• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
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    • 专利摘要:
    TONER CARTRIDGE HAVING POSITIONAL CONTROL CHARACTERISTICS A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to an example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner in it. The housing has an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir to allow toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing. A first leg and a second leg protrude individually from a lower portion of the housing to limit the side-by-side movement of the toner cartridge during insertion into the imaging device. Wing guides are positioned on opposite side surfaces of the housing. A stop extends from each wing guide to limit the forward movement of the toner cartridge in the imaging device. Rounded projections extending from the bottom surfaces of the wing guides define points of contact to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the imaging device.
    公开号:BR112014012686B1
    申请号:R112014012686-0
    申请日:2012-11-15
    公开日:2020-12-22
    发明作者:Benjer Albaran Acosta；James Richard Leemhuis；Matthew Lee Rogers；Bryan Christopher Scharf；James Anthany Carter；Gary Neal Hackney；Katrina Rosit Lactuan；Keith Seaman；Christopher Gene Vowels；Jason Hale
    申请人:Lexmark International, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND REVELATION FIELD
    [001] The present disclosure refers in general to toner cartridges used in electrophotographic imaging devices and, more particularly to a toner cartridge having positional control characteristics. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNIQUE
    [002] To reduce the premature replacement of traditional components housed in a toner cartridge for an imaging device, toner cartridge manufacturers began to separate components having a longer life from those that have a shorter life. in separate replaceable units. Components with relatively longer life such as a developer roller, a toner adding roller, a blade and a photoconductive drum are positioned in a replaceable unit (an “imaging unit”). The toner supply of the imaging device, which is consumed relatively quickly compared to the components housed in the imaging unit, is supplied in a reservoir in a separate replaceable unit in the form of a matching toner cartridge with the imaging unit. In this configuration, the number of components housed in the toner cartridge is reduced compared to the traditional toner cartridge. As a result, in systems using a separate toner cartridge and imaging unit, the toner cartridge is often referred to as a “toner bottle” although the toner cartridge is more complex than a mere bottle to contain toner.
    [003] To deliver toner from the toner cartridge to the imaging unit, a pin on the toner cartridge can be used to feed toner from an exit hole in the toner cartridge into an entry hole in the unit image and into a second stick that disperses the toner in the imaging unit. As the toner is pulled out of the toner cartridge, it is pricked through a plug used to seal the toner cartridge's exit hole when it is not inserted in the printer.
    [004] In devices that use a separate imaging unit and toner cartridge, it is important that the toner cartridge and imaging unit are precisely aligned with each other in the imaging device. For example, if the exit hole in the toner cartridge is misaligned with the entry hole in the imaging unit, severe toner leakage can occur resulting in print and mechanical quality defects. The toner cartridge and imaging unit must also be held rigidly in place after being installed in the imaging device to prevent any positional alignment from being disturbed during operation. The requirement for fair positional control must be balanced with the need to allow the user to easily load and unload the imaging unit and toner cartridge into and out of the imaging device. Therefore, it will be recognized that a toner cartridge having positional control features that allows precise alignment of the cartridge while allowing multiple angles of insertion of the cartridge into the imaging device is desired. SUMMARY
    [005] A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to an example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner in it. The housing has an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir to allow toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing. A first leg and a second leg individually project from a lower portion of the housing and extend between a rear portion and a front portion of the housing to limit the side-to-side movement of the toner cartridge during insertion into the imaging device. A first wing guide is positioned on a first side surface of the housing and a second wing guide is positioned on a second side surface of the housing substantially parallel to the first wing guide. Each wing guide has a generally elongated body that extends between the rear portion and the front portion of the housing. A first stop extends from the first wing guide and a second stop extends from the second wing guide to limit the forward movement of the toner cartridge in the imaging device. A pair of rounded projections extending from a lower surface of the first wing guide and a rounded projection extending from a lower surface of the second wing guide define points of contact to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge on the imaging device.
    [006] A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to another example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner in it. The housing has an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir to allow toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing. A first leg and a second leg protrude from a lower portion of the housing and extend between a rear portion and a front portion of the housing parallel to a direction of insertion of the toner cartridge into the imaging device. The first and second legs are spaced apart on opposite sides of the housing to limit the side-by-side movement of the toner cartridge during insertion into the imaging device. a first wing guide is positioned on a first lateral surface of the housing and a second wing guide is positioned on a second lateral surface of the housing substantially parallel to the first wing guide. Each wing guide has a generally elongated body that extends between the rear portion and the front portion of the housing. A first stop extends from the first wing guide and a second stop extends from the second wing guide to limit the forward movement of the toner cartridge in the image forming device. A pair of rounded projections extending from a lower surface of the first wing guide and a rounded projection extending from a lower surface of the second wing guide collectively form three data points defining a plane that controls the vertical position of the wing. toner cartridge in the imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [007] The characteristics and advantages mentioned above and others of the various modalities, and the way to obtain them, will become more evident and will be better understood by reference to the attached drawings.
