Developing cartridge

Abstract

The present application provides a developing cartridge, which is detachably mounted in a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge is detachably mounted in an imaging device, the imaging device is provided with a detection unit, the drum cartridge is provided with a second driving force receiving member, and the second driving force receiving member can receive a driving force from the imaging device; and the developing cartridge comprises: a cartridge frame, which is internally provided with a powder cavity for accommodating a developer; a developing roller, which is rotatably arranged on the cartridge frame; a first driving force receiving member, which directly or indirectly drives the developing roller to rotate; and a detected member, which can be detected by the detection unit, and can move in response to movement of the second driving force receiving member. The developing cartridge of such a structure does not need to achieve movement of the detected member by receiving the driving force from the first driving force receiving member, and timing at which the detected member is detected can be set more flexibly, thereby reducing dependence on the first driving force receiving member.

Description

A developing box Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic photographic imaging equipment, in particular to a developing box. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, as an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type, this image forming apparatus includes a main assembly, a drum cartridge provided with a photosensitive drum, and a developing cartridge for supplying a developer to the photosensitive drum.

[0003] This imaging device includes a detection unit for determining information about a developer cartridge installed in the imaging device. For example, the detection unit is used to determine whether a developer cartridge newly installed in the imaging device is a new product, or to determine information such as the size and capacity of the developer cartridge. In this type of imaging device, the detection unit may include a transmission mechanism, a switch component, a power supply, and an electrical signal detection component. The switch component, power supply, and electrical signal detection component may form an electrically conductive circuit. The transmission component may drive the switch component to move between an open position, which disconnects the circuit, and a closed position, which closes the circuit. This causes the electrical signal detected by the electrical signal detection component to change, thereby determining information such as the model and specifications of the developer cartridge.

[0004] The developer cartridge is removably mountable on the main assembly of the imaging device. The developer cartridge rotatably supports a detection mechanism, which is provided with a protrusion (detected member) that contacts and pushes a transmission mechanism, thereby causing the switch member to move between a closed position and an open position. When the developer cartridge is mounted on the main assembly and the device is activated, the detection mechanism is driven to move, and the protrusion directly or indirectly pushes the transmission mechanism to move. The transmission mechanism swings, causing the switch member to move between the open and closed positions. A detection unit detects the change in the electrical signal, and the imaging device determines information about the developer cartridge based on the detection results of the optical sensor.

[0005] In some imaging devices, the detection unit is provided with a light sensor and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism can switch between a light-blocking position and a light-unblocking position during the swinging process, thereby causing the electrical signal of the detection unit to change and be detected.

[0006] In the research of this type of developing cartridge, how to drive the detected component and achieve coordination with the detection unit of the imaging device is an important topic that those skilled in the art need to continue to study.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide a developing box to further develop the above-mentioned prior art.

[0009] The purpose of this application is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0010] A developing cartridge is detachably mounted in an imaging device, wherein the imaging device is provided with a detection unit; the developing cartridge comprises:

[0011] The box frame is provided with a powder bin for accommodating the developer;

[0012] a developing roller rotatably disposed on the cartridge frame;

[0013] a first driving force receiving member, directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate;

[0014] a detected component capable of being detected by the detection unit;

[0015] The developing box also includes:

[0016] The power source component can directly or indirectly drive the detected component to move.

[0017] Preferably, the first driving force receiving member is provided at a first end of the developing cartridge and is capable of directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate, and the detected member is provided at a second end of the developing cartridge.

[0018] Preferably, the developing box is detachably installed in the drum box, and the drum box is detachably installed in the imaging device. The power source component is a second driving force receiving component arranged in the drum box, and the second driving force receiving component can receive driving force from the imaging device, and the detected component can move in response to the movement of the second driving force receiving component.

[0019] Preferably, the second driving force receiving member can directly or indirectly drive the detected member to rotate, swing or slide.

[0020] Preferably, the developing box further includes a transmission unit, which can be directly or indirectly driven by the second driving force receiving member, and the transmission unit can transmit the driving force to the detected member.

[0021] Preferably, the transmission unit includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member, the first transmission member can receive the driving force from the second driving force receiving member and rotate, and the second transmission member can receive the driving force from the first transmission member and rotate and transmit the driving force to the detected member.

[0022] Preferably, the developing box further includes a power cut-off mechanism, and the power cut-off mechanism is provided on the detected member or the first transmission member or the second transmission member or the second driving force receiving member.

