Developing cartridge

Abstract

A developing cartridge (100), the developing cartridge (100) being detachably installed in an image forming device comprising a drum unit (200). The developing cartridge (100) comprises: a cartridge body (1), two ends thereof in the length direction being respectively a driving end and a conductive end, and the conductive end of the cartridge body (1) being provided with a conductive end cap (12); a developing roller (2), rotatably provided on the cartridge body (1); a chip, which is provided at the conductive end of the cartridge body (1), and which is provided with a chip contact (4) used for making contact with and electrically connecting to an electrical contact of the image forming device; and a positioning structure (8), provided on the conductive end cap (12) and used for abutting against the image forming device or the drum unit (200), so as to position the developing cartridge (100). The positioning structure (8) prevents the developing cartridge (100) from shaking, so as to prevent interruption of electrical connection caused by connection misalignment of the chip of the developing cartridge (100) and the electrical contact of the image forming device, which causes failures in normal use of the developing cartridge (100).

Description

A developing cartridge

[0001] This application claims priority to three Chinese patent applications filed on April 26, 2024, with application number 202420895344.2 entitled "A Developing Box", filed on May 17, 2024, with application number 202421094011.6 entitled "A Developing Box", and filed on May 31, 2024, with application number 202421235601.6 entitled "A Developing Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of imaging equipment technology, and more particularly to a developing cartridge. Background Technology

[0003] Imaging equipment (also known as image forming apparatus) forms images on a recording medium. Examples of imaging equipment include electronic copiers, electrophotographic printers (e.g., laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), fax machines, word processors, etc. Imaging equipment includes a developing cartridge that uses a developer to develop the electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge has a developing roller rotatably supported within its housing, and development is performed by supplying toner stored within the housing from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum.

[0004] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the imaging equipment is also equipped with an installation testing device, which includes a swing guide 81 / 80. The swing guide 81 is installed inside the imaging equipment A1 via a connecting rod 81g, and the swing guide 81 can swing around the connecting rod 81g within the imaging equipment A1. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging equipment, the developing cartridge 100 cooperates with the swing guide 81, causing the swing guide 81 to swing and cooperate with other structures of the imaging equipment to jointly complete the installation testing of the developing cartridge.

[0005] In the prior art, there is a developing cartridge with force-bearing components 70 / 72. The developing cartridge is installed in an imaging device A1. The imaging device transmits driving force to the developing cartridge. The pushing component 151 of the imaging device moves in the Nh8 direction and applies a pushing force to the force-bearing components on the developing cartridge. The force-bearing components are pushed and slide in the groove of the end cover of the developing cartridge. When the force-bearing components slide, they touch the swing guide 81 in the imaging device and swing it in the counterclockwise direction. A reset component is provided between the force-bearing components and the end cover. Therefore, when the pushing component 151 moves in the NH7 direction to remove the force on the force-bearing components, the force-bearing components return to their initial position in the NH7 direction under the action of the reset component, thereby completing the installation test.

[0006] However, during the aforementioned installation and testing process, the movement of the stressed components caused the processing cartridge to shake, resulting in misalignment of the electrical contacts between the developing cartridge chip holder and the imaging device. This interrupted the electrical connection between the developing cartridge chip and the imaging device's electrical contacts, rendering the developing cartridge unusable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a developing cartridge, detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus including a drum assembly, the developing cartridge comprising:

[0008] The box has a driving end and a conductive end at its two ends along its length, and the conductive end of the box is provided with a conductive end cap.

[0009] The developing roller is rotatably mounted on the cartridge.

[0010] A chip, disposed at a conductive end of the housing, has chip contacts for contacting and connecting with electrical contacts of an image forming apparatus; and

[0011] A positioning structure, located on the conductive end cap, is used to abut against the image forming apparatus or drum assembly to position the developing cartridge.

[0012] This invention uses a positioning structure to prevent the processing cartridge from shaking and to prevent the electrical contacts between the developing cartridge chip and the imaging device from becoming misaligned, causing an electrical connection interruption and thus rendering the developing cartridge unusable.

[0013] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further includes:

[0014] An electrode is disposed on a conductive end cap and includes electrode contacts for contacting and electrically connecting with an image forming apparatus.

[0015] When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, the line connecting the axis of the developing roller, the chip contacts, and the electrode contacts forms an imaginary region, and at least part of the positioning structure is located outside the imaginary region.

[0016] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge also includes a powder dispensing blade with two electrodes for electrical connection to the powder dispensing blade and the developing roller, respectively.

[0017] When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, the axis of the developing roller, the chip contact, and the line connecting the electrode contacts of the two electrodes constitute an imaginary region, and at least part of the positioning structure is located outside the imaginary region.

[0018] In some embodiments, the positioning structure includes a positioning post for moving along a guide rail on the image forming apparatus to guide the developing cartridge into place.

[0019] In some embodiments, the positioning structure further includes an auxiliary positioning structure for contacting the image forming apparatus so that the chip contacts remain in contact with the electrical contacts.

[0020] In some embodiments, the auxiliary positioning structure is a deformable positioning spring, which includes a plate-like structure and a protrusion disposed on the plate-like structure.

[0021] The image forming apparatus is provided with ribs, and the ribs are provided with a clearance surface and a contact surface;

[0022] When the developing cartridge is loaded, the protrusion abuts against the clearance surface, causing the plate-like structure to undergo elastic deformation. When the protrusion moves away from the clearance surface, the plate-like structure elastically recovers, causing the protrusion to abut against the contact surface, thereby keeping the chip contacts in contact with the electrical contacts.

