Coupling, rotating member, and process cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a coupling for receiving driving force from a force output mechanism provided in an image forming apparatus, the force output mechanism including a sleeve and a braking force output member provided in the sleeve; the sleeve including a sleeve body formed with a sleeve cavity and a plurality of driving force output portions integrally formed with the sleeve body, the braking force output member being provided in the sleeve cavity; the driving force output portions and the braking force output member rotating together in the same direction along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism; the coupling being combined with the braking force output member and rotating by receiving the driving force output by the braking force output member, so that a structure for separating the driving force output portions and the braking force output member can not be provided in the coupling, and thus the manufacturing precision requirement and the strength requirement of the coupling can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging, and more particularly to a coupling that can be combined with a force output mechanism in an electrophotographic imaging device, as well as a rotating component and a processing box having the coupling. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a processing cartridge detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device") needs to be equipped with at least one rotating body that can rotate about a rotation axis. When the processing cartridge is working, the rotating body is used to stir the developer in the processing cartridge, or to supply the developer to other components, or to form an electrostatic latent image on its surface and receive the developer to develop the electrostatic latent image, etc. For this purpose, a coupling that can continuously receive driving force from the imaging device needs to be provided in the processing cartridge. When the coupling receives driving force, the rotating body can be driven.

[0003] Chinese patent application CN113574469A describes an imaging device, which includes a force output mechanism that simultaneously has a driving force output unit and a braking force output unit. When the rotating body needs to work, the driving force output unit is used to output driving force to the coupling. When the rotating body needs to stop working, the braking force output unit is used to output braking force to the coupling to prevent the rotating body from continuing to rotate due to inertia.

[0004] Before the coupling engages with the driving force output section, the driving force output section and the braking force output section are close to each other along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism. Therefore, the coupling needs to separate the driving force output section and the braking force output section first, and then the coupling can enter between the driving force output section and the braking force output section to achieve the engagement of the driving force output section and the coupling.

[0005] It is evident that the coupling also needs to be designed with a structure that can separate the driving force output section and the braking force output section from each other. On the one hand, the structure of the coupling will become more complex. On the other hand, if the manufacturing precision or strength of the part used to separate the driving force output section and the braking force output section is insufficient, the driving force output section and the braking force output section will not be able to be separated, thus resulting in imaging defects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, one object of the present invention is to provide a coupling that can combine the coupling with the force output mechanism without separating the driving force output part and the braking force output part, thereby simplifying the structure of the coupling and reducing the manufacturing precision and strength requirements of the coupling.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0008] A coupling is used to receive driving force from a force output mechanism provided in an imaging device. The force output mechanism includes a sleeve and a braking force output component disposed in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a sleeve body forming a sleeve cavity and a plurality of driving force output parts integrally formed with the sleeve body. The braking force output component is disposed in the sleeve cavity. Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the driving force output parts and the braking force output component rotate together in the same direction. The coupling is engaged with the braking force output component and rotates by receiving the driving force output by the braking force output component. In this way, it is not necessary to provide a structure for separating the driving force output parts and the braking force output component in the coupling, thereby reducing the manufacturing precision and strength requirements of the coupling.

[0009] Specifically, when the coupling receives driving force from the braking force output component, the driving force output component and the braking force output component move closer to each other.

[0010] The braking force output component includes a first braking force output component and a second braking force output component arranged coaxially. The second braking force output component is closer to the rotation axis of the force output mechanism than the first braking force output component. Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the first braking force output component is engaged with the coupling and outputs driving force to the coupling. Along the rotation axis of the coupling, the second braking force output component is locked to the coupling.

[0011] The coupling includes a force-bearing component and a coupling component that are connected to each other. The coupling component is closer to the rotation axis of the coupling than the force-bearing component. The force-bearing component is connected to a first braking force output component, and the coupling component is connected to a second braking force output component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the coupling further includes an elastic element disposed between the force-bearing member and the coupling member, the coupling member being configured to move within the force-bearing member along the rotation axis of the coupling and in the rotational direction of the coupling.

[0013] In some embodiments, the force-bearing member or the coupling member is provided with a coupling groove / hole, and the coupling member or the force-bearing member is provided with a coupling protrusion, the coupling protrusion being movable along the coupling groove / hole; the coupling groove / hole is configured as an inclined groove / hole inclined relative to the rotation axis of the coupling, or as a spiral groove / hole extending along the rotation direction of the coupling.