    [008] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to an example modality.
    [009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and an imaging unit according to an example modality.
    [010] Figures 3 and 4 are additional perspective views of the toner cartridge shown in figure 2.
    [011] Figures 5 and 6 are detailed views of the toner cartridge shown in figure 2 showing a reservoir to contain toner in it.
    [012] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit shown in figure 2.
    [013] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit taken along line 8-8 in figure 7 with the advanced toner cartridge closest to the imaging unit.
    [014] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 2 as it is loaded into an image forming device.
    [015] Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the toner cartridge shown in figure 2 in its final position on the image forming device.
    [016] Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the toner cartridge shown in figure 2 in its final position on the image forming device showing the engagement of various interface features.
    [017] Figures 12A-C are sequential views of a first wing guide on the toner cartridge that advances in a corresponding insertion path in the image formation device according to an example modality.
    [018] Figures 13A-C are sequential views of a second wing guide on the toner cartridge that advances in a corresponding insertion path in the image formation device according to an example modality.
    [019] Figures 14A-C are seen in sequential cross-section of a toner cartridge leg taken along line 14-14 in figure 2 as the toner cartridge is inserted into the imaging device according to an example modality.
    [020] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and an imaging unit according to a second example mode.
    [021] Figure 16 is a top perspective view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit shown in figure 15.
    [022] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit taken along line 17-17 in figure 16 with the advanced toner cartridge closest to the imaging unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [023] The following description and drawings illustrate modalities sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set out in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other modalities and can be put into practice or carried out in various ways. For example, other modalities may incorporate structural, chronological, electrical, and process and other changes. The examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. and characteristics of some modalities can be included in or replaced by those of others. The scope of the application covers the attached claims and all available equivalents. The following description should therefore not be taken in a limited sense and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
    [024] In addition, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used here is for description purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof here is intended to cover the items listed below and their equivalents as well as additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms “connected”, “coupled” and “assembled” and variations thereof are used widely and cover direct and indirect connections, couplings and assemblies. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
    [025] Spatially relative terms such as “top”, “below”, “front”, “rear”, and “lateral”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “about”, “upper” and similarly, they are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of an element in relation to a second element. These terms are generally used in reference to the position of an element in its intended working position in an image-forming device. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second” and the like are used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc., and are not intended to be limiting. The term “image” as used here encompasses any form of printed or digital text, graphics, or combinations thereof. Similar terms refer to similar elements throughout the description.
    [026] With reference now to the drawings and particularly to figure 1, a block diagram representation of an imaging system 20 is shown according to an example modality. The imaging system 20 includes an imaging device 22 and a computer 24. The imaging device 22 communicates with computer 24 via a communication link 26. As used here, the term "communication link" in general it refers to any structure that facilitates electronic communication between multiple components and can operate using wired or wireless technology and can include communications via the Internet.
    [027] In the example mode shown in figure 1, the imaging device 22 is a multifunctional machine (sometimes referred to as an all-in-one device (AIO)) that includes a controller 28, an image engine pressure 30, a laser scanning unit (LSU) 31, an imaging unit 32, a toner cartridge 35, a user interface 36, a media feed system 38, a media input tray 39 and a scanner system 40. The imaging device 22 can communicate with the computer 24 via a standard communication protocol, such as, for example, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or IEEE 802.xx. The imaging device 22 can be, for example, an electrophotographic copier / printer including an integrated scanner system 40 or an independent electrophotographic printer.
    [028] Controller 28 includes a processor unit and associated memory 29 and can be formed as one or more application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Memory 29 can be any volatile or non-volatile combination memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory and / or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Alternatively, memory 29 may be in the form of a separate electronic memory (for example, RAM, ROM and / or NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any convenient memory device for use with the controller 28. Controller 28 can be, for example, a printer and scanner controller, combined.
    [029] In the illustrated example mode, controller 28 communicates with the print engine 30 via a communication link 50. Controller 28 communicates with the imaging unit 32 and the processing circuit set 454 on it via a communication link 51. Controller 28 communicates with the toner cartridge 35 and processing circuitry 45 on it via a communication link 52. Controller 28 communicates with the media supply system 38 via a communication link 53. Controller 28 communicates with scanner system 40 via a communication link 54. User interface 36 is communicatively coupled to controller 28 via a communication link 55. Process circuitry 44, 45 can provide authentication functions, operational and security locks, operating parameters and information and usage related to imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35, respectively. Controller 28 processes scan and print data and operates print engine 30 during printing and scanner system 40 during scanning.
    [030] Computer 24, which is optional, can be, for example, a personal computer, including memory 60, such as RAM, ROM and / or NVRAM, an input device 62, such as a keyboard and / or mouse , and a display monitor 64. Computer 24 also includes a processor, input / output (I / O) interfaces, and can include at least one mass storage device, such as a hard drive, a CD- ROM and / or DVD (not shown). Computer 24 may also be a device capable of communicating with an imaging device 22 other than a personal computer, such as a tablet computer, smartphone, or other electronic device.