[0023] In some implementations, the auxiliary positioning structure is an abutment protrusion, which is arranged adjacent to the positioning post; after the developing cartridge is installed in place, the abutment protrusion abuts against the side wall of the guide rail, so that the chip contacts and electrical contacts remain in contact.

[0024] In some implementations, the auxiliary positioning structure is an abutment protrusion;

[0025] The image forming apparatus includes a door cover with ribs on it;

[0026] When the developing cartridge is installed in place and the door is closed, the abutment protrusion abuts against the rib, keeping the chip contacts in contact with the electrical contacts.

[0027] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the image forming apparatus is provided with a guide rail and a guide groove, the guide groove being used to guide the installation of the drum assembly, the receiving space of the guide groove being larger than the receiving space of the guide rail, and the guide groove being closer to the drum assembly relative to the guide rail;

[0028] During developer cartridge installation, a positioning structure is used to move along a guide groove to guide the developer cartridge into place.

[0029] In some embodiments, the conductive end cap has an upwardly extending extension, and a positioning structure is provided at the end of the extension and extends away from the box along the length of the box.

[0030] In some implementations, after the developing cartridge is installed in place, the positioning structure abuts against the drum assembly, thereby positioning the developing cartridge.

[0031] In some embodiments, the conductive end cap has an upwardly extending extension, and a positioning structure is provided at the end of the extension and extends along the length of the housing towards the housing, and then extends towards the drum assembly, thereby abutting against the drum frame of the drum assembly.

[0032] In some embodiments, the conductive end cap is provided with a fulcrum for contacting the image forming apparatus to guide the installation of the developing cartridge;

[0033] When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, the line connecting the axis of the developing roller, the chip contact, and the fulcrum forms an imaginary region, and at least part of the positioning structure is located outside the imaginary region.

[0034] In some embodiments, the conductive end cap has a plate-shaped auxiliary positioning structure at the end of the developing cartridge away from the developing roller in the width direction, and the auxiliary positioning structure has an action fulcrum at the end of the developing cartridge away from the developing roller in the width direction.

[0035] In some embodiments, when viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, a line L1 is formed between the axis of the developing roller and the fulcrum, a line L2 is formed between the chip contact and the fulcrum, and a line L3 is formed between the chip contact and the axis of the developing roller, where L3 < L2 < L1.

[0036] In some embodiments, the positioning structure is a positioning post, which moves along a guide rail on the image forming apparatus to guide the developing cartridge into place.

[0037] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further includes a chip mounting section, which has a mounting groove for mounting chips. The mounting groove has a recess on the side of the developing cartridge away from the cartridge body along its length.

[0038] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge further includes a chip mounting section, which has a mounting slot for mounting chips, and the mounting slot has a shielding part on the side of the developing cartridge away from the cartridge body in the longitudinal direction. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a prior art image forming apparatus;

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the existing image forming apparatus installation and testing device;

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 is a partial enlarged view of the structure in Figure 6;

[0046] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge installed at another angle in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the developing cassette and the drum assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the developing cartridge of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving assembly of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 13 is a front view of the conductive end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive end cap of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 15 is a partial enlarged view of the structure of the developing cartridge after the end cap of the driving end is hidden with the elastic element in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive end cap of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 17 is a front view of the conductive end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 18 is a front view of the conductive end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the developing box in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cassette and drum assembly in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the conductive side of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the developing cassette installed in the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the developing box in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the conductive side of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 26 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge of Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge of Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 28 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the processing box observed along the axis of the developing roller in the developing box of Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 29 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 6 of the present invention from another perspective;

[0068] Figure 30 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 4;

[0069] Figure 31 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the processing box observed along the axis of the developing roller in the developing box of Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 32 is a three-dimensional structural view of the developing cartridge of Embodiment 7 of the present invention from another angle;

[0071] Figure 33 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 7. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0073] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0074] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "installation" and "connection" can refer to fixed connections or movable connections, and "fixation" can refer to non-removable fixed connections or detachable fixed connections. A "non-removable fixed connection" can be formed separately and then installed, or it can be directly integrally formed; it can be a mechanical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components or an interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0077] Example 1

[0078] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, this embodiment provides a developing cartridge 100, which is detachably installed in an image forming apparatus (not shown). The image forming apparatus can be an electronic copier, an electronic photographic printer (e.g., a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), a fax machine, a word processor, etc.

[0079] In this specification, to better describe the corresponding structure, the length direction of the developing cartridge 100 in the accompanying drawings is defined as the first direction, referring to directions A1 and A2 shown in Figure 11, where direction A1 corresponds to the driving end of the developing cartridge and direction A2 corresponds to the non-driving end of the developing cartridge. The width direction of the developing cartridge 100 is defined as the second direction, referring to directions B1 and B2 in the figure. The height direction of the developing cartridge 100 is defined as the third direction (the height direction is approximately vertical), referring to directions C1 and C2 in the figure. The first, second, and third directions intersect each other. The above directions also apply to the drum assembly 200.

