CN219179781U

CN219179781U - Developing device and processing box

Info

Publication number: CN219179781U
Application number: CN202223406900.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘朝星; 曾丽坤; 贾志铮; 苏罗发; 陈永迪; 武茹月; 李正涛; 吴宇涛
Original assignee: Zhuhai Nastar Information Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Zhuhai Nastar Information Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-23
Filing date: 2022-12-15
Publication date: 2023-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-15

Abstract

A developing device for being detachably mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus after being combined with a drum assembly, includes: a cartridge having a first end and a second end; the developing roller and the powder feeding roller are respectively arranged on the box body in a rotating way; a detection mechanism for triggering a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; and the conductive piece is arranged at the second end of the box body, is respectively and electrically connected with the developing roller and the powder feeding roller, and is used for receiving the power of the main assembly. The developing device of the utility model stably supplies power to the developing roller and the powder feeding roller through the conductive piece arranged at the second end of the box body.

Description

Developing device and processing box

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic technology, and more particularly to a developing apparatus.

Background

The developing cartridge is a detachable portion widely used in image forming apparatuses. The image forming apparatus needs to replace a new developing cartridge after the printing consumables are consumed. The developing cartridge has a developing roller and a toner feeding roller rotatably provided on the developing cartridge, the developing roller including a developing roller shaft and a main body portion wrapped outside the developing roller shaft. The developing roller and the powder feeding roller need to be powered, so that a potential difference is generated between the developing roller and the developer, and the developer adsorbed on the powder feeding roller is adsorbed on the developing roller under the action of the potential difference. Therefore, a structure capable of stably supplying power to the developing roller and the toner feeding roller is required.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present utility model, there is provided a developing device for being detachably mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus after being combined with a drum assembly, comprising:

a cartridge having a first end and a second end;

the developing roller and the powder feeding roller are respectively arranged on the box body in a rotating way;

a detection mechanism for triggering a main assembly of the image forming apparatus;

and the conductive piece is arranged at the second end of the box body, is respectively and electrically connected with the developing roller and the powder feeding roller, and is used for receiving the power of the main assembly.

The developing device of the utility model stably supplies power to the developing roller and the powder feeding roller through the conductive piece arranged at the second end of the box body.

In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a second protective cover disposed at the second end of the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the second cover is made of a conductive material, the conductive member is electrically connected to the second cover, and the second cover is configured to be capable of forming an electrical connection with the main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly.

In some embodiments, the conductive element is entirely covered by the second protective cover.

In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a positioning cover disposed at the second end of the cartridge body, the conductive member being disposed on the positioning cover;

the conductive piece comprises a first power supply end which penetrates through the positioning cover and is electrically connected with the developing roller, a second power supply end which penetrates through the positioning cover and is electrically connected with the powder feeding roller, and a power transmission end which is electrically connected with the second protecting cover, and the power transmission end is covered by the second protecting cover.

In some embodiments, the second protective cover is made of an insulating material, and at least a portion of the conductive member is not covered by the second protective cover so that the conductive member can form an electrical connection with the main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly. In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a positioning cover disposed at the second end of the cartridge body, the conductive member being disposed on the positioning cover;

the conductive member includes a first power supply end penetrating the positioning cover and electrically connected with the developing roller, a second power supply end penetrating the positioning cover and electrically connected with the powder feeding roller, and a power transmission end electrically connected with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the power transmission end being disposed on an outer surface of the second protective cover.

In some embodiments, the developing device further comprises a detection mechanism disposed at the second end of the cartridge, the detection mechanism comprising:

the rack is arranged in a sliding manner, and a protrusion is arranged on the rack;

a first drive gear for driving the rack;

a lever rotatably provided, the lever having a contact end for interacting with the projection and a detection end for interacting with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the detection end being provided at an opening of the second protective cover; and

and a spring for resetting the deflector rod.

In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a stirring element rotatably disposed within the cartridge and a transmission assembly disposed at the first end of the cartridge, the transmission assembly comprising: a drive gear for receiving power output from a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and a stirring gear fixedly provided at a first end of the stirring member, the stirring gear being in driving connection with the drive gear;

the first transmission gear is fixedly arranged at the second end of the stirring element.

In some embodiments, the developing device further comprises a detection mechanism disposed at the second end of the cartridge, and the second cover is not provided with a cavity for accommodating the detection mechanism and the conductive member.

In some embodiments, the conductive member is entirely exposed outside the second protective cover.

In some embodiments, the second protecting cover is provided with a separating portion and a locking portion, wherein the locking portion is used for locking with the locking rod mechanism of the drum assembly, and the separating portion is used for being separated from the drum assembly by being forced by the locking rod mechanism of the drum assembly when the locking rod mechanism of the drum assembly is pressed.

In some embodiments, the developing device further comprises a detection mechanism disposed at a second end of the cartridge, the second end of the cartridge not being provided with a second protective cover.

In some embodiments, the second end of the case is provided with a separation portion for locking with the locking lever mechanism of the drum assembly and a locking portion for being separated from the drum assembly by being biased by the locking lever mechanism of the drum assembly when the locking lever mechanism of the drum assembly is pressed.

In some embodiments, the conductive member is provided with a first shaft extending in a first direction, an end of the first shaft is used for electrically connecting with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the detection mechanism is provided with a protruding portion and a fitting hole, and the detection mechanism is rotatably mounted on the first shaft through the fitting hole, and the protruding portion is used for interacting with the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

In some embodiments, the developing device further comprises a stirring element rotatably arranged in the box body and a first transmission gear fixedly arranged at the second end of the stirring element, the detection mechanism is further provided with a fourth transmission gear, the fourth transmission gear is driven by the first transmission gear to enable the detection mechanism to rotate, and the fourth transmission gear is an incomplete gear.

In some embodiments, the conductive member is further provided with a collar portion for electrically connecting with the developing roller, a connection hole for electrically connecting with the powder feeding roller, and a protrusion portion for contacting and separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum of the drum assembly.

