WO2020244305A1

WO2020244305A1 - Toner cartridge, developing cartridge and electrophotographic imaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2020244305A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/083982
Authority: WO
Inventors: 杨晓锋; 易小军
Original assignee: 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司
Priority date: 2019-06-04
Filing date: 2020-04-09
Publication date: 2020-12-10
Also published as: CN110083034A

Abstract

Provided are a toner cartridge, a developing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging device. The toner cartridge comprises a toner compartment (100), the toner cartridge (100) comprising a housing (110) and a first side wall (120), which are connected to each other, and the housing (110) comprising a toner outlet (111); a sealing member (500), the sealing member (500) being located on an inner side of the toner outlet (111), and the sealing member (500) being rotatably mounted on the toner compartment (100); and a linkage mechanism (600), with a first end of the linkage mechanism (600) being connected to the sealing member (500), and a second end of the linkage mechanism (600) being connected in a pivoting manner to the first side wall (120). The linkage mechanism (600) comprises a contact portion (640), and the contact portion (640) can move in a direction from the outer side of the housing (110) to the inner side of the housing (110), such that the linkage mechanism (600) drives the sealing member (500) to turn from a first position in which the toner outlet (111) is closed to a second position in which the toner outlet (111) is opened.

Description

Toner cartridge, developing cartridge and electrophotographic imaging equipment

Technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of electrophotography, in particular to a toner cartridge, and also relates to a developing cartridge and an electrophotographic imaging device having the toner cartridge.

Background technique

A developing cartridge is usually installed in an electrophotographic imaging device such as a laser printer, and the developing cartridge can be detached from the printer. The existing developing cartridges include the following two types: an integrated box mainly composed of a developing unit and a toner cartridge; and a split box in which the developing unit and the toner cartridge are separated.

The existing split box product structure is as follows: the developing unit is composed of a developing roller, a doctor blade, a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, and a waste toner bin. The developing unit is combined with the toner cartridge and placed in the printer. The toner that consumes faster is set in a separate toner cartridge. The separate toner cartridge cooperates with the developing unit. When the toner is exhausted, you can easily add toner to the toner cartridge or replace the toner cartridge. , No need to replace together with the developing unit, saving cost. Since both the developing unit and the toner cartridge can be separated and removed from the image forming apparatus, both use opening and closing members to open and close the corresponding toner inlet and toner outlet. When the toner cartridge is not placed in the imaging device, the opening and closing part seals the toner outlet of the toner cartridge and the toner inlet of the developing unit. When the toner cartridge is combined with the developing unit, the opening and closing part opens the toner outlet of the toner cartridge and the toner inlet of the developing unit.

The US Patent No. US8649710B2 discloses a toner cartridge. As shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 10 is matched with a developing unit 20. The developing unit 20 is provided with a toner inlet 21 and for supporting the toner cartridge 10. The frame 22 is provided with fins 23 on the frame 22. As shown in Figure 2, the toner cartridge 10 includes a linkage mechanism 11 and an interlock mechanism 12. When the toner cartridge 10 is combined with the developing unit 20, the fins 23 push the interlock mechanism 12 to move and unlock the interlock mechanism 12 To lock the linkage mechanism 11, use the projection of the imaging device to push the push rod 13 of the linkage mechanism 11 from the A direction, thereby opening the opening and closing parts inside the toner outlet, so that the toner can pass from the toner outlet of the toner cartridge 10. The toner inlet 21 passing through the developing unit 20 enters the developing chamber. The US Patent No. US8774684B2 also discloses a toner cartridge. As shown in Figure 3, the toner cartridge 30 cooperates with the developing unit 40. To ensure that the toner does not leak, the toner cartridge 30 is outside the toner outlet. A cover 31 and a link mechanism 32 that controls the opening and closing of the cover 31 are also provided. The convex surface 41 of the developing unit 40 can push the link mechanism 32 to move to open the cover 31. However, the entire linkage system of these toner cartridges has a complicated structure, many parts, complicated production processes, complicated assembly procedures, and high toner cartridge costs.

Summary of the invention

technical problem

In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the first object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge with simple structure, simplified production process, simple assembly process and lower cost.

The second object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge having the above toner cartridge.