[0080] The image forming apparatus has a main frame, within which a drum assembly 200 is mounted. Side plates 300 are located at both ends of the main frame along the axial direction (A1 and A2 directions) of the photosensitive drum 220. Guide plates 310 are provided on the inner side of the side plates, and inclined guide rails 311 are provided on the guide rails. Each guide rail 311 has a side wall 311a (see Figure 5). The developing cartridge 100 can be mounted into the main frame along the guide rails 311. At one end of the main frame in the A1 direction, a rib 320 is also provided on the side plate 300 to support the developing cartridge 100. The rib 320 includes a clearance surface 321 and an abutment surface 322 (see Figure 4). The image forming apparatus also includes a chip receiver 330 (see Figures 6-7) to mate with the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100, such that the electrical contacts on the chip receiver 330 contact and electrically connect with the chip on the chip mounting portion 121 to identify the chip information of the developing cartridge 100. The image forming apparatus is also provided with a door cover 340 (see Figures 6 and 8). After the developing cartridge 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus, the door cover 340 is closed, and the image forming apparatus begins the installation test. In some embodiments, the door cover 340 also has ribs 341 protruding along the C2 direction.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, the drum assembly 200 includes a drum frame 210, a photosensitive drum 220, a charging roller (not shown), and a drum frame electrode (not shown). The photosensitive drum 220 and the charging roller are rotatably supported on the drum frame 210. The drum frame electrode is electrically connected to the charging roller and the image forming apparatus to supply the voltage of the image forming apparatus to the charging roller, so that the charging roller can charge the photosensitive drum 220.

[0082] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the developing cartridge 100 includes a cartridge body 1, a developing roller 2, a stirring rack (not shown), a powder dispensing blade 3, a driving assembly 6, an electrode 5, a chip, and a positioning structure 8.

[0083] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 1 includes a developing frame 11, a conductive end cap 12, and a driving end cap 13. One end of the developing frame 11 in a first direction (length direction) is the driving end (A1 direction end), and the other end is the conductive end (A2 direction end). The housing 1 has a toner cartridge for containing developer, which can be toner powder. The driving end cap 13 is located on the outer side of the driving end face of the developing frame 11, and the conductive end cap 12 is located on the outer side of the conductive end face of the developing frame 11.

[0084] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the developing roller 2 is rotatably supported on the developing frame 11. Specifically, the axial direction of the developing roller 2 is consistent with the length direction (along the A1 and A2 directions) of the developing frame 11. The developing roller 2 includes a developing roller shaft and a rubber roller body. The two ends of the developing roller shaft are respectively supported on the end face of the driving end of the developing frame 11 and the conductive end cap 12. The developing roller shaft can be made of a conductive metal material. In the second direction (B1 and B2 directions), the developing roller 2 is positioned at the end of the cartridge 1 near the B1 direction. In the third direction (C1 and C2 directions), the developing roller 2 is positioned at the end of the cartridge 1 in the C1 direction.

[0085] The stirring rack is rotatably supported on the developing frame 11 and located inside the powder hopper. Specifically, the two ends of the stirring rack are supported on the end face of the driving end and the end face of the conductive end of the developing frame 11. The length direction of the stirring rack is consistent with the length direction of the developing frame 11. The stirring rack can rotate along its axis in the length direction. The stirring rack can have one or more blades. By rotating, the blades are driven to stir the developer in the powder hopper to prevent the developer in the powder hopper from clumping. At the same time, it can also transport the developer towards the developing roller 2 and be attracted by the charged developing roller 2.

[0086] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the powder exiting blade 3 is mounted on the developing frame 11. A portion of the powder exiting blade 3 is in linear contact with the surface of the developing roller 2, used to control the thickness of the developer layer attached to the developing roller 2, so as to ensure that the developer delivered by the developing roller 2 is uniform. Specifically, the powder exiting blade 3 includes a blade holder and a blade. The blade is mounted on the blade holder and fixed to the developing frame 11 together with the blade holder. The blade holder can be made of a conductive metal material, and the blade can be made of a rubber material. A portion of the blade is in linear contact with the roller surface of the developing roller 2.

[0087] As shown in Figure 12, a drive assembly 6 is provided on one side (A1 direction side) of the driving end of the developing frame 11, specifically between the developing frame 11 and the driving end cap 13. The drive assembly 6 includes a power receiver 61 and a gear set. The power receiver 61 receives the driving force from the image forming apparatus A1 and transmits the driving force through the gear set, thereby driving the developing roller 2 and the stirring rack to rotate. The gear set includes a developing roller gear 62, an intermediate transmission gear 64, and a stirring rack gear 63. The developing roller gear 62 is fixed to one end of the developing roller shaft in the longitudinal direction and meshes with the power receiver 61, thereby enabling the developing roller 2 to receive the driving force and rotate. The stirring rack gear 63 is fixed to one end of the stirring rack in the longitudinal direction and meshes with the intermediate transmission gear 64. The intermediate transmission gear 64 meshes with the power receiver 61, enabling the stirring rack gear 63 at one end of the stirring rack to receive the driving force from the power receiver 61 and rotate through the intermediate transmission gear 64. In some other embodiments, the developing roller gear 62 and the stirring rack gear 63 can both mesh directly or indirectly with the power receiving member 61.

[0088] As shown in Figure 14, a force-receiving member 7 is also provided on the developing cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the force-receiving member is located on one side of the driving end of the developing cartridge 100 and is used to cooperate with the image forming apparatus to complete the installation test of the developing cartridge 100. The force-receiving member 7 includes a force-receiving part 71, a sliding part 72, a connecting part 73, and an abutting part 74. Specifically, the force-receiving member 7 is provided on the driving end cover 13. The force-receiving part 71 can receive the force of the driving end pushing member 151 of the image forming apparatus A1 and move accordingly. A guide groove 131a is provided on the driving end cover 13. When the force-receiving member 7 is moved by force, the sliding part 72 of the force-receiving member 7 moves on the guide groove 131a. A first elastic member 40 is also provided between the driving end cover 13 and the force-receiving member 7. One end of the first elastic member 40 is connected to the connecting part 73 of the force-receiving member 7, and the other end is connected to the driving end cover 13. When the force-receiving member 7 does not receive external force, it resets the force-receiving member 7. Specifically, when the driving end pusher moves in the Nh8 direction and drives the force-receiving component 7 to slide in the Nh8 direction, the first elastic component 40 elastically deforms and stores force. At the same time, the force-receiving component 7 drives the driving end pusher to swing, thereby cooperating with the installation detection device for detection. During this process, the developing cartridge does not move relative to the drum assembly, that is, there is no gap between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. When the detection signal is triggered, under the action of the driving end pusher in the NH7 direction and the release of the elastic force of the first elastic component 40, the force-receiving component 7 resets to the unrecognized position in the NH7 direction.

