DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE

A developing cartridge includes a housing, a chip, and a chip connection assembly. The chip is provided with an electrical contact, and at least a part of the chip connection assembly may move relative to the housing as a movable member between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a communication connection cannot be established between the electrical contact and a power terminal outside the developing cartridge. In the second position, the movable member enables a communication connection to be established between the electrical contact and the power terminal outside the developing cartridge. Such a design can prevent damage to the electrical contact of the chip and improve working stability of the chip.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging, and in particular, to a developing cartridge detachably mounted in an electrophotographic imaging device.

BACKGROUND

For an existing processing cartridge including a developing cartridge and a drum holder, before use, the developing cartridge needs to be mounted to the drum holder, and then the combination of the developing cartridge and the drum holder is mounted to an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as “device”). The developing cartridge includes toner and developing components such as a developing member and a doctor blade, which are required for development. Components such as a photosensitive drum and a charging member are disposed on the drum holder. When the processing cartridge works in the device, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a surface of the photosensitive drum, and the developing member is configured to supply the toner to the photosensitive drum and simultaneously develop the electrostatic latent image.

Generally, the service life of the photosensitive drum is designed to be far greater than the service life of the developing cartridge, to be specific, after the toner in the developing cartridge is consumed, an end user only needs to replace the developing cartridge, and the drum holder is kept for continuous use, thereby reducing use costs. In practice, a communication connection needs to be established between the developing cartridge and the device, so that the device can keep abreast of the use of the developing cartridge. Therefore, a chip is mounted in the developing cartridge, and the drum holder is provided with an exposure opening for exposing the chip. When the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum holder, the chip is exposed through the exposure opening.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a developing cartridge. The following technical solution is used to improve working stability of a chip. A specific solution is:

A developing cartridge is detachably mounted in a device, and the developing cartridge includes a housing, a chip, a developing member rotatably mounted in the housing, and a driving force receiving member located at a longitudinal end of the housing; the driving force receiving member is configured to receive a driving force from the outside of the developing cartridge to drive the developing member to rotate; the chip is provided with an electrical contact; the developing cartridge further includes a chip connection assembly, and at least a part of the chip connection assembly may move relative to the housing as a movable member between a first position and a second position; before the developing cartridge is mounted to the device, the movable member is in the first position, and in this case, an electrical connection between the electrical contact and the device is broken, and then a communication connection cannot be established between the electrical contact and the device; and as the developing cartridge is mounted to the device, the movable member moves from the first position to the second position, and in the second position, the movable member enables an electrical connection between the electrical contact and the device to be implemented, to establish a communication connection between the electrical contact and the device.

As described above, in the developing cartridge in the present invention, the electrical contact has the first position that cannot be electrically connected to a power terminal in an imaging device and the second position that can be electrically connected to the power terminal in the imaging device. Only in a mounting process of the developing cartridge, the electrical contact moves from the first position to the second position. After the developing cartridge is mounted, the electrical contact is electrically connected to the imaging device. Therefore, regardless of whether the developing cartridge is in a transportation process, in the mounting process, or in a process in which the developing cartridge is temporarily placed outside the imaging device, the electrical contact of the chip is not damaged by an external component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Overall Structure of a Developing Cartridge

FIG.1is a three-dimensional diagram of a developing cartridge and a drum holder in a processing cartridge after the developing cartridge and the drum holder are separated according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; andFIG.2A,FIG.2B, andFIG.3are three-dimensional diagrams of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in the figures, the developing cartridge100is overall rectangular in shape, an outer circumference of the developing cartridge100is an irregular surface, and the developing cartridge100is detachably mounted to a device. Based on a state in which the developing cartridge100is mounted to the device, the developing cartridge100has a left-right direction parallel to a length direction/longitudinal direction, a front-back direction parallel to a width direction/transverse direction, and an up-down direction parallel to a height direction/vertical direction. In the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction, the developing cartridge100extends a largest dimension in the left-right direction, and is mounted forward and dismounted backward in the front-back direction. For simplicity, the left-right direction is also referred to as a first direction, the front-back direction is also referred to as a second direction, and the up-down direction is also referred to as a third direction.

The developing cartridge100includes a housing1/bin350and a developing member2and a stirring member5that are located in the housing1. Toner is accommodated in the housing1. The stirring member5is configured to stir the toner and convey the toner to the developing member2. The developing member2extends in the first direction to supply the toner outward. For example, when the developing cartridge100is mounted to a drum holder200provided with a photosensitive drum, the developing member2is opposite to the photosensitive drum and supplies the toner to a surface of the photosensitive drum in a working process of the developing cartridge100. When the photosensitive drum is located in the device, the developing cartridge100does not need to be mounted to the drum holder200first, but may be directly mounted to the device, and supplies the toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum. Therefore, the mounting of the developing cartridge100described below means that the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the developing cartridge100is mounted to the device. On the contrary, removal of the developing cartridge100means removal of the developing cartridge100from the drum holder200or removal of the developing cartridge100from the device. In addition, the developing cartridge100further includes a handle13disposed on the housing1. The developing member2and the handle13are respectively located at two ends in the second direction. Specifically, the developing cartridge100has a front end103at the front side and a rear end104at the rear side. The developing member2is located at the front end103and the handle13is located at the rear end104. A user may easily mount and dismount the developing cartridge100by grasping the handle13.

To control the thickness of a toner layer on a surface of the developing member2, the developing cartridge100further includes an adjustment member4contacting the developing member2. In a rotation process of the developing member2, the adjustment member4adjusts the toner on the surface of the developing member2to a predetermined thickness. Further, the developing cartridge100further includes end covers380, a driving force receiving member15, and a counting assembly6that are located at longitudinal ends of the housing. As shown in the figures, a first end cover11and a second end cover12are respectively located on a left side and a right side of the housing1, and the driving force receiving member15and the counting assembly6may be located at a same end of the housing1. In this case, the driving force receiving member15is exposed through the first end cover11, and a part of the counting assembly6is also exposed from the first end cover11. When the counting assembly6and the driving force receiving member15are disposed on different sides, the driving force receiving member15and the counting assembly6may be respectively located at the two ends of the housing1. In this case, the driving force receiving member15is exposed through the first end cover11, and a part of the counting assembly6is exposed from the second end cover12.

When the developing cartridge100works, the driving force receiving member15receives a driving force from the device and rotates around a rotation axis L, the developing member2rotates around a rotation axis L5and is configured to supply the toner outward, the counting assembly6is driven by the driving force from the driving force receiving member15, and interacts with a detecting component400(as shown inFIG.2B) in the device. A process in which the counting assembly6interacts with the detecting component400is referred to as a counting process, and in this process, information such as a model and a lifetime of the developing cartridge100is identified by the device.

In the following, that the driving force receiving member15and the counting assembly6are respectively located at the two ends of the housing1is used as an example for description. In this way, when the driving force receiving member15works, impact on the counting assembly6may be reduced. As shown in the figure, the driving force receiving member15is located on the left side of the housing1, and the counting assembly6is located on the right side of the housing1. Therefore, the side on which the driving force receiving member15is located may also be referred to as a driving end101/first end351, and the side on which the counting assembly6is located may also be referred to as a counting side102. Certainly, the counting assembly6may alternatively be on a same side as the driving force receiving member15. In this way, the counting assembly6may be directly combined with the driving force receiving member15, so that the counting assembly6has a higher response speed of receiving the driving force.

The drum holder200includes a frame201enclosed to form a developing cartridge accommodating cavity202and a photosensitive drum203rotatably mounted in the frame201. Fastening grooves204are disposed on two sidewalls of the frame201in the left-right direction, a baseplate208extends in the front-back direction, and an opening209is disposed on the baseplate208to allow exposure of an electrical contact located in the developing cartridge100. The fastening grooves204are configured to be combined with a support portions18L/18R located at an end of the developing cartridge100in the left-right direction, and allow the developing cartridge to rotate relative to the drum holder200by using the support portion18L/18R as a fulcrum.

As shown inFIG.2AandFIG.2B, the housing1includes a bottom housing1aand a top cover1bthat are combined in the up-down direction, and a cavity10for accommodating the toner is formed between the bottom housing1aand the top cover1b. The stirring member5is movably mounted in the cavity10. In some embodiments, the stirring member5is a component formed integrally. Before the developing cartridge is assembled, another component does not need to be mounted for the stirring member5, and the stirring member5is directly placed in the cavity10. In addition, the stirring member5is disposed to reciprocate in a non-rotating manner in the front-back direction and/or the up-down direction. In a moving process of the stirring member5, the toner at the rear end is conveyed to the front end, and a structure of a driving force output component between the driving force receiving member15and the stirring member5may be simplified because the stirring member5does not rotate.

The developing cartridge100further includes a toner conveying member3located in the housing1and a conductive member14located on the counting side102. In the left-right direction, the toner conveying member3and the developing member2each have an end located at the driving end101and an end located on the counting side102. When the developing cartridge100is mounted to the device, the conductive member14receives power from the power supply member in the device, and supplies the power to the developing member2and the toner conveying member3. The conductive member14is at the same side as the counting assembly6, so that the counting side102may also be referred to as a conductive side. As described above, the counting assembly6receives the driving force of the driving force receiving member15to work. Therefore, the developing cartridge100further includes a driving force transmitting assembly8/driving assembly370for transmitting the driving force of the driving force receiving member15. Through the driving force transmitting assembly8/driving assembly370, the developing member2, the toner conveying member3, the stirring member5, and the counting assembly6are all driven.

Driving Force Transmitting Assembly

FIG.4is a schematic exploded view of some components of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the driving force transmitting assembly8includes a first driving member81combined with the driving force receiving member15, a developing member driving member82at an end of the developing member2, a toner conveying member driving member83at an end of the toner conveying member3, a middle member84on the same side as the counting assembly6, and a second driving member89rotatably mounted in the housing1. The second driving member89extends in the left-right direction/first direction, where the first driving member81and the driving force receiving member15are formed integrally, and are rotatably supported by a supporting protrusion1con the housing1, and the second driving member89is configured to drive the stirring member5to move in the cavity10. Preferably, the first driving member81is a gear, and correspondingly, the developing member driving member82and the toner conveying member driving member83each are a gear that can mesh with the first driving member81, and the middle member84is a gear that is mounted on a counting side of the second driving member89.

In the present invention, the first driving member81and the middle member84are respectively located at two ends of the second driving member89, and the second driving member89is directly combined with the first driving member81. In this way, the driving force received by the driving force receiving member15from the device may be directly transmitted to the second driving member89through the first driving member81, and finally, the stirring member5is driven by the second driving member89to move, so that driving force transmission efficiency between the driving force receiving member15and the stirring member5can be effectively improved, and wear between the second driving member89and the first driving member81is reduced. Especially, when the driving force receiving member15is closer to the front end103, a long gear group between the stirring member5and the driving force receiving member15may be omitted, and further, the appearance of the driving end101of the developing cartridge can be simplified.

The first end cover11is mounted at the driving end101, the driving force receiving member15is exposed through a through hole112of the first end cover, the second end cover12is mounted on the counting side102, the counting assembly6is exposed through a through hole of the second end cover, and both the first end cover11and the second end cover12cover a part of the driving force transmitting assembly8. After the gear group between the stirring member5and the driving force receiving member15is omitted, in a mounting processing of the first end cover11, it is not necessary to consider a problem of position correspondence between the first end cover11and the gear group, and in a dismounting process of the first end cover11, it is also not necessary to consider a problem of falling of the gear group after the first end cover11is removed. Therefore, it can be seen that the mounting process and dismounting process of the first end cover11are simplified, thereby improving efficiency.

In this embodiment, the developing cartridge further includes an elastic member16located between the stirring member5and the second driving member89, and the stirring member5implements reciprocating movement in the front-back direction/second direction and/or in the up-down direction/third direction under a joint action of the elastic member16and the second driving member89. The second driving member89includes a middle rod890, a first combining portion891and a second combining portion892that are respectively on the left side and the right side of the middle rod890, where the first combining portion891is configured to be combined with the first driving member81, and the second combining portion892is configured to be combined with the middle member84. Therefore, the first driving member81, the second driving member89, and the middle member84rotate together around the rotation axis L. Further, the second driving member89further includes a force applying portion893that is configured to apply an acting force to the stirring member5. The force applying portion893is disposed on the middle rod890, but is eccentric relative to the middle rod890, resulting in that force applying portion893and the middle rod890are not collinear. In addition, the force applying portion893has a force applying surface that is configured to apply an acting force and a non-force applying surface that does not apply an acting force. When the second driving member89rotates, the force applying surface gradually approaches the stirring member5, and applies an acting force to the stirring member5, so that elastic deformation occurs on the elastic member16; and when the force applying surface gradually moves away from the stirring member5and the non-force applying surface gradually approaches the stirring member5, the stirring member5is restored under an elastic restoring force of the elastic member16.

Preferably, the force applying portion893is a cam disposed on the second driving member89, and two cams893are respectively disposed on two ends of the second driving member89in the left-right direction/first direction, and the two cams893are opposite to the stirring member5in the front-back direction/second direction.