    [031] In the illustrated example mode, computer 24 includes in its memory a software program including program instructions that function as an imaging trigger 66, for example, printer driver / scanner software, for training device image 22. Image trigger 66 is in communication with controller 28 of the imaging device 22 via communication link 26. Imaging trigger 66 facilitates communication between the imaging device 22 and computer 24 One aspect of the imaging driver 66 may be, for example, providing formatted print data for the imaging device 22, and more particularly for the print engine 30, to print an image. Another aspect of imaging trigger 66 can be, for example, to facilitate the collection of scanned data from the scanner system 40.
    [032] In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate the imaging device 22 in an independent mode. In independent mode, the imaging device 22 is capable of operating without a computer 24. Therefore, all or a portion of the imaging trigger 66, or a similar trigger, can be located on the controller 28 of the imaging device. image formation 22 to accommodate print and / or scan functionality when operating in standalone mode.
    [033] The print engine 30 includes laser scanning unit (LSU) 31, toner cartridge 35, imaging unit 32, and fuser 37, all mounted on the imaging device 22. Imaging unit 32 is removable. mounted on the imaging device 22 and includes a revolving unit 34 that houses a toner tank and a toner supply system. The toner delivery system includes a toner add roller that supplies the toner from the toner container to a developer roller. A blade provides a uniform, metered layer of toner on the surface of the developer roller. Imaging unit 32 also includes a cleaning unit 33 that houses a photoconductive drum and a waste toner removal system. The toner cartridge 35 is also removably mounted on the imaging unit 32 in a relationship matched to the developer unit 34 of the imaging unit 32. An outlet hole in the toner cartridge 35 communicates with an inlet hole in the developer unit 34 allowing toner to be periodically transferred from the toner cartridge 35 to refill the toner tank in the developer unit 34.
    [034] The electrophotographic printing process is well known in the art and is therefore briefly described here. During a printing operation, the laser scanning unit 31 creates a latent image in the photoconductive drum in the cleaning unit 33. The toner is transferred from the toner tank in the developer unit 34 to the latent image in the photoconductive drum by the roller developer to create a toner image. The toner image is then transferred to a sheet of media received in the imaging unit 32 from the media input tray 39 for printing. Toner remains are removed from the photoconductive drum by the waste toner removal system. The toner image is attached to the media sheet in the fuser 37 and then sent to an output location or to one or more finishing options such as a duplexer, stapler or hole punch.
    [035] Referring now to figure 2, a toner cartridge 100 and an imaging unit 200 are shown according to an example modality. The imaging unit 200 includes a developer unit 202 and a cleaning unit 204 mounted on a common frame 206. The imaging unit 200 and toner cartridge 100 are individually removably installed in the imaging device 22 over a period of time. common entry path. The imaging unit 200 is first slidably inserted into the imaging device 22. The toner cartridge 100 is then inserted into the imaging device 22 and over the frame 206 in a married relationship with the developer unit 202 of the unit imaging unit 200 as indicated by the arrow shown in figure 2. This arrangement allows the toner cartridge 100 to be removed and easily reinserted when replacing an empty toner cartridge without having to remove the imaging unit 200. The imaging unit 200 can also to be promptly removed as desired to maintain, repair or replace components associated with developer unit 202, cleaning unit 204 or frame 206 or to release a media jam.
    [036] With reference to figures 2-5, the toner cartridge 100 includes a housing 102 having a closed reservoir 104 (figure 5) to contain a quantity of toner in it. Housing 102 can be seen to have a top or lid 106 mounted on a base 108. Base 108 includes first and second side walls 110, 112 connected to join front and rear walls 114, 116. In one embodiment, the top 106 is ultrasonically welded to the base 108 thereby forming the closed reservoir 104. The housing 102 also includes first and second end caps 118, 120 which are mounted on side walls 110, 112, respectively. First and second end caps 118, 120 can be snapped into place or secured by screws or other fasteners. A handle 122 can be provided on top 106 or base 108 of toner cartridge 100 to assist with inserting and removing toner cartridge 100 from imaging unit 200 and imaging device 22. As shown in figure 6, a filling hole 124 is provided in the side wall 112 which is used to fill the toner cartridge 100 with the toner. After filling, the filling port 124 is closed by a plug 126 and / or cap 128.
