Developing cartridge

Abstract

A developing cartridge, comprising: a cartridge body; a developing roller, which is arranged on the cartridge body rotatably in a first direction; a support which is fixedly arranged at a first end of the cartridge body; an electrical contact surface which is fixedly arranged on the support and can be identified by an image forming device; and a storage medium electrically connected to the electrical contact surface, wherein the support is provided with a first extension portion, the first extension portion extends in a third direction, and when the developing cartridge and a drum assembly are installed in the image forming device, the first extension portion can prevent the developing cartridge from shifting in the third direction, so that the electrical contact surface remains in a state in which the electrical contact surface can be identified by the image forming device. The present invention solves the problem in the prior art that the electrical contact surface is out of contact with the electrical contact pin of the image forming device, causing the image forming device to be unable to identify the developing cartridge by means of the electrical contact pin.

Description

A developing box Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic imaging, and in particular to a developing box. Background Art

[0002] A developer cartridge is a detachable component widely used in image forming devices. It includes a developer roller. An image forming device typically has four developer cartridges, one for each of the four photosensitive drums. Each cartridge contains a different color of developer. The developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum and transfers toner to the drum, allowing the image forming device to better utilize the various colors of toner to produce images, meeting a wider range of user printing needs. To prevent prolonged contact between the developer roller and the photosensitive drum, which could damage the developer roller or drum, the developer cartridge is designed to separate from the photosensitive drum when not in use. Therefore, a separator is provided on the developer cartridge to receive the separation force provided by the image forming device, disengaging the developer roller from the photosensitive drum and ensuring the image quality of the image forming device. However, when the drum and roller separate, the side of the developer cartridge where the storage medium resides will experience a certain downward displacement, causing the electrical contact surface to disengage from the electrical contact pins of the image forming device, making it impossible for the image forming device to identify the developer cartridge through the electrical contact pins.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing cartridge that can be detachably installed together with a drum assembly in an image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge comprising:

[0005] a box body for accommodating a developer, the box body 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;

[0006] a developing roller rotatably disposed on the cartridge body about a first direction;

[0007] a bracket, which is fixedly arranged at the first end of the box body;

[0008] an electrical contact surface fixedly disposed on the bracket and capable of being recognized by the image forming device; and

[0009] a storage medium electrically connected to the electrical contact surface;

[0010] The bracket is provided with a first extension portion, which extends along a third direction. When the developer box and the drum assembly are installed in the image forming device, the first extension portion can prevent the developer box from deviating along the third direction, so that the electrical contact surface can remain in a state recognized by the image forming device.

[0011] The present invention solves the problem in the prior art that the electrical contact surface is out of contact with the electrical contact pin of the image forming device, thereby the image forming device cannot identify the developing cartridge through the electrical contact pin, by providing the first extension portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the image forming device is provided with a side wall, and the side wall is provided with a track at a bottom portion in the third direction;

[0013] The developing cartridge has a contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum of the drum assembly and a separation position where the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum;

[0014] When the developing cartridge is located at the contact position, the first extension portion is located above the rail in the third direction and has a distance from the rail;

[0015] When the developing cartridge moves to the separation position, the first extending portion moves downward with the developing cartridge and abuts against the rail.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top of the side wall is provided with an electric contact pin that can be extended and retracted along the third direction;

[0017] The distance that the electric contact pin can be extended and retracted in the third direction is defined as the third distance H3. When the developing box is in the contact position, the distance between the first extension part and the track in the third direction is defined as the second distance H2. The relationship between the second distance H2 and the third distance H3 is: H2≤H3.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first distance H1 is defined between the lower end of the first extension portion in the third direction and the lower end of the bracket in the third direction, and the value range of the first distance H1 is 2.4 mm ≤ H1 ≤ 4 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the developing cartridge is located at the contact position, the distance between the first extension portion and the rail in the third direction is defined as a second distance H2 , and a value range of the second distance H2 is 0.2 mm ≤ H2 ≤ 1.3 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, in the third direction, a fourth distance H4 is present between the electrical contact surface and an end of the first extension portion in the third direction close to the sixth end. The fourth distance H4 has a value range of 26.4 mm ≤ H4 ≤ 28 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, a second extending portion for reinforcing the first extending portion is provided on one side of the first extending portion in the second direction toward the fourth end.

[0022] In some embodiments, a third extension portion is provided on one side of the first extension portion toward the third end in the second direction, and the third extension portion is used to abut against the side wall in the second direction after the developing cartridge and the drum assembly are installed in the image forming device.

