Patent ID: 12197145

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, a direction in which an axis of rotation of a developing roller extends is referred to as a first direction (also referred to as an axial direction). A second direction is the front-to-rear extension direction of a developing cartridge, and the developing roller is located in front in the second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect each other. A third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

Embodiment 1

As shown inFIGS.1and2, Embodiment 1 of the present application discloses a developing cartridge100. The developing cartridge100is detachably mounted in an image forming device, and includes a casing1that can be filled with developer. The casing1includes a first side11and a second side12that are separated from each other in the first direction. The developing roller2is rotatably supported between the first side11and the second side12of the casing1, and can rotate about a first rotation axis extending in the first direction. The supply roller3is rotatably supported between the first side11and the second side12of the casing1, and can rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction. As shown inFIG.2, the developing cartridge100further includes an input gear111, a developing roller gear112, and a supply roller gear113positioned at the first side, and the input gear can be meshed with a driving force input member (not shown) in the image forming device to receive a driving force from the image forming device and rotate. The input gear111is separately meshed with the developing roller gear112and the supply roller gear113to transmit the received driving force to the developing roller2and the supply roller3separately, thereby driving the developing roller2and the supply roller3to rotate. The first side11is further provided with a protective cover114and a storage unit9. The protective cover114covers at least a part of the input gear111, the developing roller gear112and the supply roller gear113. In this embodiment, the storage unit9is mounted on the protective cover114, and the storage unit9is used to store relevant information of the developing cartridge100, and has an electrical contact portion exposed outside the protective cover114.

As shown inFIG.6, the developing roller2includes a developing roller shaft2aand a developing roller body (elastic layer)2b. The developing roller body2bis made of elastic rubber, the developing roller shaft2ais a cylindrical member extending along the first direction, and the developing roller shaft2ais disposed through the developing roller body2b. The developing roller body2bis fixed on the developing roller shaft2a, so that the developing roller body2bcan rotate synchronously with the developing roller shaft2a. The developing roller shaft2ais made of metal or conductive resin, or the developing roller shaft2ais made of an insulating material. Alternatively, the developing roller shaft2aand the developing roller body2bare isolated by an insulating material, so that an insulating structure is formed between the developing roller shaft2aand the developing roller body2b. For example, an insulating material is electroplated, electrophoresed or sprayed on an outer surface of the developing roller shaft2ato form insulation between the developing roller shaft2aand the developing roller body2b, wherein the material of the insulating layer (interchangeably referred to as “covering layer”) is specifically formed of a non-metallic material. A positioning through hole is provided at one end of the developing roller shaft2a, and the positioning through hole is used to position the developing roller shaft2awhen the developing roller shaft2ais subjected to electroplating, electrophoresis or spraying operation. The supply roller3includes a supply roller shaft3aand a supply roller body3b. The supply roller body3bis made of sponge. The supply roller shaft3ais a cylindrical member extending along the first direction, and the supply roller shaft3ais disposed through the supply roller body3b. The supply roller body3bis fixed on the supply roller shaft3a, so that the supply roller body3bcan rotate synchronously with the supply roller shaft3a. Further, the supply roller shaft3ais insulated from a conductive member6. Specifically, the supply roller shaft3ais made of an insulating material. Alternatively, the supply roller shaft3ais made of metal or conductive resin, and the supply roller shaft3aand the supply roller body3bare isolated by an insulating material, so that an insulating structure is formed between the supply roller shaft3aand the supply roller body3b. For example, an insulating layer is electroplated, electrophoresed or sprayed on an outer surface of the supply roller shaft3ato form insulation between the supply roller shaft3aand the supply roller body3b, wherein the material of the insulating layer is specifically formed of a non-metallic material. A second positioning through hole is provided at one end of the supply roller shaft3a, and the second positioning through hole is used to position the supply roller shaft3awhen the supply roller shaft3ais subjected to electroplating, electrophoresis or spraying operation.

As shown inFIGS.3-5, the developing cartridge100is further provided with a detection protrusion4on the second side12in the first direction. The detection protrusion4is used to be detected by a detection unit provided in the image forming device when the developing cartridge100is mounted in the image forming device, so as to verify whether the developing cartridge100is a new developing cartridge100, and the service life of the developing cartridge100, i.e., the number of printable pages of the developing cartridge100, is further identified by means of the detection unit detecting the detection protrusion4. A bracket5and the conductive member6are provided on the same side of the developing cartridge100as the detection protrusion4. The conductive member6is spaced apart from the detection protrusion4in the second direction, and the detection protrusion4is located behind the conductive member6in the second direction. In this embodiment, the detection protrusion4is positioned at the opposite side of the input gear111relative to the casing1. Of course, optionally, the detection protrusion4may also be positioned at the same side of the input gear111. As shown inFIG.5, the bracket5is constructed of insulating plastic, and the bracket5includes a developing roller bearing and a supply roller bearing. The developing roller2protrudes from a surface of the casing1on the second side12of the casing1to form a first end. The insulating layer is supported by the developing roller bearing. The first end is rotatably borne on the developing roller bearing. The supply roller3protrudes from the surface of the casing1on the second side12of the casing1to form a second end. The second end is rotatably borne on the supply roller bearing.

As shown inFIGS.3and7, the developing cartridge100further includes a layer thickness regulating member7. The layer thickness regulating member7is positioned at a front end of the developing cartridge100in the second direction and adjacent to the developing roller2. Specifically, the layer thickness regulating member7is positioned behind the developing roller2in the second direction, and the layer thickness regulating member7extends between the first side11and the second side12of the casing1in the first direction, and is used to adjust the thickness of developer attached to the developing roller2, thereby improving the printing quality. The layer thickness regulating member7includes a blade holder7aand a blade7b, both of which extend in the first direction. The blade holder7ais fixed to the casing1by a screw8. One end of the blade7bis fixed to the blade holder7a, and the other end of the blade7babuts the developing roller2. Specifically, the other end of the blade7babuts the outer surface of the developing roller body2b, and after the developer is attached to the developing roller body2b, the thickness of the developer attached to the surface of the developing roller body2bis adjusted.