Stirring Member

FIG.5is a schematic diagram of a state after the stirring member and a drive rod in the developing cartridge are combined according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The elastic member16is preferably a tension spring, one end of which is connected to the stirring member5, and the other end of which is connected to the second driving member89. The stirring member5is formed integrally, and includes a frame51, toner conveying plates52connected to the frame51, and a force receiving portion53. A plurality of toner conveying plates52are disposed, and each toner conveying plate extends in the left-right direction/first direction, and has a specific size in both the front-back direction/second direction and the up-down direction/third direction. The plurality of toner conveying plates52are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction/second direction. When the stirring member5moves forward, the toner is conveyed forward by the toner conveying plates52. The force receiving portion53is formed by protruding forward from the frame51, has a force receiving surface531on the front side, and is configured to cooperate with the cam893and receive a driving force of the cam893.

As shown inFIG.5, the stirring member5further includes guide protrusions54protruding from outer sides of the frame51to the left side and the right side, and a combination protrusion55protruding from an inner side of the force receiving portion53or an inner side of the frame51to the left side or the right side, and one end of the tension spring16is combined with the combination protrusion55. When the stirring member5reciprocates in the cavity10, the guide protrusions54guide the stirring member5, to ensure a stable moving track of the stirring member5.

FIG.6Ais a schematic diagram of a state in which the stirring member is in a third position and is viewed after the developing cartridge is cut along an AA direction inFIG.3according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; andFIG.6Bis a schematic diagram of a state in which the stirring member is in a fourth position and is viewed after the developing cartridge is cut along the AA direction inFIG.3according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in the figures, the toner conveying plate52is an inclined plate. Therefore, the toner conveying plate52is neither parallel to the up-down direction/third direction, nor perpendicular to the front-back direction/second direction. Specifically, the toner conveying plate52is inclined from the upper back to the lower front, and may be described as: along the front-back direction/second direction, the lower end, located in the up-down direction/third direction, of the toner conveying plate52is closer to the developing member2/second driving member89than the upper end located in the up-down direction/third direction.

As shown inFIG.6A, when the non-force applying surface of the force applying portion893presses against the force receiving surface531, the stirring member5is not subjected to a force and is held in the third position close to the developing member2. With rotation of the second driving member89, the force applying surface gradually presses against the force receiving surface531, to drive the stirring member5to gradually move backward. As shown inFIG.6B, when the highest point of the force applying surface is opposite to the force receiving surface531, the stirring member5reaches the fourth position away from the developing member2, and the tension spring16deforms elastically. When the force applying surface gradually detaches from the force receiving surface531, the stirring member5moves from the fourth position to the third position under a tensile force of the tension spring16, and this process is repeated, so that the stirring member5reciprocates in the front-back direction/second direction and the up-down direction/third direction.

Apparently, the stirring member5is no longer rotated around an axis, but performs combined translation in the front-back direction/second direction and the up-down direction/third direction. A driving force of the stirring member5is generated by rotation of the second driving member89. Compared with the stirring member5, the second driving member89is closer to the developing member2, and the second driving member89is directly combined with the first driving member81in a manner in which the second driving member89and the first driving member81are collinear. Therefore, a complex gear group does not need to be disposed between the first driving member81/driving force receiving member15and the stirring member5, to transmit the driving force. The second driving member89and the first driving member81may further be directly combined in a manner other than the manner in which the second driving member89and the first driving member81are collinear, and the two may also be combined by using a slider, a universal joint, or the like, so that the driving force of the first driving member81is also rapidly and efficiently transmitted to the second driving member89. Especially, when space inside a cavity10is sufficient, the second driving member89and the first driving member81are combined by using the slider, the universal joint, or the like, a movement range of the second driving member89is larger, and correspondingly, a movement range of the stirring member5becomes larger.

FIG.7Ais a schematic diagram of a right side structure of the inside of the bottom housing of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;FIG.7Bis a schematic diagram of a left side structure of the inside of the bottom housing of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; andFIG.7Cis a schematic diagram of a structure of the outside of the bottom housing of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.7A, the bottom housing1aincludes a bottom side plate10athat is located on the lower side, a rear side plate10bthat is located on the rear side, a left side plate1a1that is located on the left side, and a right side plate1a2that is located on the right side. The bottom side plate10a, the rear side plate10b, the left side plate1a1, and the right side plate1a2are enclosed together to form a part of the cavity10. Both the bottom side plate10aand the rear side plate10bare non-planar, to more precisely guide the stirring member5. The developing cartridge100further includes at least one guide track protruding into the cavity10from at least one the left side plate1a1and the right side plate1a2. Preferably, a guide track protrudes into the cavity10from both the left side plate1a1and the right side plate1a2, and the guide tracks are symmetrical in the left-right direction/first direction. Correspondingly, a guide protrusion54matching the guide track is disposed on the outer side of the frame51of the stirring member5.

FIG.7AorFIG.7Bis used as an example. The guide track is at least one of a first guide track10cand a second guide track10d. The guide protrusion54of the stirring member5is combined with the guide track. In a movement process of the stirring member5, the guide protrusion54is guided by the guide track. Preferably, both the first guide track10cand the second guide track10dare disposed, the first guide track10cextends from the bottom side plate10ato the inside of the cavity10, the second guide track10dprotrudes from the rear side plate10bto the inside of the cavity10, and both the first guide track10cand the second guide track10dare disposed in an arc shape with a small radian, so that the stirring member5can move more smoothly while the strength of the guide tracks is enhanced. More preferably, the first guide track10cis further connected to the left side plate1a1or the right side plate1a2, to further enhance the strength of the first guide track10c.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although the first guide track10cand the second guide track10dare disposed in an arc shape, because the radians of the first guide track10cand the second guide track10dare small, when the guide protrusion54is guided, an entire movement process of the stirring member5may still be considered as translation in the front-back direction/second direction and the up-down direction/third direction. It may be understood that the first guide track10cand the second guide track10dmay be further disposed in a planar shape. For example, the first guide track10cand the second guide track10dare disposed as planar tracks extending in the front-back direction/second direction, and in this case, the stirring member5translates in the front-back direction/second direction. Alternatively, the first guide track10cand the second guide track10dare disposed as planar tracks extending in the up-down direction/third direction, and in this case, the force applying portion893and the force receiving portion53of the stirring member5are not disposed in the front-back direction/second direction but are disposed in the up-down direction/third direction. With rotation of the second driving member89, the stirring member5translates in the up-down direction/third direction, or, as described above, the stirring member5moves in both the front-down direction/second direction and the up-down direction/third direction.

As shown inFIG.6A,FIG.6B, andFIG.7C, the developing cartridge100further includes a protective plate17that is combined with the bottom housing1a. First, as shown inFIG.7C, the bottom side plate10aof the bottom housing1ahas a lower surface1a3facing downward, a plurality of longitudinal ribs10eand a plurality of transverse ribs10fare formed by protruding downward from the lower surface1a3, the plurality of longitudinal ribs10call extend in the left-right direction/first direction, and the plurality of transverse ribs10fall extend in the front-back direction/second direction. The plurality of longitudinal ribs10care arranged at intervals in the front-back direction/second direction, and the plurality of transverse ribs10fare also arranged at intervals in the left-right direction/first direction. Therefore, each longitudinal rib10eintersects with the plurality of transverse ribs10f, so that the plurality of crosswise-disposed ribs are conducive to improving strength of the bottom housing1a, thereby preventing deformation of the bottom housing1aand further avoiding toner leakage or an imaging defect.

In the up-down direction/third direction, the ribs further protrude downward from the lower surface1a3. To prevent the ribs from being broken, in this embodiment, preferably, in the up-down direction/third direction, parts of the ribs extending downward do not go beyond the lowest point/line1a4of the lower surface1a3. As shown in the part R3inFIG.7C, both the longitudinal ribs10eand the transverse ribs10fare flush with the lowest point/line1a4of the lower surface1a3.

To further prevent the ribs from being broken, the protective plate17is mounted on the bottom housing1a, and a manner combining the protective plate17with the bottom housing1ais not limited. To be specific, the protective plate17may be integrally molded with the bottom housing1a, or may be combined with the bottom housing1ain a detachable manner. In terms of implementation of a mold, the protective plate17and the bottom housing1aare formed separately. Specifically, the protective plate17is snap-fastened to the bottom housing1a, so that the protective plate17can be easily mounted and dismounted.

As shown inFIG.7C, the protective plate17includes a cover plate171and a clamping protrusion172(as shown in the part R1) disposed on the cover plate171. As shown in the part R2, one of the transverse ribs10fincludes a main rib10f1and a positioning rib10f2between which a gap10f3is formed in the front-back direction/second direction, a clamping surface10f4is formed on a side that is of the main rib10f1and the positioning rib10f2and that faces the lower surface1a3, and the clamping protrusion172is clamped to the clamping surface10f4to complete combination of the protective plate17and the bottom housing1a. Further, on the protective plate17, a limiting portion173is disposed adjacent to the clamping protrusion172. When the protective plate17is mounted to the bottom housing1a, the limiting portion173is combined with the positioning rib10f2, to ensure that the protective plate17can be more stably combined with the bottom housing1a. Preferably, the limiting portion173is a through hole or a blind hole, provided that the limiting portion173can be combined with the positioning rib10f2.

Relative Position of the Chip in the Developing Cartridge

FIG.8is a schematic diagram of a relative position of the electrical contact of the chip in the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is viewed in a direction parallel to the left-right direction according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

With reference toFIG.4andFIG.8, the developing cartridge100further includes the chip7/memory310mounted in the developing cartridge100. When the developing cartridge100is mounted to the device, the chip7establishes a communication connection to the device. In this embodiment, the chip7is mounted on a chip mounting portion111/holder320of the first end cover11. The chip7includes a substrate71, and an electrical contact (72,311) and a storage portion73(as shown inFIG.52) that are respectively located on two sides of the substrate71, and the electrical contact72faces in a lower direction/third direction and is electrically connected to the device.

In this embodiment, the electrical contact72of the chip7and the conductive member14are respectively located at two longitudinal ends of the housing1. Specifically, the electrical contact72of the chip7is located on the left side of the housing1, and the conductive member14is located on the right side of the housing1. Correspondingly, components in the device that are electrically connected to the electrical contact72and the conductive member14respectively are also distributed at the two longitudinal ends of the housing1. In this way, a terminal (an electrical interface141of the conductive member14) through which the developing cartridge100receives power from the device and a terminal (the electrical contact72of the chip7) through which the developing cartridge100establishes a communication connection to the device are as far apart as possible in space, and electromagnetic interference between the two terminals may be minimized. In particular, for the electrical contact72of the chip7, when the developing cartridge100works, data needs to be transmitted between the electrical contact72and the device, so that it is necessary to consider reducing external electromagnetic interference.

To make the following description clearer, the housing1is hidden inFIG.8and viewing is performed from right to left in the left-right direction. In this way, the conductive member14is not shielded by the first end cover11. As shown in the figure, a straight line L1and a straight line L2that are parallel to the up-down direction are respectively drawn from the two ends of the electrical contact72in the up-down direction/third direction, and an area S is defined between the two straight lines in the front-back direction/second direction. In the front-back direction/second direction, at least a part of the electrical interface141is located in the area S, that is, in the up-down direction/third direction, at least a part of the electrical interface141overlaps with a projection of the electrical contact72in the up-down direction/third direction. In this way, a circuit routing in the front-back direction/second direction in the device may be simplified, which is conductive to reducing a size of the device in the front-back direction/second direction.

When the second driving member89and the driving force receiving member15have a common axis L, the axis L is located outside the area S, that is, in the up-down direction/third direction, the rotation axis L of the driving force receiving member15and the second driving member89is not opposite to the electrical contact72, or the projection of the electrical contact72in the up-down direction/third direction does not overlap with the rotation axis L. Specifically, the rotation axis L is located on the front side of the area S, and the developing member2is also located on the front side of the area S. In this way, when the electrical contact72of the chip and the driving force receiving member15are located on the same side (the driving end101) of the housing1, impact of vibration generated by the driving force receiving member15during rotation on the electrical contact72of the chip is reduced, and impact of vibration generated by the developing member2during rotation on the electrical contact72of the chip is also reduced, thereby improving stability of the electrical contact72of the chip.

In the present invention, a part of the stirring member5is located in the area S, that is, in the up-down direction/third direction, a part of the stirring member5overlaps with the electrical contact72. Specifically, at least a part of the force receiving portion53is located in the area S. In this way, the force receiving portion53may be closer to the rotation axis L of the second driving member89, and the driving force of the second driving member89may be transmitted to the force receiving portion53more efficiently. In particular, for a new developing cartridge100, there is a large amount of toner in the cavity10, and the stirring member5needs a large acting force to move. As the toner in the cavity10is consumed, the developing cartridge100presents a phenomenon that the front end103is heavier than the rear end104in the front-back direction/second direction. However, disposing at least a part of the force receiving portion53in the area S can ensure that the center of gravity of the frame51of the stirring member5is outside the area S. Specifically, the center of gravity is located on the rear side of the area S. In this way, the weight of the stirring member5can balance a part of the weight of the front end, and working stability of the developing cartridge100is improved.

In a modification of this embodiment, the electrical contact72of the chip7may be separated from the substrate71. In this case, the substrate71and the electrical contact72may be connected by using a wire. When a relative position of the electrical contact72in the developing cartridge100is determined, the substrate71and the storage portion73may be placed in other positions according to a structural design requirement of the developing cartridge100.

FIG.9is a three-dimensional diagram of a stirring member, a drive rod, and a bottom housing in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

A difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in a manner of combining the stirring member5with the second driving member89, components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are not described in detail, and same numbers are used in the following.