In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a detection mechanism disposed at the second end of the cartridge, and a third protective cover movably disposed over the opening of the second protective cover such that the opening in the second protective cover is opened or closed, such that at least a portion of the conductive member and/or at least a portion of the detection mechanism is exposed outward through the opening of the second protective cover to interact with the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a link and a torsion spring, the third cover being rotatably connected to the second cover by the link, the torsion spring for restoring the second cover to a closed state.

In some embodiments, the third cover is provided with a projection extending in a third direction, the projection being configured to contact and interfere with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing apparatus is mounted in the main assembly, such that the third cover rotates about the link relative to the second cover to open the opening in the second cover.

In some embodiments, an outer wall of the third protective cover is configured to contact and interfere with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly such that the third protective cover rotates about the link relative to the second protective cover to open the opening in the second protective cover.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises an elastic member, wherein the elastic member is arranged along a first direction and connected with the third protecting cover, so that the third protecting cover can stretch and retract along the first direction, and the opening on the second protecting cover is opened or closed.

In some embodiments, the outer wall of the third protective cover has an arc surface having a reduced radius in a direction away from the cartridge in the first direction such that when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the outer wall of the third protective cover contacts and interferes with the main assembly, and the third protective cover contracts in a direction approaching the cartridge in the first direction to open the opening on the second protective cover.

the conductive member includes a first power supply end penetrating the positioning cover and electrically connected with the developing roller, a second power supply end penetrating the positioning cover and electrically connected with the powder feeding roller, and a power transmission end electrically connected with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the power transmission end is arranged at an opening of the second protecting cover.

In some embodiments, the detection mechanism comprises:

a first drive gear for driving the rack;

And a spring for resetting the deflector rod.

In some embodiments, the conductive member is provided with a first shaft extending in a first direction, an end of the first shaft is disposed at an opening of the third protective cover and is used for being electrically connected with a main assembly of the image forming device, the detection mechanism is provided with a protruding portion and an assembly hole, the detection mechanism is rotatably mounted on the first shaft through the assembly hole, and the protruding portion is disposed at the opening of the third protective cover and is used for interacting with the main assembly of the image forming device.

In some embodiments, the developing device further comprises a stirring element rotatably arranged in the box body and a first transmission gear fixedly arranged at the second end of the stirring element, and the detection mechanism is further provided with a fourth transmission gear which is driven by the first transmission gear to enable the detection mechanism to rotate.

In some embodiments, the developing device further includes a positioning spring, the detecting mechanism is further provided with a positioning portion, the positioning portion is provided with a recess, one end of the positioning spring is disposed in the recess, and the fourth transmission gear is an incomplete gear, so that when the fourth transmission gear rotates to a toothless portion to disengage from the first transmission gear, the positioning spring cooperates with the recess to stop rotation of the fourth transmission gear.

In some embodiments, the conductive member is further provided with a collar portion for electrically connecting with the developing roller and a connection hole for electrically connecting with the powder feeding roller.

The present utility model also provides a process cartridge comprising a drum assembly and a developing device according to any one of the above

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present utility model with a first cover removed;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exploded view of the first embodiment of the present utility model with the second end of the housing removed and the guide cover;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a partially enlarged structure of the second end of the case according to the first embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a part of the second end of the case according to the first embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a positioning plate on a side of a case according to the first embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 8 is a schematic structural view of a connection portion of a conductive member according to the first embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a power transmission end of a conductive member and other related structures according to a first embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a partially enlarged structure of a second end of the case according to the second embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a partially enlarged structure of a second end of the case according to the second embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another view of a developing device according to the third embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a first end perspective of a third embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cover of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 17 is an assembly view of a developing device and drum assembly according to a third embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 19 is an exploded view showing a first end of a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device in a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present utility model with a first cover removed;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing an exploded structure of a fifth embodiment of the present utility model with a guide cover removed from the second end of the case;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing a partially enlarged structure of a second end of the case in a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a second end of the case in a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a side of a positioning plate close to a case in a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 27 is a schematic structural view of a connection portion structure of a conductive member in a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 28 is a schematic view of a power transmission end of a conductive member and other related structures in a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the second end of the cassette of FIG. 1;

FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing a structure of a second protecting cover on a side close to a case according to a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing a structure of a second protecting cover close to one side of a case in a fifth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of the second end of the case according to the sixth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a detecting mechanism in a sixth embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view showing a structure of a side of the second cover adjacent to the case in the sixth embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 35 is a schematic view showing a related structure of a recess of a positioning portion of a detection mechanism in a sixth embodiment of the present utility model for clarity;

FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing the structure of the second protective cover according to the seventh embodiment of the present utility model when viewed from the second direction;

FIG. 37 is a schematic view of the structure of the second cover according to the seventh embodiment of the present utility model when the second cover is viewed in the first direction;

fig. 38 is a schematic view showing the related structure of the third cover and the elastic member in order to clearly illustrate the seventh embodiment of the present utility model.

Detailed Description

The utility model is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the present utility model, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "secured," and the like are to be construed broadly and include, for example, either fixedly attached, detachably attached, or integrally formed; may be mechanically connected, may be electrically connected or may be in communication with each other; either directly or indirectly, through intermediaries, or both, may be in communication with each other or in interaction with each other, unless expressly defined otherwise. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art according to the specific circumstances.

Example 1

Referring to fig. 1 to 9, the present embodiment discloses an image forming apparatus including a main assembly, and a process cartridge detachably mounted to the main assembly, the process cartridge including a developing device and a drum assembly which are detachable and joggable with each other.

The developing device includes a cartridge 1, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, an identification assembly, a detection mechanism, a first protective cover 111, and a second protective cover 121.

The cartridge 1 has a housing chamber for housing developer therein, the first direction is a length direction of the cartridge 1, the cartridge 1 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 which are oppositely disposed in the first direction, wherein the first end 11 refers to a driving side of the developing device, i.e., a side receiving driving of the main assembly, the second end 12 refers to a non-driving side of the developing device, the second direction is a height direction of the cartridge 1, the cartridge 1 has a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 which are oppositely disposed in the second direction, the third direction is a width direction of the cartridge 1, and the cartridge 1 has a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 which are oppositely disposed in the third direction. The box body 1 is provided with a powder outlet, the powder outlet is positioned at the third end 13, the box body 1 is provided with a handle 141, and the handle 141 is positioned at the fourth end 14.

The developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a powder feeding roller, and a stirring member, and the developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring member are rotatably installed in the accommodating chamber between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The rotation axes of the developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller and the stirring element all extend along the first direction, and in this specification, the first end of the developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller and the stirring element is the end close to the first end 11 of the box body, and the second end of the developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller and the stirring element is the end close to the second end 12 of the box body. The developing roller 131 is disposed at the powder outlet. The toner feed roller is disposed immediately adjacent to the developing roller 131. The stirring member is for stirring the developer in the accommodating chamber to charge the developer and prevent the developer from agglomerating.

The transmission assembly is arranged at the first end 11, the transmission assembly comprises a driving gear, a developing gear 116, a powder feeding gear 117 and a stirring gear 118 which are rotatably arranged at the first end 11 of the box body 1, the driving gear comprises a first driving gear 113, a second driving gear 115 and a power receiving part 114 which are coaxially and integrally formed, the power receiving part 114 is used for receiving power output by a main assembly of the image forming device, the first driving gear 113 is positioned at one side close to the first end 11, and the second driving gear 115 is positioned between the first driving gear 113 and the power receiving part 114. The developing gear 116 is fixedly connected with one end of the developing roller 131, which is close to the first end 11, the powder feeding gear 117 is fixedly connected with one end of the powder feeding roller, which is close to the first end 11, the stirring gear 118 is fixedly connected with one end of the stirring element, which is close to the first end 11, the first driving gear 113 is meshed with the powder feeding gear 117 and the developing gear 116, and the second driving gear 115 is meshed with the stirring gear 118, so that the power transmission is realized through the structure.

The drive gears are closer to the fifth end 15 and the fourth end 14 of the cartridge 1 than the developing roller 131, the drive gears are closer to the fifth end 15 and the fourth end 14 of the cartridge 1 than the powder feeding roller, and the drive gears are closer to the third end 13 and the fifth end 15 of the cartridge 1 than the stirring element.

The detection mechanism includes a first transmission gear 1232, a second transmission gear, a third transmission gear 124, a rack 127, a protrusion 1271 provided on the rack 127, and a lever 125, the lever 125 being for contacting and triggering a detection mechanism within a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The detection mechanism is arranged at the second end 12 of the box body 1. The first transmission gear 1232 is fixedly connected with one end of the stirring element, which is close to the second end 12 of the box body 1, the second transmission gear is rotatably installed on the second end 12 of the box body 1, the second transmission gear comprises a large-diameter second transmission gear 1231 and a small-diameter second transmission gear 123 which are coaxially and integrally formed, the large-diameter second transmission gear 1231 is closer to the second end 12 of the box body 1 than the small-diameter second transmission gear 123, the large-diameter second transmission gear 1231 is meshed with the first transmission gear 1232, the third transmission gear 124 is meshed with the small-diameter second transmission gear 123, the third transmission gear 124 is rotatably installed on the second protecting cover 121, the positioning cover 122 is detachably and fixedly installed on the second end 12 of the box body 1, the first transmission gear 1232 and the large-diameter second transmission gear 1231 are covered by the positioning cover 122, and the third transmission gear 124 and the small-diameter second transmission gear 123 are located on one side, which is far from the second end 12, of the positioning cover 122.

The surface of the positioning cover 122 far away from the second end 12 is integrally formed with a supporting seat 128, the shift lever 125 is rotatably mounted on the supporting seat 128, the rotation axis of the shift lever 125 extends along the second direction, the shift lever 125 has a contact end 1252 and a detection end 1251, the detection end 1251 is used for triggering a detection mechanism in the image forming apparatus, and the contact end 1252 is closer to the second end 12 of the box body 1 than the detection end 1251. The second cover 121 is provided with an opening through which the detecting end 1251 of the lever 125 extends. The support base 128 has a first support surface 1281 thereon. A spring 126 for return is installed between the lever 125 and the first support surface 1281.

The second cover 121 is detachably mounted with a guide cover 1211 by a snap. Guide grooves are provided on the guide cover 1211 and the positioning cover 122. The rack 127 is slidably mounted between the guide cover 1211 and the guide slot on the positioning cover 122, the guide slot being disposed in the second direction, the protrusions 1271 on the rack 127 being located on a side near the sixth end 16 of the case 1, the rack 127 being engaged with the third transmission gear 124, the protrusions 1271 on the rack 127 being capable of pushing the contact end 1252 of the lever 125, the number of protrusions 1271 being two in this embodiment. Further, in order to make the contact process between the protrusion 1271 and the shift lever 125 smoother, the protrusions 1271 are each provided with a slope. When the protrusion 1271 is not in contact with the lever 125, the lever 125 is in the first state. When the protrusion 1271 is in contact with the lever 125, the lever 125 is in the second state, in which the spring 126 has a tendency to return the lever 125 to the first state. The detection mechanism is covered by a second cover 121, the second cover 121 being provided with an opening through which the lever 125 extends away from the detection end 1251 of the second end 12 of the housing 1.