[0023] Preferably, the power cut-off mechanism includes a notch portion.

[0024] Preferably, the second driving force receiving member is provided at a first end of the drum cartridge, the detected member is provided at a second end of the developing cartridge, and the second driving force receiving member receives driving force from the imaging device to rotate.

[0025] Preferably, the drum box also includes a first driving force transmission member and a second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member is directly or indirectly connected to the second driving force receiving member and the second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member can receive the driving force from the second driving force receiving member and rotate, the second driving force transmission member can be driven to rotate by the first driving force transmission member, and the developing box also includes a transmission unit, which can receive the driving force from the second driving force transmission member and rotate, and transmit the driving force to the detected member.

[0026] Preferably, the detected member includes a main body, a first force receiving portion and a detected portion, wherein the first force receiving portion is provided on the main body and is used to receive an external driving force to enable the detected member to move and touch the detection unit.

[0027] Preferably, the power source component includes a battery and a motor; or the power source component includes a first magnet and a second magnet that repel each other; or the power source component includes an air pump or an oil pump.

[0028] The developing box with the above structure does not need to receive the driving force from the first driving force receiving member of the developing box to realize the movement of the detected component. The timing of the detection of the detected component can be set more flexibly. In addition, the dependence on the imaging device and the first driving force receiving member is reduced; the load applied to the first driving force receiving member is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a developing cartridge according to Example 1 of the present application;

[0030] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the second end portion of the developing cartridge according to Example 1 of the present application;

[0031] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure decomposition of the second end portion of the developing cartridge of Example 1 of the present application.

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the matching structure of the developing box and the photosensitive drum in Example 2 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] This embodiment provides an imaging device comprising a main assembly, a detection unit disposed within the main assembly, and a drive transmission member (not shown), the detection unit and the drive transmission member being disposed on different sides of the main assembly. The detection unit, disposed on one side of the main assembly, is configured to detect information about a developer cartridge installed within the main assembly. The detection unit is provided with a transmission mechanism that is configured to swing about a rotation axis in response to a force applied by the developer cartridge. The imaging device determines information about the developer cartridge based on whether the swinging of the transmission mechanism obstructs a sensor. The structure and detection principle of the imaging device of this embodiment are substantially identical to those of the printer disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN105759586A, and the related prior art will not be further elaborated upon herein.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the developer cartridge 10 is removably mounted in a drum cartridge containing a photosensitive drum. The drum cartridge can then be removably mounted in the main assembly of the imaging device described above. The developer cartridge 10 includes a cartridge frame 11, a first driving force receiving member 12, a developing roller 13, a chip 16, an electrode 17, and at least one of a powder feed roller and a stirring member. Along its longitudinal direction, the developer cartridge has a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite the first end 101. The cartridge frame 11 is provided with a powder hopper for storing developer. The developing roller 13 is rotatably disposed at the front of the cartridge frame 11, exposed from the front of the cartridge frame 11, and facing the photosensitive drum when installed in the imaging device, enabling development. The powder feed roller faces the developing roller 13 and can deliver developer to it. The stirring member is used to stir the developer contained in the powder hopper. The first driving force receiving member 12 is disposed at the first end 101 of the developer cartridge 10 to rotate the developing roller 13 and the powder feed roller. The chip 16 is provided at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10 for storing information such as specifications and models of the developing cartridge 10 . The electrode 17 is provided at the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10 for receiving power from the imaging device and being electrically connected to the developing roller 13 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the chip 16 may be disposed at the second end 102 , and the electrode 17 may be disposed at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10 .

[0038] As shown in Figures 1-3, the developer cartridge 10 of this embodiment further includes a power source component 2 and a detected component 3, wherein the power source component 2 is used to provide kinetic energy to the detected component 3 to cause the detected component 3 to move. The movement of the detected component 3 can activate a detection unit provided in the imaging device, thereby achieving detection. Preferably, the developer cartridge 10 further includes a trigger 4, which is used to trigger the power source component 2, so that the power source component 2 outputs power to the outside to directly or indirectly drive the detected component 3 to move.

[0039] In this embodiment, the power source component 2 includes an elastic member 2, which can accumulate elastic potential energy and release the elastic potential energy to the outside when triggered, so as to directly or indirectly drive the detected component 3 to move. The elastic member 2 is a torsion spring, one end of which is connected to the detected component 3, and the other end is connected to the box frame 11 / end cover 15 / fixing member 14 fixedly connected to the box frame 11. In the initial position, the torsion spring is compressed to accumulate elastic potential energy, and when the torsion spring releases the elastic potential energy, it can drive the detected component 3 to move. Specifically, the detected component 3 is rotatably arranged on the developer box 10, one end of the torsion spring is in contact with the box frame 11, and the other end is connected to the detected component 3.