    [037] With reference to figure 5, several drive gears are housed in a space formed between the end cap 118 and side wall 110. A main interface gear 130 engages with a drive system in the image forming device 22 which provides torque for the main interface gear 130. Several connections can be housed in a space formed between the end cap 120 and the side wall 112 to trigger a shutter that regulates the flow of toner out of an exit orifice 132 supplied on the front wall 114 (figure 3). One or more blades 134 are pivotally mounted in the toner container 104 with first and second ends of a blade drive shaft 136 (s) 134 extending through the aligned openings in the side walls 110, 112, respectively. A drive gear 138 is provided at the first end of the drive shaft 136 which engages with the main interface gear 130 directly or via one or more intermediate gears. Bushings can be provided one at each end of the drive shaft 136 where it passes through the side walls 110, 112. Therefore, the wall 110 can also be called the "drive" or "drive" side of the toner cartridge 100.
    [038] With reference to figures 5 and 6, a peg 140 having first and second ends 140a, 104b, and a spiral screw extension 140c is positioned in a channel 142 extending along the width of the front wall 114 between the walls 110, 112. Channel 142 can be integrally molded as part of the front wall 114 or formed as a separate component that is attached to the front wall 114. Channel 142 is generally horizontal in orientation together with the toner cartridge 100 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device 22. The first end 140a of the prong 140 extends through the side wall 110 and a drive gear 144 is provided at the first end 140a which engages with the interface gear main 130 directly or through one or more intermediate gears. Channel 142 includes an open portion 142a and an enclosed portion 142b. The open portion 142a is open to the toner reservoir 104 and extends from the side wall 110 towards the second end 140b of the prong 140. The closed portion 142b of the channel 142 extends from the side wall 112 and terminates the second end 140b of the pua 140 and the plug that regulates whether toner is allowed to exit the toner cartridge 100 through the exit hole 132. As paddle (s) 134 rotates, they provide toner from the toner reservoir 104 for open portion 142a of channel 142. Pua 140 is rotated through drive gear 144 to provide received in channel 142 for the plug located in closed portion 142b of channel 142. In this embodiment, outlet port 132 is arranged at the bottom of channel 142 so that gravity will assist in toner output through outlet hole 132 (figure 3).
    [039] Referring again to figure 2, when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device 22, its various interface characteristics must align with corresponding interface characteristics in the imaging unit 200 and imaging device 22 In its final position on the imaging device 22, the toner cartridge 100 is positioned above the frame 206 of the imaging unit 200 with the output hole 132 (figure 3) aligned and matched to an input hole 208 in the unit developer 202. In its final position, the toner cartridge 100 does not apply a loading force to the developer unit 202. As discussed above, outlet hole 132 and inlet hole 208 must be precisely aligned to prevent toner leakage between the toner cartridge 100 and developer unit 202. In addition, the main interface gear 130, which is exposed on the front wall 114 between side wall 110 and end cap 118 , it must align and match a corresponding drive gear on the imaging device 22 which provides torque for the main interface gear 130. If the main interface gear 130 is misaligned, proper gear engagement cannot be obtained, which can result in a cog. In addition, electrical contacts for the processing circuitry 45 of the toner cartridge 100 positioned in a connector 145 on the end cap 118 must align and match corresponding electrical contacts on the imaging device 22 to allow communication between the image cartridge. toner 100 and the imaging device 22. The positions of these various interface points must be tightly controlled to ensure proper operation of the toner cartridge 100. As a result, the toner cartridge 100 must be properly positioned from from front to back (direction “x” in figure 2), vertically (direction “y”) and side by side or axially (direction “z”). The insertion angle of the toner cartridge (“0”), also referred to as yaw, must also be controlled to be within an acceptable range to ensure proper positioning.
    [040] With reference to figures 2 and 7, the toner cartridge 100 and imaging unit 200 include axial positioning characteristics both thick and thin. The toner cartridge 100 includes a pair of legs 146, 148 projecting downwardly from the base 108. The legs 146, 148 are spaced along the axial “z” direction between the end caps 118, 120. The legs 146 , 148 extend along the base 108 from a rear portion of the toner cartridge towards the front wall 114 parallel to the “x” insertion direction. A front portion of the leg 148 includes a slot 150 in it that allows a locking feature on the frame 206, such as a fin 210, to engage the connections positioned between the end cap 118 and side wall 110 to open the shutter when the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the imaging device 22. The frame 206 of the imaging unit 200 includes a pair of vertical walls 212, 214 that correspond with legs 146, 148. Each vertical wall 212, 214 includes a front surface beveled 212a, 214a which is tilted outward with respect to the insertion direction “x” and faces the toner cartridge 100 as the toner cartridge 100 advances towards the imaging unit 200. Each vertical wall 212, 214 also includes an inner surface 212b, 214b that is substantially parallel to the insertion direction “x” of the toner cartridge 100. Inner surfaces 212b, 214b are spaced within front surfaces 212a, 214a, respectively along the “x” direction towards the developer unit 202. As the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the imaging device 22, front surfaces 212a, 214a guide the toner cartridge 100 toward the developer unit 202 and limit the movement of the toner cartridge 100 in the axial “z” direction. If the toner cartridge 100 is misaligned in the axial direction “z” during insertion, an outer surface 146a, 148a of one of its legs 146, 148 will contact the corresponding front surface 212a, 214a of the vertical walls 212, 214. The angle from the front surface 212a or 214a will then induce the toner cartridge 100 towards its proper axial alignment thereby providing thick positional control as the toner cartridge 100 advances towards developer unit 202.