The third object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with the above-mentioned developing cartridge.

Technical solutions

In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, the toner cartridge provided by the present invention includes: a powder bin, the powder bin includes a connected shell and a first side wall, the shell includes a powder outlet; a seal, the seal is located at the powder outlet The inner side, and the seal is rotatably mounted to the powder bin; the linkage mechanism, the first end of the linkage mechanism is connected with the seal, and the second end of the linkage mechanism is pivotally connected to the first side wall; the linkage mechanism includes a contact part, a contact part It can move from the outside of the casing to the inside of the casing, so that the linkage mechanism drives the seal to rotate from the first position where the powder outlet is closed to the second position where the powder outlet is opened.

A further technical solution is that the first side wall is close to the powder outlet, and the linkage mechanism is located outside the first side wall.

A further technical solution is that the toner cartridge further includes an elastic member, the first end of the elastic member abuts against the powder bin, and the second end of the elastic member abuts against the linkage mechanism.

A further technical solution is that a first limit post and a second limit post are provided on the first side wall; the elastic member is a torsion spring, the main body of the torsion spring is sleeved on the first limit post, and the first limit post of the torsion spring The second end of the torsion spring abuts against the second limit post, and the second end of the torsion spring abuts against the linkage mechanism.

A further technical solution is that the linkage mechanism includes a first connecting piece, a second connecting piece and a third connecting piece, the first connecting piece is hinged with the second connecting piece, and the second connecting piece is hinged with the third connecting piece; the first connecting piece A connecting portion is provided at a position away from the second connecting piece, and the connecting portion is fixedly connected with the sealing piece; the end of the third connecting piece is pivotally connected with the third limiting post on the side wall; a contact portion is formed on the second connecting piece.

A further technical solution is that the connecting portion includes a through hole and a groove arranged around the through hole; the seal includes a stopper and an extension block provided at one end of the stopper, the stopper is adjacent to the powder outlet, and the extension block includes The column body and the convex block arranged around the column body; the column body extends into the through hole, and the fastener fixes the column body from the outside of the through hole; the convex block is matched with the groove.

A further technical solution is that the stopper includes a sealing sponge, and a gap is provided on the stopper; when the sealing element is in the first position, the gap is away from the powder outlet; when the sealing element is in the second position, the gap is connected with the powder outlet.

A further technical solution is that the seal is installed on the first side wall through a bearing; the seal includes a limit block, the bearing includes a limit groove, the limit block is matched with the limit groove, and the limit block can be in the limit groove mobile.

A further technical solution is that the powder bin further includes a second side wall connected with the casing, the second side wall is opposite to the first side wall; the inside of the casing is provided with a channel connecting the powder outlet, and the channel is provided at the powder outlet There is a cylindrical closed section, the seal includes a cylindrical stopper, the stopper is located in the closed section; the toner cartridge also includes a screw rod and rotatably arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall In the stirring mechanism, the spiral rod extends into the closed section, and the stirring mechanism is adjacent to the spiral rod; the spiral rod and the stirring mechanism are respectively connected with the driving mechanism arranged outside the second side wall.

A further technical solution is that the toner cartridge further includes a first end cover and a second end cover, the first end cover is arranged on the first side wall and the outer side of the linkage mechanism, and the contact portion is exposed from the first end cover; preferably, the first end cover The two end covers are arranged on the outside of the second side wall and the driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is exposed from the second end cover.

In order to achieve the second objective of the present invention, the developing cartridge provided by the present invention includes the above-mentioned toner cartridge and developing unit, and the toner and developing unit cooperate with each other.

In order to achieve the third objective of the present invention, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided by the present invention includes a printer and the above-mentioned developing cartridge detachably installed in the printer.

The solution to the problem

The beneficial effects of the invention

Beneficial effect

The toner cartridge of the present invention drives the seal inside the powder outlet to rotate through the linkage mechanism, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the powder outlet. The linkage mechanism has a contact part, and when the toner cartridge is not matched with the developing unit, the seal is located at the first position that closes the powder outlet. When the toner cartridge is matched with the developing unit, the contact part of the toner cartridge moves to the inside of the housing under the action of the protrusions on the developing unit, prompting the linkage mechanism to move, and driving the seal to rotate to the second opening of the powder outlet. position. The toner cartridge of the present invention has a simple structure, which is beneficial to simplify the production and assembly process and reduce the product cost without affecting the use performance of the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge has the advantages of reliable performance and stable landing.