A conductive member 129 is fixedly mounted on a side of the positioning cover 122 remote from the cartridge 1, the conductive member 129 including a connection portion 1291 and a power transmission end 1296, referring to fig. 8, the connection portion 1291 having a first power supply end 1292 electrically connected to the developing roller 131 through the positioning cover 122 and a second power supply end 1293 electrically connected to the powder feeding roller through the positioning cover 122, referring to fig. 9, the power transmission end 1296 being for electrical connection with the second protective cover. The second cover 121 is made of a conductive material (such as conductive resin or metal), and the second cover 121 covers the power transmission end 1296 of the conductive member 129 so that the power transmission end 1296 cannot directly contact the power supply terminal in the image forming apparatus, and when the developing apparatus is mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the second cover 121 is electrically contacted with the power supply terminal of the main assembly through its outer surface, thereby supplying power to the developing roller 131 and the toner feeding roller through the conductive member 129. . Alternatively, the conductive member 129 may be made of metal, and the connection portion 1291 may be bent to have elasticity by a metal bending process. The power transmission terminal 1296 is in contact with a bent portion on the connection portion 1291, and the power transmission terminal 1296 is held in close contact with the connection portion 1291 by the elasticity of metal. When the second protecting cover 121 is mounted on the case 1, the connection portion 1291 of the conductive member 129 is clamped between the power transmission end 1296 and the positioning cover 122, further ensuring good and stable conduction of the circuit. .

A first cover 111 is removably fixedly mounted to the first end 11 of the housing 1, the first cover 111 covering the drive assembly for protecting the drive assembly. The second protecting cover 121 is detachably and fixedly mounted to the second end 12 of the box body 1, and a cavity for accommodating the detection mechanism is formed in the second protecting cover 121 and is used for protecting the detection mechanism. The first and

second covers

111 and 121 are attached to the first and second ends 11 and 12 of the case 1, respectively, using screws. Alternatively, the connection can be made by means of a buckle or the like.

The identification assembly comprises a storage medium and an electrical contact surface 112 electrically connected with the storage medium, the storage medium is mounted on the developing device, the electrical contact surface 112 is directly or indirectly arranged on the first protecting cover 111, and specifically, the electrical contact surface 112 is located on the first protecting cover 111 near the fourth end 14 and the fifth end 15 of the box body 1. The electrical contact surface 112 is closer to the fourth end 14 and the fifth end 15 of the cartridge 1 than the drive gear, the developing roller 131, the stirring element, and the toner feeding roller. Alternatively, the storage medium may be provided at any position on the developing device or on the drum assembly.

When the image forming apparatus does not start driving the developing apparatus at the time of assembling the developing apparatus, the rack 127 is not in contact with the lever 125, and at this time, the rack 127 is at the initial position and the lever 125 is in the first state.

The driving force received by the power receiving portion 114 is transmitted to the rack 127 in turn by the following transmission relationship: the power receiving part 114-the second driving gear 115-the stirring gear 118-the stirring member-the first transmission gear 1232-the large diameter second transmission gear 1231-the small diameter second transmission gear 123-the third transmission gear 124-the rack 127, the rack 127 receives the driving force and moves along the guide groove, the protrusion 1271 moves along with the rack 127 to contact with the contact end 1252 of the lever 125, so that the lever 125 is pushed twice by the protrusion 1271, and the detection end 1251 of the lever 125 touches the detection mechanism in the two-time image forming apparatus.

When the rack 127 is moved from the initial position to the final position, first, the guide cover 1211 is detached from the developing device; then, the rack 127 is removed from the guide groove and reinstalled to the original position; finally, the guide cover 1211 is mounted back to the developing device, thereby completing the resetting of the rack 127.

In the embodiment, the second protecting cover is made of a conductive material and is contacted with the power supply terminal of the main assembly through the second protecting cover, so that electric power is stably conveyed to the developing roller and the powder feeding roller through the conductive piece.

Embodiment two:

referring to fig. 10 to 12, the difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the support seat 128 is further integrally formed with a second support surface 1282, and the first support surface 1281 is closer to the sixth end 16 of the case 1 than the second support surface 1282. The second supporting surface 1282 is located at the opening on the second protecting cover 121.

The second cover 121 need not be made of a conductive material, and may be made of an insulating material. The second cover 121 is combined with the positioning cover 122, and a cavity accommodating the detection mechanism is formed between the second cover 121 and the positioning cover 122. The power transmitting end 1296 of the conductive member 129 is for electrical connection with a power supply terminal of a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and specifically, the power transmitting end 1296 includes a receiving portion 1294 and a conductive portion 1295. The receiving portion 1294 and the conductive portion 1295 are both located on the outer surface of the cavity, i.e., the outer surface of the second cover 121. And the receiving portion 1294 is provided to extend in the second direction. One end of the receiving portion 1294 is located on the second supporting surface 1282 for electrical connection with the power supply terminal of the main assembly. The other end of the receiving portion 1294 is connected to the conductive portion 1295. Alternatively, the opening of the second cover 121 may be reduced without providing the second support surface, so that the receiving portion 1294 is entirely supported by the outer surface of the second cover 121.

The conductive portion 1295 is disposed closer to the third end 13 of the case 1 than the receiving portion 1294, the conductive portion 1295 being disposed to extend in the first direction, the side of the conductive portion 1295 remote from the case 1 being connected to the receiving portion 1294. The connection portion 1291 has a first power supply end 1292 electrically connected to the developing roller 131 through the positioning cover 122 and a second power supply end 1293 electrically connected to the powder feeding roller through the positioning cover 122, and the connection portion 1291 is connected to an end of the conductive portion 1295 near the cartridge 1. The connection portion 1291 is fixedly mounted on the positioning cover 122.

In this embodiment, the conductive member 129 is entirely located outside the cavity formed between the second protecting cover 121 and the positioning cover 122 for accommodating the detecting mechanism, and is not covered by the second protecting cover 121.

In this embodiment, the power transmission end 1296 is in contact with the power supply terminal of the main assembly, so that the power is stably transmitted to the developing roller and the powder feeding roller, the power transmission end 1296 of the conductive member is disposed on the outer surface of the second protecting cover 121, and the structure of the power transmission end 1296 is more stable due to the structural stability of the second protecting cover, so that the power supply effect is improved and the good operation of the image forming device is ensured.

Example III

Referring to fig. 13 to 17, the present embodiment discloses an image forming apparatus including a main assembly, and a process cartridge detachably mounted to the main assembly, the process cartridge including a developing device and a drum assembly which are detachable and jogged with each other.

The developing device includes a cartridge 1, a developing roller 131, a toner feeding roller 20, a stirring member 90 (shown in fig. 3), a second cover 121, a power receiving portion 114, a supporting member 50, a chip 60, a conductive member 129, a detecting mechanism 80, a handle, and ribs.