As shown inFIGS.5and8, the conductive member6is positioned at the second side12, and the conductive member6is at least partially supported on the bracket5. The conductive member6and the developing roller shaft2aare separated by the bracket5, and the conductive member6and the supply roller shaft3bare separated by the bracket5, so as to realize the insulation setting between the conductive member6and the developing roller shaft2aand the supply roller shaft3a. The conductive member6transmits power to the developing cartridge100only through the layer thickness regulating member7, which simplifies the structure of the conductive member6. The conductive member6includes a main body portion61, a first contact portion62and a second contact portion63. The main body portion61extends in the second direction and has a first end65and a second end64that are separated from each other in the second direction. The main body portion61may be fixed to the second side12by a screw, wherein the first contact portion62extends from the first end65to form a plate-like structure. The first contact portion62has a contact side surface (electrical contact surface) facing the left side. The contact side surface may contact a power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection and receive power output by the power supply component. The first contact portion62is supported on the bracket5. The second contact portion63is extended from the second end64of the main body portion61. The second contact portion63is used to be electrically connected to the layer thickness regulating member7to transmit power received by the conductive member6to the layer thickness regulating member7. Specifically, the second contact portion63contacts the blade holder7aof the layer thickness regulating member7to form an electrical connection. The second contact portion63extends in the first direction, and the second contact portion63is positioned between the layer thickness regulating member7and the casing1in the first direction. Moreover, the second contact portion63is positioned at a fixed position close to a left side of the layer thickness regulating member7, so that when the screw8fixes the layer thickness regulating member7, the second contact portion63can be pressed and fixed at the same time, that is, the second contact portion63is also fixed by the screw8.

The second contact portion63is closer to the casing1relative to the first contact portion62in the first direction. The first contact portion62is located on a left side of the second contact portion63in the first direction, the second contact portion63is located between the first contact portion62and the layer thickness regulating member7in the first direction, and the second contact portion63is closer to the layer thickness regulating member7relative to the first contact portion62. In the second direction, the developing roller2, the second contact portion63and the first contact portion62are arranged in sequence from front to rear, that is, the second contact portion63is located between the developing roller2and the first contact portion62in the second direction, and the second contact portion63is located between the layer thickness regulating member7and the first contact portion62in the second direction.

In the first direction, the electrical contact portion is separated from the developing roller body2b, and the electrical contact portion is separated from the supply roller body3b. In the first direction, the electrical contact portion is separated from the supply roller shaft3a, and the electrical contact portion is separated from the layer thickness regulating member7. The electrical contact portion of the storage unit9is separated from the supply roller shaft3aand the conductive layer thickness regulating member7, so that the interference of the supply roller shaft3aand the layer thickness regulating member7on the signal transmission of the electrical contact portion of the storage unit9when powered on is reduced, and the functional stability of the storage unit9is improved. Similarly, in the second direction intersecting the first direction, the electrical contact portion of the storage unit9is separated from the developing roller shaft2a, the electrical contact portion of the storage unit9is separated from the supply roller shaft3a, and the electrical contact portion of the storage unit9is separated from the layer thickness regulating member7, so that the interference of the developing roller shaft2a, the supply roller shaft3aand the layer thickness regulating member7on the signal transmission of the electrical contact portion of the storage unit9when powered on is reduced, and the functional stability of the storage unit9is improved.

In this embodiment, the developing roller shaft2ais insulated from the conductive member6, or the developing roller shaft2adoes not receive external power through the conductive member6, and only transmits power to the layer thickness regulating member7through the conductive member6. An electrical resistance between the first contact portion62and the developing roller shaft2ais greater than an electrical resistance between the first contact portion62and the layer thickness regulating member7, that is, the power on the developing roller body2bneeds to be transmitted through the layer thickness regulating member7and the conductive member6. The electrical resistance between the developing roller shaft2aand the layer thickness regulating member7is greater than 1 MΩ (megaohm). Preferably, the electrical resistance between the developing roller shaft2aand the layer thickness regulating member7is greater than 20 MΩ (megaohm). That is, the electrical resistance between the developing roller shaft2aand the layer thickness regulating member7or the electrical resistance between the developing roller shaft2aand the electrical contact surface is greater than a preset value. In other words, an insulating setting is formed between the electrical contact surface and the developing roller shaft2a.

In other optional embodiments, the developing roller body2bitself is constructed of an insulating material, or the developing roller body2bis provided with an insulating material or non-metallic material covering the outer peripheral surface.

In this embodiment, the layer thickness regulating member can be electrically connected to the power supply component of the image forming device through the conductive member, thereby supplying power to the developing cartridge and realizing the printing function of the developing cartridge. The layer thickness regulating member is fixed on the casing and can maintain stable contact with the conductive member, so that the power transmission can be more stable.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 of the present application will be described below. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the conductive member is different from that of Embodiment 1.

As shown inFIGS.9-12, a conductive member26(interchangeably referred to as “electrode”) is positioned at the second side12of the casing1, and the conductive member26is at least partially supported on the bracket5. The conductive member26includes a main body portion261, a first contact portion262and a second contact portion263. The main body portion261extends approximately in the first direction, and has a first end and a second end separated from each other in the first direction. The first contact portion262extends from the first end to form a plate-like structure. The first contact portion262has a contact side surface facing the left side. The contact side surface can contact the power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection and receive the power output by the power supply component. The first contact portion262is supported on the bracket5. The second contact portion263is formed by bending and extending from the second end of the main body portion261. The second contact portion263is used to electrically connect with the supply roller3, and transmit the power received by the conductive member26to the supply roller3. Specifically, the second contact portion263and the supply roller shaft3aare connected to form a first end at the second side12of the casing1protruding from the surface of the casing1to form an electrical connection.