[0089] The chip is disposed on the conductive end cap 12, specifically at one end of the conductive end cap 12 in the width direction (second direction) near the axis of the developing roller 2 (B1 direction end). The chip is closer to the B1 direction end than the developing roller 2 in the second direction. The chip stores information about the developing cartridge 100 and has chip contacts 4. The chip contacts 4 are configured to electrically connect with the electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus chip receiver 330 to establish communication with the image forming apparatus, enabling the image forming apparatus to acquire / recognize information about the developing cartridge 100. As shown in Figure 13, the conductive end cap 12 has a chip mounting portion 121 on the end in the width direction near the developing roller 2 for mounting the chip. When the chip is mounted in the chip mounting portion 121, the chip contacts 4 face away from the conductive end cap 12. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed in place, the chip mounting portion 121 mates with the image forming apparatus chip receiver 330, so that the chip contacts the image forming apparatus electrical contacts, achieving electrical connection.

[0090] As shown in Figures 13 and 16, the conductive end of the developing cartridge 100 is also provided with an electrode 5. Specifically, the electrode 5 is located inside the conductive end cap 12, which has an opening. The electrode contact 9 of the electrode 5 can be exposed through the opening, that is, the electrode contact 9 is exposed outside the conductive end cap 12, thereby being electrically connected to the image forming apparatus. The electrode 5 is also electrically connected to the other end of the developing roller 2 in the longitudinal direction, thereby making the developing roller 2 charged and able to absorb developer. In this embodiment, there are two electrodes 5, which are electrically connected to the developing roller 2 and the powder discharge blade 3 respectively. Each electrode includes one electrode contact, that is, there are two electrode contacts 9.

[0091] As shown in Figures 4 and 13, a positioning structure 8 is provided on one side of the conductive end of the developing cartridge 100. The positioning structure 8 includes positioning posts 81 and an auxiliary positioning structure. In this embodiment, the auxiliary positioning structure is specifically a deformable positioning spring 82. The positioning structure 8 is disposed on the conductive end cap 12. Specifically, one or more positioning posts 81 can be provided. In this embodiment, two positioning posts (positioning post 81a and positioning post 81b) are arranged adjacently to position the developing cartridge 100 relative to the image forming apparatus. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed, the positioning posts 81 contact the guide rail 311 of the image forming apparatus and move along the guide rail 311, guiding the developing cartridge 100 to be installed into the image forming apparatus and positioning the developing cartridge 100 to ensure stable installation. The deformable positioning spring 82 can be integrally formed with the conductive end cap 12. Optionally, the deformable positioning spring 82 and the conductive end cap 12 can be made of POM material. Specifically, the deformable positioning spring 82 includes a plate-like structure 821 and a protrusion 822. When the developing cartridge 100 is installed, the protrusion 822 of the deformable positioning spring clip 82 abuts against the clearance surface 321 of the rib 320, causing the plate structure 821 to elastically deform to avoid the rib 320. When the developing cartridge 100 is in place, the protrusion 822 moves away from the clearance surface 321, and the deformation of the plate structure 821 is restored, so that the protrusion 822 abuts against the abutment surface 322 at the end of the rib 320, positioning the developing cartridge 100. This ensures that the electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus chip receiver 330 are stably engaged with the chip contacts 4 of the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100, preventing the processing cartridge from shaking when the force-bearing component 7 moves, which could cause misalignment of the electrical contacts and chip contacts 4 and interruption of the electrical connection.

[0092] As shown in Figure 13, in the width direction (second direction), the positioning post 81 is located on the conductive end cap 12 at the end furthest from the developing roller 2 (B2 direction end), and the deformable positioning spring 82 is located on the conductive end cap 12 closer to the developing roller 2 (B1 direction end) than the positioning post 81. In the height direction (third direction), the positioning post 81 is located on the conductive end cap 12 at the end closer to the developing roller 2 (C1 direction end), and the deformable positioning spring 82 is located on the conductive end cap 12 further from the developing roller 2 (C2 direction end) than the positioning post 81. When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller (i.e., along the A1 direction), the line connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2, the chip contact 4, and the electrode contact 9 constitutes an imaginary region S1. The region with the largest area formed by the line connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2, the chip contact 4, and the electrode contact 9 is taken as the imaginary region S1, and at least a portion of the positioning structure 8 is disposed outside the imaginary region S1. The positioning structure 8, through the above-mentioned arrangement, makes the distribution of the positioning structure 8 on the conductive end cap 12 more dispersed, making the stress points more dispersed, and the force on the developing cartridge 100 more balanced during installation, which can maximize the stability of the developing cartridge 100 during installation.