[0023] In some embodiments, a separating member is provided at the first end of the cartridge body, and the separating member receives a separating force applied by the image forming device, so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum move from a contact position to a separated position.

[0024] In some embodiments, when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum move from the contact position to the separation position, the distance generated by the movement of the second end of the cartridge body is smaller than the distance generated by the movement of the first end of the cartridge body.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cartridge body is provided with a pushing assembly for receiving the pushing force applied by the drum assembly to keep the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in a contact position;

[0026] The direction of the pushing force received by the pushing component is from the sixth end toward the photosensitive drum. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a first perspective perspective view of the drum assembly of the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a second perspective view of the drum assembly of the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is a perspective view of a first end of a developing cartridge in the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a perspective view of the second end of the developing cartridge in the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the first end of the developing cartridge in the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a perspective schematic diagram of a developing cartridge transmission assembly in the present application;

[0033] FIG7 is a perspective view of the first end of the developing cartridge and the drum assembly in the present application;

[0034] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the second end of the developing cartridge and the drum assembly in the present application;

[0035] FIG9 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge and the drum roller of the drum assembly before separation in the present application;

[0036] 10 is a schematic diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge and the drum roller of the drum assembly before separation in the present application;

[0037] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge and the drum roller of the drum assembly after separation in the present application;

[0038] 12 is a schematic diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge and the drum roller of the drum assembly after separation in the present application;

[0039] Figure 13 is a perspective schematic diagram of the development cartridge and the drum assembly with the same side wall in the present application;

[0040] FIG14 is an enlarged schematic diagram of A in FIG15 ;

[0041] Figure 15 is an exploded schematic diagram of the developing cartridge and the drum assembly cooperating with the same side wall in the present application;

[0042] FIG16 is an enlarged schematic diagram of B in FIG17;

[0043] FIG17 is a perspective view of a bracket in a first variation of the present application;

[0044] FIG18 is a perspective view of a bracket in a second variation of the present application;

[0045] 19 is a perspective view of the cooperation between the developing cartridge and the side wall of the drum assembly in the second modified example of the present application;

[0046] FIG20 is a three-dimensional diagram of the bracket in the third modified example of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In the following description of directions, when viewed perpendicularly to the page of FIG1 , the left side of the page of FIG1 is left, the right side of the page of FIG1 is right, the upper side of the page of FIG1 is top, the lower side of the page of FIG1 is bottom, the near side of the page of FIG1 is front, and the far side of the page of FIG1 is back. The left-right direction illustrated in the present application is an embodiment of the first direction, the front-back direction is an embodiment of the second direction, and the up-down direction is an embodiment of the third direction.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 12, this embodiment provides a developer cartridge 1. The developer cartridge 1 is detachably mounted on a drum assembly 2 of an image forming device. The developer cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are combined to form a processing cartridge. The image forming device is provided with a separate output member. The drum assembly 2 is used to carry the developer cartridge 1. The drum assembly 2 includes a first side wall 21, a second side wall 22, and a photosensitive drum 23. The photosensitive drum 23 is rotatably supported by the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22. The photosensitive drum 23 receives the developer provided by the developer cartridge 1 to form an electrostatic latent image. A first guide rail 211 is provided on the first side wall 21, and a second guide rail 221 is provided on the second side wall 22. Both the first guide rail 211 and the second guide rail 221 are arc-shaped openings for guiding the developer cartridge 1 to be smoothly installed on the drum assembly 2. A first abutment portion (not shown in the figure) is provided adjacent to the first guide rail 211. The drum assembly also includes a force-applying assembly for applying a pushing force to the developer cartridge 1 so that the photosensitive drum 23 receives the developer more stably. The force-applying assembly includes a first force-applying member 212 disposed near the first side wall 21 and a second force-applying member 222 disposed near the second side wall 22. The first force-applying member 212 and the second force-applying member 222 are both connected to an elastic member and are movable relative to the photosensitive drum 23. When the developer cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2, the first force-applying member 212 and the second force-applying member 222 are capable of applying a pushing force to the developer cartridge 1 in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 23. The drum assembly 2 is also provided with a separation lever 24 near the first side wall. The separation lever 24 is movable relative to the drum assembly 2. Specifically, the separation lever 24 is capable of receiving a force applied by a separation force output member on the image forming device, thereby generating a displacement relative to the drum assembly 2 and applying a separation force to the developer cartridge to force the developing roller 131 on the developer cartridge 1 to separate from the photosensitive drum 23, thereby separating the drum rollers.

[0054] The developing cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 10 , a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, a separating member, and an identifying assembly.