    [041] As the toner cartridge 100 is advanced further, outer surfaces 146a, 148a of the legs 146, 148 are restrained between the inner surfaces 212b, 214b of the vertical walls 212, 214 further limiting the movement of the cartridge toner 100 in the axial direction. In the illustrated example embodiment, the distance between the outer surface 146a of the leg 146 and the outer surface 148a of the leg 148 is between approximately 266 mm and approximately 269 mm. These coarse axial control characteristics lead to fine axial control characteristics in the form of a tightly controlled tongue and groove interface shown in figure 8. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 100 and imaging unit 200 taken along line 8-8 in figure 7 with the advanced toner cartridge 100 closest to the imaging unit 200. As shown in figure 8, a vertical wall 216 is spaced into the vertical wall 212 along the direction axial “z” that forms a gap 218 between them. Specifically, slot 218 is formed between the inner surface 212b of the vertical wall 212 and an outer surface 216a of the vertical wall 216. As the toner cartridge 100 is advanced closer to the revealing unit 202, a front portion of the leg 146 it is received at slot 218 in frame 206 allowing slot 218 to tightly maintain the axial position of the toner cartridge 100 as discussed in more detail below.
    [042] With reference to figures 9-11, the side surface of each end cap 118, 120 includes a wing guide 160, 170 (for extreme cap 120 and wing guide 170 see figures 3 and 4). Each wing guide 160, 170 includes a generally elongated body 161, 171 extending from a rear portion of its end cap 118, 120 towards a front portion thereof. Wing guides 160, 170 are substantially parallel to each other. As the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the imaging device 22, wing guides 160, 170 move individually on a predetermined insertion path 300 defined by upper and lower guides 302, 304 extending along an internal surface of the imaging device 22. An upper surface 162, 172 of each wing guide 160, 170 includes a substantially flat rear portion 162a, 172a extending from a rear portion of its end cap 118, 120 toward a front portion of it. Each top surface 162, 172 also includes a front portion 162b, 172b that is slanted downwardly with respect to rear portion 162a, 172a, respectively. A stop 163, 173 extends vertically upwards from each top surface 162, 172, respectively, which limits the forward movement of the toner cartridge 100 as it is inserted into the imaging device 22 as discussed in greater detail. below. Each wing guide 160, 170 also includes a tapered nose 164, 174, respectively forming a front end thereof. In the illustrated example embodiment, a bottom surface 165, 175 of each respective wing guide 160, 170 includes three rounded projections166a, 166b, 166c and 176a, 176b, 176c that define points of contact with the bottom guide 304 of the image formation 22. Wing guides 160, 170 are sometimes referred to as the “dog bone” shape due to the shape formed by bodies 161, 171 combined with rounded projections 166b, 166c and 176b, 176c. The upper surface 162, 172 of each respective wing guide 160, 170 includes a pair of rounded projections 167a, 167b, 177a and 177b.
    [043] Each end cap 118, 120 also includes an engaging surface 152, 154 projecting upwardly from an upper portion of the respective end cap 118, 120. Each engaging surface 152, 154 includes an inclined front surface 152a, 154a which faces the imaging unit 200 during insertion and an inclined rear surface 152b, 154b which faces away from the imaging unit 200 during insertion.
    [044] Referring to figure 9, as the toner cartridge 100 is first inserted in the imaging device 22, a roller 306 in the imaging device 22 that is provided for the insertion path toner cartridge 100 contacts front surfaces 152a, 154a of engagement surfaces 152, 154. The force applied to toner cartridge 100 by roller 306 controls the entry of toner cartridge 100 and prevents it from advancing into the device image formation 22 too fast. In addition, as the toner cartridge 100 is first inserted into the imaging device 22, the downward sloping front portions 162b, 172b and tapered nose 164, 174 of the wing guides 160, 170 provide the user with a relatively wide wide range of allowable insertion angles 0 (or yaw). As the toner cartridge 100 advances, the insertion angle is limited by projections 167a, 167b, 177a, 177b on the upper surfaces 162, 172 and front projections 166a, 176a on the lower surfaces 165, 175 as shown.