[0093] Next, the installation process of the developing cartridge will be described in detail. When the developing cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming apparatus along the direction of the guide rail 311, the positioning post 81 slides along the guide rail 311 to guide the developing cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus. When the protrusion 822 of the deformable positioning spring 82 abuts against the avoidance surface 321 of the image forming apparatus rib 320, the plate structure 821 deforms towards the inside of the developing cartridge (i.e., along the A1 direction) to avoid the image forming apparatus rib 320. When the developing cartridge 100 continues to move, and the deformable positioning spring 82 moves past the rib 320, the plate structure 821 returns to its initial state. At this time, the developing cartridge 100 is in place, and the chip receiver 330 of the image forming apparatus engages with the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100. The protrusion 822 of the deformable positioning spring 82 abuts against the contact surface 322 of the rib 320 to maintain a stable engagement between the chip receiver 330 of the image forming apparatus and the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100. After the developing cartridge 100 is installed in place, the driving end pusher of the image forming apparatus moves in the Nh8 direction to contact and push the force-receiving part 71 of the force-receiving member 7. Under the action of the driving end pusher, the sliding part 72 moves along the guide groove 131a on the driving end cover 13, thereby touching the swing guide 81 in the image forming apparatus and swinging it counterclockwise. Then, the driving end pusher moves in the NH7 direction. When the force on the force-receiving part 71 is removed, the force-receiving member 7 returns to its initial position under the action of the first elastic member 40, thus completing the installation test. During the installation test, because the protrusion 822 abuts against the abutting surface 322 of the rib 320, the developing cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus are stably electrically connected, and the chip mounting part 121 and the chip receiving holder 330 are always stably engaged. Therefore, there is no technical problem of misalignment of the connection between the chip contact 4 and the electrical contact of the image forming apparatus, resulting in an interruption of the electrical connection.

[0094] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the developing cartridge 100 provided in this embodiment is also provided with a buffer elastic component to adjust the contact pressure between the developing roller 2 and the photosensitive drum. Specifically, a guide groove 131b and a buffer elastic component are provided on the drive end cap 13. The buffer elastic component includes a second elastic element 41 and a pushable block 42. The pushable block 42 can move within the guide groove 131b. One end of the second elastic element 41 is connected to the pushable block 42, and the other end is connected to the drive end cap 13. When the force-receiving member 7 is subjected to a force from the drive end pushing member along the NH7 direction, the abutment portion 74 of the force-receiving member 7 pushes the pushable block 42, and the second elastic element 41 is stretched. When the force from the drive end pushing member is removed, the pushable block 42 is reset under the action of the elastic element 41. A buffer elastic component can also be provided on the conductive end cap 12 of the non-drive end of the developing cartridge 100, including a force receiver 43 and a third elastic component 44. The force receiver 43 is sleeved on the conductive end cap 12, and one end of the third elastic component 44 is connected to the conductive end cap 12, and the other end is connected to the force receiver 43. When the force receiver 43 is subjected to a force along the NH7 direction from the non-drive end pusher of the image forming apparatus, the force receiver 43 swings, and the third elastic component 44 stretches. When the image forming apparatus removes the force, the force receiver 43 resets under the action of the third elastic component 44. The purpose of providing the buffer elastic component is to adjust the pressure of the developing roller on the photosensitive drum when the developing roller 2 contacts the photosensitive drum, thereby improving the developing quality.

[0095] Example 2

[0096] This embodiment provides a developing cartridge. Compared with the first embodiment described above, the difference lies in that, as shown in Figures 5 and 17, the auxiliary positioning structure 8 in this technical solution is an abutment protrusion 83. Specifically, the abutment protrusion 83 is arranged adjacent to the two positioning posts 81a and 81b and extends in the B2 direction to abut against the side wall 311a of the guide rail 311, thereby replacing the deformable positioning spring buckle 82. It serves to stabilize the chip mounting part 121 and the chip receiving frame 330 of the image forming apparatus after the processing cartridge is installed in place. Optionally, the two positioning posts 81a and 81b and the abutment protrusion 83 can be integrally injection molded into a single positioning protrusion, as long as they serve the same positioning function.

[0097] When the developing cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming apparatus along the guide rail 311, the positioning post 81 slides along the guide rail 311 to guide the developing cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus. When the developing cartridge 100 is in place, the chip receiver 330 of the image forming apparatus engages with the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100. The abutment protrusion 83 abuts against the side wall 311a of the guide rail 311 to maintain a stable engagement between the chip receiver 330 of the image forming apparatus and the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100. When the developing cartridge 100 is in place and an installation test is performed, the abutment protrusion 83 abuts against the side wall 311a of the guide rail 311, ensuring a stable electrical connection between the chip contact 4 and the electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus. The chip mounting portion 121 and the chip receiver 330 are always stably engaged. Therefore, there will be no misalignment of the connection between the chip mounting portion 121 and the image forming apparatus, or interruption of the electrical connection between the chip contact 4 and the electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus.

[0098] When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller (i.e., along the A1 direction), the line connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2, the chip contact 4, and the electrode contact 9 constitutes an imaginary region S1. The imaginary region S1 is defined as the area with the largest possible area formed by the line connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2, the chip contact 4, and the electrode contact 9. At least a portion of the positioning structure 8 is located outside the imaginary region S1. Through this arrangement, the positioning structure 8 can maximize the stable installation of the developing cartridge 100.

[0099] The other structures of the developing cartridge 100 are similar to those in Example 1, and will not be described again here.

[0100] Example 3

[0101] This embodiment provides a developing cartridge, which differs from the second embodiment described above in that the position of the abutment protrusion and the object it abuts are different. As shown in Figures 8 and 18, specifically, the abutment protrusion 83 is located at one end of the conductive end cover 12 in the C1 direction and protrudes outside the conductive end cover 12 to abut against the rib 341 of the door cover 340. When the processing cartridge is installed in place, it enables the chip mounting part 121 to stably dock with the chip receiving frame 330 of the image forming apparatus.