The developing roller 131 is rotatably installed at a powder outlet position near the third end 13 of the cartridge body 1, the developing roller 131 extends in a first direction, the developing roller 131 includes a developing roller body 1311 and a developing roller shaft 1312, the first end of the developing roller 2 is also installed with a developing gear 116, and the developing roller is rotatable about a developing roller shaft line extending in the first direction. The toner feeding roller is for feeding the developer contained in the cartridge 1 to the developing roller 131, and the stirring member 90 is for stirring the developer to prevent it from agglomerating, and feeding the developer to the toner feeding roller.

The power receiving portion 114 is located at the first end 11 of the case 1, rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction; the power receiving portion 114 has a recess in the first direction, which cooperates with a driving device of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and the power receiving portion 114 further has a driving gear 41 at a position closer to the second end than the recess, the driving gear 41 transmitting driving force received from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to other components of the developing apparatus, including the developing roller 131, the toner feeding roller 20, and the stirring member 90.

The support member 50 is located at the first end 11 with the chip 60, the support member 50 being adapted to support the chip 60, the chip having at least one electrical contact surface arranged along a first direction, the chip 60 being adapted to store information related to the developing device.

A second cover 121 is located at the second end 12 of the cartridge 1, the second cover 121 being adapted to support and protect the developer device components, but not including the sensing mechanism and the conductive member, i.e., the second cover is not provided with a cavity for receiving and protecting the sensing mechanism and the conductive member.

The second end 12 of the housing 1 further has a conductive member 129 and a detection mechanism 80, the detection mechanism 80 being further away from the second end 12 in the first direction than the conductive member 129. In the present embodiment, the conductive member 129 is configured as a positioning cover similar to that of the first embodiment, and includes the first shaft 71, the protrusion 72, the collar 73, and the connection hole 74, and specifically, the conductive member 129 is made of a conductive material, such as a conductive resin, a metal material, or the like, which is not particularly limited. The first shaft 71 extends in a first direction, the detecting mechanism 80 is sleeved on the first shaft 71, and when the developing device is mounted in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the first shaft 71 contacts with a power supply terminal of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, thereby forming an electrical connection relationship. In the second direction, the protrusion 72 is located between the detection mechanism 80 and the developing roller 131, and is closer to the developing roller 131 than the first shaft 71; when the conductive member 129 is mounted to the cartridge body second end 12, the developing roller shaft 1312 of the developing roller 131 may pass through the journal portion 73 to form an electrical connection with the journal portion 73. There is also a connection relationship between the conductive member 129 and the powder feeding roller 131, and the second end of the powder feeding roller 131 passes through the connection hole 74 to form an electrical connection with the conductive member 129. Alternatively, the first shaft 71 and/or the protrusion 72 may be formed separately from the conductive member 129. Further, at the time of fitting the developing device to the drum assembly, contact and separation of the developing roller 131 from the photosensitive drum in the drum assembly can be achieved by performing a related operation to the projection 72.

The developing device second end 12 further has a first transmission gear 1232, the first transmission gear 1232 is mounted to the second end of the stirring member 90, and the first transmission gear 1232 receives the driving force transmitted from the first end 11 of the cartridge 1 via the stirring member 90.

The detecting mechanism 80 includes a boss 81, a fourth transmission gear 84, and a fitting hole 83, the fourth transmission gear 84 being engageable with the first transmission gear 1232, receiving a driving force from the first transmission gear 1232 so that the detecting mechanism 80 can rotate, the boss 81 being brought into contact with and separated from a lever in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus during rotation, thereby causing the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to recognize information about the developing apparatus. Wherein the fourth transmission gear 84 is an incomplete gear, and when it rotates to the toothless portion, it can be disengaged from the first transmission gear 1232, and the detection mechanism is not rotated any more.

The second cover 121 includes a mounting hole 31, a separating portion 32, and a locking portion 33. Wherein, the protecting cover 121 can be fixedly arranged on the box body 1 by installing screws or pins in the mounting holes, and the number of the mounting holes 31 is at least one; when the developing device is mounted to the drum assembly, the locking portion 33 is in a locked state with a locking lever mechanism 34 in the drum assembly to prevent the developing device from being arbitrarily detached from the drum assembly; when the developing device is to be detached from the drum assembly, the locking lever mechanism 34 of the drum assembly is pressed, and the end of the locking lever mechanism 34 remote from the locking portion 33 is brought into contact with the separating portion 32, and further the developing device is separated from the drum assembly by applying a force to the separating portion 32.

The second protecting cover 121 may completely cover the first transmission gear 1232, may partially expose the detecting mechanism 80, may completely expose the conductive member 129, so that when the developing device is mounted on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, it may be ensured that the power supply terminal in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus may contact the first shaft 71 on the conductive member 129 to form a stable electrical connection, avoiding the occurrence of an open circuit or a short circuit due to interference of the second protecting cover 121; meanwhile, the second protecting cover 121 is simpler in manufacturing process and cheaper in manufacturing cost.

The beneficial effects of this embodiment are: through simplifying the second protecting cover structure for the electrically conductive piece of developing device exposes completely, when developing device installs in image forming device's main assembly, makes electrically conductive piece fully contact with the power supply terminal in the main assembly and forms stable electric connection, still can avoid causing problems such as open circuit or short circuit because of the interference of second protecting cover. In addition, the structure of the protecting cover is simplified, the production and installation process of the developing device can be simplified, and the production economic cost can be reduced.

Example IV

The fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the third embodiment described above, except that the developing device does not include the second protective cover. The method comprises the following steps:

Referring to fig. 18-19, the second end 12 of the case 1 has a conductive member 129, a detecting mechanism 80, a first transmission gear 1232, and a separating portion 17 and a locking portion 18 extending from the second end 12 of the case in the first direction.