As shown inFIG.9, the stirring member5includes a combination groove532disposed in the force receiving portion53, and the force applying portion893is accommodated in the combination groove532. In this case, the stirring member5is combined with the second driving member89in a loose fit manner, and the stirring member5may reciprocate in the cavity10with rotation of the second driving member89. In addition, the second driving member89and the first driving member81/driving force receiving member15have a common rotation axis L. When the force applying surface of the force applying portion893presses forward against a side wall of the combination groove532, the entire stirring member5is pushed to move forward; and when the force applying surface of the force applying portion893presses backward against a side wall of the combination groove532, the entire stirring member5is pushed to move backward.

An elastic member no longer needs to be disposed between the stirring member5and the second driving member89in this embodiment, and a quantity of parts of the developing cartridge100is reduced. More directly, driving force transmission between the second driving member89and the stirring member5is more direct, and force transmission efficiency is higher. To ensure that the moving track of the stirring member5is stable, similarly, a plurality of guide protrusions54are disposed outside the frame51of the stirring member5in this embodiment. In a movement process of the stirring member5, the guide protrusions54contact inner surfaces of the left side plate1a1and the right side plate1a2. Further, a guide groove56is disposed on the stirring member5. Correspondingly, a guide block10gthat is combined with the guide groove56is disposed on the bottom housing1a, and preferably, the guide groove56extends in the front-back direction. Therefore, the moving track of the stirring member5is effectively determined.

FIG.10is a three-dimensional diagram of a first end cover and a housing of a developing cartridge after the first end cover and the housing are separated according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

A difference between this embodiment and the foregoing embodiments lies in a position of the chip mounting portion111. The chip mounting portion111in this embodiment is no longer disposed on the first end cover11, but is disposed on the housing1. As shown in the figure, the chip mounting portion111is on a same side as the lower surface1a3of the bottom housing, the chip mounting portion111protrudes from the bottom housing1ato the left on the whole, and correspondingly, a concave portion113that matches the chip mounting portion111is disposed on the first end cover11.

As described above, a gear group for transmitting a driving force no longer needs to be disposed between the stirring member5and the driving force receiving member15, which is embodied outside the housing1, that is, a gear group does not need to be disposed on the rear side of the driving force receiving member15for simplification. When the first end cover11is combined with the bottom housing1a, the driving force receiving member15passes through the through hole112of the first end cover. In this case, the driving force receiving member15may be considered as a first positioning protrusion, and the through hole112may be considered as a first positioning hole.

However, to enable the first end cover11to be smoothly combined with the bottom housing1a, at least another positioning protrusion and another positioning hole are required between the first end cover and the bottom housing. In this embodiment, when the chip mounting portion111is disposed on the bottom housing1a, and the concave portion113is disposed on the first end cover11, the chip mounting portion111may be considered as a second positioning protrusion, and the concave portion113may be considered as a second positioning hole. In this way, the first positioning protrusion15is combined with the first positioning hole112, and the second positioning protrusion111is combined with the second positioning hole113, so that the first end cover11and the bottom housing1amay be smoothly combined.

Although a person skilled in the art may additionally dispose a protrusion on the bottom housing1a, to additionally dispose a concave portion that is combined with the protrusion on the first end cover11. Compared with sizes of the driving force receiving member15and the through hole112and sizes of the chip mounting portion111and the concave portion113, sizes of the protrusion and the concave portion that are additionally disposed are relatively small, which is not conducive to alignment of the first end cover11with the bottom housing1a.

On the other hand, when the first end cover11and the bottom housing1aare separated from each other, the chip mounting portion111protruding from the bottom housing1ato the left side may further protect the driving force receiving member15, the first driving member81, the developing member driving member82, and the toner conveying member driving member83in the up-down direction/third direction.

FIG.11Ais a three-dimensional diagram of a second driving member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;FIG.11BandFIG.11Care three-dimensional diagrams of a driving end of the second driving member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention; andFIG.11Dis a side view of a rotation axis of the second driving member when the rotation axis is viewed from the driving end according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

The second driving member89includes a middle rod890, a first combining portion891on the left side of the middle rod890, and a force applying portion893between the middle rod and the first combining portion. The second driving member89is combined with a first driving member81by using the first combining portion891, so that the second driving member89can rotate together with the first driving member81. Preferably, the second driving member89further includes a rod body894(as shown inFIG.11B) extending leftward from the middle rod890, and the first combining portion891is disposed on the rod body894.

The force applying portion893is set to be eccentric relative to a rotation axis L, that is, the force applying portion893is an eccentric portion (cam) disposed in the second driving member89. As shown in the figures, a rotation axis of the middle rod890is L, a rotation axis of the force applying portion893is L′, the rotation axis L and the rotation axis L′ do not coincide, the force applying portion893has a far end point A away from the rotation axis L and a near end point B close to the rotation axis L. When a stirring member5presses against the far end point A, the stirring member5is pushed to the rearmost position in the front-back direction, and when the stirring member5presses against the near end point B, the stirring member5reaches the frontmost position in the front-back direction. The force applying portion893includes a base body8931connected to the rod body894or the middle rod890and an extension8932extending in a rotation direction from the base body8931, and a spacing/avoidance portion8933is formed between the extension8932and the rod body894or the middle rod890, that is, the extension8932is not connected to the rod body894. When the stirring member5moves toward the second driving member89, the avoidance portion8933may allow a part of the stirring member5to enter, thereby providing a larger moving space for the stirring member5, so that the stirring member5can move forward a longer distance, and correspondingly, toner can be conveyed forward further by the stirring member5and is closer to the developing member2.

It is assumed that the force applying portion893is not provided with the avoidance portion8933. In this case, the force applying portion893is solid, an end thereof is shown as a dotted line AC inFIG.11D, and in a working process of the developing cartridge100, the stirring member5presses against a surface shown by the dotted line AC. However, in this embodiment, after reaching the position of the surface shown by the dotted line AC, the stirring member5can continue to move toward the bottom end D of the avoidance portion8933, that is, the stirring member5in this embodiment can move more by a distance from the bottom end D to the dotted line AC.

Further, the force applying portion893further includes a base plate8930that is combined with the middle rod890or the rod body894. The base plate8930extends by using the rotation axis L′ as a center, and the base body8931and/or the extension8932extend/extends in the left-right direction from the base plate8930, so that overall structural strength of the force applying portion893is improved, especially when the avoidance portion8933is disposed, the structure of the force applying portion893is more stable.

FIG.12is a three-dimensional diagram of the stirring member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;FIG.13is a diagram of a state after the stirring member and the housing are separated according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention; andFIG.14is a diagram of a state after the stirring member is mounted to the housing according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, in addition to the foregoing structure, the stirring member5further includes a combination protrusion55and a guided portion/guide groove56/57that are disposed on the frame51. The developing cartridge further includes a guide block10gdisposed on the housing1. The guide block10gis combined with the guided portion/guide groove56/57, to ensure that the moving track of the stirring member5is stable in a reciprocating process of the stirring member5. In addition, the guide block10gfurther limits a forward movement distance of the stirring member5forward, to prevent the stirring member5from being too close to the developing member2.

The developing cartridge further includes a tension spring16(an embodiment of an elastic member) that is combined with the combination protrusion55. The tension spring16is further combined with the guide block10g. In some embodiments, the guided portion/guide groove56/57is a through hole disposed on the frame51. Further, the developing cartridge further includes a buffer member10hdisposed between the stirring member5and the housing1. When the far end point A of the force applying portion893presses against the force receiving portion53, the stirring member5is pushed to the rearmost position in the front-back direction, and the tension spring16is elongated. The force receiving portion53gradually approaches the near end point B as the second driving member89continues to rotate. Under a tensile force of the tension spring16, the stirring member5is guided by the guide block10g, the stirring member5gradually moves forward in a predetermined direction, and the toner is conveyed forward by the stirring member5.

In a process of moving forward of the stirring member5, the stirring member5presses against the buffer member10h. In this case, a speed of moving forward of the stirring member5is reduced, the guide block10gwill not collide with the frame51, or a collision force between the two is greatly reduced. In addition, a pressing force between the force receiving portion53and the force applying portion893is also reduced, and a friction force between the two is reduced. Finally, noise in a working process of the developing cartridge100is effectively controlled.

Generally, the buffer member10his a component that can move relative to the housing1after being pressed by the stirring member5. For example, the buffer member10hmay be an elastic member, or may be a damping mechanism. After the buffer member10his pressed by the stirring member5, an impact force of the stirring member5on the buffer member10his absorbed by the elastic member/damping mechanism, and a speed of the stirring member5moving from the back to the front is presented as fast at first and then slow.

The buffer member10hmay be mounted on the housing1without moving with the movement of the stirring member5, or may be fixedly mounted on the stirring member5and moves with the movement of the stirring member5. When the buffer member10his an elastic member, specifically, when the buffer member10his a sponge or a spring, at least one of the guided portion/guide groove56/57is disposed to have an opening in only the up-down direction, and on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, the guided portion/guide groove56/57is enclosed by the frame51, and the sponge or spring may be mounted in the guided portion/guide groove56/57, which is conductive to improving mounting stability of the buffer member10h. When the buffer member10his a damping mechanism, specifically, when the buffer member10his a flexible friction member or the buffer member10his a combination of a gear transmission mechanism that can move relative to the housing1and a flexible friction member. Regardless of the composition and structure of the buffer member10h, in a process in which the stirring member5moves from the front to the back, the buffer member10hchanges from a state of being combined with both the housing1and the stirring member5to a state of being combined with only one of the housing1and the stirring member5, but on the contrary, in a process in which the stirring member5moves from the back to the front, the buffer member10hchanges from a state of being combined with only one of the housing1and the stirring member5to a state of being combined with both the housing1and the stirring member5.

As described above, the developing cartridge in this embodiment includes the buffer member10hdisposed between the housing1and the stirring member5. In the process in which the stirring member5moves from the back to the front, the stirring member5first presses against the buffer member10hto reduce a movement speed, so that when the stirring member5and the guide block10gthat is disposed on the housing1no longer contact or contact each other, a force is reduced, and a pressing force between the stirring member5and the second driving member89is also reduced, thereby reducing working noise of the developing cartridge100and reducing a friction force between the stirring member5and the second driving member89.

FIG.15is a schematic exploded view of some components on a counting side of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;FIG.16is a three-dimensional diagram showing that a toggle portion of a counting assembly is mounted to an end cover according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;FIG.17is a schematic exploded view of components of another conductive member according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention; andFIG.18is a side view of the developing cartridge viewed from bottom to top in an up-down direction of the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1 to improve the counting assembly6. Therefore, in the following, reference is made to the numbers of the components in Embodiment 1. As shown in the figures, the top cover1bincludes a first portion1b1close to the handle13and a second portion1b2away from the handle13in the front-back direction. In other words, the first portion1b1is farther away from the adjustment member4than the second portion1b2. Generally, the top cover1bis combined with the bottom housing1athrough welding, and the second portion1b2is closer to the adjustment member4. To prevent a laser beam emitted by the device from being shielded in a working process of the developing cartridge, the second portion1b2does not go beyond the first portion1b1in the up-down direction, and end portions1b3located on the left and right sides of the second portion1b2are disposed in an inclined shape, that is, the end close to the adjustment member4is closer to the bottom housing1athan the end away from the adjustment member4. However, this structure causes a complex structure of the top cover1b. Therefore, the top cover1bin the present invention is preferably disposed perpendicular to the up-down direction, that is, the top cover1bis parallel to the left-right direction/front-back direction.

As shown inFIG.15, the counting assembly6still includes a driving portion6afor receiving a driving force and a toggle portion6bdriven by the driving portion6a. The driving portion6areceives a driving force from a driving gear85. The toggle portion6bincludes a toggle member64and a restoring member66that are combined with each other. Under the driving of the driving portion6a, the toggle member64is configured to interact with the detecting component400, and the restoring member66is configured to force the toggle portion6bto restore.

Preferably, the toggle member64has a full gear644, and can move, along a rotation axis L4of the toggle portion6b, in a direction away from the housing1/second end cover12and close to the housing1/second end cover12. In a counting process, the toggle member64is gradually away from the housing1along a preset guide rail, and the restoring member66is forced to be elastically deformed. When counting is completed, the toggle member64is pushed to the housing1under the action of an elastic restoring force of the restoring member66. In this case, the toggle member64may be disposed to be no longer combined with the guide rail to disengage from the driving portion6a, or the toggle member64may be disposed to be still combined with the driving portion6a, but driving force transmission inside the driving portion6ais interrupted.

The second end cover12has an inner surface12bfacing the housing1and an outer surface12aaway from the housing1. The outer surface12afaces the inner surface12balong the rotation axis L. The second end cover12is provided with a first through hole121and a second through hole122. A part of the toggle portion6bis exposed through the first through hole121, and a part of the driving portion6ais exposed through the second through hole122. Further, the second end cover12further has a cylinder extending from the inner surface12bin a direction away from the outer surface12a, a first protrusion portion124and a second protrusion portion125that extend from a free end of the cylinder, and a guide rail127disposed in a circumferential direction of the rotation axis L4. The first protrusion portion124and the second protrusion portion125are formed at intervals so that they can relatively move. The toggle portion6bis sleeved to the cylinder. The guide rail127extends helically at an extension angle less than 360°. The guide rail127is a non-closed body when viewed along the rotation axis L4, and has a first end127aand a second end127b, where the second end127bis farther away from the housing1than the first end127a. Correspondingly, the toggle member64is provided with a guided portion645guided by the guide rail127.