[0102] When the developing cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming apparatus approximately along the guide rail 311, the positioning posts 81a and 81b slide along the guide rail 311 to guide the developing cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus. When the developing cartridge 100 is in place and the chip receiver 330 of the image forming apparatus engages with the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100, the door cover 340 is closed, and the rib 341 abuts against the abutment protrusion 83 to maintain a stable engagement between the chip receiver 330 of the image forming apparatus and the chip mounting portion 121 of the developing cartridge 100. When the developing cartridge 100 is in place and an installation test is performed, because the rib 341 abuts against the abutment protrusion 83 to ensure a stable electrical connection between the developing cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus, and the chip mounting portion 121 and the chip receiver are always stably engaged, there will be no misalignment of the connection between the chip mounting portion 121 and the image forming apparatus, or interruption of the electrical connection between the chip contact 4 and the electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus.

[0103] When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller (i.e., along the A1 direction), the line connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2, the chip contact 4, and the electrode contact 9 constitutes an imaginary region S1. The imaginary region S1 is defined as the area with the largest possible area formed by the line connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2, the chip contact 4, and the electrode contact 9. At least a portion of the positioning structure 8 is located outside the imaginary region S1. Through this arrangement, the positioning structure 8 can maximize the stable installation of the developing cartridge 100.

[0104] Example 4

[0105] Referring to Figures 19-22, the main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: this embodiment does not have an auxiliary positioning structure. The positioning structure 8 in this embodiment moves along the guide groove 410 on the main frame, rather than along the guide rail 311.

[0106] Referring to Figure 22, guide grooves 410 are provided on the two side plates 300 of the main frame. The accommodating space of the guide grooves 410 is larger than that of the guide rails 311, and in the width direction (B1 and B2 directions) of the developing cartridge, the guide grooves 410 are closer to the drum assembly 200 than the guide rails 311. During installation, the drum assembly 200 cooperates with the guide grooves 410 for guidance or positioning, ensuring that the drum assembly 200 can move smoothly when placed on the main frame until it reaches the correct installation position. The installation sequence is as follows: first, the drum assembly 200 is installed onto the main frame of the image forming apparatus through the guide grooves 410, and then the developing cartridge 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus and combined with the drum assembly 200.

[0107] As shown in Figures 19 to 22, in this embodiment, the positioning structure 8 is used for positioning the developing cartridge 100, which guides and positions the developing cartridge 100 when it is installed into the image forming apparatus. Referring to Figures 19 and 21, the positioning structure 8 is disposed at the conductive end of the developing cartridge 100, and is used to guide the developing cartridge 100 to be stably installed and to position the developing cartridge 100, preventing it from rotating or shifting during operation. The conductive end cap 12 has an extension 1141 that extends approximately along the C1 direction. The positioning structure 8 is disposed at the end of the extension 1141 and extends away from the cartridge body along the length direction of the cartridge body in a direction away from the cartridge body (i.e., the A2 direction). Specifically, the positioning structure 8 is a square protrusion.

[0108] During the installation of the developing cartridge 100 onto the main frame, the positioning structure 8 moves along the guide groove 410 of the image forming apparatus to guide the installation of the developing cartridge 100. Once the developing cartridge 100 is in place, the positioning structure 8 abuts against the guide groove 410. When the developing cartridge 100 receives driving force for developing, the positioning structure 8 prevents the developing cartridge 100 from rotating or moving within the main frame, thus positioning the developing cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the positioning structure 8 no longer uses the original guide rail 311 for positioning. Because the guide groove 410 has a larger space than the guide rail 311, the positioning structure 8 is less prone to jamming when moving along the guide groove 410, allowing for smooth installation of the developing cartridge 100.

[0109] In some embodiments, referring to FIG21, the positioning structure 8 is disposed on the conductive end cap 12, away from components such as the chip contact 4 and the developing roller 2. Preferably, when viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller (i.e., along the A1 direction), the positioning structure 8 is located outside the imaginary region S1, which is enclosed by the chip contact 4, the two electrode contacts 9, and the axis H of the developing roller 2.

[0110] In this embodiment, the developing cartridge 100 may also be provided with positioning structures 8 on both the conductive end and the driving end as needed. The shape of the positioning structure 8 is not limited to the above-described shape, as long as it is compatible with the guide groove 410. For example, the shape of the positioning structure 8 may also be set as a protruding structure of other shapes such as circles, triangles, pentagons, etc.

[0111] Example 5

[0112] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 4 is that in this embodiment, the positioning structure 8 no longer cooperates with the guide groove 410 in the main frame to position the developing cartridge 100, but instead cooperates with the drum assembly 200 installed in the main frame to position the developing cartridge 100. Furthermore, the positioning structure 8 in this embodiment no longer moves within the guide groove 410 or any other guiding structure, and no longer serves to guide the installation; it only serves to abut and position the developing cartridge 100 after it has been installed in place.

[0113] As shown in Figure 23, the positioning structure 8 is also disposed on the conductive end cap 12 of the developing cartridge 100, and is located outside the imaginary region S1. The positioning structure is disposed at the end of the extension 1141 and extends along the length direction of the cartridge 1 towards the cartridge 1 (i.e., the A1 direction), and then extends towards the drum assembly 200, thereby abutting against the drum frame 210 of the drum assembly 200 to form a positioning, thereby preventing the developing cartridge 100 from rotating or shifting within the main frame. Viewed along the axial direction of the developing roller, the positioning structure 8 and the extension 1141 together form a "7" shape.