As shown inFIG.10, the bracket5is provided with a connection hole510at a position corresponding to the first contact portion262, and the conductive member26is electrically connected to the supply roller3through the connection hole510, and the main body portion is at least partially positioned in the connection hole510. To make the connection between the conductive member26and the rotating supply roller3more stable, a conductive spring is provided between the second contact portion263of the conductive member26and the supply roller shaft3ato offset the jumping of the supply roller3during the rotation process, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection between the conductive member26and the supply roller shaft3a. In this embodiment, the conductive member26is electrically connected to the supply roller3through the second contact portion263. In other embodiments, the conductive member26may also include a third contact portion. The third contact portion may be electrically connected to the layer thickness regulating member7through a structure similar to the second contact portion263, so that the conductive member26can be electrically connected to both the supply roller shaft3aand the layer thickness regulating member7.

The second contact portion263is closer to the casing1than the first contact portion262in the first direction. The first contact portion262is located on the left side of the second contact portion263in the first direction, the second contact portion263is located between the first contact portion262and the supply roller3in the first direction, and the second contact portion263is closer to the supply roller3than the first contact portion262. In the second direction, the developing roller2, the second contact portion263and the first contact portion262are arranged in sequence from front to rear, that is, the second contact portion263is located between the developing roller2and the first contact portion262in the second direction.

In this embodiment, the developing roller shaft2ais insulated from the conductive member26, or the developing roller shaft2adoes not receive external power through the conductive member26, and only transmits power to the supply roller shaft3athrough the conductive member26. An electrical resistance between the first contact portion262and the developing roller shaft2ais greater than an electrical resistance between the first contact portion262and the supply roller shaft3a, that is, the power on the developing roller body2bneeds to be transmitted through the supply roller3and the conductive member26.

Embodiment 3

As shown inFIGS.13to19, Embodiment 3 of the present application discloses a developing cartridge100. The developing cartridge100is detachably mounted in an image forming device, and includes a casing1that can be filled with developer. The casing1includes a first side11and a second side12that are separated from each other in the first direction. The developing roller2is rotatably supported between the first side11and the second side12of the casing1, and can rotate about a first rotation axis extending in the first direction. The supply roller3is rotatably supported between the first side11and the second side12of the casing1, and can rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction. As shown inFIG.15, the developing cartridge100further includes an input gear111, a developing roller gear112, and a supply roller gear113positioned at the first side, and the input gear111can be meshed with a driving force input member (not shown) in the image forming device to receive a driving force from the image forming device and rotate. The input gear111is separately meshed with the developing roller gear112and the supply roller gear113to transmit the received driving force to the developing roller2and the supply roller3separately, thereby driving the developing roller2and the supply roller3to rotate. The first side11is further provided with a protective cover114, a chip holder115and a storage unit9. The protective cover114covers at least a part of the input gear111, the developing roller gear112and the supply roller gear113. In this embodiment, the storage unit9is mounted on the chip holder115, and is mounted on the protective cover114together with the chip holder115. The storage unit9is used to store relevant information of the developing cartridge100, and has an electrical contact portion9aexposed outside the protective cover114.

The developing roller2includes a developing roller shaft2aand a developing roller body2b. The developing roller body2bis made of elastic rubber, the developing roller shaft2ais a cylindrical member extending along the first direction, and the developing roller shaft2ais disposed through the developing roller body2b. The developing roller body2bis fixed on the developing roller shaft2a, so that the developing roller body2bcan rotate synchronously with the developing roller shaft2a. The developing roller shaft2ais made of metal or conductive resin, or the developing roller shaft2ais made of an insulating material. Alternatively, the developing roller shaft2aand the developing roller body2bare isolated by an insulating material, so that an insulating structure is formed between the developing roller shaft2aand the developing roller body2b. The supply roller3includes a supply roller shaft3aand a supply roller body3b. The supply roller body3bis made of sponge. The supply roller shaft3ais a cylindrical member extending along the first direction, and the supply roller shaft3ais disposed through the supply roller body3b. The supply roller body3bis fixed on the supply roller shaft3a, so that the supply roller body3bcan rotate synchronously with the supply roller shaft3a. The supply roller shaft3ais made of metal or conductive resin.

As shown inFIG.16, the developing cartridge100is further provided with a detection protrusion41on the second side12in the first direction. The detection protrusion41is used to be detected by a detection unit provided in the image forming device when the developing cartridge100is mounted in the image forming device, so as to verify whether the developing cartridge100is a new developing cartridge100, and the service life of the developing cartridge100, i.e., the number of printable pages of the developing cartridge100, is further identified by means of the detection unit detecting the detection protrusion41. A bracket5is provided on the same side of the developing cartridge100as the detection protrusion41. The bracket5is constructed of insulating plastic, and the bracket5includes a developing roller bearing and a supply roller bearing. The developing roller2protrudes from a surface of the casing1on the second side12of the casing1to form a first end. The first end is rotatably borne on the developing roller bearing. The supply roller3protrudes from the surface of the casing1on the second side12of the casing1to form a second end. The second end is rotatably borne on the supply roller bearing.

The developing cartridge100further includes a layer thickness regulating member7. The layer thickness regulating member7is positioned at a front end of the developing cartridge100in the second direction and adjacent to the developing roller2. Specifically, the layer thickness regulating member7is positioned behind the developing roller2in the second direction, and the layer thickness regulating member7extends between the first side11and the second side12of the casing1in the first direction, and is used to adjust the thickness of developer attached to the developing roller2, thereby improving the printing quality. The layer thickness regulating member7includes a blade holder7aand a blade7b, both of which extend in the first direction. The blade holder7ais fixed to the casing1by a screw8. One end of the blade7bis fixed to the blade holder7a, and the other end of the blade7babuts the developing roller2. Specifically, the other end of the blade7babuts the outer surface of the developing roller body2b, and after the developer is attached to the developing roller body2b, the thickness of the developer attached to the surface of the developing roller body2bis adjusted.

An electrode42is positioned at the second side12of the casing1. The electrode42is used to contact a power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection and receive power output by the power supply component. In this embodiment, the electrode42is integrally disposed with the detection protrusion41, and the electrode42can move together with the detection protrusion41. Specifically, the detection protrusion41is disposed to be made of a conductive material, preferably, conductive resin. The electrode42is formed by extending from one side of the detection protrusion41, and the power output by the power supply component can be transmitted to the detection protrusion41through the electrode42.