    [045] With reference to figure 10, as the toner cartridge 100 is advanced to its final position, the roller 306 passes over an apex 152c, 154c of each engaging surface 152, 154 until it contacts the rear surfaces 152b, 154b . The force applied by the roller 306 to the rear surfaces 152b, 154b of the toner cartridge 100 induces the toner cartridge 100 to its final position on the imaging device 22. As the toner cartridge 100 advances, stops 163, 173 contact the upper guide 302 on the imaging device 22 to prevent the toner cartridge 100 from further advancing in this way by controlling the horizontal position front to back of the toner cartridge 100 along the “x” direction. The vertical position of the toner cartridge 100 along the “y” direction is controlled by the contact between rounded projections 166b, 166c, 176b, 176c and lower guides 304 on the imaging device 22. Specifically, three of the four round projections 166b, 166c, 176b, 176c form data points that define a plane that determines the vertical position of the toner cartridge 100. For example, in the example mode shown, the radii of round projections 166b, 166c and 176b are equal while the radius of the rounded projection 176c is slightly smaller. As a result, in this mode, rounded projections 166b, 166c and 176b control the vertical position of the toner cartridge 100.
    [046] With reference to figure 11, precise positioning of the toner cartridge 100 allows for proper alignment between the various interface characteristics of the toner cartridge 100 and the corresponding interface characteristics in the imaging unit 200 and imaging device. image 22. As shown, in its final position, the exit hole 132 of the toner cartridge 100 is aligned and matched with the entrance hole 208 in the developer unit 202. The main interface gear 130 is aligned and matched to a corresponding drive gear 308 on the imaging device 22. Electrical contacts for the processing circuitry on connector 145 are aligned and matched with corresponding electrical contacts on a connector 310 on the imaging device 22. The positional control features of the toner cartridge 100 ensure that these interface points are tightly controlled to ensure proper operation of the toner cartridge 100. During operation, the force applied by the roller 306 to the rear surfaces 152b, 154b of the engaging surfaces 152, 154 holds the toner cartridge 100 in position and prevents it from separating from the inlet hole 208, drive 308 or electrical contacts 310.
    [047] Figures 12A-C, 13A-C and 14A-C are sequential views that illustrate the insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the imaging device 22. Figures 12A-C and 13A-C show the positions of the wing guides 160, 170, respectively, in relation to the insertion path 300 as the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the imaging device 22. Figures 14A-C show cross-sectional views of the leg 146 of the toner cartridge 100 taken along line 14-14 in figure 2. Figures 12A, 13A and 14A show a first sequence view as the toner cartridge 100 is initially inserted into the deformation device. image 22. Specifically, figures 12A and 13A show wing guides 160, 170, respectively, entering their respective insertion paths 300. Figure 14A shows a front portion 180 of leg 146 entering slot 218 in frame 206. As illustrated , the front portion 180 of the leg 146 tapers in width forming a tongue a or nose 182 at a front end thereof. In one embodiment, the width of the nose 182 is between approximately 5 mm and approximately 9 mm. Slit 218 includes a corresponding tapered lead-in 220 to receive and guide front portion 180 of leg 146 into slot 218. Slit 218 also includes an inner slot portion 222 sized to tightly receive nose 182. The Figures 12B, 13B and 14B show a second sequence view as the toner cartridge 100 is further advanced into the imaging device 22. Figures 12B and 13B show wing guides 160, 170, respectively, further advanced along their respective insertion paths 300. Figure 14B shows the front portion 180 of the leg 146 further advanced in slot 218. Figures 12C, 13C and 14C show a final sequential view with the toner cartridge 100 fully inserted on the imaging device 22 and married to the developer unit 202. Figures 12C and 13C show stops 163, 173 engaged with a corresponding ferrule or rounded stop 312 on the imaging device image formation 22. The stops 312 control the position of the toner cartridge 100 in the direction of insertion and ensure that the toner cartridge 100 is not inserted excessively in the image formation device 22. Figures 12C and 13C also show rounded projections 166b, 166c and 176b, positioned on the lower guide 304 and rounded projections 166a, 176a and 176c spaced from the lower guide 304. As discussed above, in this modality, rounded projections 166b, 166c and 176b define a plane which controls the vertical position of the toner cartridge 100. Figure 14C shows the nose 182 tightly positioned in the inner slot portion 222 to control the axial position of the toner cartridge 100.
    [048] Figure 15 shows a toner cartridge 400 having positional control characteristics and a corresponding imaging unit 500 according to a second example mode. Imaging unit 500 includes a developer unit 502 and a cleaning unit 504 mounted on a common frame 506. Developer unit 502 includes an inlet hole 508 for receiving toner from the toner cartridge 400. Frame 506 includes a projection 510 for driving a shutter that regulates the flow of toner out of the toner cartridge 400 similar to fin 210 discussed above. As discussed above, the imaging unit 500 and toner cartridge 400 are individually removably installed in the imaging device 22. In its final position, the toner cartridge 400 is in a matched relationship with the developer unit 502 of the imaging unit 500. The toner cartridge 400 includes a housing 402 having a top or ferrule 406 mounted on a base 408. The base 408 includes first and second side walls connected to contiguous front and rear walls 414, 416. First and second extreme covers 418, 420 are mounted on the side walls, respectively. A main interface gear 430 is exposed on the front wall 414 between the end cap 418 and its respective side wall. The main interface gear engaged with a drive system on the image forming device 22 that provides torque for the main interface gear 430. An outlet hole 432 is arranged on the front wall 414 in a facing orientation downwards so that gravity will help to remove toner through the exit hole 432. The toner cartridge 400 also includes electrical contacts for the processing circuitry positioned in a connector 445 on the end cover 420 (figure 16).