The locking portion 18 is in a locked state with a locking lever mechanism in the drum assembly when the developing device is mounted to the drum assembly to prevent the developing device from being arbitrarily detached from the drum assembly; when the developing device is to be detached from the drum assembly, the locking lever mechanism of the drum assembly is pressed, and the end of the locking lever mechanism remote from the locking portion 18 is brought into contact with the separation portion 17, and further the developing device is separated from the drum assembly by applying a force to the separation portion 17.

In addition, the developing device does not have the second protective cover, and the conductive member 129, the detecting mechanism 80, and the first transmission gear 1232 are completely exposed, so in order to prevent the respective components from falling off, the conductive member 129 and/or the detecting mechanism 80 and/or the first transmission gear 1232 may be fixed to the cartridge 1 by a fixing means such as a screw or a buckle, which is not particularly limited.

The beneficial effects of this embodiment are: by removing the second protecting cover structure, the conductive member of the developing device is completely exposed, and when the developing device is installed in the main assembly of the image forming device, the conductive member is fully contacted with the power supply terminal in the main assembly to form stable electric connection, and the problems of open circuit or short circuit and the like caused by interference of the second protecting cover can be avoided. In addition, the second protecting cover structure is omitted, the production and installation process of the developing device can be simplified, and the production economic cost can be reduced.

Fifth embodiment:

referring to fig. 20 to 31, the present embodiment discloses a developing device detachably mounted on a drum assembly, the developing device including a cartridge 1, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, a recognition assembly, a detection mechanism, a first protective cover 111, and a second protective cover 121.

The positioning cover 122 is fixedly mounted with a conductive member 129 on a side away from the cartridge body 1, the conductive member 129 includes a connection portion 1291 and a power transmission end 1296, the connection portion 1291 has a first power supply end 1292 electrically connected with the developing roller 131 through the positioning cover 122 and a second power supply end 1293 electrically connected with the powder feeding roller through the positioning cover 122, and the power transmission end 1296 is provided at an opening of the second protecting cover 121 for electrically connecting with a power supply terminal of a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The support 128 has a second support surface thereon on which the power transmission terminal 1296 is at least partially fixedly mounted. The second protecting cover 121 is integrally formed with a receiving portion 1212 extending in a second direction away from the case 1, and the lever 125 and the support 128 are covered by the receiving portion 1212. The opening provided in the second cover 121 is located on the accommodation portion 1212.

The power transmission terminal 1296 is located at the opening of the housing 1212. A third cover 1213 for protecting the power transmission terminal 1296 is provided at the opening. A connecting rod 1214 is disposed between the third protecting cover 1213 and the second protecting cover 121, one end of the connecting rod 1214 is rotatably connected with the third protecting cover 1213, the other end of the connecting rod 1214 is rotatably connected with the accommodating portion 1212, and the connecting point of the connecting rod 1214 and the accommodating portion 1212 is closer to the fourth end 14 of the case 1 than the shifter 125. A torsion spring 1215 is mounted on the housing portion 1212 at a connection point of the link 1214 and the housing portion 1212, one end of the torsion spring 1215 abuts against an inner wall of the housing portion 1212, the other end of the torsion spring 1215 abuts against the link 1214, and the torsion spring 1215 serves to bring the third protective cover 1213 to have a tendency to return to a state covering the opening. The third protecting cover 1213 is integrally formed with a protrusion 1216 extending in the third direction at one end near the third end 13 of the case 1. The third cover 1213 may completely cover and close the opening.

A first cover 111 is removably fixedly mounted to the first end 11 of the housing 1, the first cover 111 covering and protecting the drive assembly. The second cover 121 is removably fixedly mounted to the second end 12 of the housing 1, the second cover 121 having a cavity therein for receiving and protecting the detection mechanism and the conductive member 129. The first and

second covers

During the process of mounting the developing device to the main assembly, the main assembly contacts the protrusion 1216 on the third protecting cover 1213 and interferes with the protrusion 1216, so that the protrusion 1216 drives the third protecting cover 1213 and the link 1214 to perform a circular motion around the connection point of the link 1214 and the accommodating portion 1212, and the opening is not closed by the third protecting cover 1213 any more, so that the power transmission end 1296 and the shifter 125 are exposed from the opening. Further, the lever 125 can be brought into contact with a detection mechanism in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and the power transmission terminal 1296 can be brought into contact with a power supply terminal in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. When the developing device is detached from the main assembly, the torsion spring 1215 drives the link 1214 by the torsion spring 1215, and the link 1214 in turn drives the third protecting cover 1213 to restore the state of covering the opening, thereby protecting the lever 125 and the receiving end 1291.

When the main assembly of the image forming apparatus does not start driving the developing device, the rack 127 is not in contact with the lever 125, and at this time, the rack 127 is at the initial position and the lever 125 is in the first state.

The driving force received by the power receiving portion 114 is transmitted to the rack 127 in turn by the following transmission relationship: the power receiving portion 114-the second driving gear 115-the stirring gear 118-the stirring member-the first transmission gear 1232-the large diameter second transmission gear 1231-the small diameter second transmission gear 123-the third transmission gear 124-the rack 127, the rack 127 receives the driving force and moves along the guide groove, the protrusion 1271 moves along with the rack 127 to contact the contact end 1252 of the lever 125, so that the lever 125 is pushed twice by the protrusion 1271, and the detection end 1251 of the lever 125 touches the detection mechanism in the main assembly of the two-time image forming apparatus.

According to the embodiment, the movable third protecting cover is arranged on the opening of the second protecting cover, so that the conductive piece and the detection mechanism are protected, and the conductive piece and the detection mechanism are prevented from being directly exposed to the outside, so that the conductive piece is easy to damage due to external collision in the process of storage or transportation or use, and the problem of poor contact generated after the developing device is installed and used is solved.

Example six:

referring to fig. 32 to 35, the main difference between the present embodiment and the fifth embodiment is that the detecting mechanism and the conductive member have different structures.