When the toggle portion6bis mounted to the second end cover12, the restoring member66is preferably a compression spring located between the toggle member64and the inner surface12bof the second end cover. Optionally, the restoring member66may alternatively be a tension spring located between the toggle member64and the cylinder. In addition, the toggle member64is limited by at least one of the first protrusion portion124and the second protrusion portion125, and does not fall off from the cylinder. In an initial phase when the counting assembly6starts counting, the guided portion645is located at the first end127aof the guide rail. With the driving of the driving portion6a, the toggle member64gradually moves away from the housing1/approaches the inner surface12bof the second end cover, and in this process, the toggle member64interacts with the detecting component400in the device. Upon completion of the counting, the guided portion645crosses the second end127b, and the toggle member64is pushed in a direction close to the housing1/a direction away from the inner surface12bof the second end cover under the action of the elastic restoring force of the restoring member66.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG.15, the electrical interface141is disposed as an entire continuous plane, and is inclined relative to the front-back direction. In the front-back direction, the electrical interface141has a front conductive end141alocated at the front side and a rear conductive end141blocated at the rear side. In the left-right direction, the front conductive end141ais closer to the housing1than the rear conductive end141b, or from front to back in the front-back direction, the electrical interface141is gradually away from the housing1. This arrangement can ensure that in a mounting process of the developing cartridge100, the conductive member14is in smooth contact with a power output member in the device, to stably receive power, without causing an inclination deformation of the power output member. Preferably, the conductive member14is formed integrally. For example, the conductive member14is formed integrally by die casting of a metal part, or the conductive member14is formed integrally by injection molding of a conductive plastic.

FIG.17shows a structure of another conductive member14. A mounting portion142is disposed on a main body of the conductive member14, and a conductive sheet143is mounted in the mounting portion142. The conductive sheet143has an electrical interface1431configured to receive power from the device, and the electrical interface1431is also an entire continuous plane. The main body of the conductive member14may be disposed to be conductive or non-conductive. After receiving the power, the conductive sheet143directly transmits the power to the developing member2or indirectly transmits the power to the developing member2through the main body of the conductive member.

As shown inFIG.17andFIG.18, in the front-back direction, the mounting portion142also has a front conductive end142alocated at the front side and a rear conductive end142blocated at the rear side. In addition, in the left-right direction, the front conductive end142ais closer to the housing1than the rear conductive end142b, or from front to back in the front-back direction, the electrical interface142is gradually away from the housing1. This arrangement can ensure that after the conductive sheet143is mounted, the electrical interface1431can achieve a same function as the foregoing electrical interface141.

It may be implemented that, in addition to being disposed as a continuous plane, the electrical interface141/1431may alternatively be disposed as a continuous curved surface, and the continuous curved surface is smoothly transitioned. In the left-right direction, an end at the front side of the continuous curved surface is closer to the housing1than an end at the rear side of the continuous curved surface, or from front to back in the front-back direction, the continuous curved surface is gradually away from the housing1.

As shown inFIG.18, in the up-down direction, a projection of the front conductive end142a/141aon the rotation axis L4/L5is located on the left of a projection of the rear conductive end142b/141bon the rotation axis L4/L5. In other words, the projection of the front conductive end142a/141aon the rotation axis L4/L5is closer to the housing1than the projection of the rear conductive end142b/141bon the rotation axis L4/L5. More specifically, the projection of the front conductive end142a/141aon the rotation axis L4/L5is closer to the end that is of the developing member2and that is at the driving end101than the projection of the rear conductive end142b/141bon the rotation axis L4/L5. In this way, in a process in which the developing cartridge100is mounted to the device in the front-back direction, using the electrical interface141/1431that is inclined relative to the front-back direction can ensure that the power output member in the device is stably pressed, to avoid an adverse situation in which the developing cartridge100is pushed by a counter-acting force of the power output member to cause shaking of the toggle portion6b.

FIG.19Ais a schematic diagram of a position relationship between a plane in which a projection, on a chip connection assembly, of a contact point between the chip connection assembly and a power terminal is located and a rotation axis of a developing member in an existing developing cartridge; andFIG.19Bis a schematic diagram of a position relationship between a plane in which a projection, on a conductive member, of a contact point between the conductive member and a power supply member is located and the rotation axis of the developing member in the existing developing cartridge.

In the existing developing cartridge, a plane X in which a projection, on a chip connection assembly, of a contact point between the chip connection assembly9and a power terminal in a device/an electrical contact011of a printer is located and a rotation axis L5of a developing member are parallel to each other, and a plane Y in which a projection, on a conductive member, of a contact point between the conductive member14and a power supply member is located and the rotation axis L5of the developing member are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the plane X and the plane Y are perpendicular to each other. When the developing cartridge is mounted in the device, to ensure that the power supply member and the power terminal in the device simultaneously contact the conductive member14and the chip connection assembly9of the developing cartridge, it is clear that a requirement for position accuracy of the conductive member14and the power supply member as well as the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal needs to be improved.

FIG.20is a schematic diagram of the position relationship between the plane in which the projection, on the conductive member, of the contact point between the conductive member and the power supply member is located and the rotation axis of the developing member and the position relationship between the plane in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly and the power terminal is located in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

In the following, to view the position relationship between the plane X and the plane Y more clearly, only the chip connection assembly9, the developing member2, and the conductive member14are shown in the figure.

As shown inFIG.20, by projecting from the lower side to the upper side of the developing cartridge100, it may be viewed that the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located and the rotation axis L5of the developing member2are parallel to each other. The plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is inclined in the left-right direction. In the up-down direction, the plane Y includes a first end S1and a second end S2that are separated from each other. In the left-right direction, the first end S1is farther away from the developing member2than the second end S2, and the first end S1is on the right of the second end S2. Therefore, the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5of the developing member2, so that the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located.

On the one hand, the plane Y is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5, and device resistance on the developing cartridge100during mounting and removal is reduced. On the other hand, even if the position of the power supply member in the device slightly changes, the power supply member can still contact the inclined plane, thereby reducing the requirement for the position accuracy of the conductive member14and the power supply member.

FIG.21is a schematic diagram of a position relationship between a plane in which a projection, on a conductive member, of a contact point between the conductive member and a power supply member is located and a rotation axis of a developing member in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

To view the position relationship between the plane Y and the rotation axis L5more clearly, only the conductive member14and the developing member2are shown in the figure.

A difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 6 lies in that an inclination direction of the plane Y is opposite to an inclination direction of the plane Y in Embodiment 6.

As shown inFIG.21, the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located and the rotation axis L5of the developing member2are parallel to cach other (as shown inFIG.20). By projecting from the upper side to the lower side of the developing cartridge100, it may be viewed that plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is inclined in the left-right direction. In the up-down direction, the plane Y includes the first end S1and the second end S2that are separated from each other. In the left-right direction, the first end S1is closer to the developing member2than the second end S2, and the first end S1is on the left of the second end S2. Therefore, the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5of the developing member2, so that the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located.

On the one hand, the plane Y is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5, and device resistance on the developing cartridge100during mounting and removal is reduced. On the other hand, even if the position of the power supply member in the device slightly changes, the power supply member can still contact the inclined plane, thereby reducing the requirement for the position accuracy of the conductive member14and the power supply member.

FIG.22is a schematic diagram of a position relationship between a plane in which a projection, on a conductive member, of a contact point between the conductive member and a power supply member is located and a rotation axis of a developing member in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

To view the position relationship between the plane Y and the rotation axis L5more clearly, only the conductive member14and the developing member2are shown in the figure.

This embodiment differs from the foregoing embodiments in that an end of the conductive member14is an arc surface.

As shown inFIG.22, the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located and the rotation axis L5of the developing member2are parallel to each other (as shown inFIG.20). By projecting from the front end103to the rear end104of the developing cartridge100, it may be viewed that the end of the conductive member14is in an arc shape. Therefore, there are at least two types of planes (tangent planes along the arc surface) in which projections, on the conductive member14, of contact points such as y1 and y2 between the conductive member14and the power supply member on the arc surface are located, for example, a plane Y1and a plane Y2. The plane Y1faces the upper side of the developing cartridge100, the plane Y2faces the lower side of the developing cartridge100, and neither the plane Y1nor the plane Y2is perpendicular to the rotation axis L5of the developing member2, so that the plane Y (a tangent plane along the arc surface) in which the projection, on the arc surface of the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located.

On the one hand, the plane Y is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5, and device resistance on the developing cartridge100during mounting and removal is reduced. On the other hand, even if the position of the power supply member in the device slightly changes, the power supply member can still contact the arc surface, thereby reducing the requirement for the position accuracy of the conductive member14and the power supply member.

In this embodiment, there are three contact manners between the device and the conductive member14. The first manner is that the device only contacts the plane Y1, the second manner is that the device only contacts the plane Y2, and the third manner is that the device contacts both the plane Y1and the plane Y2. Regardless of a manner in which the device contacts the conductive member14, the plane Y1and the plane Y2cach may present a different angle based on a different position of the power supply member. Therefore, the conductive member14in this embodiment may be applicable to a plurality of types of devices, and has better universality.

FIG.23is a schematic diagram of a position relationship between a plane in which a projection, on a conductive member, of a contact point between the conductive member and a power supply member is located and a rotation axis of a developing member in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

To view the position relationship between the plane Y and the rotation axis L5more clearly, only the conductive member14and the developing member2are shown in the figure.

This embodiment differs from the foregoing embodiments in that in this embodiment, an end of the conductive member14is a V-shaped plane and includes two planes.

As shown inFIG.23, the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located and the rotation axis L5of the developing member2are parallel to each other (as shown inFIG.20). By projecting from the front end103to the rear end104of the developing cartridge100, it may be viewed that the end of the conductive member14is V-shaped, and the conductive member14is recessed from the end thereof. Therefore, there are two planes in which projections, on the conductive member, of contact points between the conductive member14and the power supply member are located, that is, a plane Y3and a plane Y4. The plane Y3faces the lower side of the developing cartridge100, the plane Y4faces the upper side of the developing cartridge100, and neither the plane Y3nor the plane Y4is perpendicular to the rotation axis L5of the developing member2, so that the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located.

On the one hand, the plane Y is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5, and device resistance on the developing cartridge100during mounting and removal is reduced. On the other hand, even if the position of the power supply member in the device slightly changes, the power supply member can still contact the inclined plane, thereby reducing the requirement for the position accuracy of the conductive member14and the power supply member.

In this embodiment, there are three contact manners between the device and the conductive member14. The first manner is that the device only contacts the plane Y3, the second manner is that the device only contacts the plane Y4, and the third manner is that the device contacts both the plane Y3and the plane Y4. As in Embodiment 8, the conductive member14in this embodiment may be applicable to a plurality of types of devices, and has good universality.

FIG.24is a schematic diagram of a position relationship between a plane in which a projection, on a chip connection assembly, of a contact point between the chip connection assembly and a power terminal is located and a rotation axis of a developing member in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

To view the position relationship between the plane X and the rotation axis L5more clearly, only the chip connection assembly9and the developing member2are shown in the figure.

This embodiment differs from the foregoing embodiments in that in this embodiment, a first contact portion921of the chip connection assembly9is disposed as an arc surface based on different arrangements of the conductive members14in Embodiment 6 to Embodiment 9.

As shown inFIG.24, by projecting from a driving end101of the developing cartridge100to a conductive end102, it may be viewed that the first contact portion921is in an arc shape. Therefore, there is at least one plane (a tangent plane along an arc surface) in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly, of the contact point x, on the arc surface, between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located, for example, the plane X. The plane X and the rotation axis L5of the developing member2are parallel to each other. In Embodiment 6 to Embodiment 9, the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5of the developing member2. Therefore, the plane X (the tangent plane along the arc surface) in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point, on the arc surface, between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located is not perpendicular to the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located.

On the one hand, the plane Y is not perpendicular to the rotation axis L5, and device resistance on the developing cartridge100during mounting and removal is reduced. On the other hand, even if the position of the power supply member in the device slightly changes, the power supply member can still contact the inclined surface or arc surface, thereby further reducing the requirement for the position accuracy of the conductive member14and the power supply member.

FIG.25is a schematic diagram of a position relationship between a plane in which a projection, on a chip connection assembly, of a contact point between the chip connection assembly and a power terminal is located and a rotation axis of a developing member and a position relationship between the plane and a plane in which a projection, on a conductive member, of a contact point between the conductive member and a power supply member is located in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

To view the position relationship between the plane X and the plane Y more clearly, only the chip connection assembly9, the developing member2, and the conductive member14are shown in the figure.

This embodiment differs from Embodiment 10 in that in this embodiment, the first contact portion921of the chip connection assembly9is disposed as an inclined plane. In the following, an example in which an end of the conductive member14is disposed as the plane Y perpendicular to the rotation axis L5of the developing member2is used for description.

