the developing box is installed on the image forming device, the lifting structure cooperates with the door cover to lift the developing box in the third direction.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting structure includes a contact portion, and the door cover includes a lifting portion. When the door cover is fully closed, the line between the contact point between the lifting portion and the contact portion and the rotation axis of the power receiving portion is defined as L1, and the normal line between the rotation axis of the power receiving portion and the door cover is L2. The angle between L1 and L2 is a first angle A1, and the value range of A1 is 12° to 16.5°.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the door cover is completely closed, the distance between the contact point between the lifting portion and the contact portion and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving portion in the first direction ranges from 110 mm to 118 mm.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting structure includes an elastic member and a supporting member, one end of the elastic member is connected to the supporting member, and the other end is connected to the box body, and the supporting member is used to cooperate with the image forming device to lift the developing box in a third direction relative to the image forming device.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The image forming device has a track, the track has a lower track and an upper track, the electric terminal and the blocking structure are located on the upper track, and the blocking structure is located behind the electric terminal in the second direction; When the developing box is installed on the image forming device along the track, the supporting member contacts the lower track, the blocking structure interferes with the electrical contact surface, and the developing box is forced to move downward, and the elastic member is compressed; When the electrical contact surface passes over the blocking structure and is located below the electrical terminal in the third direction, the elastic member releases the elastic force to lift the developing box upward, and the electrical contact surface forms an electrical connection with the electrical terminal.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The length of the elastic member in the third direction when the electrical contact surface interferes with the blocking structure is C1, and the length of the elastic member in the third direction when the electrical contact surface crosses the blocking structure and is electrically connected to the electrical terminal is C2, and the difference between C2 and C1 ranges from 2.1 mm to 4.1 mm.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that: In a first direction, a distance between the electrical contact surface and the first end is greater than a distance between the support member and the first end; The difference between the distances from the electrical contact surface and the support member to the first end is in the range of 6 mm to 12 mm.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that: The distance between the electrical contact surface and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving part in the first direction ranges from 51 mm to 58 mm; The distance between the support and the projection of the rotation axis of the power receiving part in the first direction ranges from 42 mm to 68 mm; 11. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that: The developing box further comprises a first box pushing member and a second box pushing member, wherein in a first direction, the first box pushing member is closer to the first end than the second box pushing member, and in a third direction, the size of the first box pushing member is smaller than the size of the second box pushing member; The difference in size between the first box pushing member and the second box pushing member in the third direction ranges from 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

12. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The image forming device further comprises a door cover and a connecting rod linked to the door cover. When the door cover is closed, the connecting rod acts on the supporting member, forcing the supporting member to drive the developing box to lift upward.

13. The developing cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that: The developing box also includes a bracket, and the bracket is fixedly connected to the box body; The support member includes a first movable portion and a second movable portion, the first movable portion is provided with a first inclined surface, and the connecting rod converts the force in the third direction into the force in the first direction by acting on the first inclined surface, thereby causing the first movable member to move in the first direction; The first movable part or the second movable part is provided with a second inclined surface, and the first movable part moves the second movable member along the third direction through the second inclined surface, forcing the second movable part to abut against the bracket, thereby driving the developing box to be lifted upward.

14. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein: The elastic member includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member, the first movable portion is movably disposed on the bracket, and two ends of the first elastic member are respectively connected to the first movable portion and the bracket; The second movable part is movably arranged on the bracket, and two ends of the second elastic member are respectively connected to the second movable part and the bracket; When the first movable part moves along the first direction, the first elastic part is compressed, and when the second movable part moves upward, the second elastic part is compressed. The first elastic part enables the first movable part to move back and forth along the first direction, and the second elastic part applies an elastic force along the third direction to the developing box through the bracket, so that the developing box is lifted upward.

15. The developing cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that: The support member includes a first movable portion, a third inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface are provided on the first movable portion, and the elastic member includes a first elastic member; The side wall of the image forming device is provided with a blocking portion, and when the developing cartridge is installed in the image forming device, the blocking portion interferes with the third inclined surface, forcing the first movable portion to move along the first direction, compressing the first elastic member; When the electrical contact surface is located below the electrical terminal in the third direction, the first elastic member is reset, and the first movable portion moves along the first direction toward the reset direction of the first elastic member.

16. The developing cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that: When the developing box is in a position where the electrical contact surface is located below the electrical terminal in the third direction, the projections of the first movable portion and the blocking portion at least partially overlap in the second direction.

17. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The developing box is configured to be able to be lifted in a third direction relative to the drum assembly, so that the electrical contact surface is electrically connected to the electrical terminal; The distance that the developing box is lifted relative to the drum assembly in the third direction ranges from 1 mm to 6 mm.

18. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the developing box is installed, the electrical contact surface abuts against the blocking structure and is squeezed by the blocking structure, and after the electrical contact surface passes over the blocking structure, it forms an electrical connection with the electrical terminal; The plane where the electrical contact surface is located is the fourth plane, and the plane passing through the rotation axis of the power receiving part and parallel to the fourth plane is the fifth plane. The height difference between the fourth plane and the fifth plane in the third direction ranges from 33 mm to 36 mm.

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