    [049] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the toner cartridge 400 and imaging unit 500 include both thick and thin axial positioning characteristics. The coarse axial positioning characteristics are similar to those discussed above with respect to the toner cartridge 100 and imaging unit 200. The toner cartridge 400 includes a pair of legs 446, 448 extending downwards from the base 408. The frame 506 of the imaging unit 500 includes a pair of vertical walls 512, 514 that form a guide 516 between them that receives the leg 446 and a pair of vertical walls 518, 520 that form a guide 522 between them that receives the leg 448 and a pair of vertical walls 518, 520 forming a guide 522 between them which the leg 448 receives as the toner cartridge 400 is inserted into the imaging device 22. Each vertical wall 512, 514, 518, 520 includes a beveled front surface 512a, 514a, 518a, 520a that is angled outwards with respect to the insertion direction and faces the toner cartridge 400 as the toner cartridge 400 advances towards the imaging unit 500. Surface front ies 512a, 514a, 518a, 520a guide the toner cartridge 400 towards the developer unit 502 as the toner cartridge 400 is inserted into the imaging device 22. Each vertical wall 512, 514, 518, 520 also includes an inner surface 512b, 514b, 518b, 520b that is substantially parallel to the direction of insertion of the toner cartridge 400. The inner surfaces 512b, 514b, 518b, 520b restrain the outer surfaces 446a, 448a of the legs 446, 448 limiting the movement of the toner cartridge 400 in the axial direction. In the example embodiment illustrated in figures 15 and 16, the distance between the outer surface 446a of the leg 446 and the outer surface 448a of the leg 448 is between approximately 255 mm and approximately 258 mm.
    [050] Figure 17 illustrates a view and cross section of the toner cartridge 400 and the imaging unit 500 taken along line 17-17 in figure 16. As shown in figure 17, an upright 524 is spaced axially into the guide 516 and extends upwards from the frame 506 of the imaging unit 500. The toner cartridge 400 includes a slot 490 formed between a pair of substantially parallel walls 492, 494 extending forward and downward from the base 408. The slot 490 is spaced axially inward from leg 446. In the example embodiment shown in figure 17, the width of the slit 490 is between approximately 6.3 mm and approximately 8.3 mm. As the toner cartridge 400 is advanced towards the developer unit 502, the amount 524 in the imaging unit 500 is tightly received at slot 490 in the toner cartridge 400 allowing slot 490 to precisely maintain the axial position of the cartridge toner 400. As desired, upright 524 and / or slit 490 can include a tapered lead-in section to facilitate engagement between the two.
    [051] Referring again to figures 15 and 16, the side surface of each end cap 418, 420 includes a wing guide 460, 470. Each wing guide 460, 470 includes the "dog bone" structure described above with with respect to wing guides 160, 170 of the toner cartridge 100. As discussed above, wing guides 460, 470 control the horizontal positioning of the front to back and vertical positioning of the toner cartridge 400. Each end cap 418, 420 also includes an engagement surface 452, 454 projecting upwardly from an upper portion of the respective end cap 418, 420. As discussed above, each engagement surface 452, 454 includes an inclined front surface 452a, 454a that faces the unit imaging 500 during insertion and an inclined rear surface 452b, 454b that faces away from the imaging 500 during insertion. During operation, the rear surfaces 452b, 454b of the engaging surfaces 452, 454 receive a component holding force on the imaging device 22 to ensure that the outlet hole 432, main interface gear 430 and the contacts electrical devices for the processing circuitry at connector 445 maintain their engagement with the imaging unit 500 or imaging device 22.
    [052] The above description of various modalities has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise forms revealed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above training. It is understood that the invention can be put into practice in ways other than as specifically exposed here without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the application is defined by the claims attached to this.