As shown inFIG.25, by projecting from the front end103to the rear end104of the developing cartridge100, the first contact portion921of the chip connection assembly9is disposed as a plane inclined to the right side of the developing cartridge100. In the left-right direction, the plane X includes a first end S3and a second end S4that are separated from each other. In the up-down direction, the first end S3is farther away from the developing member2than the second end S4, and the first end S3is below the second end S4. Alternatively, the first contact portion921may be disposed as a plane inclined to the left side of the developing cartridge100. In the up-down direction, the first end S3of the plane X is closer to the developing member2than the second end S4, and the first end S3is above the second end S4. In this case, the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located is not parallel to the rotation axis L5of the developing member2. Therefore, the plane X in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly9, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located is not perpendicular to the plane Y in which the projection, on the conductive member14, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located.

On the one hand, the plane X is not parallel to the rotation axis L5, and device resistance on the developing cartridge100during mounting and removal is reduced. On the other hand, even if the position of the power terminal in the device slightly changes, the power terminal can still contact the inclined plane, thereby reducing the requirement for the position accuracy of the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal.

It may be understood that any two of Embodiment 6 to Embodiment 11 may be combined, provided that the plane X in which the projection, on the conductive member, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located in the developing cartridge is not perpendicular to the rotation axis of the developing member, or that the plane Y in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located in the developing cartridge is not parallel to the rotation axis of the developing member, or that the plane X in which the projection, on the conductive member, of the contact point between the conductive member14and the power supply member is located is not perpendicular to the plane Y in which the projection, on the chip connection assembly, of the contact point between the chip connection assembly9and the power terminal is located, all of which belong to an inventive concept of the present invention. Therefore, the following beneficial effects can be brought: Device resistance on the developing cartridge during mounting and removal is reduced, and even if the position of the power supply member or power terminal in the device slightly changes, the conductive member14and the chip connection assembly14can still be in good electrical contact, and correspondingly, the requirement for position accuracy of the conductive member14and the power supply member as well as the chip and the power terminal is reduced.

FIG.26is a schematic exploded view of a chip connection assembly in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention; andFIG.27is a side view of the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is viewed from bottom to top in an up-down direction after a chip mounting assembly is hidden according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.3andFIG.26, the first end cover11or the housing1is further provided with the chip mounting portion/an electrical connection area111for mounting the chip7, and the chip connection assembly9that can enable an electrical connection between the electrical contact72and the device to be broken and then a communication connection not to be established between the electrical contact and the device and that can enable an electrical connection to be established between the electrical contact72and the device to establish a communication connection between the electrical contact72and the device.

In the front-back direction, at least the electrical contact72is disposed away from the driving force receiving member15. As shown inFIG.27, a size of the developing cartridge100in the front-back direction is DO with a midpoint M, a midline LM passes through the midpoint M and is parallel to the left-right direction, the driving force receiving member15and the electrical contact72are respectively located on two sides of the midline LM, and the electrical contact72is closer to rear end104than the driving force receiving member15, or the driving force receiving member15is closer to the front end103than the electrical contact72. Therefore, vibration impact generated by the driving force receiving member15during rotation on the electrical contact72is reduced.

Further, when the stirring member is disposed to rotate around an axis, the developing cartridge100further includes the stirring member (not shown) located in the housing1and a driving member59(as shown inFIG.27) configured to drive the stirring member to move. The driving member59is driven by the driving force of the driving force receiving member15, and the stirring member is configured to stir toner in the housing to prevent the toner from caking. In the front-back direction, at least the electrical contact72is located on the rear side of a rotation axis L3of the driving member59/stirring member, to further reduce impact, on the electrical contact72, of vibration generated when the driving force of the driving force receiving member15is transmitted to each component in the developing cartridge.

As described above, the developing cartridge100further includes the chip connection assembly9, and at least a part of the chip connection assembly9is a movable member that can move relative to the housing1. When the movable member is in a first position, the movable member enables the electrical connection between the electrical contact72and the device to be broken and then a communication connection cannot be established between the electrical contact and the device, and when the movable member is in a second position, the movable member enables an electrical connection to be implemented between the electrical contact72and the device to establish a communication connection between the electrical contact and the device. Before the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the movable member is in the first position. In a process in which the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the movable member moves from the first position to the second direction under the action of an external force. According to the foregoing description, when the developing cartridge100is directly mounted to the device, a conductor described below is electrically connected to the electrical contact72and the power terminal respectively as the movable member reaches the second position. In this case, the electrical contact72is electrically connected to the device to establish a communication connection. When the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200but the combination of the developing cartridge100and the drum holder200has not been mounted to the device, after the movable member reaches the second position, the conductor is electrically connected to the electrical contact72, but the conductor has not been electrically connected to the power terminal. However, provided that the combination is mounted to a predetermined position on the device, the conductor is electrically connected to the power terminal. In this case, the conductor is electrically connected to the electrical contact72and the power terminal respectively, and the electrical contact72is electrically connected to the device to establish a communication connection. When the developing cartridge100is removed, the movable member returns to the first position again. Because the movable member is disposed to be movable, in a working process of the developing cartridge100, even if vibration generated by the driving force receiving member15is transmitted to the chip connection assembly9/movable member, the chip connection assembly9/movable member can also eliminate impact of the vibration through a structure of the chip connection assembly9/movable member.

In this embodiment, the movable member is mounted in a manner that the movable member can rotate around a rotation axis L6, and the rotation axis L6is parallel to the rotation axis L/L5. As shown inFIG.26, the chip connection assembly9includes a mounting plate91and a conductor92mounted on the mounting plate91. The mounting plate91is disposed to rotate around the rotation axis L6, and the conductor92may rotate with rotation of the mounting plate91. Therefore, any one or a combination of the mounting plate91and the conductor92may be considered as a movable member. Generally, the mounting plate91is made of a non-conductive material, and the conductor92is made of a conductive material. For example, the conductor92is formed by die casting of a metal sheet, and a quantity of the conductors92corresponds to a quantity of electrical contacts72. The following uses this as an example for description. Simplistically, the conductor92is made of a conductive resin, and the mounting plate91and the conductor92are formed integrally by injection molding.

The conductor92includes a first contact portion921/lower end3121, a second contact portion922/upper end3122, and a connector923/central portion3123for connecting the first contact portion921to the second contact portion922. The first contact portion921is configured to electrically connect to the power terminal in the device, to obtain an electrical signal, and the second contact portion922is configured to electrically connect to the electrical contact72, so that the device and the electrical contact72are electrically connected. A conductor mounting groove (not shown) is disposed on the mounting plate91, and cach conductor92is mounted in a corresponding mounting groove, to avoid a problem of a short circuit between adjacent conductors. As shown in the figure, the mounting plate91includes a first mounting portion911, a second mounting portion912, and an acted-upon portion913located between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. The acted-upon portion913is configured to combine with a support shaft19disposed on the housing1or the first end cover11, so that the mounting plate91can rotate around the support shaft19.

The first mounting portion911is configured to carry the first contact portion921, and the second mounting portion912is configured to carry the second contact portion922. Further, the mounting groove forms a through hole911ain the first mounting portion911. Therefore, the first contact portion921is exposed through the through hole911a.

FIG.28is a side view of viewing a position of the chip mounting assembly in the developing cartridge from left to right in the left-right direction before the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum holder according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention; andFIG.29is a comparison diagram of states of a conductive sheet in the chip connection assembly before and after the developing cartridge is mounted according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

Before the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the mounting plate91/conductor92is in a first position shown inFIG.28. The first mounting portion911/first contact portion921is located above the lowest point Q of the developing cartridge100, and the second contact portion922is located below the electrical contact72and the two are separated and disconnected from each other. Therefore, in a mounting process of the developing cartridge100, the first contact portion921may be protected by the housing1/first end cover11without friction and contact with the drum holder200or an inner wall of the device. In addition, the chip7and the second contact portion922are protected by the second mounting portion912without friction and contact with the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device. Even if an amplitude of a mounting action is large and the first mounting portion911/first contact portion921experiences friction and contact with the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device, the second contact portion922does not contact the electrical contact72, thereby avoiding friction and contact between the second contact portion922and the electrical contact72, and reducing a wear probability of the chip7.

Further, the chip connection assembly9further includes a first pushing member93that is combined with the mounting plate91or the conductor92. The first pushing member93is configured to push the mounting plate91, so that the mounting plate91has a trend of rotating around the rotation axis L6in a direction (clockwise) shown by d2, that is, a trend in which the second contact portion922is away from the electrical contact72/housing1and the first contact portion921approaches the driving force receiving member15. Preferably, the first pushing member93is a compression spring mounted between the second mounting portion912and the housing1/first end cover11, or the first pushing member93is a tension spring mounted between the first mounting portion911and the housing/first end cover11.

It may be implemented that the first pushing member93may be canceled. By setting the weight of the first mounting portion911to be lighter than the weight of the second mounting portion912, the mounting plate91/conductor92is kept in the first position, and by using a lever principle, when the weight of the second mounting portion912is greater than the weight of the first mounting portion911, the movable member has a trend of rotating around the rotation axis L6in a direction shown by d2.

As the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, a support portion18L/18R enters a fastening groove204disposed in the drum holder200or the device, and rotates downward around the support portion18L/18R in a direction shown by d (clockwise). When the second mounting portion912touches a baseplate208of the drum holder or an inner wall of the device, the movable member forces the first pushing member93to be elastically deformed and rotate around the rotation axis L6in a direction d1(counter-clockwise) opposite to that shown by d2. When the developing cartridge100is mounted to a predetermined position, the second contact portion922contacts the electrical contact72, and the first contact portion921is connected to the device through an opening209of the drum holder or is directly connected to the device. Finally, a communication connection is established between the electrical contact72and the device.

FIG.29shows a position comparison of the conductor92in the first position and the second position, where the dotted lines inFIG.28andFIG.29indicate that the conductor92is in the first position and the solid lines indicate that the conductor92is in the second position. As shown inFIG.29, when the conductor92is in the first position, there is a first distance between the first contact portion921and the rotation axis L6in the up-down direction, and when the conductor92is in the second position, there is a second distance between the first contact portion921and the rotation axis L6in the up-down direction, where the first distance is less than the second distance.

FIG.30is a side view of viewing a position of a chip mounting assembly in a developing cartridge from left to right in a left-right direction before the developing cartridge is mounted to a drum holder according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

This embodiment differs from the foregoing embodiments in that the mounting plate91/conductor92used as a movable member is disposed to slide in the up-down direction without rotating around the rotation axis L6.

As shown inFIG.30, the chip connection assembly9further includes a movable rod95that is combined with the mounting plate91, and the mounting plate91is supported by a support platform951disposed on the movable rod95. Therefore, the mounting plate91and the conductor92located on the mounting plate91may move in the up-down direction with the movable rod95. Before the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the mounting plate91/conductor92is in the first position. In this case, the second contact portion922is located below the electrical contact72, and is separated from the electrical contact72to break an electrical connection. When the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or a predetermined position on the device, the movable rod95is pressed by the baseplate208of the drum holder or the inner wall of the device, so that the mounting plate91/conductor92moves upward to the second position, the second contact portion922contacts the electrical contact72to implement an electrical connection, and the first contact portion921is exposed through the first mounting portion911. When the developing cartridge100is removed, the movable rod95is no longer pressed. Under the action of gravity, the movable rod95moves downward, and the mounting plate91/conductor92returns from the second position to the first position. In processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge100, the chip7and the second contact portion922are protected by the second mounting portion912without friction and contact with the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device.

In this embodiment, the mounting plate91/conductor92used as a movable member is disposed to slide along a plane that intersects the up-down direction, and the movable member also has the foregoing first position and the foregoing second position. In the first position, the second contact portion922is separated from the electrical contact72to break an electrical connection; and in the second position, the second contact portion922contacts the electrical contact72to implement an electrical connection.

It may be implemented that the sliding of the movable member may be performed in the front-back direction, may be performed in the left-right direction, or may be performed in an inclination direction that is inclined relative to the up-down direction. In addition, the developing cartridge100is further provided with a restoring member that is combined with the movable member and that is configured to force the movable member to move toward the first position. As the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum folder200or the device, the movable member is pushed by using the drum folder200or a part of the device to move from the first position to the second position, so that the restoring member is elastically deformed. When the developing cartridge100is removed, the movable member returns from the second position to the first position under the action of a restoring force of the restoring member. Similarly, in the processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge100, the second mounting portion912is located below the chip7and the second contact portion922, and the chip7and the second contact portion922do not experience friction and contact with the drum holder200or inner wall of the device.

In the foregoing embodiments, the mounting plate91/conductor92used as a movable member is disposed to be movable as a whole. However, due to a size and space of the developing cartridge100, only a part of the mounting plate91/conductor92is movable, which is more conducive to an integral structural design of the developing cartridge100.

Therefore, the movable member in this embodiment includes the second mounting portion912and the second contact portion922mounted in the second mounting portion912. The first mounting portion911and the first contact portion921together are fixedly mounted on the housing1or the first end cover11as a fixed portion of the chip connection assembly9. In this embodiment, the movable member may move between the foregoing first position and the foregoing second position in a rotating or sliding manner. The second mounting portion912and the second contact portion922are located on the movable member. In the first position, the second contact portion922is at least separated from the electrical contact72to break an electrical connection. In the second position, the second contact portion922contacts the electrical contact72to implement an electrical connection.