In the present embodiment, the conductive member 129 is provided similarly to the third embodiment, and includes the first shaft 71, the journal portion 73, and the connection hole 74, and is specifically made of a conductive material such as a conductive resin, a metal material, or the like, which is not particularly limited. The first shaft 71 extends in a first direction, the detecting mechanism 80 is sleeved on the first shaft 71, and when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the first shaft 71 contacts with a power supply terminal of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, thereby forming an electrical connection relationship, so that an end of the first shaft 71 is disposed at an opening of the accommodating portion 1212 of the second cover 121 for electrical connection. When the conductive member 129 is mounted to the cartridge body second end 12, the developing roller shaft of the developing roller 131 may pass through the shaft neck 73 to form an electrical connection with the shaft neck 73. There is also a connection between the conductive member 129 and the powder feeding roller, and the second end of the powder feeding roller 131 passes through the connection hole 74 to be electrically connected with the conductive member 129. Alternatively, the first shaft 71 may be formed separately from the conductive member 129.

The detecting mechanism 80 is provided similarly to the third embodiment, and includes a boss 81, a positioning portion 82, a fourth transmission gear 84, and an assembly hole, the fourth transmission gear 84 being engageable with the first transmission gear 1232, and receiving a driving force from the first transmission gear 1232 so that the detecting mechanism 80 can rotate, the boss 81 being provided at an opening of the housing portion 1212 and being in contact with and separated from a lever in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus during rotation, thereby allowing the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to recognize information about the developing apparatus.

The fourth transmission gear 84 is rotatably mounted on the first shaft 71, the fourth transmission gear 84 is an incomplete gear, the fourth transmission gear 84 is meshed with the first transmission gear 1232, and the fourth transmission gear 84 is closer to the third end 13 of the case 1 than the first transmission gear 1232. The positioning portion 82 is disposed at a position facing away from the fourth transmission gear 84, the positioning portion 82 has a recess 821 in a radial direction, and the second protection cover 121 is mounted with a positioning spring 1235, and the positioning spring 1235 positions the fourth transmission gear 84 by being engaged with the recess 821 in the positioning portion 82.

The opening of the accommodating portion 1212 is further provided with a third protecting cover 1213, a connecting rod 1214 is arranged between the third protecting cover 1213 and the accommodating portion 1212, one end of the connecting rod 1214 is rotatably connected with the accommodating portion 1212, the other end of the connecting rod 1214 is rotatably connected with the third protecting cover 1213, and the connecting point of the connecting rod 1214 and the accommodating portion 1212 is closer to the fourth end 14 of the box body 1 than the supporting shaft. The connection point of the link 1214 to the third cover 1213 is closer to the third end 13 of the cassette 1 than the connection point of the link 1214 to the receptacle 1212. A torsion spring 1215 is installed at the connection point of the link 1214 and the accommodating portion 1212, one end of the torsion spring 1215 abuts against the inner wall of the accommodating portion 1212, the other end of the torsion spring 1215 abuts against the link 1214, and the torsion spring 1215 serves to bring the third protecting cover 1213 to have a tendency to return to a state covering the opening. The third cover 1213 of the present embodiment may not have the protrusion 1216, and the main assembly may directly interfere with the outer wall of the third cover 1213 during installation.

When the developing device of this embodiment is assembled to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the main assembly interferes with the outer wall of the third protecting cover 1213, so that the third protecting cover 1213 is pushed to perform a circular motion around the connection point of the link 1214 and the accommodating portion 1212, and the opening of the accommodating portion 1212 is opened, so that the first shaft 71 and the boss 81 are exposed.

When the detecting mechanism in this embodiment is operated, the stirring element drives the first transmission gear 1232 to rotate, and the first transmission gear 1232 drives the fourth transmission gear 84 to rotate, so that the detecting mechanism 80 rotates along with the fourth transmission gear 84, and further the protruding portion 81 of the detecting mechanism 80 touches the detecting mechanism in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and at the same time, the power supply terminal in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus contacts the first shaft 71 to input current. Since the fourth transmission gear 84 is an incomplete gear, when the fourth transmission gear 84 is rotated to a toothless portion, the fourth transmission gear 84 is disengaged from the first transmission gear 1232, and the positioning spring 1235 is engaged with the recess 821 on the positioning portion 82 such that the fourth transmission gear 84 is positioned and no longer rotated.

Embodiment seven:

referring to fig. 36 to 38, the main difference between the present embodiment and the sixth embodiment is that the connecting rod 1214 is not provided in the present embodiment, the outer wall of the third protecting cover 1213 has an arc surface, and the radius of the arc surface on the third protecting cover 1213 gradually decreases along the first direction and the direction away from the case 1. The second end 12 of the case 1 has an elastic member 19, where one end of the elastic member 19 is fixedly connected to the third protecting cover 1213, and the other end of the elastic member 19 abuts against the second end 12 or the positioning cover 122 of the case 1.

In the present embodiment, when the developing device is assembled to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the main assembly interferes with the circular arc surface, and thus the third cover 1213 is moved toward the cartridge 1 against the elastic force of the elastic member 19, thereby exposing the first shaft 71 and the boss 81.

What has been described above is merely some embodiments of the present utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several modifications and improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments, or the above-described embodiments can be freely combined, including the technical features of the different embodiments described above, without departing from the inventive concept of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A developing device for being detachably mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus after being spliced with a drum assembly, comprising:

a cartridge having a first end and a second end;

2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein: the second protecting cover is arranged at the second end of the box body.

3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein: the second protective cover is made of a conductive material, the conductive member is electrically connected with the second protective cover, and the second protective cover is arranged so that the second protective cover can be electrically connected with the main assembly when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

4. A developing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: the conductive member is entirely covered by the second protective cover.

5. A developing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: the positioning cover is arranged at the second end of the box body, and the conductive piece is arranged on the positioning cover;

6. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein: the second cover is made of an insulating material, and at least a portion of the conductive member is not covered by the second cover so that the conductive member can form an electrical connection with the main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly.

7. The developing device according to claim 6, wherein: the positioning cover is arranged at the second end of the box body, and the conductive piece is arranged on the positioning cover;

8. A developing apparatus according to claim 3 or 7, wherein: still including setting up the detection mechanism of the second end of box body, detection mechanism includes:

a first drive gear for driving the rack;

and a spring for resetting the deflector rod.