[0014] Furthermore, the force output mechanism also includes an elastic pushing component disposed within the sleeve cavity. The elastic pushing component is at least used to push the braking force output component outward from the sleeve cavity, and the elastic force of the elastic pushing component is greater than the elastic force of the elastic component.

[0015] The coupling includes a base and multiple acting bodies directly or indirectly connected to the base. Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the multiple acting bodies have adjacent upstream and downstream acting bodies. During the coupling and force output mechanism connection process, along the rotation direction of the coupling, at least the downstream acting body abuts against the second braking force output component. After the coupling and force output mechanism are connected, along the rotation axis of the coupling, the upstream acting body connects with the second braking force output component.

[0016] During the engagement of the coupling and the force output mechanism, the downstream action body and the second braking force output component abut against each other along the rotation direction of the coupling, while the driving force receiving surface in the force-bearing component is spaced apart from the first braking force output component.

[0017] After the coupling and the force output mechanism are engaged, along the rotation direction of the coupling, the downstream action body and the second braking force output component are spaced apart from each other, and the driving force receiving surface in the force-bearing component is opposite to the first braking force output component.

[0018] Furthermore, the coupling also includes a pusher that connects to the base. During the coupling and the force output mechanism connection process and after the coupling and the force output mechanism are connected, the pusher abuts against the force output mechanism along the rotation axis of the coupling.

[0019] The plurality of actuators have the same structure. Each actuator includes a protrusion and an abutment surface and a locking part disposed on the protrusion. Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the abutment surface and the locking part are respectively located on both sides of the protrusion. A third region is formed between the locking part of the upstream actuator and the abutment surface of the downstream actuator. The second braking force output component is engaged with the locking part through the third region.

[0020] More specifically, a locking space is formed between the locking part and the protrusion, and a locking surface is formed on the side of the locking part facing the locking space. Along the rotation axis of the coupling, the locking part is closer to the free end face of the pusher than the locking space. The second braking force output component also includes a barb located at its free end and protruding in the direction of the rotation axis of the force output mechanism. When the coupling and the force output mechanism are fully engaged, the barb enters the locking space, and along the rotation axis of the coupling, the barb is opposite to the locking surface.

[0021] Preferably, the locking surface has an adjacent first surface and a second surface. Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the first surface is located downstream of the second surface. The first surface is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the coupling, and the second surface is perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0022] The present invention also provides a rotating component comprising a rotating body coupled together with a coupling as described above, wherein the rotating body is driven to rotate by a driving force received by the coupling.

[0023] The present invention also provides a processing box, characterized in that the processing box includes a housing and the aforementioned rotating member, the rotating member being rotatably disposed in the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the rotating component involved in this invention.

[0026] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the force output mechanism in an imaging device to which the processing box of the present invention is applicable.

[0027] Figure 2B This is an exploded schematic diagram of some components in the force output mechanism.

[0028] Figure 2C It is a cross-sectional view of the force output mechanism taken along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the force output mechanism.

[0029] Figure 2D This is a side view of the force output mechanism viewed along its rotation axis.

[0030] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the coupling involved in this invention.

[0031] Figure 3B This is an exploded view of the components of the coupling involved in this invention.

[0032] Figure 3C This is a perspective view of the force-bearing component in the coupling involved in this invention.

[0033] Figure 3D This is a perspective view of the coupling component involved in the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the relative positions of the force-bearing component and the connecting component of the coupling according to the present invention before they are combined with the force output mechanism.

[0035] Figure 4B The present invention relates to a side view of the coupling viewed along the rotation axis direction before the force output mechanism is engaged.

[0036] Figure 4C and Figure 4D This is a perspective view of the coupling that is initially combined with the force output mechanism according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the relative positions of the force-bearing component and the connecting component after the coupling of the present invention is combined with the force output mechanism.

[0038] Figure 5B The present invention relates to a side view of the coupling after it is combined with the force output mechanism, viewed along the rotation axis of the coupling.

[0039] Figure 5C and Figure 5D This is a perspective view of the coupling and force output mechanism after they are combined, as per the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5E This is a schematic diagram of the engagement state of the coupling and the second braking force output component after the coupling and force output mechanism of the present invention are combined. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] [Processing Box]

[0043] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention; Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the rotating component involved in this invention.