    权利要求:
    Claims (8)
    [0001]
    1. Toner cartridge (100) for use in an image forming device (22), comprising: a housing (102) having a reservoir (104) for containing toner in it, the housing having a front ( 114), a rear (116), a first side (110), a second side (112), a top (106) and a base (108), the housing having an outlet orifice (132) in fluid communication with the reservoir (104) to allow toner from the reservoir (104) to pass out of the housing (102); a first leg (146) and a second leg (148), each projecting from the base (108) of the housing (102) and extending mainly along a dimension from the front to the rear of the housing (102 ) to limit the side-by-side movement of the toner cartridge (100) during insertion into the imaging device (22); a first alignment wing guide (160) positioned on a first side (110) of the housing (102) and a second alignment wing guide (170) positioned on a second side (112) of the housing (102) substantially parallel to the first alignment wing guide (160), each alignment wing guide (160, 170) extending mainly along the front to rear dimension of the housing (102), the first alignment wing guide (160) includes a pair of rounded contact points (166b, 166c) and the second alignment wing guide (170) includes a rounded contact point (176b), the rounded contact points (166b, 166c, 176b ) of the first and second alignment wing guides (160, 170) are convex downwards and unobstructed from the bottom, CHARACTERIZED by: the exit hole (132) being in the front (114) of the housing (102) , the rounded contact points (166b, 166c, 176b) of the first and second alignment wing guides (160, 170) collectively forming three reference points that define a plane that controls the vertical position of the toner cartridge (100) in the image forming device (22); and the toner cartridge (100) further comprising a first engaging surface (152) projecting to a higher point on the housing (102) close to the first side (110) of the housing (102) and a second engaging surface (154 ) projecting to the highest point of the housing (102) close to the second side (112) of the housing (102) to receive a holding force down from the imaging device (22), each of the first and second engaging surfaces (152, 154) including an inclined front surface (152a, 154a) facing the front portion of the housing (102) and an inclined rear surface (152b, 154b) facing the rear portion of the housing (102).
    [0002]
    2. Toner cartridge (100) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that a front portion (180) of at least one between the first and second legs (146) tapers forming a nose (182) at one end front panel which is sized to engage a corresponding slot (218) in the imaging device (22) to more precisely control the side-by-side movement of the toner cartridge (100) in the imaging device ( 22).
    [0003]
    3. Toner cartridge (100) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the first alignment wing guide (160) and the second alignment wing guide (170) includes a body generally elongated (161, 171) which extends mainly along the dimension from the front to the rear of the housing (102).
    [0004]
    4. Toner cartridge (100) according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the upper surface (162, 172) of each of the first and second alignment wing guides (160, 170) includes a front portion (162b, 172b) which is tilted downwards with respect to the rear portion (162a, 172a) of the respective alignment wing guide (160, 170) to facilitate the insertion of the toner cartridge (100) into the image (22).
    [0005]
    5. Toner cartridge (100) according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises a first stop (163) extending from an upper surface (162) of the first alignment wing guide (160 ) and a second stop (173) extending from an upper surface (172) of the second alignment wing guide (170) to limit the forward movement of the toner cartridge (100) in the image (22).
    [0006]
    6. Toner cartridge (100) according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first stop (163) is positioned closer to the rear (116) of the housing (102) than the pair of rounded contact points (166b, 166c) of the first alignment wing guide (160), and the second stop (173) is positioned closer to the rear (116) of the housing (102) than the rounded contact point (176b) of the second alignment wing guide (170).
    [0007]
    7. Toner cartridge (400), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also comprises a slot (490) in the front (414) of the housing (402) between the first and second legs (446, 448) that it is sized to receive a corresponding projection (524) on the imaging device (22) to more precisely control the side-by-side movement of the toner cartridge (100) on the imaging device (22) .
    [0008]
    8. Toner cartridge (400) according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the slot (490) is formed by a space between a pair of walls (492, 494) that extends forward from the front (414) of the housing (402).
    类似技术:
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2012363068A1|2014-05-22|
    AU2012363068B2|2016-03-03|
    US9417603B2|2016-08-16|
    US8867970B2|2014-10-21|
    BR112014012686A2|2017-06-13|
    EP2798408B1|2017-09-27|
    KR101701709B1|2017-02-02|
    US20130170867A1|2013-07-04|
    SG11201402378QA|2014-08-28|
    CN104412169B|2018-10-16|
    CL2014001370A1|2014-10-10|
    CA2854015C|2017-05-09|
    ES2649411T3|2018-01-11|
    KR20140119008A|2014-10-08|
    NZ624385A|2016-07-29|
    HK1204098A1|2015-11-06|
    EP2798408A2|2014-11-05|
    WO2013101349A2|2013-07-04|
    MX2014007808A|2014-09-25|
    WO2013101349A3|2015-01-15|
    CO6960522A2|2014-05-30|
    EP2798408A4|2016-01-06|
    CN104412169A|2015-03-11|
    IL232578D0|2014-06-30|
    AR089369A1|2014-08-20|
    RU2606929C2|2017-01-10|
    PL2798408T3|2018-03-30|
    RU2014118417A|2016-02-20|
    IL232578A|2017-03-30|
    TW201336695A|2013-09-16|
    US20150003878A1|2015-01-01|
    TWI570526B|2017-02-11|
    CA2854015A1|2013-07-04|
    BR112014012686A8|2017-06-20|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-10-29| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-09-29| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-12-22| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 15/11/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/340,911|US8867970B2|2011-12-30|2011-12-30|Toner cartridges having positional control features|
    US13/340,911|2011-12-30|
    PCT/US2012/065148|WO2013101349A2|2011-12-30|2012-11-15|Toner cartridge having positional control features|
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