As shown inFIGS.17and18, a conductive assembly is positioned at the second side12. The conductive assembly is at least partially supported on the bracket5. The conductive assembly includes a first conductive member36and a second conductive member37. The first conductive member36is electrically connected to the second conductive member37. The first conductive member36is electrically connected to the electrode42to access the power output by the power supply component. The first conductive member36is configured as a metal member, preferably a bendable and extendable metal wire or metal sheet. The first conductive member36includes a first contact portion361, a second contact portion362, and a bent and extended first connection portion connected between the first contact portion361and the second contact portion362. The first contact portion361abuts the detection protrusion41and can move together with the detection protrusion41. Specifically, a part of the first connection portion close to the first contact portion361is configured as an elastic arm. The elastic arm can be elastically deformed so that the first contact portion361moves together with the detection protrusion41and maintains the contact connection of the first contact portion361following the detection protrusion41. The second contact portion362is connected to the layer thickness regulating member7. Specifically, the second contact portion362contacts the blade holder7aof the layer thickness regulating member7to form an electrical connection, and transmits the power received by the first conductive member36to the layer thickness regulating member7. The second contact portion362is constructed as an elastic member. The elastic member is configured to be elastically deformable in a left and right direction, so that the second contact portion362is in more stable contact with the layer thickness regulating member7. Specifically, the second contact portion362is in elastic contact with the layer thickness regulating member7. The bracket5is provided with a fixing column51, the second contact portion362is configured as a compression spring structure, and the compression spring is sleeved and fixed on the fixing column51, so that the second contact portion362can maintain stable contact with the layer thickness adjustment member7. The casing1is provided with a positioning hole13corresponding to the second contact portion362, the second contact portion362is mounted in the positioning hole13, and the fixing column51is at least partially inserted into the positioning hole13, so that the second contact portion362is roughly positioned at a position at least partially overlapping with the layer thickness adjustment member7in the first direction. When the first contact portion361contacts the detection protrusion41, the first connection portion is in an elastic deformation state, and the elastic deformation force generated by the first connection portion causes the first contact portion361to maintain close contact with the detection protrusion41. Specifically, the detection protrusion41is provided with a limiting groove43, and the first contact portion361is at least partially disposed in the limiting groove43to prevent the first contact portion361from being separated from the detection protrusion41.

The second conductive member37is configured as a conductive metal sheet. The second conductive member37includes a third contact portion371, a fourth contact portion372, and a bent and extended second connection portion373connected between the third contact portion371and the fourth contact portion372. The third contact portion371is connected to the first conductive member36, specifically, the second contact portion362of the first conductive member36, and the fourth contact portion372is connected to the supply roller shaft3a, wherein the third contact portion371has a fixing hole374, a fixing column51is provided on the bracket5, and the fixing hole374is sleeved on the fixing column51to fix the third contact portion371on the bracket5. It can be understood that the number of fixing columns51on the bracket5may be multiple. The second conductive member37is provided with multiple fixing holes374in a one-to-one correspondence with the fixing columns, and the second conductive member37is fixed to the bracket5by the cooperation of the multiple fixing columns and the multiple fixing holes. The fourth contact portion372has a contact bump. The contact bump is formed by protruding and extending from the fourth contact portion372to the supply roller shaft3a, and maintains close contact between the fourth contact portion372and the supply roller shaft3a. In the first direction, the third contact portion371, the second contact portion362and the layer thickness regulating member7are arranged in sequence, and the third contact portion371and the layer thickness regulating member7can compress the second contact portion362between the two to maintain stable contact between the three.

In this embodiment, the developing roller shaft2ais insulated from the conductive assembly, or the developing roller2does not receive external power through the conductive assembly, transmits power through the first conductive member36and the layer thickness regulating member7, and transmits power to the supply roller3through the second conductive member37. An electrical resistance between the first contact portion361and the developing roller shaft2ais greater than an electrical resistance between the first contact portion361and the layer thickness regulating member7, and an electrical resistance between the first contact portion361and the developing roller shaft2ais greater than an electrical resistance between the first contact portion361and the supply roller3.

Embodiment 4

FIGS.20-34show Embodiment 4 of the present application. The same parts in Embodiment 4 as those in Embodiment 2 are not repeated here. Specifically,FIGS.20-22show a developing cartridge100of the present application. The developing cartridge100can be detachably mounted to an electronic photographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as “imaging device”) and complete an imaging operation together with the imaging device. To make the imaging operation smoother while improving the imaging quality of the developing cartridge100, a power supply component (not shown) for supplying power to the developing cartridge100and a detection member (not shown) for detecting the state of the developing cartridge100are provided inside the imaging device. After the developing cartridge100is mounted to the imaging device, the developing cartridge100may be switched between a first state and a second state. The developing cartridge100transmits information of the developing cartridge100to the detection member of the imaging device through different switching frequencies between the first state and the second state, thereby helping the imaging device to identify the developing cartridge100. The developing cartridge100includes a power receiving member that can be electrically connected to a power supply component in the imaging device, a grounding member that can be electrically connected to a grounding member in the imaging device, and an opening and closing member for controlling the electrical connection between the power receiving member and the grounding member to be connected or disconnected. The developing cartridge100controls the electrical connection between the power receiving member and the grounding member by means of the opening and closing member to achieve switching of the developing cartridge100between the first state and the second state, so that the developing cartridge100can transmit information of the developing cartridge100to the imaging device. Specifically, when the opening and closing member controls the electrical connection between the power receiving member and the grounding member to be connected, the power supply component inside the imaging device is electrically connected to the grounding member inside the imaging device, and the developing cartridge100is in the second state. When the opening and closing member controls the electrical connection between the power receiving member and the grounding member to be disconnected, the developing cartridge100is in the first state.