[0055] The cartridge body 10 has a chamber for accommodating developer. The cartridge body 10 has a first end 11 and a second end 12, positioned opposite each other in a first direction. The first end 11 corresponds to the first sidewall 21, is located to the left in the first direction, and serves as the driving side of the process cartridge. The second end 12 corresponds to the second sidewall 22, is located to the right in the first direction, and serves as the non-driving side of the process cartridge. The cartridge body 10 has a third end 13 and a fourth end 14, positioned opposite each other in a second direction. The third end 13 is positioned forward in the second direction, and the fourth end 14 is positioned rearward in the second direction. The cartridge body 10 has a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16, positioned opposite each other in a third direction. The fifth end 15 is positioned upward in the third direction, and the sixth end 16 is positioned downward in the third direction. The orientation of the drum assembly 2 is the same as that of the developer cartridge 1. The cartridge body 10 has a friction portion 151 on the fifth end 15, which is provided with a plurality of ribs extending in the first direction to facilitate user handling of the developer cartridge 1. A transmission assembly is located at the first end 11 and is configured to receive power from the image forming device to drive the developing assembly in the developer cartridge 1. The first protective cover 111 is detachably fixedly mounted on the first end 11 of the box body 10 . The first protective cover 111 at least covers a portion of the transmission assembly to protect the transmission assembly.

[0056] The identification component is located at the first end 11. In this application, the identification component is specifically a storage medium 113. The storage medium 113 is used to store information about the developer cartridge 1. When the developer cartridge 1 is installed in an image forming device, the storage medium 113 transmits the information to the image forming device, allowing the image forming device to recognize the developer cartridge 1. The storage medium 113 includes an electrical contact surface 1131 formed integrally therewith or assembled separately. The electrical contact surface 1131 can be electrically connected to the image forming device, thereby allowing the image forming device to recognize the developer cartridge information stored in the storage medium 131.

[0057] A bracket 114 is fixedly mounted at the first end 11. The bracket 114 is first secured to the first protective cover 111 via a snap 1 and then further secured to the first protective cover 111 via screws, thereby indirectly securing the bracket 114 to the cartridge body 10. The bracket 114 has a first extension on its lower side in the vertical direction (the third direction). The first extension is used to prevent the developer cartridge from deflecting downward in the third direction, thereby preventing the electrical contact surface 1131 from disengaging from the electrical contact pins 92 on the image forming device, thereby ensuring that the electrical contact surface 1131 remains recognizable by the image forming device. In this embodiment, the first extension is specifically a rib 1141. In other embodiments, the first extension can also have other shapes, such as an arc-shaped protrusion or a strip-shaped protrusion. It is understood that the first extension can have a different shape from the lower side of the bracket 114, or it can have the same shape as the lower side of the bracket 114, i.e., it can extend downward directly from the lower side of the bracket 114 itself, making the first extension essentially a part of the bracket 114 (see the third variation below for details). In this embodiment, specifically, the rib 1141 extends downward, exceeding the bottom wall 1142 of the bracket 114 in the third direction (see Figure 14) by a certain distance. The rib 1141 can be set separately from the bracket 114 or integrally with the bracket 114. In this application, preferably, the rib 1141 and the bracket 114 are integrally formed.

[0058] In other embodiments, the bracket 114 can be directly fixed to the cartridge body 10 or the first protective cover 111 by welding, gluing, or other methods. The storage medium 113 is fixedly mounted on the bracket 114, and neither the storage medium 113 nor the bracket 114 can be displaced relative to the cartridge body 10. In some embodiments, the electrical contact surface 1131 is provided separately from the storage medium 113. The electrical contact surface 1131 is fixedly provided on the bracket 114, while the storage medium 113 can be provided elsewhere on the developer cartridge, as long as the storage medium 113 is electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 1131 via wires or other methods.

[0059] The developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a powder feed roller (not shown), and a stirring frame (not shown). The developing roller 131, the stirring frame, and the powder feed roller are all rotatably mounted in a housing chamber between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The rotation axes of the developing roller 131, the stirring frame, and the powder feed roller all extend in a first direction. The powder feed roller is disposed adjacent to the developing roller 131, and in a second direction, the developing roller 131 is closer to the third end 13 of the box body 1 than the powder feed roller. The stirring frame is used to stir the developer in the developing chamber, causing friction in the developer to prevent the developer from clumping. The developing roller 131 is used to contact the photosensitive drum 23 to transfer the developer to the photosensitive drum 23. The developing assembly also includes a powder knife, which extends in the first direction and is used to contact the developing roller 131 to control the thickness of the developer layer on the developing roller 131.