9. The developing device according to claim 8, wherein: still including rotatory setting stirring element in the box body with set up the drive assembly of the first end of box body, drive assembly includes: a drive gear for receiving power output from a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and a stirring gear fixedly provided at a first end of the stirring member, the stirring gear being in driving connection with the drive gear;

10. The developing device according to claim 6, wherein: the detection mechanism is arranged at the second end of the box body, and the second protective cover is not provided with a cavity for accommodating the detection mechanism and the conductive piece.

11. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein: the conductive piece is completely exposed outside the second protecting cover.

12. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein: the second protecting cover is provided with a separating part and a locking part, the locking part is used for being locked with the locking rod mechanism of the drum assembly, and the separating part is used for being separated from the drum assembly by being forced by the locking rod mechanism of the drum assembly when the locking rod mechanism of the drum assembly is pressed.

13. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein: the detection mechanism is arranged at the second end of the box body, and the second protecting cover is not arranged at the second end of the box body.

14. The developing device according to claim 13, wherein: the second end of the box body is provided with a separating part and a locking part which extend along a first direction, the locking part is used for being locked with a locking rod mechanism of the drum assembly, and the separating part is used for being separated from the drum assembly by being forced by the locking rod structure of the drum assembly when the locking rod structure of the drum assembly is pressed.

15. A developing apparatus according to claim 10 or 13, wherein: the conductive member is provided with a first shaft extending in a first direction, an end of the first shaft is used for being electrically connected with a main assembly of the image forming device, the detection mechanism is provided with a protruding portion and an assembly hole, the detection mechanism is rotatably mounted on the first shaft through the assembly hole, and the protruding portion is used for interacting with the main assembly of the image forming device.

16. The developing device according to claim 15, wherein: still including rotatory setting is in stirring element in the box body and fixed setting are in the first drive gear of stirring element's second end, still be equipped with fourth drive gear on the detection mechanism, fourth drive gear accepts first drive gear's drive so that detection mechanism rotates, fourth drive gear is incomplete gear.

17. The developing device according to claim 15, wherein: the conductive member is further provided with a journal portion for electrically connecting with the developing roller, a connection hole for electrically connecting with the powder feeding roller, and a protrusion portion for realizing contact and separation of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum of the drum assembly.

18. The developing device according to claim 6, wherein: the detection mechanism is arranged at the second end of the box body, and the third protecting cover is movably arranged on the opening of the second protecting cover, so that the opening on the second protecting cover is opened or closed, and at least one part of the conductive piece and/or at least one part of the detection mechanism are exposed outwards through the opening of the second protecting cover, and interact with a main component of the image forming device.

19. The developing device according to claim 18, wherein: the protective cover further comprises a connecting rod and a torsion spring, wherein the third protective cover is rotatably connected with the second protective cover through the connecting rod, and the torsion spring is used for enabling the second protective cover to recover to a closed state.

20. The developing device according to claim 19, wherein: the third cover is provided with a projection extending in a third direction, the projection being configured to contact and interfere with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing apparatus is mounted in the main assembly, so that the third cover rotates about the link relative to the second cover to open an opening in the second cover.

21. The developing device according to claim 19, wherein: an outer wall of the third protective cover is configured to contact and interfere with a main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing device is mounted in the main assembly such that the third protective cover rotates about the link relative to the second protective cover to open an opening in the second protective cover.

22. The developing device according to claim 18, wherein: the novel protective cover comprises a first protective cover, a second protective cover and an elastic piece, wherein the elastic piece is arranged along a first direction and is connected with the third protective cover, so that the third protective cover can stretch and retract along the first direction, and the opening on the second protective cover is opened or closed.

23. A developing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein: the outer wall of the third protecting cover has an arc surface having a reduced radius in a direction away from the case in a first direction so that when the developing device is mounted in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the outer wall of the third protecting cover contacts and interferes with the main assembly, and the third protecting cover contracts in a direction approaching the case in the first direction so as to open the opening in the second protecting cover.

24. The developing device according to claim 18, wherein: the positioning cover is arranged at the second end of the box body, and the conductive piece is arranged on the positioning cover;

25. A developing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein: the detection mechanism includes:

a first drive gear for driving the rack;

and a spring for resetting the deflector rod.

26. A developing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein: still including rotatory setting stirring element in the box body with set up the drive assembly of the first end of box body, drive assembly includes: a drive gear for receiving power output from a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and a stirring gear fixedly provided at a first end of the stirring member, the stirring gear being in driving connection with the drive gear;

27. The developing device according to claim 18, wherein: the conductive member is provided with a first shaft extending along a first direction, the end part of the first shaft is arranged at the opening of the third protecting cover and is used for being electrically connected with the main assembly of the image forming device, the detection mechanism is provided with a protruding part and an assembly hole, the detection mechanism is rotatably arranged on the first shaft through the assembly hole, and the protruding part is arranged at the opening of the third protecting cover and is used for interacting with the main assembly of the image forming device.

28. A developing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein: still including rotatory setting is in stirring element in the box body and fixed setting are in the first drive gear of stirring element's second end, still be equipped with fourth drive gear on the detection mechanism, fourth drive gear accepts first drive gear's drive so that detection mechanism is rotatory.

29. A developing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein: the detection mechanism is characterized by further comprising a positioning spring, the detection mechanism is further provided with a positioning part, the positioning part is provided with a recess, one end of the positioning spring is arranged in the recess, and the fourth transmission gear is an incomplete gear, so that when the fourth transmission gear rotates to a toothless part to be disengaged from the first transmission gear, the positioning spring is matched with the recess to stop rotating the fourth transmission gear.

30. The developing device according to claim 18, wherein: the conductive piece is also provided with a journal part used for being electrically connected with the developing roller and a connecting hole used for being electrically connected with the powder feeding roller.

31. A process cartridge comprising a drum assembly and a developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 30.