Since the first side wall of the toner cartridge is close to the powder outlet, it is convenient for the linkage mechanism to connect with the seal inside the powder outlet. The linkage mechanism is located outside the first side wall, which further facilitates the assembly of parts of the linkage mechanism.

In addition, the toner cartridge is provided with an elastic member. When the toner cartridge is not combined with the developing unit or the toner cartridge is detached from the developing unit, the linkage mechanism is maintained or restored to the initial protruding outward of the housing under the action of the elastic member. Position so that the seal closes the powder outlet.

Since the elastic member is a torsion spring, the torsion spring is arranged on the first side wall, the structure is simple, and the linkage mechanism can be effectively reset.

The linkage mechanism of the toner cartridge is connected by three hinged connecting members in sequence, which can realize the rotation of the sealing member through the movement of the contact portion, and has a small number of parts and a simple structure.

The sealing element of the toner cartridge and the connecting part of the linkage mechanism are fixed in the axial and circumferential directions, so that the sealing element rotates with the action of the linkage mechanism.

In addition, the stopper of the toner cartridge is provided with a sealing sponge, which can better seal the powder outlet. The stopper has a notch, and the positional relationship between the notch and the powder outlet is changed by the rotation of the sealing member, and the opening and closing of the powder outlet is realized.

In addition, the seal is rotatably installed on the first side wall through a bearing, and the bearing is provided with a limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the seal, so that the seal can only rotate between the first position and the second position.

The stopper of the toner cartridge is placed in the closed section and can be rotated along the closed section. The toner cartridge of the present invention also includes components such as a screw rod, a stirring mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The stirring mechanism includes a stirring frame and a blade of the stirring frame. The driving mechanism includes a driving gear for receiving transmission force. Stirring rack gears and screw gears that power the screw rods.

In addition, the toner cartridge partially covers the linkage mechanism and the driving mechanism through the end cover to protect the linkage mechanism and the driving mechanism from touching and falling off. At the same time, the contact part is exposed from the first end cover so that the contact part can come into contact with the protrusions of the developing unit, and the driving mechanism is exposed from the second end cover so that the driving mechanism can receive external driving force, thereby realizing the functions of the linkage mechanism and the driving mechanism .

Brief description of the drawings

Description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a toner cartridge and a developing unit in the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the toner cartridge and the developing unit in FIG. 1 being matched at another angle.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of another type of toner cartridge and developing unit in the prior art.

Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a toner cartridge of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic structural view of the embodiment of the toner cartridge of the present invention from another angle.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the structure of an embodiment of the toner cartridge of the present invention.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the structure of the connection between the seal and the linkage mechanism of the toner cartridge embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the structure of the sealing element and the linkage mechanism of the toner cartridge embodiment of the present invention connected at another angle.

Figure 9 is a partial structural diagram of the embodiment of the toner cartridge of the present invention when the powder outlet is closed.

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of the toner cartridge of the present invention when the powder outlet is closed.

Figure 11 is a partial structural diagram of the toner cartridge embodiment of the present invention when the powder outlet is opened.

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of the toner cartridge of the present invention when the powder outlet is opened.

The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments.

Invention embodiment

Embodiments of the invention

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the toner provided in this embodiment includes a powder bin 100, a first end cover 200 and a second end cover 300. The powder silo 100 includes a housing 110 and a first side wall 120 and a second side wall 130 connected to and opposite to the housing 110. The powder silo 100 also includes a cover 140 mated with the housing 110. The housing 110, the first The side wall 120, the second side wall 130 and the cover 140 together form a powder bin 100 that can contain carbon powder. The first end cover 200 is disposed on the outer side of the first side wall 120, and the second end cover 300 is disposed on the outer side of the second side wall 130.