[0060] The transmission assembly is arranged at the first end 11, and the transmission assembly includes a driving part. The driving part 40 includes a power receiving part 401 and a driving gear 402. The two can be integrally formed or combined. In the first direction, the driving gear 402 is closer to the box body 10 than the power receiving part 401. The power receiving part 401 is used to receive the power output by the image forming device, thereby driving the driving gear 402 to rotate.

[0061] The transmission assembly also includes a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, a first idler gear 43, a second idler gear 44, and a stirring gear 45. The powder feeding gear 42 is engaged with the driving gear 402 to receive power and rotate. The first idler gear 43 is engaged with the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42 at the same time. The powder feeding gear 42 transmits the driving force to the developing gear 43 through the first idler gear 43. The second idler gear 44 is a two-stage gear having a large gear and a small gear. In the first direction, the large gear is farther away from the box body 10 than the small gear. The large gear is engaged with the driving gear 402, and the small gear is engaged with the stirring gear 45. That is, the driving gear 402 drives the stirring gear 45 through the second idler gear 44, driving the stirring frame to rotate.

[0062] In some other embodiments, the developing box 1 may not be provided with a stirring frame, that is, there is no need to set a stirring gear 45 and a second idler gear 44. The driving gear 401 only needs to drive the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42. As for how to drive and how to set the position and number of the idler gears, no excessive restrictions are made here.

[0063] In other embodiments, the driving gear 402 can directly engage with the powder feeding gear 42 and the first idler gear 43. The first idler gear 43 is coaxially arranged with the powder feeding gear 42 and there is no power transmission between the two. The first idler gear 43 engages with the second idler gear 44 to drive the developing gear 41.

[0064] In some other embodiments, the drive gear 402 is directly meshed with the powder feed gear 42 and the first idler gear 43. The first idler gear 43 transmits the driving force to the developing gear 41 via the second idler gear 44. The first idler gear 43 and the powder feed gear 42 are not coaxial. A first bearing 47 is also provided at the first end 11. The first bearing 47 is used to support the developing roller 131 and the powder feed roller located at one end of the first end 11. Preferably, a plurality of support columns are provided on the first bearing 47. The plurality of support columns respectively rotatably support the first idler gear 43 and the driving unit 40. In other embodiments, the driving unit 40 is directly supported by the housing 10.

[0065] The developer cartridge 1 further includes a guided assembly and a pushing assembly. The guided assembly facilitates smooth installation of the developer cartridge 1 onto the drum assembly 2. The guided assembly includes a first guided portion 122 and a second guided portion 313. The first guided portion 122 is located at the first end 11, and the second guided portion 313 is located at the second end 12. In the present application, the first guided portion 122 is preferably integrally formed with the first protective cover 111. In other embodiments, the first guided portion 122 may be provided separately from the first protective cover 111. The first guided portion 122 is arc-shaped and is guided by the first guide rail 211 to facilitate installation of the developer cartridge 1. When the developing box 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the pushing assembly is abutted by the force-applying assembly so that the developing box 1 receives the pushing force applied by the drum assembly 2, so that the developing roller 131 is in close contact with the photosensitive drum 23. In this embodiment, the direction in which the pushing assembly receives the pushing force of the force-applying assembly is from the sixth end 16 toward the photosensitive drum 23, that is, the received pushing force is in the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction and at the same time has a certain angle with the second direction and the third direction. The pushing assembly includes a first pushing portion (not shown in the figure) located at the first end 11 and a second pushing portion 312 located at the second end 12. The first pushing portion is abutted by the first force-applying member 212 to receive the pushing force. In the present application, the first pushing portion and the first guided portion 122 are formed integrally to simplify the structure of the developing box 1. In other embodiments, it can be a separate combination. A separating member 32 is also provided on the first guided portion 122. The separating member 32 is a protrusion protruding along the first direction. In the present application, it is preferred that the separating member 32 is formed integrally with the first guided portion 122, or it can be a split combination. The separating member 32 can receive the separation force applied by the image forming device.

[0066] A support member 31 is provided at the second end 12 of the developer cartridge 1. The support member 31 is fixedly mounted on the cartridge body 10 by means of screws or the like. The support member 31 includes a second pushing portion 312 and a second guided portion 313. In this embodiment, the second pushing portion 312 is symmetrically arranged with the first pushing portion. The second pushing portion 312 is abutted by the second force-applying member 222 to receive the pushing force. The second guided portion 313 is a cylindrical protrusion extending in the first direction. The second guided portion 313 is guided by the second guide rail 221 to facilitate the installation of the developer cartridge 1. A second abutting portion 34 is also provided on the second guided portion 313. The second abutting portion 34 radially protrudes relative to the second guided portion 313, penetrates along the first direction, and at least partially overlaps with the developing roller 131.