[0044] The processing box 100 includes a housing 1 and a rotating body 11 rotatably disposed in the housing 1. The rotating body 11 can rotate about a rotation axis L11 extending in the x direction / longitudinal direction after receiving a driving force. The +x direction end of the rotating body 11 / processing box 100 is used to receive the driving force. Therefore, the +x direction end of the processing box 100 is called the driving end C1, and the opposite end is called the non-driving end C2.

[0045] Depending on the different structures within the imaging device, the processing box 100 can be configured to be detachably installed in the imaging device along the x-direction, or it can be detachably installed in the imaging device along a direction intersecting the x-direction. Depending on the structure of the processing box 100, the processing box 100 can be configured as only a developer-containing unit 100a that contains developer, or it can be configured as only a developing unit that can carry developer, or it can be configured as only an imaging unit 100c that can form an electrostatic latent image, or it can be configured as a combination of at least two of the aforementioned developer-containing unit 100a, developing unit, and imaging unit 100c. A stirring element for stirring the developer is rotatably disposed in the developer holding unit 100a, and this stirring element can be regarded as a type of rotating body; a developing element is rotatably disposed in the developing unit, which is used to carry the developer and deliver the developer to the imaging unit 100c, or a supply element is also rotatably disposed at the same time, which is used to supply the developer to the developing element, and the developing element or the supply element can also be regarded as a type of rotating body; a photosensitive element is rotatably disposed in the imaging unit 100c, which is used to form an electrostatic latent image on its surface and receive the developer supplied by the developing element, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image, and the photosensitive element can also be regarded as a type of rotating body.

[0046] To enable the rotating body to rotate, the processing box 100 also includes at least one coupling disposed therein, such as... Figure 1A As shown, the processing cartridge 100 is provided with a first coupling 41 and a second coupling 42. The first coupling 41 is used to receive driving force from the imaging device to drive at least one of the developing element, the supply element, and the stirring element to rotate. The second coupling 42 is used to receive driving force from the imaging device to drive the photosensitive element to rotate. The first coupling 41 and the second coupling 42 are exposed outward from a first end cover 40 or a second end cover 30 located at the longitudinal end of the processing cartridge 100. Generally, the structure of the first coupling 41 and the structure of the second coupling 42 can be set to be the same. The following description will take the second coupling 42 as an example. In some embodiments, the structures of the first coupling 41 and the second coupling 42 can also be different depending on the structure inside the imaging device.

[0047] The coupling 42 described above can be directly installed at the end of the rotating body 11. In this case, the coupling 42 is coaxial with the rotating body 11, and the two constitute part of the rotating component 12. When the coupling 42 receives driving force, the rotating body 11 can be directly driven. Alternatively, the coupling 42 can be installed at a position that is not coaxial with the rotating body 11. When the coupling 42 receives driving force, the coupling 42 transmits the driving force to the rotating body 11 through the driving force transmission device. Therefore, the rotation axis of the coupling 42 is coaxial or parallel to the rotation axis L11 of the rotating body 11.

[0048] Given that the rotating body 11 can have the above-mentioned multiple options, the position of the coupling 42 can also have multiple options. At the same time, in order to clearly show the connection process between the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism in the imaging device, the rotating body 11 will not be shown in the following text. Taking the rotating body 11 and the coupling 42 as coaxial as an example, it can be understood that the rotating body 11 will receive the driving force of the coupling 2 and rotate, and the axis of rotation of the coupling 42 is also L11.

[0049] [Force Output Mechanism]

[0050] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the force output mechanism in an imaging device to which the processing box of the present invention is applicable; Figure 2B This is an exploded view of some components in the force output mechanism; Figure 2C It is a cross-sectional view of the force output mechanism taken along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the force output mechanism; Figure 2D This is a side view of the force output mechanism viewed along its rotation axis.

[0051] To reduce interference between the force output mechanism 90 and the processing box 100 during installation and disassembly, there are solutions that allow the force output mechanism 90 to extend and retract in the x-direction. For example, the force output mechanism 90 can be linked with the door cover of the imaging device. When the door cover is opened, the force output mechanism 90 retracts in the +x direction, and when the door cover is closed, the force output mechanism 90 extends in the -x direction.