The casing 110 is provided with a powder outlet 111, and the powder outlet 111 is close to the first side wall 120. The inside of the housing 110 is provided with a channel 112 connected to the powder outlet 111, and the channel 112 is provided with a cylindrical closed section 113 at the powder outlet 111, and the closed section 113 communicates with the inside of the powder bin 100. The powder bin 100 is also provided with a screw rod 150 and a stirring mechanism 160, and the screw rod 150 and the stirring mechanism 160 are rotatably supported between the first side wall 120 and the second side wall 130. The end of the screw rod 150 extends into the closed section 113. The stirring mechanism 160 includes a stirring rack and a stirring rack blade. The screw 150 and the stirring mechanism 160 are respectively connected to the driving mechanism 400 provided between the second side wall 130 and the second end cover 300. The driving mechanism 400 includes a screw rod gear and a stirring mechanism gear. The screw rod gear is connected with the screw rod 150, and the stirring mechanism gear is connected with the stirring mechanism 160. The driving mechanism 400 also includes a transmission gear, a part of the transmission gear is exposed from the second end cover 300 , Used to engage with the gear on the imaging device to transmit rotational force.

The inner side of the powder outlet 111 is provided with a sealing member 500. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the sealing member 500 is supported on the first side wall 120 through a bearing 170. The sealing member 500 includes a stopper 510 and an extension block 520 provided at one end of the stopper 510. The stopper 510 is cylindrical, and the stopper 510 is arranged in the closed section 113 and is adjacent to the inner side of the closed section 113. The stopper 510 is adjacent to the powder outlet 111, the stopper 510 includes a sealing sponge, and a gap 511 is provided on the stopper 510. The extension block 520 includes a pillar 521 and a bump 522 disposed around the pillar 521. The sealing member 500 further includes a limit block 523 provided at one end of the stop block 510.

The bearing 170 is fixed on the first side wall 120, and the extension block 520 passes through the bearing 170. The bearing 170 is further provided with a limiting groove 171, and the limiting block 523 is matched with the limiting slot 171, and the limiting block 523 can move in the limiting slot 171.

As shown in Figures 9 to 12, a linkage mechanism 600 is provided on the first side wall 120. The linkage mechanism 600 includes a first connector 610, a second connector 620, and a third connector 630. The two connecting pieces 620 are hinged, and the second connecting piece 620 is hinged to the third connecting piece 630. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the first connecting member 610 is provided with a connecting portion at a position away from the hinged connection with the second connecting member 620, the connecting portion is provided with a through hole 611, and a groove 612 is provided around the through hole 611. The cylinder 521 of the sealing member 500 extends into the through hole 611, and the fastener 700 fixes the cylinder 521 from the outside of the through hole 611. The protrusion 522 is matched with the groove 612. The number of the protrusion 522 and the groove 612 is multiple. The protrusions 522 and the grooves 612 have at least two shapes to facilitate the protrusions 522 and the grooves 612 in the circumferential direction. Cooperate in a definite way.

A first limiting post 121, a second limiting post 122 and a third limiting post 123 are provided on the first side wall 120. The third connecting member 630 is pivotally connected to the third limiting post 123. The first limit post 121 is sleeved with a torsion spring 800, a first end of the torsion spring 800 abuts against the second limit post 122, and a second end of the torsion spring 800 abuts against the third connecting member 630. A contact portion 640 is formed on the third connecting member 630, the contact portion 640 is located outside the powder outlet 111, and the contact portion 640 is exposed from the first end cover 200.

As shown in Figures 9 to 10, when the toner cartridge is not matched with the developing unit, the torsion spring 800 acts on the third connecting member 630, and the torsion spring 800 provides the third connecting member 630 with a supporting force to the outside of the housing 110, The linkage mechanism 600 keeps the sealing element in the first position, so that the notch 511 is at a position away from the powder outlet 111 to close the powder outlet 111.

As shown in Figures 11 to 12, when the toner cartridge is matched with the developing unit, the contact portion 640 of the toner cartridge moves toward the inside of the housing 110 under the action of the protrusion on the developing unit, and the linkage mechanism 600 drives the seal 500 rotates to the second position so that the notch 511 communicates with the powder outlet 111 to open the powder outlet 111.

As shown in Figures 9 to 10, when the toner cartridge is separated from the developing unit, the torsion spring 800 acts on the third connecting member 630 to push the contact portion 640 to the outside of the housing 110, and the linkage mechanism 600 drives the sealing member 500 to rotate To the first position, the gap 511 leaves the powder outlet 111 to close the powder outlet 111.