[0114] The developing cartridge 100 provided by the present invention is used in the image forming apparatus as follows:

[0115] As shown in Figure 25, the developing cartridge 100 is aligned with the main frame, and then pushed into the main frame. During this movement, it is not necessary to follow a specific direction; the developing cartridge 100 can be moved in any convenient direction until it is in place. During installation, the positioning structure 8 will not interfere with the guide rail 311 and the guide groove 410. After the developing cartridge 100 is in place, the positioning structure 8 abuts against the drum frame 210, thus limiting the developing cartridge 100 and positioning it within the image forming apparatus. This prevents the developing cartridge 100 from rotating counterclockwise or moving in other ways relative to the image forming apparatus during operation, prevents poor contact between the electrode contacts 9 and the image forming apparatus, and ensures stability between the developing cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus.

[0116] It is understandable that, in the absence of a protective cover on the developing cartridge 100, the positioning structure 8 can also be directly set on the conductive end of the cartridge body 1 of the developing cartridge 100, as long as it can achieve its positioning function, and there is no restriction here.

[0117] Example 6

[0118] Referring to Figures 26-30, this embodiment is largely similar to the previous embodiment, with the main difference being that the auxiliary positioning structure in this embodiment is plate-shaped and has a fulcrum 321.

[0119] In this embodiment, the positioning structure 8a includes a positioning post 81 and an auxiliary positioning structure 32. The positioning post 81 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The developing cartridge 100 abuts against the guide rail 311 on the side plate 300 of the image forming apparatus through the positioning post 81. The positioning post 81 slides under the guidance of the guide rail 311, so that the developing cartridge 100 reaches the installation position and is assembled with the drum assembly 200, thereby installing the developing cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus.

[0120] Specifically, the conductive end cap 12 is provided with multiple outwardly protruding positioning posts 81 (i.e., protruding in the A2 direction). An auxiliary positioning structure 32 is provided on the end of the conductive end cap 12 that is away from the developing roller 2 in the width direction of the developing cartridge 100 (i.e., in the B2 direction). The auxiliary positioning structure 32 has an action fulcrum 321 at the end of the developing cartridge 100 that is away from the developing roller 2 in the width direction (i.e., at the end in the B2 direction). When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller 2 (i.e., along the A1 direction), the lines connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2, the chip contact 4, and the action fulcrum 321 in pairs constitute an imaginary region U1.

[0121] As shown in Figure 28, the straight line connecting the axis H of the developing roller 2 and the fulcrum 321 is designated as L1; the straight line connecting the chip contact 4 and the fulcrum 321 is designated as L2; ​​and the straight line connecting the chip contact 4 and the axis H of the developing roller 2 is designated as L3. In this embodiment, L1, L2, and L3 are all virtual imaginary lines.

[0122] The imaginary region U1 is composed of three lines L1, L2, and L3. When observed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller (i.e., along the A1 direction), the three lines L1, L2, and L3 satisfy the condition that the length of L3 is less than the length of L2, and the length of L2 is less than the length of L1, i.e., L3 < L2 < L1.

[0123] As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the chip mounting part 121 includes a mounting groove 1211 in which the chip is detachably mounted. When the developing cartridge 100 is placed on the horizontal placement surface f, the chip surface is inclined relative to the horizontal placement surface f. The mounting groove 1211 has a groove 312 on the side away from the cartridge 1 in the length direction of the developing cartridge 100 (i.e., the side in the A2 direction). The groove 312 makes it easy for the operator to remove the chip from the chip mounting part 3.

[0124] As shown in Figures 28-29, the multiple positioning posts 81 on the conductive end cap 12 are generally circular posts. The positioning posts 81 are used to abut against the guide rail 311 within the image forming apparatus, and guided by the guide rail 311, allow the housing 1 to reach its installed position. Specifically, at least one positioning post 81 is not located within the imaginary region U1. In this embodiment, the housing 1 has two positioning posts 81 on the conductive end 11, one of which is located within the imaginary region U1, and the other is located outside the imaginary region U1.

[0125] As shown in Figure 28, in this embodiment, preferably, the auxiliary positioning structure 32 is a plate-shaped structure, and the action fulcrum 321 is located on the abutment edge of the auxiliary positioning structure 32 extending towards the conductive end cap 12 in the negative direction (i.e., the B2 direction) of the second direction. Furthermore, the action fulcrum 321 is further away from the developing roller 2 in the second direction than the positioning post 81. The auxiliary positioning structure 32 is used to cooperate with the image forming apparatus for installation, avoiding instability during the installation of the developing cartridge 100. The action fulcrum 321 abuts against the structure on the main frame of the image forming apparatus, assisting in the smooth installation of the developing cartridge 100. Specifically, during the installation of the developing cartridge 100, the action fulcrum 321 moves along the abutment structure 312 (see Figure 22) on the side plate 300 of the image forming apparatus, thereby guiding the installation of the developing cartridge 100. It should be noted that any fulcrum that provides support for the cartridge 1 of different models can be an action fulcrum; therefore, the specific location of the action fulcrum 321 in this application is not limited to the aforementioned location.

[0126] In the prior art, since the developing cartridge 100 is guided by the positioning post 81 on the developing cartridge 100 during installation, uneven force on the developing cartridge 100 during installation can easily cause the developing cartridge 100 to tilt or even rotate significantly. This results in one end of the developing cartridge 100 being installed in the initial position, while the other end cannot be installed, creating an installation dead point. The developing cartridge 100 becomes stuck and difficult to install, requiring it to be removed and reinstalled. However, in this embodiment, the fulcrum 321 can effectively assist the positioning post 81, thus assisting in the installation of the developing cartridge 100. The machine's function is that, due to the presence of two force-bearing points, the positioning post 81 and the fulcrum 321, the developing cartridge 100 is more stable during installation. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the positioning structure 8 (specifically at least one positioning post 81) is located outside the imaginary area U1, the distribution of at least one positioning post 81 and the fulcrum 321 on the conductive end cap 12 is more dispersed, making the force-bearing points more dispersed. This results in a more balanced force on the developing cartridge 100 during installation, maximizing the stability of the developing cartridge 100 during installation.