[0052] As shown in the figure, the force output mechanism 90 can rotate about a rotation axis L9 parallel to the x-direction in the direction indicated by r9. The force output mechanism 90 includes a sleeve 93, a braking force output component 95 disposed in the sleeve 93, and an elastic pushing assembly 936. The sleeve 93 includes a sleeve body 935 forming a sleeve cavity 930. The elastic pushing assembly 936 is used to push the braking force output component 95 outward (in the -x direction) of the sleeve cavity 930. The elastic pushing assembly 936 includes a first elastic pushing component 932 and a second elastic pushing component 933 coaxially disposed. The braking force output component 95, the first elastic pushing component 932, and the second elastic pushing component 933 are all disposed in the sleeve cavity 930. The first elastic pushing component 932 pushes the sleeve body 935 by pushing the intermediate transmission component 96 described below. The second elastic pushing member 933 and the braking force output member 95 are used to push the braking force output member. Furthermore, the sleeve 93 is also provided with a plurality of driving force output parts 94 and a connecting member 943 connecting at least two driving force output parts 94. Preferably, the connecting member 943, the plurality of driving force output parts 94 are integrally formed with the sleeve body 935. The connecting member 943 has a limiting surface 944 facing the -x direction / coupling 42. In some embodiments, the connecting part 943 is also provided with a positioning protrusion 934 through which the rotation axis L9 passes. The driving force output parts 94 and the braking force output member 95 can rotate together around the rotation axis L9 in the rotation direction r9. Along the circumferential direction of the sleeve body 935, an exposure opening 931 is formed between two adjacent driving force output parts 94, and the braking force output member 95 is exposed from the exposure opening 931. Each driving force output part 94 is provided with a driving force output surface 941. Preferably, the driving force output part 94 protrudes radially inward from the inner wall of the sleeve body 935.

[0053] The braking force output component 95 includes a first braking force output component 95a and a second braking force output component 95b that are coaxially arranged and separable from each other. The first braking force output component 95a is provided with a plurality of first braking force output portions 95a1 and a connecting portion 95a2 for engaging with the second braking force output component 95b. The second braking force output component 95b is provided with a plurality of second braking force output portions 95b1 and a connected portion 95b2 for engaging with the first braking force output component 95a. Along the radial direction of the sleeve 93, the first braking force output portions 95a1 are located outside the second braking force output portions 95b1, that is, the first braking force output portions 95a1 are farther away from the rotation axis L9 than the second braking force output portions 95b1. Along the rotation direction r9, the first braking force output portions 95a1 and the driving force output portion 94 are basically located on the same circumference, and the second braking force output portion 95b1 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the driving force output portion 94. Furthermore, the second braking force output member 95b also includes a barb 95b4, which protrudes from the free end of the second braking force output part 95b1 toward the direction close to the rotation axis L9 along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90.

[0054] Furthermore, along the rotation direction r9, the first braking force output part 95a1 has a first helical surface 95a3 located downstream of the component, and the second braking force output part 95b1 has a second helical surface 95b3 located downstream of the component; as shown, along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, two driving force output parts 94 are arranged radially opposite each other, two first braking force output parts 95a1 are arranged radially opposite each other, and two second braking force output parts 95b1 are arranged radially opposite each other, and at least a portion of the first braking force output part 95a1 and at least a portion of the second braking force output part 95b1 coincide in the radial direction. Therefore, from an overall perspective, one first braking force output part 95a1 and one second braking force output part 95b1 that are close to each other in the radial direction form the first braking part 951 of the braking force output member 95, and another first braking force output part 95a1 and another second braking force output part 95b1 that are close to each other in the radial direction form the second braking part 952 of the braking force output member 95, and the first braking part 951 and the second braking part 952 are arranged opposite each other in the radial direction.

[0055] Along the rotation direction r9, if one of the driving force output sections 94 is selected, then this driving force output section 94 will be located between the first braking section 951 and the second braking section 952, as follows. Figure 2DAs shown, a first region s1 is formed between the first braking part 951 and the driving force output part 94, and a second region s2 is formed between the driving force output part 94 and the second braking part 952. Normally, the second region s2 is in a closed state, that is, the driving force output part 94 and the first braking part 951 / second braking part 952 are close to each other. At this time, the second region s2 can also be regarded as non-existent.