As shown inFIGS.20-23, the developing cartridge100includes a casing1, the casing1has a first side11and a second side12separated from each other in the first direction, and the casing1has a third side101cand a fourth side101dseparated from each other in the second direction. The casing1includes a developer bin102as a main body part. The developer bin102is used to accommodate developer. The casing1further includes a protective cover114that can be detachably mounted on a first side11of the developer bin102and a bracket5that can be detachably mounted on a second side12of the developer bin102. The first side11of the casing1is provided with a gear train for receiving a driving force from the outside of the developing cartridge100and driving internal members of the developing cartridge100to move, a chip9(storage unit) for storing information of the developing cartridge100, and an elastic conductor152as the grounding member. The elastic conductor152may contact a grounding metal frame (not shown) in the imaging device to form an electrical connection. During the process of mounting the developing cartridge100to the imaging device, the elastic conductor152may generate elastic deformation to adapt to the distance between the elastic conductor152and the grounding metal frame, so that the electrical connection between the elastic conductor152and the grounding metal frame is more stable. The elastic conductor152is preferably constructed as a conductive spring. The chip9has an electrical contact surface9a. In the state where the developing cartridge100is mounted to the imaging device, the electrical contact surface9ais electrically connected to an electrical connection member (not shown) inside the imaging device, so that the imaging device can read the information on the chip9. The second side12of the casing1is provided with an electrode151as a grounding member. The protective cover114is used to cover at least a part of the gear train to protect the gear train. The bracket5is used to cover at least a part of the electrode151to protect the electrode151.

As shown inFIGS.24-25, the gear train includes but is not limited to an input gear111, a developing roller gear112, a supply roller gear113, an agitator gear116, a driving gear117as an opening and closing member, and at least one transmission gear. The input gear111has a coupling portion111aand a gear portion111b. The coupling portion111ais exposed to the first side11of the casing1through a through hole provided on the protective cover114. In the state where the developing cartridge100is mounted to the imaging device, the coupling portion111amay be connected to a driving member (not shown) inside the imaging device to receive the driving force of the imaging device, and drive the input gear111to rotate about a coupling gear axis A1extending in the first direction. The developing roller gear112, the supply roller gear113and the agitator gear116are all meshed and connected with the gear portion111bof the input gear111to receive the driving force of the input gear111, thereby driving the developing roller gear112, the supply roller gear113and the agitator gear116to rotate about their respective axes extending in the first direction. The developing cartridge100is further provided with a developing roller2, a supply roller3and an agitator140. The developing roller gear112, the supply roller gear113and the agitator gear116are connected to the ends on the first side11of the developing roller2, the supply roller3and an agitator140in the first direction, respectively. The developing roller gear112, the supply roller gear113and the agitator gear116may drive the developing roller2, the supply roller3and the agitator140to rotate about their respective axes extending in the first direction to complete the conveyance of the developer, respectively. The developing roller2is located on the third side101cof the casing1in the second direction. A layer thickness regulating member7is provided between the developing roller2and the developer bin102. The layer thickness regulating member7is used to control the thickness of the developer attached to the outer surface of the developing roller2. The electrode151has an electrical contact part151aexposed on the second side12of the casing1in the first direction. In the state where the developing cartridge100is mounted to the imaging device, the electrical contact part151acontacts the power supply component of the imaging device to receive the power of the imaging device and is electrically connected to at least one of the developing roller2, the supply roller3and the layer thickness regulating member7. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.8, the electrical contact part151ais electrically connected to the supply roller3through the second conductive member37, and the electrical contact part151ais electrically connected to the layer thickness regulating member7through the first conductive member36.

As shown inFIG.25, the driving gear117may control the electrical connection between the electrode151and the elastic conductor152in the developing cartridge100to be connected or disconnected. Specifically, the driving gear117is made of a conductive material, and the driving gear117is preferably made of a conductive resin material. A conductive torsion spring153for conducting electricity is provided between the driving gear117and the elastic conductor152. The conductive torsion spring153has a first end153aconnected to the elastic conductor152and a second end153bthat can be electrically connected to the driving gear117. The second end153bis closer to the driving gear117than the first end153ain the second direction and the third direction. An electrical connector154, which extends from the first side11of the casing1to the second side12of the casing1in the first direction to electrically connect the electrode151and the driving gear117, is provided between the driving gear117and the electrode151. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrical connector154is configured as a conductive rod penetrating the interior of the agitator140. To ensure the connection between the driving gear117and the conductive rod, the driving gear117is substantially coaxial with the agitator gear116, and the driving gear117and/or the conductive rod penetrate the agitator gear116in the first direction. In other implementations of this embodiment, a roller shaft of the developing roller2, a roller shaft of the supply roller3, and the layer thickness regulating member7may all be used as the electrical connector154electrically connecting the electrode151and the driving gear117. Of course, these are not limiting. The electrical connector154extends from the first side11of the casing1to the second side12to electrically connect the electrode151and the driving gear117. As shown inFIG.28, the driving gear117includes a tooth portion117afor receiving the driving force and a power receiving portion117bthat can be electrically connected to the conductive torsion spring153. The power receiving portion117bincludes at least one concave portion that cannot contact the conductive torsion spring153, and at least one convex portion that can contact the conductive torsion spring153. In the state where the driving gear117receives the driving force and rotates, the concave portion and the convex portion of the driving gear117rotate in sequence to the direction of the second end153bof the conductive torsion spring153. In other words, the driving gear117can switch between a contact state and a non-contact state with the conductive torsion spring153. Specifically, as shown inFIG.28, in this embodiment, the power receiving portion117bincludes a first concave portion117b1, a first convex portion117b2, a second concave portion117b3and a second convex portion117b4. The tooth portion117aof the driving gear117is transmission-connected to the gear portion111bof the input gear111through a connecting gear118. The driving gear117is rotatable about a driving gear axis A2extending in a first direction. The first concave portion117b1, the first convex portion117b2, the second concave portion117b3and the second convex portion117b4are arranged in sequence along the rotation direction of the driving gear117. In the radial direction of the driving gear117, the distance between the first concave portion117b1and the second concave portion117b3and the driving gear axis A2is smaller than the distance between the first convex portion117b2and the second convex portion117b4and the driving gear axis A2. As shown inFIG.30, before the driving gear117receives the driving force, the first concave portion117b1of the driving gear117is directed toward the second end153bof the conductive torsion spring153. At this time, the driving gear117is not in contact with the conductive torsion spring153, that is, the electrical connection between the electrode151and the elastic conductor152is in a disconnected state at this time. Thus, the developing cartridge100is in the first state. After the driving gear117receives the driving force and rotates, the driving gear117gradually rotates from the first concave portion117b1to the first convex portion117b2toward the second end153b. Then, as shown inFIG.31, the driving gear117rotates toward the second end153bto the range where the first convex portion117b2is located. At this time, the first convex portion117b2of the driving gear117is in contact with the second end153bof the conductive torsion spring153, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the electrode151and the elastic conductor152. Thus, the developing cartridge100is in the second state. Next, as shown inFIGS.32-33, the driving gear117rotates toward the second end153bto the range of the second concave portion117b3and the range of the second convex portion117b4in sequence. When the driving gear117is in the range of the second concave portion117b3toward the second end153b, the developing cartridge100is in the first state. When the driving gear117is in the range of the second convex portion117b4toward the second end153b, the developing cartridge100is in the second state. Finally, as shown inFIG.34, the driving gear117is returned to the range of the first concave portion117b1toward the second end153bto complete the detected process of transmitting information to the imaging device, and the developing cartridge100transmits the information of the developing cartridge100to the imaging device by means of the switching frequency between the first state and the second state where the developing cartridge100is, in the above process. The above arrangement of the concave and convex portions is not limiting. It should be noted that the concave and convex portions on the developing cartridge100may be arranged differently, causing the developing cartridge100to presented at different switching frequencies, so that the developing cartridge100transmits different information to the imaging device, so as to help the imaging device to identify different developing cartridges.