In both the first position and the second position, the movable member and the fixed portion may be electrically connected to each other. Preferably, in the first position, the second contact portion922is further disposed to be separated from the first contact portion921to break an electrical connection, that is, in this case, the movable member is located below the fixed portion and is electrically disconnected from the fixed portion, and in the second position, the second contact portion922simultaneously contacts the first contact portion921and the electrical contact72to implement an electrical connection. In this embodiment, in processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge100, the first contact portion921that is fixedly disposed is protected by the first mounting portion911from easily experiencing friction and contact with the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device. Even if the first contact portion921fails upon friction and contact, an end user may replace only the first contact portion921or replace the first contact portion921together with the first mounting portion911, and the chip7with a higher value does not experience friction and contact.

FIG.31is a three-dimensional diagram of a developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is viewed from a driving end according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention; andFIG.32is a schematic exploded view of a chip connection assembly in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention.

In the foregoing embodiments, the chip7/electrical contact72is fixed, and the mounting plate91/conductor92used as a movable member moves between the first position and the second position in which the movable member is electrically connected to and electrically disconnected from the electrical contact72. As described in Embodiment 15, when the entire mounting plate91/conductor92moves, it may be limited by the size and internal space of the developing cartridge100. Relatively, the chip7or the electrical contact72has a smaller size. In the following, an example in which the chip7/electrical contact72is movable is used for description.

As shown inFIG.31andFIG.32, the chip connection assembly9includes a movable member94that is movable relative to the housing1as well as the mounting plate91and the conductor92that are immovable relative to the housing1. At least the electrical contact72is mounted in the movable member94. In this case, the mounting plate91and the conductor92form a fixed portion. Preferably, the entire chip7is mounted in the movable member94. As in Embodiment 12, the mounting plate91may be made of a conductive material or may be made of a non-conductive material. The mounting plate91may be formed integrally or separately with the conductor92. The mounting plate91has a first mounting portion911, a second mounting portion912, and a conductor mounting groove. The conductor92has a first contact portion921, a second contact portion922, and a connector923for connecting the first contact portion to a second contact portion. The first contact portion921is configured to be electrically connected to the device, and the second contact portion922is configured to be electrically connected to the electrical contact. In a simplified structure, the mounting plate91may be omitted, and the conductor92is fixed to the first end cover11or the housing1, and an objective of the present invention can still be implemented.

The movable member94may be mounted on the first end cover11, or may be mounted on the housing1. Before the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the movable member94is located in the first position, and the second contact portion922is located below the electrical contact72, and is separated from the electrical contact72to break an electrical connection. In a process in which the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the movable member94is moved relative to the housing1under the action of the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device, and when the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or a predetermined position on the device, the movable member94moves from the first position to the second position. In this case, the second contact portion922contacts the electrical contact72to implement an electrical connection. In the process, the second mounting portion912is always located below the second contact portion922and the chip7, and the chip7does not experience friction and contact with the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the movable member94is disposed to move relative to the housing1with guidance of a guide member that is pre-disposed on the housing1/first end cover11, and further, the chip connection assembly9further includes a first pushing member/restoring member93that is connected to/presses against the movable member94. The restoring member93is configured to apply a pushing force to the movable member94, to force the movable member94to have a trend of moving toward the first position. Preferably, the restoring member93is a plate-shaped member formed integrally with the movable member94. In processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge100, the restoring member93is located below the second mounting portion912, and the chip7and the second contact portion922may be further protected. Optionally, the restoring member93may alternatively be a compression spring or a tension spring located between the movable member94and the housing1/first end cover11.

FIG.33is a three-dimensional diagram of an inner side of the first end cover according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention;FIG.34is a side view of the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is viewed from left to right in the left-right direction after the first end cover is hidden according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention; andFIG.35is a schematic diagram of a relative position between the conductor and the movable member when the movable member is in a first position in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention.

In a preferred manner, the movable member94is guided by the guide member on the first end cover11, and the mounting plate91and the conductor92are fixedly mounted on the first end cover11. As shown inFIG.33, an accommodating groove A115and a front notch A116and a rear notch118that are connected to the accommodating groove A115are disposed on an inner side (a side facing the housing1) of the first end cover11, the mounting plate91and the conductor92are accommodated in the accommodating groove A115, the first contact portion921is exposed from the front notch A116, and the second contact portion922is exposed from the rear notch118.

Further, a guide plate117is further disposed on the first end cover11. Correspondingly, a guide groove g is further disposed on the movable member94. As shown inFIG.34, the guide groove g is formed between a front extension plate96and a rear extension plate97, where the front extension plate96is connected to the movable member94, preferably, the two are formed integrally, and the rear extension plate97is connected to the front extension plate96. The guide groove g and the guide plate117are inclined relatively to the front-back direction, and the guide plate117gradually approaches the rear end104from top to bottom in the up-down direction.

As shown inFIG.34andFIG.35, in the front-back direction, at least the electrical contact72and the driving force receiving member15are respectively located on two sides of the midline LM, and at least the electrical contact72is closer to the rear end104than the driving force receiving member15, or the driving force receiving member15is closer to the front end103than the electrical contact72. Further, at least the electrical contact72is located behind a rotation axis of a driving member configured to drive the stirring member to move. In the first position, the second contact portion922and the electrical contact72are separated from each other to break an electrical connection, and a free end of the restoring member93presses against the first end cover11. As the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the movable member94is extruded as it contacts a rear side plate201a(as shown inFIG.1) of the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device. Therefore, the movable member94is guided by the guide plate117to move toward the upper front shown inFIG.34until the electrical contact72presses against the second contact portion922to implement an electrical connection, and the movable member94reaches the second position. In addition, the free end of the restoring member93slides on the first end cover11, and is deformed relative to the movable member94to accumulate potential energy. When the developing cartridge100is removed, the movable member94is no longer extruded, the movable member94moves from the second position to the first position under the action of a restoring force of the restoring member93, and the electrical contact72and the second contact portion922are separated from each other to break the electrical connection.

Although this embodiment records that the movable member94moves between the first position and the second position in a sliding manner, according to the descriptions in Embodiment 12, Embodiment 13, and Embodiment 15, the movable member94may alternatively be disposed to rotate around a rotation axis. For a specific implementation structure, reference may be made to the descriptions in Embodiment 12, Embodiment 13, and Embodiment 15.

FIG.36is a three-dimensional diagram of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention. A structure of a chip connection assembly9in this embodiment is different from that in the foregoing embodiments. Same components in the chip connection assembly are directly referenced, and details are not described again.

As shown inFIG.36, the developing cartridge includes the housing1for accommodating toner, the developing member2rotatably mounted in the housing1, the driving force receiving member15and the counting assembly that are located at the longitudinal end of the housing1, and the first end cover11and the second end cover12that are connected to the housing1. The developing member2is located at the front side of the housing1, and the handle13is located at the rear side of the housing1. The driving force receiving member15is configured to receive a driving force from the device to drive the developing member2and the counting assembly to operate.

An electrical connection and an electrical disconnection between the chip7mounted at the driving end101and the device are implemented by moving at least a part of the chip connection assembly9. The at least a part of the chip connection assembly9is a movable member that can move between a first position and a second position. When the movable member is located in the second position, the chip7and the chip connection assembly9are electrically connected. In this case, the electrical connection can be implemented between the chip7and the device, and a communication connection is established between the two. When the movable member is in the first position, the electrical connection between the chip7and the chip connection assembly9is broken. In this case, the electrical connection between the chip7and the device is broken, and a communication connection cannot be established between the two.

FIG.37is a schematic exploded view of some components of the chip connection assembly in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention; andFIG.38is a three-dimensional diagram of the movable member in the chip connection assembly according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention.

As in Embodiment 16, the chip7in this embodiment is still mounted in the movable member94of the chip connection assembly9. The mounting plate91may be disposed on the first end cover11or may be disposed on the housing1. Preferably, the mounting plate91is formed integrally with the first end cover11or the housing1. Based on a quantity of conductors92, a corresponding quantity of conductor mounting grooves915are disposed on the mounting plate91. The restoring member93is a compression spring mounted between the movable member94and the first end cover11/housing1, and is configured to push the movable member94in a direction away from the first end cover11/housing1.

Further, the chip connection assembly9in this embodiment further includes a pressing member98for preventing the conductor92from falling off. In particular, when the conductor92is long and an inner surface of the conductor mounting groove915is non-planar, the pressing member98can effectively ensure that the conductor92is fixed to the conductor mounting groove915without falling off or protruding. Further, when the conductor92is long, the conductor92may be fixed to the conductor mounting groove915by riveting. As shown inFIG.37, a protrusion914is disposed in the conductor mounting groove915, and a through hole924is correspondingly disposed in the conductor92. When the chip connection assembly9is assembled, the protrusion914passes through the through hole924, and then an end of the protrusion914is heated to make the end of the protrusion larger than the through hole924, so that the conductor92is fixed in the conductor mounting groove915. Certainly, an edge of the conductor92may be riveted to fix the conductor92in the conductor mounting groove915. For ease of the foregoing riveting operation, an operation opening981is disposed on the pressing member98. Therefore, the riveting operation may be performed after the pressing member98is mounted, to ensure that the components of the chip connection assembly9are correctly mounted.

In the following, the mounting plate91is formed integrally with the first end cover11, and is disposed on a surface, that faces downward, of the first end cover11, so that the mounting of the conductor92becomes more convenient. In addition, a guide groove g is further disposed on the first end cover11, and the movable member94is movably mounted in the guide groove g.

In this embodiment, the chip connection assembly9further includes a supporting member90that can elastically support the conductor92, and the second contact portion922of the conductor92is supported by the supporting member90. Specifically, based on the quantity of conductors92, a corresponding quantity of grooves are disposed on the supporting member90. In this way, two adjacent second contact portions922are separated from each other. In addition, the supporting member90is made of an insulating material, and a short circuit does not occur between the conductors92. In other words, the supporting member90is an elastic insulator. Simplistically, the grooves may not be disposed. When the conductor92is fixedly mounted, under an elastic action of the supporting member90, a position in which the supporting member contacts the second contact portion922is pressed and deformed to form a groove. It may be understood that when there is one conductor92and one electrical contact72, the supporting member90may not need to be made of an insulating material.

As shown inFIG.38, the movable member94includes a chip mounting body941and an anti-falling portion943and a guide plate944that are connected to the chip mounting body941. One end of the compression spring93presses against the inside of the guide groove g, and the other end presses against a pressing portion942in the movable member94. The anti-falling portion943is configured to prevent the movable member94from falling off from the guide groove g, and the guide plate944is movable in the guide groove g. A chip mounting groove9411and a top plate9412are disposed adjacent to each other in the chip mounting body941. The chip7is mounted in the chip mounting groove9411, and the top plate9412is located below the chip mounting groove9411in the up-down direction. Therefore, the chip7is separated from the baseplate208or the inner wall of the device by the top plate9412. In processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge, the chip7does not experience friction and contact with the baseplate208or the inner wall of the device.

FIG.39Ais a side view of breaking, by the chip connection assembly, an electrical connection between the chip and the device when the developing cartridge is viewed from left to right before mounting according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention; andFIG.39Bis a side view of electrically connecting, by the chip connection assembly, the chip to the device when the developing cartridge is viewed from left to right before mounting according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.39A, the movable member94is located in the first position. Under the action of gravity of the movable member94and an elastic force of the restoring member93, the electrical contact72of the chip and the second contact portion922that are located in the movable member94are separated from each other to break an electrical connection, and the top plate9412is located below the chip7. When the developing cartridge100is rotated around the support portion18L/18R in a direction shown by d in the figure, the movable member94gradually approaches the baseplate208or the inner wall of the device.

Relative to the baseplate208/inner wall of the device, a moving track of the movable member94in the direction shown by d is an arc line. To ensure force balance of the top plate9412/movable member94, preferably, the movable member94further includes a pre-stressed portion9413disposed below the top plate9412. With rotation of the developing cartridge100, both the pre-stressed portion9413and the top plate9412that is inclined relative to the baseplate208/inner wall of the device contact the baseplate208/inner wall of the device. Therefore, a pressure force applied on the movable member94by the baseplate208/inner wall of the device is more balanced, until the movable member94reaches a second position shown inFIG.39B. In this case, the electrical contact72of the chip contacts the second contact portion922. It should be noted that when the pre-stressed portion9413is not disposed and the movable member94is located in the second position shown inFIG.39B, a lower surface of the top plate9412presses against the baseplate208/inner wall of the device.

FIG.40is a schematic exploded view of some components of a chip connection assembly in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention.

Different from Embodiment 17, in this embodiment, the supporting member90is disposed on the movable member94, contacts the chip7, and no longer contacts the conductor92. As shown in the figure, the supporting member90made of an elastic non-conductive material is located below the chip7. Specifically, the supporting member90is located between the chip7and the top plate9412, and this arrangement can also ensure good contact between the chip7and the second contact portion922.

According to the foregoing description, disposing the supporting member90in a position adjacent to at least one of the chip7and the second contact portion922can ensure good contact between the chip7and the second contact portion922. The supporting member90supports at least one of the chip7and the second contact portion922in a direction in which the chip7and the second contact portion922approach each other. Further, the arrangement of the supporting member90further has the following beneficial effects:

Both the chip connection assembly9and the chip7are located at the driving end101of the developing cartridge100. Therefore, when vibration generated when the driving force receiving member15works is transmitted to the chip7, the supporting member90can effectively counteract the vibration.