[0056] The first braking force output component 95a and the second braking force output component 95b can transmit force through the connection of the connecting part 95a2 and the connected part 95b2. When the second braking force output component 95b receives a force along the +x direction, the entire braking force output component 95 can move along the rotation axis L9 in the +x direction under the drive of the second braking force output component 95b, that is, the entire braking force output component 95 moves into the sleeve cavity 930 (in the +x direction).

[0057] Furthermore, the force output mechanism 90 also includes an intermediate transmission member 96 disposed within the sleeve cavity 930. The intermediate transmission member 96 also abuts against the connecting member 943. The first braking force output member 95a and the intermediate transmission member 96 are also able to engage and disengage along the rotation axis L9, but cannot disengage along the rotation direction r9. Therefore, when the braking force output member 95 moves as a whole into the sleeve cavity 930, the braking force output member 95 and the intermediate transmission member 96 will disengage. At this time, the braking force output member 95 as a whole can freely rotate around the rotation axis L9 relative to the driving force output part 94 in the direction r9.

[0058] Coupling

[0059] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the coupling involved in this invention; Figure 3B This is an exploded view of the components of the coupling involved in this invention; Figure 3C This is a perspective view of the force-bearing component in the coupling involved in the present invention; Figure 3D This is a perspective view of the coupling component involved in the present invention.

[0060] The coupling 42 includes a force-bearing component 5 and a connecting component 6 that are connected to each other. The connecting component 6 is closer to the rotation axis L11 of the coupling 42 than the force-bearing component 5. Based on the inventive concept of the present invention, the force-bearing component 5 and the connecting component 6 can be formed integrally or separately. Preferably, it is more beneficial for the coupling 42 to engage and disengage from the force output mechanism when the force-bearing component 5 and the connecting component 6 are formed integrally. Under the micro-elasticity of the elastic connecting component 6 of the second braking force output component 95b, the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism can also achieve engagement and disengagement.

[0061] The following description uses the example of the separate formation of the load-bearing component 5 and the connecting component 6.

[0062] like Figure 3B As shown, the coupling 42 also includes an elastic element 421 disposed between the force-bearing member 5 and the connecting member 6. Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element 421, the connecting member 6 is pushed in the +x direction. The force-receiving component 5 includes a base 51, a substrate 52, a driving force receiver 53, and a platform 54. The base 51 is used to transmit the driving force, the substrate 52 is used to restrict the movement of the force-receiving component 5 in the x-direction, the driving force receiver 53 is used to receive the driving force from the force output mechanism 90, and the platform 54 is located between the substrate 5 and the driving force receiver 53. Therefore, the driving force receiver 53 can be considered to be protruding from the platform 54. In some embodiments, at least one of the substrate 52 and the platform 54 can be omitted. That is, the driving force receiver 53 can be directly disposed on the base 51 or disposed on the substrate 52. However, no matter how the structure of the force-receiving component 5 is changed, after the driving force receiver 53 receives the driving force, the base 51 can always transmit the driving force. For example, the base 51 directly transmits the driving force to the rotating body 11, or transmits the driving force to the rotating body 11 through a driving force transmission device, thereby driving the rotating body 11.

[0063] In this invention, the coupling 42 is configured such that the driving force receiving member 53 is combined with the braking force output member 95 to realize the transmission of driving force from the force output mechanism 90 to the coupling 42. As described below, the driving force receiving member 53 is combined with the first helical surface 95a3. Therefore, the driving force receiving member 53 has a driving force receiving surface 531 that can cooperate with the first helical surface 95a3. Preferably, the driving force receiving surface 531 is configured as a helical surface.

[0064] As described above, the coupling 42 is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation L11. Preferably, both the force-bearing member 5 and the connecting member 6 are cylindrical. Along the radial direction of the force-bearing member 5, two driving force receiving members 53 are arranged radially opposite each other. The base 51 forms a movable cavity 56 inside, and the connecting member 6 is movably connected to the force-bearing member 5 in the movable cavity 56.

[0065] The coupling 6 includes a base 61 and a pusher 62 and a snap-fit ​​64 connected to the base 61 along the rotation axis L11. The pusher 62 and the snap-fit ​​64 are located at the two ends of the base 61, respectively. The snap-fit ​​64 is engaged with the force-receiving member 5. The pusher 62 is a hollow cylinder with a pusher surface / free end surface 622 located at the +x end (free end). A positioning hole 621 is formed in the pusher 62 and opens in the +x direction. The positioning hole 621 is used to engage with the positioning protrusion 934 to initially define the relative position of the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90. It is understood that the snap-fit ​​64 can also be provided at other positions of the coupling 6, as long as it can ensure that the coupling 6 and the force-receiving member 5 are engaged with each other. In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​64 can be omitted. In this case, the coupling 6 and the force-receiving member 5 can also be engaged with each other through the engagement of the limiting part 55 and the limited part 63.