Further, as shown inFIGS.28-29, the driving gear117is provided with a first limiting groove117c1and a second limiting groove117c2on a side close to the protective cover114in the first direction. The first limiting groove117c1is adjacent to the second limiting groove117c2. The first limiting groove117c1is located downstream of the second limiting groove117c2in the rotation direction of the driving gear117. The tooth portion117aof the driving gear117is constructed as a missing tooth structure. The driving gear117is provided with a missing tooth portion117a1. An elastic protrusion114acooperating with the first limiting groove117c1and the second limiting groove117c2extends from the inner side of the protective cover114in the first direction. As shown inFIG.30, before the driving gear117is forced to rotate, the elastic protrusion114acooperates with the first limiting groove117c1so that the driving gear117is maintained in an initial position. At the initial position, the upstream end of the tooth portion117ain the rotation direction of the driving gear117faces the connecting gear118, and the upstream end of the tooth portion117ain the rotation direction of the driving gear117is meshed and connected with the connecting gear118. Meanwhile, at the initial position, the driving gear117is in the range of the first concave portion117b1toward the second end153b. As shown inFIG.34, after the driving gear117is driven by the driving force to complete the detected process, the driving gear117rotates to a final position of the driving gear117. At this time, the elastic protrusion114acooperates with the second limiting groove117c2to maintain the driving gear117in the final position. At the final position, the missing tooth portion117a1of the driving gear117faces the connecting gear118, so that the driving gear117no longer receives the driving force of the input gear111. Meanwhile, at the final position, the driving gear117is in the range of the first concave portion117b1toward the second end153b, and the developing cartridge100maintains the first state, so that the developing cartridge100can perform an imaging operation normally.

As shown inFIGS.24-26, the gear portion111bof the input gear111includes a first gear portion111b1and a second gear portion111b2. The first gear portion111b1is connected to the agitator gear116, and the second gear portion111b2is meshed and connected to the driving gear117through a connecting gear118. The connecting gear118is located between the input gear axis A1and the driving gear axis A2in the second direction. The driving gear117and the connecting gear118are rotatably supported by a first support column114band a second support column114cextending in the first direction from the inner side of the protective cover114, respectively. The driving gear117can rotate relative to the agitator gear116, thereby reducing the mutual interference between the agitator gear116and the driving gear117and improving the stability of the driving gear117. The connecting gear118is constructed as a double gear, and the connecting gear118has a large gear portion and a small gear portion. The large gear portion is connected to the input gear111, and the small gear portion is connected to the driving gear117. The first gear portion111b1and the second gear portion111b2are arranged in the first direction. Meanwhile, the diameter of the first gear portion111b1is larger than the diameter of the second gear portion111b2to reduce the rotation speed of the driving gear117, further improving the stability of the driving gear117.

Optionally, the elastic conductor152may be integrally provided with the conductive torsion spring153, an end of the elastic conductor152close to the driving gear117may replace the function of the second end153bof the conductive torsion spring153, and the elastic conductor152may have the same technical effect.

Preferably, as shown inFIGS.21-22, the electrical contact surface9aand the elastic conductor152are positioned at the same side in the first direction. The electrical contact surface9ais located on the first side11of the casing1in the first direction. The electrical contact surface9ais close to the fourth side101dof the casing1in the second direction. The elastic conductor152is located on the first side11of the casing1in the first direction. The elastic conductor152is located on the fourth side101dof the casing1in the second direction. The elastic conductor152as the grounding terminal is close to the electrical contact surface9a, which can reduce the interference between the electrical contact surface9aand the electrical connection of the imaging device when the imaging device reads the information of the chip9. In addition, the electrical contact part151ais located on the second side12of the casing1in the first direction, that is, the electrical contact part151ais opposite to the electrical contact surface9aand the elastic conductor152in the first direction, reducing the mutual interference between the two.

Further, the outer surface of the elastic conductor152is provided with a protective cover152afor protecting the elastic conductor152, and at least a part of the elastic conductor152is exposed outside the protective cover152a.