[0067] As shown in Figures 7 to 12, the process of separating the developing cartridge 1 from the drum assembly 2 is described as follows:

[0068] The separation rod 24 includes a separation force receiving surface 241 and a separation force output surface 242. The separation force receiving surface 241 can receive the separation force applied by the separation output component on the image forming device, thereby driving the separation rod 24 to move. The separation force output surface 242 abuts against the separation component 32 on the developer box 1 when the separation rod 24 moves, and applies a separation force to the developer box 1 through the separation component 32, so that the developer box 1 and the photosensitive drum 2 are separated.

[0069] When the developer cartridge 1 is fully installed on the drum assembly 2, referring to FIG8 , at the second end 12 of the developer cartridge, the second abutting portion 34 contacts the first abutted portion 2211, and the contact position is the first position. The second abutting portion 34 is preferably an arc-shaped recessed portion, which can prevent the second abutting portion 34 from interfering with the first abutted portion 2211 when the developer cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, and can also ensure stable contact between the second abutting portion 34 and the first abutted portion 2211. In other embodiments, the second abutting portion 34 can be a protrusion of other shapes. The position where one end of the developing roller 131 at the second end 12 contacts the photosensitive drum 24 is the second position, and the first position is outside the second position. Furthermore, in the first direction, the first position is farther away from the first end 11 than the second position, that is, the first position is closer to the second end 12.

[0070] When the release lever 24 has not received a separation command from the image forming device, it does not apply a separation force to the release member 32. The developing roller 131 remains in contact with the photosensitive drum 23, and the developing cartridge operates normally. When the release lever 24 receives a separation command, the separation force receiving surface 241 receives the separation force transmitted by the image forming device. Under the action of the separation force, the release lever 24 moves relative to the drum assembly. At this time, the separation force output surface 242 on the release lever 24 abuts against the release member 32 to apply a separation force thereto. The release member 32 transmits the separation force to the cartridge body 10, causing the cartridge body 10 to move away from the photosensitive drum 23. In this embodiment, the separation force applied to the cartridge body 10 is in the opposite direction of the thrust force applied to the cartridge body 10. Furthermore, the first end 11 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 22, and since the first position at the second end 12 is located outside the contact position between the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23, the box body 10 can use the first position as a fulcrum, and the separation force of the first end 11 drives the entire box body 10 to swing in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 23 to overcome the forced thrust applied by the force-applying component, thereby separating the developing roller 131 from the photosensitive drum 23.

[0071] It can be seen that the distance generated by the movement of the second end 12 of the box body 10 is smaller than the second distance generated by the movement of the first end 11, that is, in the first direction from left to right, the gap between the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23 gradually decreases, that is, the gap between the end of the developing roller 131 at the second end 12 and the photosensitive drum 23 is smaller than the gap between the end at the first end 11 and the photosensitive drum 23.

[0072] When the developer cartridge 1 and drum assembly 2 are installed together in an image forming device, the identification assembly can cooperate with the side wall 90 of the image forming device. The top of the side wall 90 in the third direction has a recess 91, and the recess 91 contains an electrical contact pin 92. The electrical contact pin 92 can be extended and retracted in the third direction. The electrical contact pin 92 can contact the electrical contact surface 1131 on the storage medium 113, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the storage medium 113 and the image forming device, allowing the image forming device to recognize the information of the developer cartridge 1. The side wall 90 also has a track 93 and an inclined surface 94. The intersection of the inclined surface 94 and the track 93 is located above the track 93 in the third direction.

[0073] It is known that when the developer cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2 and the drum roller is separated, due to structural reasons, the first end 11 of the cartridge body 10 will undergo a certain displacement in the third direction. Specifically, the bracket 114 fixed to the first protective cover 111 will undergo a certain displacement in the third direction. Specifically, when the process cartridge is installed in the image forming device, when the electrical contact surface 1131 contacts the electrical contact pin 92, it will squeeze the electrical contact pin 92, causing the electrical contact pin 92 to move upward a certain distance in the third direction. When the drum roller is separated, the bracket 114 and the electrical contact surface 1131 move downward in the third direction together. If the movement distance is too great, the electrical contact pin 92 will rebound to the length before the electrical contact surface 1131 and the electrical contact pin 92 contacted, and will be unable to move downward. The electrical contact surface 1131 may lose contact with the electrical contact pin 92, causing the image forming device to be unable to recognize the developer cartridge.