Regardless of whether the supporting member90is disposed to support the second contact portion922of the conductor or support the chip7, in a process in which the chip7contacts the second contact portion922, the chip7or the second contact portion922may adaptively adjust a position, so that a contact area between the chip7and the second contact portion922is larger.

When the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, a large instantaneous acting force is generated between the chip7and the second contact portion922once a mounting speed of the developing cartridge100is too fast, and a part of the acting force may be absorbed by the elastic supporting member90, so that the chip7and the second contact portion922are in smooth contact.

As described above, the movable member94reaches the second position from the first position by pressing against the baseplate208or the inner wall of the device. Baseplates208of drum holders of different models and inner walls of devices of different models may have different structures, and correspondingly, a same movable member94is subjected to different acting forces. The arrangement of the supporting member90reduces a stroke of the movable member94from the first position to the second position. Even if an acting force exerted on the movable member94is too small, the chip7can be in good contact with the second contact portion922. From another point of view, when an acting force exerted on the movable member94is too large, the supporting member90can absorb a part of the acting force, so that the chip7and the second contact portion922keep in good contact, to prevent rigid contact from forming between the chip7and the second contact portion922and prevent the chip7from being damaged. Therefore, the movable member94on which the supporting member90is disposed may be applicable to different types of developing cartridges.

It should be noted that, in the figure, the first contact portion921, the second contact portion922, and the electrical contact72have specific sizes in both the front-back direction and the left-right direction. However, the first contact portion921, the second contact portion922, and the electrical contact72are not limited by the sizes.

As described above, in the developing cartridge100in the present invention, in the front-back direction, at least the electrical contact72in the chip7is fixedly mounted in a position away from the driving force receiving member15, and the chip7may establish a communication connection to the device by using the chip connection assembly9of which at least a part is movable relative to the housing1. On the one hand, when the developing cartridge works, impact of vibration of the driving force receiving member15on the electrical contact72is reduced. On the other hand, in processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge100, the electrical contact72does not experience friction and contact with the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device, thereby avoiding a problem that the chip7lacks electrical conductivity, is short-circuited, or falls off from the developing cartridge.

FIG.41Ais a schematic exploded view of a chip connection assembly and a housing after the chip connection assembly and the housing are separated in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention; andFIG.41Bis a schematic exploded view of the housing and some components of an end at which no chip connection assembly is mounted in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention.

The housing1includes a bottom housing1aand a top cover1bthat are combined with each other, and a toner accommodating cavity10is formed between the bottom housing1aand the top cover1b. The developing cartridge100further includes a toner conveying member3and a driving member89that are rotatably mounted in the housing1, a stirring member5that can reciprocate in the front-back direction in the toner accommodating cavity10, and a counting assembly6, where the driving member89is disposed coaxially with a driving force receiving member15, a cam is disposed on the driving member89, and an elastic member16is connected to the cam and the stirring member5. With rotation of the driving member89, the stirring member5reciprocates in the front-back direction under an elastic action of the elastic member16. When the counting assembly6and the driving force receiving member15are respectively located on two sides of the housing1, the developing cartridge further includes a middle member84disposed on the same side as the counting assembly6. Preferably, the middle member84is combined with the driving member89, that is, the middle member84and the driving force receiving member15are respectively located on two sides of the driving member89. When the driving member89rotates, a driving force is transmitted to the counting assembly6through the middle member.

As shown inFIG.41A, in this embodiment, the chip connection assembly9and the driving force receiving member15are disposed on a same side. In this way, in the left-right direction of the developing cartridge, the chip connection assembly9and the counting assembly6are respectively located on the left side and the right side of the housing1, and there is enough space on the left side of the developing cartridge to dispose the chip connection assembly9. Certainly, when there is enough space on the left side of the developing cartridge to accommodate the chip connection assembly9and the counting assembly6, the chip connection assembly9and the counting assembly6may be disposed on a same side of the housing at the same time. In this case, the middle member84and a component located between the middle member84and the counting assembly6may also be canceled.

The chip connection assembly9includes a mounting plate91, a movable member94, and an acting force transmitting mechanism99. The movable member94and the acting force transmitting mechanism99are located between the mounting plate91and a first end cover11, the mounting plate91is fixedly mounted on a left side plate1a1of the housing, and a part of the acting force transmitting mechanism99is located on the mounting plate91. The movable member94is configured to accommodate all or a part of a chip7, and at least an electrical contact72of the chip7is accommodated in the movable member94. The acting force transmitting mechanism99is combined with the movable member94and is configured to transmit a received external acting force to the movable member94, so that the movable member94moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, an electrical connection between the electrical contact72and a device is broken, and in this case, the electrical contact72is not located in an electrical connection area111of the first end cover11. In the second position, the electrical contact72can be electrically connected to the device, and the electrical contact72is located in the electrical connection area111of the first end cover11.

In practice, the mounting plate91may be omitted. In this case, the movable member94and the acting force transmitting mechanism99are located between the left side plate1a1of the housing and the first end cover11, and the acting force transmitting mechanism99may be mounted on the left side plate1a1of the housing, or may be mounted on the first end cover11.

In this embodiment, the acting force transmitting mechanism99includes a transmitting member991and a driving rod992and a driven rod993that are combined with the transmitting member991. The movable member94is combined with the driven rod993. In a process in which the developing cartridge100is mounted to a drum holder200or the device, the driving rod992receives a driving force from outside, and the transmitting member991transmits the driving force to the driven rod993. Further, the acting force transmitting mechanism99further includes a restoring member994. When the developing cartridge100is removed from the drum holder200or the device, under the action of the restoring member994, the acting force transmitting mechanism99returns to an initial state before the developing cartridge100is mounted. The movable member94can move from the first position to the second position, and can return to the first position from the second position under the action of the restoring member994.

Specifically, gear teeth are disposed on both the driving rod992and the driven rod993, and the transmitting member991is disposed as a gear. The gear teeth are meshed with the gear, to transmit an acting force from the driving rod992to the driven rod993. An end of the driving rod992is disposed as a trigger end9921configured to receive the acting force, and a combining portion9931for combining with the movable member94is disposed on the driven rod993. Preferably, the driven rod993is movably connected to the movable member94through a rotating shaft, and in this case, the movable member94can freely sway on the driven rod. The transmitting member991is disposed as a dual gear and has a pinion portion9911and a gearwheel portion9912. The pinion portion9911is meshed with the driving rod992, and the gearwheel portion9912is meshed with the driven rod993. In this case, the acting force transmitting mechanism99is formed as a stroke amplifying mechanism, to be specific, the driving rod992moves for a small stroke, and the driven rod993can move for a large stroke through the transmitting member991. This structure is applicable to the developing cartridge100with limited internal space on the drum holder200or the device. The restoring member994may press against both the driving rod992and the driven rod993, and when the trigger end9921no longer receives the acting force, it only needs that the restoring member994can restore the acting force transmitting mechanism99or the restoring member994can make the movable member94return to the first position from the second position.

The gearwheel portion9912and the pinion portion9911each may alternatively be replaced with a disk-like body on which a rubber ring is sleeved in a circumferential direction. Similarly, a part of the driving rod992, which is combined with the pinion portion9911, may alternatively be replaced with a friction surface that can transmit a driving force, and a part of the driven rod993, which is combined with the gearwheel portion9912, may alternatively be replaced with a friction surface that can transmit a driving force. Therefore, the transmitting member991may be summarized as a rotation body that has a large-diameter portion9912and a small-diameter portion9911.

The movable member94includes a main body945and a combined portion946and a guide protrusion947that are located on the main body945. At least the electrical contact72of the chip7is located on the main body945. The combining portion9931and the combined portion946are movably combined. When the driven rod993moves, the guide protrusion947guides the main body945, to ensure that at least the electrical contact72can reach the second position with the main body945.

FIG.42is a three-dimensional diagram of the chip connection assembly after the chip connection assembly is mounted to the housing in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention; andFIG.43AandFIG.43Bare three-dimensional diagrams of the first end cover in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention.

The mounting plate91is fixedly mounted on the housing1, and the transmitting member991is rotatably mounted on the mounting plate91. In addition, a limiting groove916is also disposed on the mounting plate91, and the limiting groove916extends, in a moving direction of the driven rod993, from the upper side of the mounting plate to a position corresponding to the electrical connection area111, and has a first section916ainclined relative to the front-back direction and a second section916bparallel to the front-back direction. The first section916ais connected to the second section916b, and the guide protrusion947is located in the limiting groove916. When the mounting plate91is not disposed, the transmitting member991may be directly mounted on the housing1, and the limiting groove916is also disposed on the housing1.

The combining portion9931of the driven rod is combined with the combined portion946of the movable member94. Under the limitation of the limiting groove916and the guide protrusion947, the main body945is basically parallel to the driven rod993, and resistance on the driven rod993in a moving process may be reduced. The restoring member994is preferably a compression spring, one end of which presses against the driving rod992, and the other end of which presses against the first end cover11, and both the driving rod992and the driven rod993remain stationary under a holding action of the restoring member994.

As shown inFIG.43AandFIG.43B, the first end cover11includes an end cover body110, a through hole112and a guide groove119that are disposed in the end cover body110, and a sliding groove11athat at least partially overlaps the guide groove119. The driving force receiving member15is exposed through the through hole112. A shape of the guide groove119corresponds to the limiting groove916, that is, the guide groove119extends, in the moving direction of the driven rod993, from the upper side of the first end cover11to the electrical connection area111. Therefore, the guide groove119also has a first section119ainclined relative to the front-back direction and a second section119bparallel to the front-back direction, and the first section119ais connected to the second section119b. The guide protrusion947disposed on the movable member94is further combined with the guide groove119. In a preferred solution, the guide groove119may be disposed to penetrate the end cover body110in the left-right direction. In this way, a specific position of the guide protrusion947in the guide groove119may be viewed from outside of the developing cartridge, which helps improve user experience of an end user. Alternatively, the guide groove119may be disposed not to penetrate the end cover body110in the left-right direction, or on the premise that the guide groove119does not penetrate the end cover body110in the left-right direction, the end cover body corresponding to the guide groove119is disposed to be transparent, so that the position of the guide protrusion947can also be viewed from the outside of the developing cartridge.

Further, the first end cover11further includes a first limiting portion11a1and a second limiting portion11a2that are disposed in the sliding groove11a. When the driven rod993is mounted to the sliding groove11a, the main body945of the movable member is limited by pressing against the first limiting portion11a1, and the combined portion946is limited by pressing against the second limiting portion11a2. Therefore, a relative position between the movable member94and the driven rod993keeps stable.

FIG.44Ais a schematic diagram of a state of the chip connection assembly before the chip connection assembly is triggered in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention; andFIG.44Bis a schematic diagram of a state of the chip connection assembly after the chip connection assembly is triggered in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention.

To clearly see a movement process of the acting force transmitting mechanism99, the first end cover11is hidden inFIG.44AandFIG.44B. Before the developing cartridge100is mounted, the electrical contact72is in the first position with the movable member94. As shown inFIG.44A, the movable member94is located in the first section916aof the limiting groove916/the first section119aof the guide groove119. In the front-back direction, the movable member94is located on the rear side of the driving force receiving member15, and in the up-down direction, the movable member94does not go beyond the housing1, and the main body945of the movable member is substantially parallel to the driven rod993. In this case, even if the developing cartridge is impacted by an external force, the electrical contact72is not damaged.

As the developing cartridge100rotates downward around the support portion18L/18R, the trigger end9921starts to press against a pressing portion2000outside the developing cartridge100, the driving rod992starts to move upward, the restoring member994is elastically deformed, the dual gear991rotates in a direction shown by d3, the driven rod993slides in the sliding groove11aand drives the movable member94to move along the limiting groove916toward the electrical connection area111. As shown inFIG.44B, after the developing cartridge100is mounted to a predetermined position, the driving rod992stops moving upward, and the driven rod993stops moving. In this case, the movable member94starts to enter the second section916bof the limiting groove916/the second section119bof the guide groove119. Because the movable member94is movably connected to the driven rod993, the movable member94rotates around the combined portion946under the gravity of the movable member94to reach the second position, and the guide protrusion947completely enters the second section916bof the limiting groove916/the second section119bof the guide groove119. The main body945of the movable member is basically parallel to the front-back direction, and the electrical contact72faces downward.

When the developing cartridge100is removed from the drum holder200or the device, the trigger end9921is separated from the pressing portion2000, and under the action of a restoring force of the restoring member994, the driving rod992moves downward, the transmitting member991rotates in a direction opposite to the direction shown by d3, and the driven rod993drives the movable member94to move from the second section916bof the limiting groove916/the second section119bof the guide groove119to the first section916a/119a, until the movable member94returns to the first position.

FIG.45is a schematic diagram of states of a chip connection assembly before and after the chip connection assembly is triggered in a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 20 of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the movable member94is still guided by the guide groove119located on at least the first end cover11to move between the first position and the second position. A difference lies in that in this embodiment, the structure of the acting force transmitting mechanism99is simplified. As shown inFIG.45, the acting force transmitting mechanism99is a rotating rod995that rotates around a rotating shaft, the rotating rod995has a rod body9953, a first end9951of the rod body9953forms a trigger end, a second end/combining portion9952of the rod body9953is movably connected to the movable member94, and a connection manner between the two is the same as that in Embodiment 19. In addition, at least the electrical contact72of the chip7is located in the movable member94, and may move with movement of the movable member94.