Embodiment 5

Embodiment 5 of the present invention is shown inFIGS.35-40. The same parts in Embodiment 5 as those in Embodiment 4 are not repeated here. The difference between Embodiment 5 and Embodiment 4 is that the driving gear as the opening and closing member in the developing cartridge100of this embodiment is different from the driving gear in Embodiment 4. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.35-36, in this embodiment, the driving gear117is made of an insulating material, and the driving gear117is preferably made of a POM material. In addition, in this embodiment, a toggle torsion spring155different from that in the above embodiment is provided between the driving gear117and the elastic conductor152, and the toggle torsion spring155has a fixed end and a movable end. In this embodiment, the toggle torsion spring155includes a first end155aand a second end155b. The first end155aof the toggle torsion spring155is set as the fixed end, and a fixed electrical connection is maintained between the first end155aand an electrode151. The second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155is set as the movable end. The second end155bmay accept an urging force of the driving gear117and move between a first position where the electrical connection is disconnected without contacting the elastic conductor152and a second position where the electrical connection is established by contacting the elastic conductor152. When the second end155bis located at the first position, the electrical connection between the electrode151and the elastic conductor152is disconnected, so that the developing cartridge100is in the first state. When the second end155bis located at the second position, the electrical connection between the electrode151and the elastic conductor152is connected, so that the developing cartridge100is in the second state.

Further, the first end155aof the toggle torsion spring155is connected to a second electrical connector156, and the second electrical connector156extends in the second direction to electrically connect the layer thickness regulating member7as an electrical connector. The layer thickness regulating member7is made of a conductive metal material, that is, the toggle torsion spring155is electrically connected to the electrode151through the second electrical connector156and the layer thickness regulating member7. The driving gear117is provided with a contact portion117don one side of the first direction, and the contact portion117dincludes at least one concave portion that cannot contact the toggle torsion spring155, and at least one convex portion that can contact the toggle torsion spring155. In the state where the driving gear117receives the driving force and rotates, the concave and convex portions of the driving gear117rotate in sequence toward the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155. In other words, the driving gear117can be switched between a non-contact state and a contact state with the toggle torsion spring155. When the concave portion of the driving gear117is toward the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155, the driving gear117is not in contact with the toggle torsion spring155. When the convex portion of the driving gear117is toward the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155, the driving gear117is in contact with the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155and applies an urging force to the second end155b.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.37-39, in this embodiment, the contact portion117dincludes a first concave portion117d1, a first convex portion117d2, a second concave portion117d3and a second convex portion117d4. The tooth portion117aof the driving gear117is transmission-connected to the gear portion111bof the input gear111through the connecting gear118. The driving gear117is rotatable about a driving gear axis A2extending in a first direction. The first concave portion117d1, the first convex portion117d2, the second concave portion117d3and the second convex portion117d4are arranged in sequence along the rotation direction of the driving gear117. In the radial direction of the driving gear117, the distance between the first concave portion117d1and the second concave portion117d3and the driving gear axis A2is smaller than the distance between the first convex portion117d2and the second convex portion117d4and the driving gear axis A2. When the driving gear117rotates toward the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155to the range of the first concave portion117d1or the second concave portion117d3, the driving gear117does not contact the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155. At this time, the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155is located in the first position under the action of its own elastic force, the electrical connection between the toggle torsion spring155and the elastic conductor152is disconnected, and the developing cartridge100is in the first state. When the driving gear117rotates toward the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155to the range of the first convex portion117d2or the second convex portion117d4, the driving gear117contacts the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155and applies an urging force to the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155. Under the action of the urging force, the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155overcomes its own elastic force and moves to the second position, so that the electrical connection between the toggle torsion spring155and the elastic conductor152is connected, and the developing cartridge100is in the second state. The developing cartridge100is switched between the first state and the second state through the rotation of the driving gear117, and information of the developing cartridge100is transmitted to the imaging device through the switching frequency between the first state and the second state, thereby realizing the process of transmitting the information to the imaging device. Similarly, the above-mentioned arrangement of the concave and convex portions is not limited. It should be noted that the concave and convex portions on the developing cartridge100may be arranged differently, causing the developing cartridge100to presented at different switching frequencies, so that the developing cartridge100transmits different information to the imaging device, so as to help the imaging device to identify different developing cartridges.

Optionally, in other implementations of this embodiment, the first end155aof the toggle torsion spring155may also be a movable end, and the first end155amay receive the urging force of the driving gear117to move between a first position where it is not in contact with the second electrical connector156and a second position where it is in contact with the second electrical connector156. The second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155may be disposed as a fixed end, and the second end155bmay be fixedly electrically connected to the elastic conductor152. Such an arrangement has the same technical effect, which will not be repeated here.

As shown inFIG.40, the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155may move in the second direction between a first position close to the driving gear117and a second position away from the driving gear117, and one of an end of the elastic conductor152close to the second end155band the second end155bof the toggle torsion spring155extends in the second direction to ensure that the second end155bcan be stably contacted.

Embodiment 6

Embodiment 6 of the present application will be described below. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the conductive member is different from that of Embodiment 1.

As shown inFIGS.41and42, the developing cartridge100includes a storage unit9positioned at the first side11and a chip holder14for supporting a storage unit. The storage unit9may be movably mounted on the protective cover114together with the chip holder14. In this embodiment, a chip cover15is further provided on the outer side of the protective cover114. The chip holder14is movable between the chip cover15and the protective cover114. The storage unit9is used to store relevant information of the developing cartridge100and has an electrical contact portion9aexposed outside the chip holder14.