[0040] In this embodiment, the trigger member 4 is configured to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the power source component 2 is not triggered. In the second position, the power source component 2 is triggered. The control of the trigger member 4 from the first position to the second position can be controlled by an external force or by an external electrical signal. The trigger member 4 can move from the first position to the second position under the action of an external force. For example, the external force can be the force applied by the developing cartridge 10 when the developing cartridge 10 is installed in the imaging device and the door cover is closed, or it can be the driving force from the driving force transmission member of the imaging device / the first driving force receiving member 12 on the developing cartridge; it can also be the driving force provided by the photosensitive drum / photosensitive drum gear; or it can be controlled by electricity.

[0041] Specifically, the trigger member 4 includes a force-bearing portion 41 and a limiting portion 42. The limiting portion 42 abuts against the detected member 3, and the force-bearing portion 41 is configured to receive an external force. More specifically, the detected member 3 is rotatably disposed on the developing cartridge 10. In the initial position (i.e., the position of the developing cartridge 10 before being detected by the imaging device), one end of the trigger member 4 abuts against the detected member 3, and the torsion spring is in a compressed state. At this time, the trigger member 4 is in the first position. When the trigger member 4 receives an external force to rotate, the trigger member 4 rotates from the first position to the second position, and the trigger member 4 is disengaged from the abutment with the detected member 3. At this time, the torsion spring releases its elastic potential energy, and the detected member 3 is driven to rotate, thereby achieving detection.

[0042] In this embodiment, the power source component 2, the trigger 4, and the detected component 3 are disposed at the same end of the developer cartridge 10. However, they may be disposed at different locations, and designers may adjust this arrangement as needed. For example, the power source component 2 may be disposed at the first end 101 of the developer cartridge 10, and the trigger 4 and the detected component 3 may be disposed at the second end 102 of the developer cartridge 10; or the power source component 2 and the trigger 4 may be disposed at the first end 101 of the developer cartridge 10, and the detected component 3 may be disposed at the second end 102 of the developer cartridge 10; in some cases, the power source component 2 may also be disposed between the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the developer cartridge 10, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, the power source member 2 may include at least one of a compression spring, a tension spring, and an elastic spring.

[0044] Deformation 1

[0045] The power source component includes a battery and a motor. The motor is electrically connected to the battery. The motor can transmit power to the outside to directly or indirectly drive the detected component to move. Preferably, the trigger is configured as a switch that controls the on and off of the motor power. When the trigger is triggered, the motor is turned on.

[0046] Transformation 2

[0047] The power source component includes a first magnet and a second magnet that repel each other. When the trigger is in the first position, the first magnet and the second magnet are close to each other. When the trigger is in the second position, the first magnet and the second magnet are away from each other, directly or indirectly driving the detected component to move.

[0048] Transformation 3

[0049] The power source component includes an air pump or an oil pump, and the trigger is configured to control the switch of the air pump or the oil pump. When the trigger is in a first position, the switch is in a closed state, and when the trigger is in a second position, the switch is in an open state. The air pump or the oil pump directly or indirectly drives the detected component to move.

[0050] Transformer 4

[0051] The driving force for driving the detected member to move may come from the drum cartridge, for example, by receiving the driving force from the photosensitive drum or a second driving force receiving member provided in the drum cartridge.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] The basic structure of the developing box 10a and the imaging device of this embodiment is the same as that of the developing box 10 and the imaging device of Example 1, and the same parts are not repeated here. The main differences are described below.

[0054] The driving force for driving the detected member 3a to move may come from a drum cartridge (not shown), for example, from the photosensitive drum 20 or a second driving force receiving member 21 provided in the drum cartridge (not shown).