[0074] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, to address the potential loss of contact between the electrical contact pin 92 and the electrical contact surface 1131 when the drum roller is separated, a rib 1141 is provided at the bottom of the bracket 114 along the third direction. The rib 1141 extends downward along the third direction and extends beyond the bottom wall 1142 of the bracket 114 in the third direction by a distance, which is a first distance H1 (see Figure 14). In the third direction, a distance, which is a fourth distance H4, exists between the electrical contact surface 1131 and the end of the rib 1141 in the third direction closer to the sixth end 16. After the developer cartridge 1 and drum assembly 2 are installed together in the image forming apparatus, and before the drum roller is separated, the downward end of the rib 1141 in the third direction also exists at a distance, which is a second distance H2, from the rail 93.

[0075] 15-16 , the electric contact pin 92 can be squeezed and contracted. When the developer cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device and before the drum roller is separated, the electric contact surface 1131 contacts the electric contact pin 92, and the electric contact pin 92 is compressed upward in the third direction. The distance between the end surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the electric contact pin 92 in the third direction before contacting the electric contact surface 1131 (i.e., in a free state) and the end surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the electric contact pin 92 in the third direction after contact (i.e., in a compressed state) is a third distance H3, that is, the position change of the electric contact pin 92 before and after contacting the electric contact surface 1131 is the third distance H3, and the second distance H2 is less than or equal to the third distance H3.

[0076] When the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device and the drum roller begins to separate, the driving end of the developer box 1 will move downward along the third direction. When the moving distance is the same as the second distance H2, the rib 1141 abuts against the track 93, limiting the developer box 1 from continuing to move downward. The distance that the electric contact pin 92 rebounds downward (i.e. extends downward) is the second distance H2, and the second distance H2 is smaller than the third distance H2. Therefore, until the drum roller separation is completed, although the electric contact pin 92 rebounds a certain distance, the electrical contact surface 1131 and the electric contact pin 92 will not be disconnected.

[0077] When the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed together in the image forming device, the rib 1141 will interfere with the intersection of the track 93 and the inclined surface 94. The second distance H2 is set to avoid this so that the rib 1141 will not interfere with the side wall 90, that is, the rib 1141 will not interfere with the intersection of the inclined surface 94 and the track 93, thereby hindering the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 from being smoothly installed in the image forming device.

[0078] Preferably, the first distance H1 is 3.7 mm, the second distance H2 is 0.5 mm, and the third distance is 1.3 mm. The first distance H1 is the distance that the rib 1141 extends beyond the bottom wall 1142 of the bracket 114 , that is, the first distance H1 can be considered to be the length of the rib 1141 .

[0079] Preferably, in other embodiments, the second distance H2 is not necessarily 0.5 mm, it can be greater than 0.5 mm or less than 0.5 mm, as long as the existence of the second distance H2 prevents the rib 114 from interfering with the side wall 90 when the developer cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device, so that the developer cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 can be smoothly installed in the image forming device, and when the drum roller is separated, the rib 1141 can abut against the track 93 before the electric contact pin 92 completely rebounds. When the second distance H2 is too small, the rib 1141 is likely to interfere with the side wall 90, so the second distance H2 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm. When the second distance H2 is too large, the electric contact pin 92 completely rebounds before the rib 1141 abuts against the track 93, that is, H2 is less than or equal to 1.3 mm. In this application, as long as the second distance H2 meets the following conditions: 0.2 mm ≤ H2 ≤ 1.3 mm, it is sufficient.

[0080] In other embodiments, due to different image forming devices and developing boxes 1, the size of the side wall 90 and the size of the bracket 114 are different, so that the second distance H2 can also be a value within another range, as long as the rib 1141 is in contact with the track 93 before the electric contact pin 92 fully rebounds.

[0081] In other embodiments, due to differences in image forming devices, some side walls 90 do not have a protrusion where the inclined surface 94 and the track 93 meet, ie, the second distance H2 is not required.

[0082] Furthermore, the first distance H1 is not necessarily 3.7 mm, other distances are also acceptable, and the first distance H1 is related to the second distance H2. When the second distance H2 increases, the first distance H1 needs to be reduced, and when the second distance H2 decreases, the first distance H1 increases. No matter how it changes, as long as it is ensured that after the developing box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed together in the image forming device, when the drum roller is separated, the rib 1141 can abut against the track 93 before the electric contact pin 92 completely rebounds, ensuring that the electric contact surface 1131 is in contact with the electric contact pin 92, according to the numerical change of the second distance H2, when the second distance H2 is maximum, the first distance H1 should be greater than 2.4 mm. If it is less than 2.4 mm, it exceeds the rebound amount of the electric contact pin 92; when the second distance H2 is minimum, the first distance H1 should be less than 4 mm. The first distance H1 satisfies the following relationship: 2.4 mm≤H2≤mm. The fourth distance H4 is related to the first distance H1. The preferred fourth distance H4 is 27.7 mm (ie, when the first distance is 3.7). The value range of the fourth distance H4 is: 26.4 mm ≤ H4 ≤ 28 mm.