The rotating rod995further has a rotating portion9954. Preferably, the rotating rod995is separated by the rotating portion9954as a hard lever based on the trigger end9951. Therefore, the rotating rod995also forms a stroke amplifying mechanism, in other words, when the trigger end9951receives an acting force and causes the rotating rod995to rotate around the rotating portion9954, a stroke of the second end9952is greater than a stroke of the first end/trigger end9951.

Similarly, before the developing cartridge100is mounted, as shown by dotted lines in the figure, the movable member94is located at a same first position as in Embodiment 19. As the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device and rotates downward around the support portion18L/18R, the trigger end9951contacts the pressing portion2000, and further, the rotating rod995rotates around the rotating portion9954in a direction shown by d4until the movable member94reaches the second position, as shown by solid lines in the figure.

As not shown inFIG.45, the acting force transmitting mechanism99in this embodiment further includes a restoring member that is combined with the rotating rod995. In a process in which the movable member94moves from the first position to the second position, the restoring member is elastically deformed. When the trigger end9951is separated from the pressing portion2000, under the action of a restoring force of the restoring member, the rotating rod995rotates in a direction opposite to the direction shown by d4, and the movable member94returns from the second position to the first position.

For Embodiment 19 and Embodiment 20, a combination position between the combining portion9931/9952in the acting force transmitting mechanism99and the combined portion946on the movable member may be changed based on a contact position between the power terminal in the device and the electrical contact72of the chip. For example, in the front-back direction, when the contact position between the power terminal and the electrical contact72of the chip is approximately located in the middle of the main body945of the movable member, the combination position between the combining portion9931/9952and the combined portion946is located in the approximately middle of the main body945of the movable member, which is conducive to keeping overall stability of the movable member94. In the front-back direction, when the contact position between the power terminal and the electrical contact72of the chip is approximately located at the front side of the middle of the main body945of the movable member, according to a lever principle, the combination position between the combining portion9931/9952and the combined portion946is located at the rear side of the approximately middle of the main body945of the movable member, which is conductive to keeping the overall stability of the movable member94. On the contrary, in the front-back direction, when the contact position between the power terminal and the electrical contact72of the chip is approximately located at the rear side of the middle of the main body945of the movable member, the combination position between the combining portion9931/9952and the combined portion946is located at the front side of the approximately middle of the main body945of the movable member, which is conductive to keeping the overall stability of the movable member94.

Certainly, when space in the developing cartridge100is sufficient, a combination position between the acting force transmitting mechanism99and the movable member94may be further disposed as two positions distributed in the front-back direction, so that the movable member94has two support points when the movable member94is in the second position. In this way, even if the contact position between the power terminal and the electrical contact72of the chip is not in the approximately middle of the main body945of the movable member, the movable member94can still keep the overall stability.

According to the inventive concept of the present invention, the movable mounting plate91in the foregoing Embodiment 12 to Embodiment 15 and the movable member94in Embodiment 16 to Embodiment 18 may be considered as all or a part of the acting force transmitting mechanism99. In Embodiment 16 to Embodiment 18, the chip7/electrical contact72moves between the first position and the second position with movement of the movable member94. Therefore, the movable member94in Embodiment 16 to Embodiment 18 is similar to the movable member94in Embodiment 19 and Embodiment 20, and serves to support at least the electrical contact72of the chip. In Embodiment 12 to Embodiment 15, the electrical contact72is not moved, and the chip7is electrically connected to and electrically disconnected from the power terminal through movement of the conductor92. In this case, the conductor92may be considered as an extension of the electrical contact72. As the mounting plate91is moved, the conductor92and the power terminal switch between electrical connection and electrical disconnection.

The “electrical connection” means that communication can be performed between the electrical contact72and the power terminal. The “electrical disconnection” means that communication cannot be performed between the electrical contact72and the power terminal. It may be understood by a person skilled in the art that, the communication between the electrical contact72and the power terminal may be implemented by enabling the electrical contact72and the power terminal to directly contact each other or enabling the electrical contact72and the power terminal not to contact each other, for example, wireless communication is used between the two, specifically, the wireless communication is near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth communication, or the like.

In conclusion, the acting force transmitting mechanism99in the present invention causes the movable member94to drive at least the electrical contact72of the chip7to move between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the electrical connection between the electrical contact72and the power terminal in the device is broken, and in the second position, the electrical contact72can be electrically connected to the power terminal in the device. It may be understood that, an acting force during movement of the acting force transmitting mechanism99is generated by pressing the mounting plate91or the movable member94, or generated in a contactless manner. For example, a magnet is mounted on the mounting plate91or the movable member94, and correspondingly, another magnet is mounted on the drum holder200or the inner wall of the device, and a magnetic force between the two magnets is used to force the mounting plate91or the movable member94to move. Alternatively, an electromagnet is mounted on the mounting plate91or the movable member94, and after the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200or the device, the electromagnet is triggered for connection, to generate a magnetic force that forces the mounting plate91or the movable member94to move.

As described above, when the developing cartridge100works, the chip7/electrical contact72is located at the bottom of the housing1, and this causes that an operator cannot view the chip7/electrical contact72in processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge100. In this case, the chip7/electrical contact72easily experiences friction and contact with the drum holder200, the inner wall of the device, or an external component of the device, causing damage to the chip7/electrical contact72. In the foregoing embodiment of the present invention, before the developing cartridge100is mounted, the chip7/electrical contact72is no longer located at the bottom of the housing1in the up-down direction, thereby effectively preventing damage to the chip7/electrical contact72in the processes of mounting and removing the developing cartridge100. In the given embodiment, before the developing cartridge100is mounted, the chip7/electrical contact72is located in a middle position of the housing in the up-down direction. In this case, the chip7/electrical contact72is protected by the housing1or/and the first end cover11, and a probability that the chip7/electrical contact72experiences friction and contact with the drum holder200, the inner wall of the device, or the external component of the device may be further reduced.

FIG.46is a schematic exploded view of a developing cartridge after two end covers are separated from a housing according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention; andFIG.47is a top view of the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is viewed from top to bottom in an up-down direction according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.1, the developing member2includes a rotation shaft21and an clastic conductive member22that is coated on the circumferential surface of the rotation shaft. When the developing cartridge100is mounted to the drum holder200, the developing member2/elastic conductive member22is opposite to the photosensitive drum203. Preferably, the developing member2directly contacts the photosensitive drum203and keeps the contact state, which is most beneficial to improving an imaging effect of the device. Therefore, as shown inFIG.46andFIG.47, the developing cartridge100further includes stressed portions configured to receive a pushing force, and two stressed portions are respectively located at two ends of the developing cartridge100in the left-right direction. Correspondingly, the drum holder200has a pushing portion (not shown) configured to push the stressed portions. Specifically, one of the two stressed portions is disposed on a driving end cover11, and the other is disposed on the conductive end cover12. As shown inFIG.46, the driving end cover11includes a first main body110, a through hole112that passes through the first main body in the left-right direction, a neck portion C116that is disposed in a circumferential direction of the through hole112, and a first protrusion C115that protrudes from the first main body110. The driving force receiving member15is exposed from the through hole112, and the first protrusion C115extends backward and rightward from the first main body110. When the driving end cover11is mounted to the housing1, a part of the driving force receiving member15is surrounded by the neck portion C116. The conductive end cover12includes a second main body120and a second protrusion129disposed on the second main body. The second protrusion129extends backward and leftward from the second main body120, and the handle13is located between the first protrusion C115and the second protrusion129in the left-right direction.

For the driving end cover11, the housing1is located on the right side of the driving end cover11, and for the conductive end cover12, the housing1is located on the left side of the conductive end cover12. Therefore, the first protrusion C115and the second protrusion129may be described as protruding backward from the main bodies of the end covers in which the first protrusion C115and the second protrusion129are respectively located, and simultaneously protruding in a direction close to the housing1. As shown inFIG.46, a volume of the driving end cover11and a volume of the conductive end cover12are far less than a volume of the housing1relative to a size of the housing1in the left-right direction. Therefore, even if the first protrusion C115is disposed on the driving end cover11and the second protrusion129is disposed on the conductive end cover12, compared with the housing1, the driving end cover11and the conductive end cover12are not easily broken in a transportation process. On the other hand, a size of the housing1in the front-back direction is reduced, which is conductive to reducing precision of a mold for manufacturing the housing1.

FIG.47is a top view of the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is viewed from top to bottom in the up-down direction according to the present invention.

When the developing cartridge100is assembled and viewed in the up-down direction, both the first protrusion C115and the second protrusion129overlap a part of the developing member2in the left-right direction. As shown inFIG.47, in a direction parallel to the front-back direction, straight lines f1and f2are respectively drawn on the rightmost side of the first protrusion C115and the leftmost side of the second protrusion129. Both the straight lines f1and f2pass through the elastic conductive member22. That is, in the left-right direction, both the first protrusion C115and the second protrusion129partially overlap the clastic conductive member22of the developing member2. As shown in the figure, an elastic conductive member22blocated on the left side of the straight line f1and an elastic conductive member22clocated on the right side of the straight line f2each are a non-imaging area, and an elastic conductive member22alocated between the straight line f1and the straight line f2is an imaging area. Therefore, when the first protrusion C115and the second protrusion129are subjected to a forward pushing force, the middle of the developing member2is less forced than the left end and the right end, which is conductive to reducing the load when the photosensitive drum203and the developing member2rotate relatively.

FIG.48is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 22 of the present invention;FIG.49is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an auxiliary frame in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 22 of the present invention;FIG.50is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a combination of a memory and an electrical contact of the memory in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 22 of the present invention;FIG.51is a schematic diagram of a memory protective cover in the developing cartridge according to Embodiment 22 of the present invention;FIG.52is a schematic diagram of an electrical connection section when the developing cartridge is not completely mounted in a printer according to Embodiment 22 of the present invention;FIG.53is a schematic diagram of an electrical connection section when the developing cartridge is completely mounted in the printer according to Embodiment 22 of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.48toFIG.53, the developing cartridge300includes a driving assembly370, an end cover380, and a bin350serving as a developer storage portion. The end cover380is located at a first end351of the bin350, the driving assembly370is located between the bin350and the end cover380, and the driving assembly370is configured to receive and transmit power from a printer.

A holder320is configured to accommodate and mount the memory310. The holder320includes a lower base321and an upper cover322. In another embodiment, the upper cover322is not limited to being fixed to the lower base321in a fastening manner, and may be fixed by welding or bonding. Preferably, the holder320is formed on the end cover380.

The memory310is mounted between the lower base321and the upper cover322, and an electrical contact311of the memory310is disposed on the upper side of the memory310.

An electrical contact sheet312is disposed on the upper side of the electrical contact311, and a lower end3121of the electrical contact sheet312is electrically connected to the electrical contact311. An upper end3122of the electrical contact sheet312is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical contact011of the printer. Preferably, a middle portion3123of the electrical contact sheet312passes through a fastening hole3131of the auxiliary frame313, and four electrical contact sheets312perform auxiliary positioning by using the auxiliary frame313, to maintain that relative positions of the electrical contact sheets312are not easily changed. A support portion3132that sticks close to the upper end3122of the electrical contact sheet312is formed on the upper side of the auxiliary frame313, and the support portion3132provides elastic support for the electrical contact sheet312, which is conductive to improving fatigue resistance of the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312.

Preferably, the electrical contact sheet312is disposed to be S-shaped. In this way, the electrical contact sheet312may be elastically deformed when subjected to an external force.

Preferably, a trench3221corresponding to the middle portion3123of the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312is formed on the upper cover322. A through hole3222is formed on the upper side of the upper cover322, and the upper end3122of the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312penetrates upward through the through hole3222and is electrically connected to the electrical contact011of the printer.

When the developing cartridge300is mounted into the printer, the upper end3122of the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312contacts the electrical contact011of the printer, and the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312is elastically deformed, so that a predetermined contact pressure is formed between the upper end3122and the electrical contact011, thereby improving electrical connection reliability. The electrical contact311of the memory310is electrically connected to the electrical contact011of the printer through the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312.

It can be learned that the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312may be considered as a movable member in a chip connection assembly in this embodiment. Before the developing cartridge300is mounted to the printer, the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312is in a first position. In this case, the lower end3121of the electrical contact sheet is electrically connected to the electrical contact311, but an electrical connection between the upper end3122of the electrical contact sheet and the device (the electrical contact011of the printer) is broken and then a communication connection cannot be established between the two. As the developing cartridge300is mounted, the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312is elastically deformed to move from the first position to a second position. In the second position, the upper end3122of the electrical contact sheet is electrically connected to the device, and then a communication connection is established between the electrical contact311and the device. The S-shaped electrical contact sheet312avoids, through elastic deformation, a case in which the developing cartridge cannot be smoothly mounted due to interference from the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312and the printer in a process of mounting the developing cartridge to the printer, and also avoids a case in which the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312is in rigid contact with another component to generate a greater contact friction force. Even if the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312contacts another component, the S-shaped electrical contact sheet312can be deformed based on a contact pressure, thereby improving mounting flexibility of the developing cartridge300.

There is no need to dispose a linkage member between the developing cartridge100and a door cover of the printer, thereby simplifying a structure, improving electrical connection reliability, and reducing manufacturing difficulty and production costs.