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the detected component 3a of this embodiment can move in response to the movement of the second driving force receiving component 21. The movement of the detected component 3a can be rotation, swinging or sliding. At this time, the second driving force receiving component 21 can be regarded as a power source component; that is, the detected component 3a can be directly or indirectly driven by the second driving force receiving component 21.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the developing cartridge 10a is detachably mounted in a drum cartridge (not shown) provided with the photosensitive drum 20, and the drum cartridge (not shown) is detachably mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0057] In this embodiment, the drum cartridge (not shown) further includes a second driving force receiving member 21, a first driving force transmitting member 22, and a second driving force transmitting member 23. The second driving force receiving member 21 is disposed at the third end of the drum cartridge (not shown) and is capable of receiving a driving force from the imaging device and rotating. The first driving force transmitting member 22 and the second driving force transmitting member 23 are capable of moving in response to the rotation of the second driving force receiving member 21. Specifically, the first driving force transmitting member 22 is directly or indirectly connected to the second driving force receiving member 21 and the second driving force transmitting member 23. The second driving force transmitting member 23 is disposed at the fourth end of the drum cartridge (not shown). When the first driving force transmitting member 22 receives the driving force from the second driving force receiving member 21 and rotates, the second driving force transmitting member 23 is driven to rotate. The third end and the fourth end of the drum cartridge are arranged relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first driving force transmitting member 22 is the photosensitive drum 20. In some embodiments, the first driving force transmitting member 22 may be a charging roller or other rotating member supported on a drum cartridge (not shown). In other embodiments, the first driving force transmitting member 22 may be a component that moves in a translational or oscillating manner, which is not limited here.

[0059] The developing box 10a includes a detected member 3a and a transmission unit 4a, the detected member 3a can apply a force to the transmission mechanism of the detection unit of the imaging device to be detected, and the transmission unit 4a can receive the driving force from the second driving force receiving member 21 and transmit the driving force to the detected member 3a.

[0060] In this embodiment, the detected member 3a is arranged at the second end 102 of the developing box 10a, which includes a main body 31a, a first force receiving portion 32a and a detected portion 33a. The first force receiving portion 32a is arranged on the main body 31a and is used to receive an external driving force to move the detected member 3a. The detected portion 33a is arranged on the main body 31a and can touch the transmission mechanism of the detection unit.

[0061] The transmission unit 4a is arranged at the second end 102 of the developing box, and is provided with a first transmission member 41a and a second transmission member 42a. The first transmission member 41a can receive the driving force from the second driving force transmitting member 23 and rotate, and the second transmission member 42a can receive the driving force from the first transmission member 41a and rotate and transmit the driving force to the detected member 3a. The second transmission member 42a engages with the first force receiving part 32a and transmits the driving force.

[0062] Specifically, the transmission of force between the second driving force transmission member 23 and the first transmission member 41a can be transmitted by setting up gear meshing; or one of the second driving force transmission member 23 and the first transmission member 41a can be provided with a rubber wheel and the other can be provided with a gear part for transmission; or it can be transmitted by friction. Similarly, the transmission of force between the first transmission member 41a and the second transmission member 42a can be transmitted by setting up gear meshing; or it can be transmitted by setting up a rubber wheel on one of them and a gear part on the other; or it can be transmitted by friction. Similarly, the driving force between the second transmission member 42a and the detected member 3a can be transmitted by gear meshing, or it can be transmitted by setting up a rubber wheel on one of them and a gear part on the other; or it can be transmitted by friction.

[0063] When the developing box 10a is installed in the drum box, the first transmission member 41a and the second driving force transmitting member 23 are engaged. When the drum box and the developing box are installed together in the imaging device and detected, the second driving force receiving member 21 receives the driving force from the imaging device and rotates. The second driving force receiving member 21 drives the photosensitive drum 20 and the second driving force transmitting member 23 to rotate, and then transmits the driving force to the first transmission member 41a and the second transmission member 42a. The second transmission member 42a drives the detected member 3a to rotate for detection.

[0064] In some embodiments, the developing box also includes a power cut-off mechanism, which is used to cut off the driving force transmitted to the detected component 3a; specifically, the cut-off mechanism can be a notch portion arranged on the detected component, the first transmission member 41a, the second transmission member 42a or the second driving force receiving member 21.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first driving force transmitting member 22 and the second driving force transmitting member 23 can be omitted. The second driving force transmitting member 23 is disposed at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10a. The first transmission member 41a directly receives the driving force from the second driving force receiving member 21. The first transmission member 41a then transmits the driving force to the second transmission member 42a disposed at the second end of the developing cartridge 10a via a rotating body. The second transmission member 42a then drives the detected member 3a to rotate for detection. The rotating body spans the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the developing cartridge 10a. The rotating body can be a developing roller, a powder feeding roller, or a stirring member shaft.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second transmission member 42a may be omitted, and the first transmission member 41a directly transmits the driving force to the detected component 3a.