[0083] Furthermore, when the second distance H2 is equal to the minimum distance, that is, H2 = 0.2 mm, the first distance H1 = 4 mm. At this time, when the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device, the rib 1141 just interferes with the side wall 90, but does not affect the normal installation of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2. That is, the lower end of the rib 1141 in the third direction is attached to the upper side of the track 93 at the junction of the inclined surface 94 of the side wall 90 and the track 93. When the second distance H2 is equal to the maximum distance , that is, when H2=1.3mm=H3, the first distance H1=2.4mm. At this time, when the drum roller separates, the developer box 1 moves, and the electric contact pin 92 rebounds. When the rebound amount of the electric contact pin 92 is just H3, that is, when it just rebounds to its original length, the rib 1141 abuts against the track 93. At this time, the lower end face of the electric contact pin 92 in the third direction just contacts the electric contact surface 1131. At this time, the electric contact surface 1131 does not generate any force on the electric contact pin 92 along the third direction.

[0084] By providing a rib 1141 on the bracket 114 that can abut against the track 93 on the side wall 90 of the image forming device, it is possible to effectively prevent the electrical contact surface 1131 from being disengaged from the electrical contact pin 92 when the drum roller is separated after the developing box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device, thereby preventing the image forming device from being unable to recognize the developing box 1.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 20 , there are several variations of the bracket 114 in this application.

[0086] As shown in FIG17 , which is a first variation of the bracket 114 in the present application, a second extension portion 1143 extending along the second direction is provided between the rib 1141 and the bracket 114. Specifically, the second extension portion 1143 extends rearward along the second direction, that is, extends toward the fourth end in the second direction. It is understood that the second extension portion 1143 can have a different shape from the lower side of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion, or can have the same shape as the lower side of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion, that is, the second extension portion 1143 is formed by directly extending the lower side of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion itself in the second direction, so that the second extension portion 1143 is essentially a part of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion (see the third variation below for details). In this embodiment, the second extension portion 1143 is specifically a rib, and the second extension portion 1143 is used to reinforce the rib 1141 to prevent the rib 1141 from being deformed or damaged due to excessive force when abutting against the track 93, thereby reducing the abutment effect and causing the electrical contact pin 92 to separate from the electrical contact surface 1131. Apart from this, the size, shape, etc. of the rib 1141 are exactly the same as those in this application and no changes have been made.

[0087] Furthermore, the second extension portion 1143 can be provided singly or in plurality. In this variation, two second extension portions 1142 are provided to better reinforce the rib 1141. In other variations, one or more second extension portions 1142 can be provided, and the number is not specifically limited. In this variation, the second extension portion 1142 is sheet-shaped, and the sheet-shaped second extension portion 1143 extends along the second direction. In other variations, the sheet-shaped second extension portion 1143 can also extend in other directions, as long as it can reinforce the rib 1141. The specific extension direction is not specifically limited here.

[0088] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, this is a second variation of the present application. Compared with the first variation, in the second variation, the second extension portion 1142 is centered on the rib 1141, and extends backward along the second direction while also extending forward along the second direction. The forward-extending portion (i.e., extending toward the third end in the second direction) is formed as a third extension portion 1144. It can be understood that the third extension portion 1144 can have a different shape from the lower side of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion, or it can have the same shape as the lower side of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion, that is, it directly extends forward through the lower side of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion itself to form the third extension portion 1144, so that the third extension portion 1144 is essentially a part of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion (see the third variation below for details). In this embodiment, specifically, the third extension portion 1144 is a rib. After the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device, the third extension portion 1144 extending forward in the second direction abuts against the side wall 90 of the track 93 forward along the second direction while the rib 1141 abuts against the track 93, so as to assist the rib 1141 in supporting part of the force of the driving end of the developer box 1 moving downward, thereby reducing the force exerted on the rib 1141 during support, thereby preventing the rib 1141 from being deformed or damaged due to excessive force when abutting against the track 93. Other than that, the other parts are exactly the same as the first modified example.