It can be seen from the above that the toner cartridge of the present invention has a simple structure, which is beneficial to simplify the production and assembly process of the toner cartridge, reduce product cost, and at the same time does not affect the use performance of the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge has the advantages of reliable performance and stable landing.

Finally, it should be emphasized that the above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Industrial applicability

The developing cartridge of the present invention is a split type developing cartridge, which includes a toner cartridge and a developing unit, and the toner cartridge can be separated from the developing unit. The developing box can be installed in the printer for electrophotographic imaging. The toner cartridge of the present invention has a simple structure, is beneficial to simplify the production and assembly process, and does not affect the use performance of the toner cartridge.

Claims

A toner cartridge, including:

Powder bin, the powder bin includes a connected shell and a first side wall, and the shell includes a powder outlet;

A seal, the seal is located inside the powder outlet, and the seal is rotatably mounted to the powder bin;

A linkage mechanism, the first end of the linkage mechanism is connected to the seal;

Its characteristics are:

The second end of the linkage mechanism is pivotally connected to the first side wall;

The linkage mechanism includes a contact portion that can move in a direction from the outer side of the housing to the inner side of the housing, so that the linkage mechanism drives the seal from a first position that closes the powder outlet Turn to the second position to open the powder outlet.
A toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein:

The first side wall is close to the powder outlet, and the linkage mechanism is located outside the first side wall.
A toner cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

The toner cartridge further includes an elastic member, a first end of the elastic member abuts against the powder container, and a second end of the elastic member abuts against the linkage mechanism.
A toner cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that:

A first limiting post and a second limiting post are provided on the first side wall;

The elastic member is a torsion spring, the main body of the torsion spring is sleeved on the first limit post, the first end of the torsion spring abuts against the second limit post, and the second The end abuts against the linkage mechanism.
A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:

The linkage mechanism includes a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector, the first connector is hinged with the second connector, and the second connector is hinged with the third connector;

The first connecting member is provided with a connecting portion at a position away from the second connecting member, and the connecting portion is fixedly connected to the sealing member; the end of the third connecting member is connected to the first side wall The third limiting post is pivotally connected; the contact portion is arranged on the third connecting piece.
A toner cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that:

The connecting portion includes a through hole and a groove arranged around the through hole;

The sealing member includes a stopper and an extension block provided at one end of the stopper, the stopper is adjacent to the powder outlet, and the extension block includes a cylinder and a protrusion provided around the cylinder ；

The column extends into the through hole, and a fastener fixes the column from the outside of the through hole;

The protrusion is matched with the groove.
A toner cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that:

The stopper includes a sealing sponge, and a notch is provided on the stopper; when the sealing member is in the first position, the notch leaves the powder outlet; when the sealing member is in the second position, the The gap is communicated with the powder outlet.
A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that:

The seal is mounted on the first side wall through a bearing;

The seal includes a limit block, the bearing includes a limit groove, the limit block is matched with the limit groove, and the limit block can move in the limit groove.
A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that:

The powder silo also includes a second side wall connected with the casing, the second side wall is opposite to the first side wall; the inside of the casing is provided with a channel connecting the powder outlet, The channel is provided with a cylindrical closed section at the powder outlet, the sealing member includes a cylindrical stopper, and the stopper is located in the closed section;

The toner cartridge also includes a screw rod and a stirring mechanism rotatably arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall, the screw rod extends into the closed section; the screw rod and The stirring mechanism is respectively connected with a driving mechanism arranged outside the second side wall.
A toner cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that:

The toner cartridge further includes a first end cover and a second end cover, the first end cover is arranged on the first side wall and the outer side of the linkage mechanism, and the contact portion is from the first end cover Revealed.
A toner cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that:

The second end cover is arranged on the outside of the second side wall and the driving mechanism, and a part of the driving mechanism is exposed from the second end cover.
The developing cartridge is characterized in that it comprises the toner cartridge and the developing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the toner and the developing unit cooperate with each other.
The electrophotographic imaging device is characterized in that: the developing cartridge according to claim 12 is detachably installed in the electrophotographic imaging device.