[0067] In some embodiments, the detected member can be disposed at the first end 101 of the developing cartridge 10 a .

[0068] In some embodiments, an idler wheel is provided on the drum cartridge, and the transmission unit 4a receives driving force from the idler wheel.

[0069] In some embodiments, the transmission unit 4a receives driving force from a charging roller and a charging roller gear provided on the drum cartridge.

[0070] In the developing cartridge of this structure, the detected member rotates by receiving the driving force from the second driving force receiving member, which can reduce the load on the first driving force receiving member and improve the service life of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge.

[0071] In the above embodiment and its modified examples, the detected component may also be configured as a sliding member or a swinging member.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment and its variations, during the installation of the developer cartridge into the drum cartridge, imaging device, or closing of the door cover, the power source member can accumulate elastic potential energy. For example, during this process, a torsion spring, compression spring, spring spring, or tension spring elastically deforms, accumulating elastic potential energy. Alternatively, during this process, the mutually repelling first and second magnets approach each other, accumulating potential energy.

[0073] In the above embodiment and its modified examples, the power source member can accumulate potential energy by receiving power during the rotation of the photosensitive drum. For example, the power source member is provided with a friction wheel to receive driving force from the photosensitive drum.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment and its variations, the power source member can receive driving force from a photosensitive drum, cleaning roller, charging roller, drive gear provided on the drum assembly, or a movable component, thereby directly or indirectly driving the detected member to move. Furthermore, the independent provision of a power source can reduce the impact of vibration of the first driving force receiving member of the developer cartridge on detection accuracy.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. To facilitate the distinction between different components, this application introduces terms such as "first" and "second", where the terms "first" and "second" are not to be understood as limiting their quantity. For example, the driving member described in this application has a second gear portion, but this does not mean that the driving member must have a first gear portion and a third gear portion. According to the description, the components described by "first" and "second" can be one or more; the terms "above", "upper side", "below", and "lower side" are based on the description in the accompanying drawings and are not specific limitations on their orientation. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments can still be modified, or some or all of the technical features therein can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A developing box, which can be detachably installed in an imaging device, wherein the imaging device is provided with a detection unit; the developing box comprises: A box frame, inside of which is provided a powder bin for containing developer; a developing roller rotatably disposed on the cartridge frame; a first driving force receiving member, directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate; A detected component capable of being detected by the detection unit; Characterized in that the developing box also includes: The power source component can directly or indirectly drive the detected component to move.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first driving force receiving member is disposed at a first end of the developing cartridge and is capable of directly or indirectly driving the developing roller to rotate, and the detected member is disposed at a second end of the developing cartridge.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The developing box is detachably installed in the drum box, and the drum box is detachably installed in the imaging device. The power source component is a second driving force receiving component arranged in the drum box, and the second driving force receiving component can receive driving force from the imaging device. The detected component can move in response to the movement of the second driving force receiving component.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The second driving force receiving member can directly or indirectly drive the detected member to rotate, swing or slide.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The developing cartridge further includes a transmission unit that can be directly or indirectly driven by the second driving force receiving member, and the transmission unit can transmit the driving force to the detected member.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transmission unit includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member. The first transmission member can receive the driving force from the second driving force receiving member to rotate, and the second transmission member can receive the driving force from the first transmission member to rotate and transmit the driving force to the detected member.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The developing box further includes a power cut-off mechanism, and the power cut-off mechanism is disposed on the detected member or the first transmission member or the second transmission member or the second driving force receiving member.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The power cut-off mechanism includes a notch portion.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second driving force receiving member is provided at a first end of the drum cartridge, the detected member is provided at a second end of the developing cartridge, and the second driving force receiving member receives a driving force from the image forming device to rotate.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that: The drum box also includes a first driving force transmission member and a second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member is directly or indirectly connected to the second driving force receiving member and the second driving force transmission member, the first driving force transmission member can receive the driving force from the second driving force receiving member and rotate, the second driving force transmission member can be driven to rotate by the first driving force transmission member, and the developing box also includes a transmission unit, the transmission unit can receive the driving force from the second driving force transmission member and rotate, and transmit the driving force to the detected member.

11. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detected member includes a main body, a first force receiving portion and a detected portion. The first force receiving portion is disposed on the main body and is used to receive an external driving force so that the detected member moves and can touch the detection unit.

12. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power source component includes a battery and a motor; or the power source component includes a first magnet and a second magnet that repel each other; or the power source component includes an air pump or an oil pump.

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