[0089] As shown in Figure 20, this is the third variation of the present application. In this variation, the first extension portion is a part of the bracket 114. The second extension portion 1143 and the third extension portion 1144 are not provided. Instead, the bracket 114 is extended downward along the third direction. The extension size can be the same as the size range of the present application, thereby increasing the strength.

[0090] In other embodiments, the second extension portion 1143 and the third extension portion 1144 are part of the bracket 114 or the first extension portion, that is, compared with the present application, the thickness of the rib 1141 is increased in the second direction to increase the strength of the rib 1142, so that the rib 1141 will not be deformed or damaged due to excessive force when it abuts against the track 93.

[0091] The above are several preferred modification examples of the present application, the purpose of which is to strengthen the strength of the rib 1141 to prevent the strength of the rib 1142 from being increased, so that the rib 1141 will not be deformed or damaged due to excessive force when it abuts against the track 93.

[0092] Furthermore, other methods for strengthening the ribs 1141 are not limited to rib reinforcement / rib thickening methods. This application only provides several better variations, not all variations. Other reinforcement methods are not specifically limited here, as long as they can achieve the purpose of this application.

[0093] By providing a rib 1141 on the bracket 114 that can abut against the track 93 on the side wall 90 of the image forming device, it is possible to effectively prevent the electrical contact surface 1131 from being disengaged from the electrical contact pin 92 due to the deviation of the developer box 1 when the drum roller is separated after the developer box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are installed in the image forming device, and the image forming device is unable to recognize the developer box 1. By adding a second extension portion 1143 and / or a third extension portion 1144 to the rib 1141, it is possible to effectively prevent deformation damage when the rib 1141 abuts against the track 93, thereby affecting the abutment effect and failing to prevent the deviation of the developer box 1.

[0094] 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 that can be detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus together with a drum unit, characterized in that, The developing cartridge includes: a cartridge body for accommodating a developer, the cartridge body 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 rotatably provided on the cartridge body about the first direction; a bracket fixedly provided at the first end of the cartridge body; an electrical contact surface fixedly provided on the bracket and capable of being recognized by the image forming apparatus; and a storage medium electrically connected to the electrical contact surface; the bracket is provided with a first extension portion extending along the third direction. When the developing cartridge and the drum unit are installed in the image forming apparatus, the first extension portion can prevent the developing cartridge from shifting in the third direction, so that the electrical contact surface can maintain a state of being recognized by the image forming apparatus.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The image forming apparatus is provided with a side wall, and a track is provided at the bottom of the side wall in the third direction; The developing cartridge has a contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum of the drum unit and a separation position where it is separated from the photosensitive drum; When the developing cartridge is at the contact position, the first extension portion is located above the track in the third direction and has a distance from the track; When the developing cartridge moves to the separation position, the first extension portion moves downward with the developing cartridge and abuts against the track.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein An electrical contact pin that can be telescoped in the third direction is provided at the top of the side wall; Define the distance that the electrical contact pin can be telescoped in the third direction as a third distance H3, and define the distance between the first extension portion and the track in the third direction when the developing cartridge is at the contact position as a second distance H2. The relationship between the second distance H2 and the third distance H3 is: H2 ≤ H3.

4. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Define that there is a first distance H1 between the lower end of the first extension portion in the third direction and the lower end of the bracket in the third direction. The value range of the first distance H1 is 2.4 mm ≤ H1 ≤ 4 mm.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, Define the distance between the first extension portion and the track in the third direction when the developing cartridge is at the contact position as a second distance H2. The value range of the second distance H2 is 0.2 mm ≤ H2 ≤ 1.3 mm.

6. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In the third direction, there is a fourth distance H4 between the electrical contact surface and one end of the first extension portion close to the sixth end in the third direction. The value range of the fourth distance H4 is: 26.4 mm ≤ H4 ≤ 28 mm.

7. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A second extension portion for strengthening the first extension portion is provided on one side of the first extension portion facing the fourth end in the second direction.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein A third extension portion is provided on one side of the first extension portion facing the third end in the second direction. The third extension portion is used to abut against the side wall in the second direction after the developing cartridge and the drum unit are installed in the image forming apparatus.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein A separating member is provided at the first end of the cartridge body. The separating member receives a separating force applied by the image forming apparatus, so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum move from the contact position to the separation position.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, wherein, When the developing roller and the photosensitive drum move from the contact position to the separation position, the distance generated by the movement of the second end of the cartridge body is less than the distance generated by the movement of the first end of the cartridge body.

11. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, The cartridge body is provided with a pushing component for receiving the pushing force applied by the drum component to keep the developing roller and the photosensitive drum at the contact position. The direction of the pushing force received by the pushing component is from the sixth end towards the photosensitive drum.

Images