As shown inFIGS.43and44, the developing cartridge100further includes a conductive member. The conductive member is positioned at the second side12of the casing1. The conductive member46is used to contact the power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection and receive the power output by the power supply component. The conductive member46includes a first contact portion461, a second contact portion462, a third contact portion463, a first connection portion464connected between the first contact portion461and the second contact portion462, and a second connection portion465connected between the second contact portion462and the third contact portion463, wherein the first contact portion461is used to contact the power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection, the second contact portion462contacts the layer thickness regulating member7and transmits power to the layer thickness regulating member7, and the third contact portion463contacts the supply roller3and transmits power to the supply roller3. Specifically, the first contact portion461is constructed as a flat plate structure, and the bracket5is provided with a fixing hole52that penetrates the bracket in the first direction. The first contact portion461is disposed in the fixing hole52and is at least partially exposed outside the fixing hole52, the second contact portion462is constructed as a “U”-shaped spring piece, and the casing1is provided with a mounting hole16that is recessed inward from the second side12. The second contact portion462passes through the mounting hole16and abuts the blade holder of the layer thickness regulating member7, and the third contact portion463is constructed as a contact protrusion. The contact protrusion abuts the supply roller shaft3a. In the first direction, the first contact portion461, the second contact portion462and the third contact portion463are arranged in sequence, that is, the first connection portion464is disposed to be formed by bending and extending between the first contact portion461and the second contact portion462, and the second connection portion465is disposed to be formed by bending and extending between the second contact portion462and the third contact portion463.

Embodiment 7

Embodiment 7 of the present application will be described below. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 3 is that the conductive structure is different from that of Embodiment 3.

As shown inFIGS.45to48, the developing cartridge100includes a storage unit9positioned at the first side11and a chip holder14for supporting a storage unit9. The storage unit9may be movably mounted on the protective cover114together with the chip holder14. In this embodiment, the chip holder14is movable between the chip cover15and the protective cover114. The storage unit9is used to store relevant information of the developing cartridge100and has an electrical contact portion9aexposed outside the chip holder14. It can be understood that the chip holder14may be fixedly mounted on the protective cover, or integrally molded with the protective cover114, and the electrical contact portion9ais closer to a rear end in the second direction relative to a front end where the developing roller2is located.

The developing cartridge100further includes a first separator19positioned at the first side11and a second separator17positioned at the second side12, wherein the second separator17is used to receive the urging force from the image forming device and may move relative to the casing1, and the second separator17is near an end of the casing1away from the developing roller2in the second direction intersecting the first direction; and the first separator19is integrally disposed with the casing1or fixedly mounted on the casing1, and is formed by extending from the first side11of the casing1in the first direction. The first separator19is used to receive the urging force from the drum assembly, and is near the other end of the casing1close to the developing roller2in the second direction.

As shown inFIGS.49and50, the developing cartridge100further includes a conductive assembly. The conductive assembly is at least partially supported on the bracket5. The conductive assembly includes a first conductive member56and a second conductive member57. The first conductive member56is mounted on the bracket5and is at least partially exposed outside the casing1. The exposed portion of the first conductive member56is used to contact the power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection and receive the power output by the power supply component. The first conductive member56is configured as a conductive resin. In this embodiment, the first conductive member56is fixedly mounted on the bracket5by a screw58. In other optional embodiments, it may also be fixed to the bracket5by means of a snap connection or the like. The second conductive member57is mounted on the bracket5, and the second conductive member57is electrically connected to the first conductive member56. The second conductive member57is configured as a conductive steel wire. The bracket5is provided with a mounting groove, and the second conductive member57is fixed in the mounting groove. The second conductive member57includes a first contact part571, a second contact part572and a third contact part573. The first contact part571is connected to the first conductive member56, the second contact part572is connected to the first contact part571through a first connection portion574, and the third contact part573is connected to the second contact part572through a second connection portion575, thereby transmitting power to the layer thickness adjustment member7and the supply roller shaft3a.

Embodiment 8

Embodiment 8 of the present application will be described below. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the conductive member is different from that of Embodiment 1.

As shown inFIG.51, the developing cartridge100includes a storage unit9positioned at the first side11and a chip holder14for supporting a storage unit. The storage unit9may be movably mounted on the protective cover114together with the chip holder14. In this embodiment, a chip cover15is further provided on the outer side of the protective cover114. The chip holder14is movable between the chip cover15and the protective cover114. The storage unit9is used to store relevant information of the developing cartridge100and has an electrical contact portion9aexposed outside the chip holder14. It can be understood that the chip holder14may be fixedly mounted on the protective cover, or integrally molded with the protective cover114, and the electrical contact portion9ais closer to a rear end in the second direction relative to a front end where the developing roller2is located.

As shown inFIGS.52to54, the developing cartridge100further includes a conductive member. The conductive member is positioned at the second side12of the casing1. The conductive member66is used to contact the power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection and receive the power output by the power supply component. The conductive member66includes a first contact portion661, a second contact portion663, a third contact portion662, a first connection portion664connected between the first contact portion661and the second contact portion663, and a second connection portion665connected between the second contact portion663and the third contact portion662, wherein the first contact portion661is used to contact the power supply component of the image forming device to achieve electrical connection, the second contact portion663contacts the layer thickness regulating member7and transmits power to the layer thickness regulating member7, and the third contact portion662contacts the supply roller shaft3aand transmits power to the supply roller3. Specifically, the first contact portion661is constructed as a flat plate structure, and the bracket5is provided with a fixing hole52that penetrates the bracket in the first direction. The first contact portion661is disposed in the fixing hole52and is at least partially exposed outside the fixing hole52, the second contact portion663is constructed as a “U”-shaped spring piece, and the casing1is provided with a mounting hole16that is recessed inward from the second side12. The second contact portion663passes through the mounting hole and abuts the blade holder of the layer thickness regulating member7, and the third contact portion662is constructed as a contact protrusion. The contact protrusion abuts the supply roller shaft3a. In the first direction, the first contact portion661, the second contact portion663and the third contact portion662are arranged in sequence, that is, the first connection portion664is disposed to be formed by bending and extending between the first contact portion661and the second contact portion663, and the second connection portion665is disposed to be formed by bending and extending between the second contact portion663and the third contact portion662.

The second side12is further provided with an urging protrusion20. The urging protrusion20is used to receive a force outside the developing cartridge100so that the developing roller2in the developing cartridge100is close to a photosensitive drum in a drum cartridge, and the urging protrusion20is behind the conductive member in the second direction.