[0127] Example 7

[0128] The difference from Embodiment 6 is that, as shown in Figures 31-33, the chip mounting part 121 includes a mounting groove 1211. The mounting groove 1211 has a shielding part 313 on the side away from the cartridge 1 in the length direction of the developing cartridge 100 (i.e., the side facing the A2 direction). (That is, unlike the chip mounting part 3 in Embodiment 6, this embodiment does not have a groove 312) to prevent the chip from being damaged by the structure on the image forming apparatus when the machine is stuck due to improper installation by the user.

[0129] All other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment Six, therefore, they will not be described in detail again.

[0130] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, or the above technical solutions can be freely combined, including freely combining the technical features of the different embodiments described above; all of these fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus including a drum assembly, characterized in that, The developing cartridge includes: The box body has a driving end and a conductive end at its two ends along its length, and the conductive end of the box body is provided with a conductive end cap; The developing roller is rotatably mounted on the cartridge body; A chip, disposed at a conductive end of the housing, the chip having chip contacts for contacting and electrically connecting with electrical contacts of the image forming apparatus; and A positioning structure is provided on the conductive end cap to abut against the image forming apparatus or the drum assembly, thereby positioning the developing cartridge.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also includes: An electrode, the electrode being disposed on the conductive end cap, the electrode including electrode contacts for contacting and electrically connecting with the image forming apparatus; When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, the line connecting the axis of the developing roller, the chip contact, and the electrode contact forms an imaginary region, and at least a portion of the positioning structure is disposed outside the imaginary region.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also includes a powder dispensing blade, and there are two electrodes for electrically connecting to the powder dispensing blade and the developing roller, respectively. When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, the axis of the developing roller, the chip contact, and the line connecting the electrode contacts of the two electrodes form an imaginary region, and at least a portion of the positioning structure is disposed outside the imaginary region.

4. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The positioning structure includes a positioning post for moving along a guide rail on the image forming apparatus to guide the developing cartridge into place.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning structure further includes an auxiliary positioning structure, which is used to abut against the image forming apparatus so that the chip contacts and the electrical contacts remain in contact.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary positioning structure is a deformable positioning spring clip, which includes a plate-like structure and protrusions disposed on the plate-like structure; The image forming apparatus is provided with ribs, and the ribs are provided with a clearance surface and a contact surface; When the developing cartridge is loaded, the protrusion abuts against the clearance surface, causing the plate-like structure to undergo elastic deformation. When the protrusion moves away from the clearance surface, the plate-like structure elastically recovers, causing the protrusion to abut against the contact surface, thereby keeping the chip contact in contact with the electrical contact.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary positioning structure is an abutment protrusion, which is arranged adjacent to the positioning post. After the developing cartridge is installed in place, the abutment protrusion abuts against the side wall of the guide rail, so that the chip contact and the electrical contact remain in contact.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary positioning structure is an abutment protrusion; The image forming apparatus includes a door cover, on which ribs are provided; When the developing cartridge is installed in place and the door is closed, the abutting protrusion abuts against the rib, so that the chip contact and the electrical contact remain in contact.

9. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus has a guide rail and a guide groove on its side wall. The guide groove is used to guide the installation of the drum assembly. The accommodating space of the guide groove is larger than that of the guide rail, and the guide groove is closer to the drum assembly than the guide rail. During the installation of the developing cartridge, the positioning structure is used to move along the guide groove, thereby guiding the developing cartridge into place.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The conductive end cap is provided with an upwardly extending portion, and the positioning structure is disposed at the end of the extension portion and extends away from the box body along the length direction of the box body.

11. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, After the developing cartridge is installed in place, the positioning structure abuts against the drum assembly, thereby positioning the developing cartridge.

12. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that, The conductive end cap is provided with an upwardly extending portion. The positioning structure is disposed at the end of the extension portion and extends along the length direction of the housing towards the housing, and then extends towards the drum assembly, thereby abutting against the drum frame of the drum assembly.

13. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive end cap is provided with a fulcrum, which is used to abut against the image forming apparatus to guide the installation of the developing cartridge; When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, the line connecting the axis of the developing roller, the chip contact, and the fulcrum forms an imaginary region, and at least a portion of the positioning structure is disposed outside the imaginary region.

14. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, The conductive end cap has a plate-shaped auxiliary positioning structure at one end of the developing cartridge away from the developing roller in the width direction, and the auxiliary positioning structure has the working fulcrum at the end of the developing cartridge away from the developing roller in the width direction.

15. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, When viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller, a line L1 is formed between the axis of the developing roller and the fulcrum, a line L2 is formed between the chip contact and the fulcrum, and a line L3 is formed between the chip contact and the axis of the developing roller, where L3 < L2 < L1.

16. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, The positioning structure is a positioning post, which is used to move along the guide rail on the image forming apparatus to guide the developing cartridge into place.

17. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also includes a chip mounting section, which has a mounting slot for mounting the chip. The mounting slot has a groove on the side of the developing cartridge away from the cartridge body along its length.

18. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also includes a chip mounting section, which has a mounting slot for mounting the chip. The mounting slot has a shielding part on the side of the developing cartridge away from the cartridge body along its length.

Images