[0066] Furthermore, the coupling 6 also includes multiple actuators 65 that interact with the braking force output component 95. Each actuator has the same structure. During the engagement of the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90, along the rotation direction r2 of the coupling 42, a portion of one actuator abuts against a portion of the second braking force output component 95b. After the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 are engaged, along the rotation axis L11 of the coupling 42, another portion of the other actuator is opposite to another portion of the second braking force output component 95b. The actuators 65 are arranged around the circumference of the pusher 62. In practice, the actuators 65 can be configured to connect to at least one of the pusher 62 and the base 61. Therefore, the actuators 65 can be considered to be directly or indirectly connected to the base 61. The actuating body 65 includes a protrusion 650 and an abutment surface 651 and a locking portion 652 disposed on the protrusion 650. The protrusion 650 is connected to the push member 62 and / or the base 61. Along the rotation direction r2, the abutment surface 651 and the locking portion 652 are respectively located on both sides of the protrusion 650, corresponding to the first braking portion 951 and the second braking portion 952 respectively. In some embodiments, the connecting member 6 is provided with two actuating bodies 65, which are arranged opposite each other along the radial direction of the push member.

[0067] The locking part 652 protrudes from the protrusion 650 along the rotation direction r2, forming a locking space 653 between the locking part 652 and the protrusion 650. A locking surface 6520 is formed on the side of the locking part 652 facing the locking space 653. Along the +x direction, the locking part 652 is located downstream of the locking space 653, that is, the locking part 652 is closer to the push surface 622 than the locking space 653. When the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 are engaged, the barb 95b4 enters the locking space 653, and the locking surface 6520 engages with the barb 95b4. In this way, the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 can form a stable engagement, and the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 will not disengage during the process of the force output mechanism 90 outputting driving force.

[0068] In some embodiments, the locking surface 6520 is provided with an adjacent first surface 6521 and a second surface 6522. Along the rotation direction r2, the first surface 6521 is located downstream of the second surface 6522. Preferably, the first surface 6521 is inclined relative to the rotation axis L11, and the included angle between the two is an acute angle. The second surface 6522 is perpendicular to the rotation axis L11. During the process of coupling 42 and force output mechanism 90 being combined, the first surface 6521 can guide the barb 95b4, so that the barb 95b4 can smoothly be opposite to or directly engaged with the second surface 6522.

[0069] like Figure 3D As shown, along the rotation direction r2, in two adjacent action bodies 65 (upstream action body and downstream action body), the locking part 652 in the upstream action body 65 and the abutment surface 651 in the downstream action body 65 are basically located on the same circumference, and the two are spaced apart to form a third region s3.

[0070] As described above, the force-bearing component 5 and the connecting component 6 are movably connected. Thus, during the engagement and disengagement of the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90, the connecting component 6 can adjust its position relative to the force-bearing component 5 according to the position of the hook 95b4, thereby enabling the hook 95b4 to smoothly reach the third region s3 and smoothly enter the locking space 653. Specifically, the force-bearing component 5 is provided with a limiting part 55, and correspondingly, the connecting component 6 is provided with a restricted part 63 that engages with the limiting part 55. The specific structure of the limiting part 55 and the restricted part 63 should not be restricted, as long as the coupling 42 can have the above-mentioned functions.

[0071] In this embodiment, the limiting part 55 is a groove / hole provided in the force-bearing member 5, and the limited part 63 is a protrusion provided on the base 61. The limiting part 55 can be provided on any one of the base 51, the base 54 and the driving force receiving member 53 according to design requirements. More preferably, the groove / hole 55 is set as an inclined groove / hole that is inclined relative to the rotation axis L11, or as a spiral groove / hole that extends along the rotation direction r2. Therefore, the force-bearing member 5 and the connecting member 6 are connected in a rotatable manner. At the same time, the force-bearing member 5 and the connecting member 6 can also move relative to each other in the direction of the rotation axis L11.

[0072] Along the rotation axis L11, the limiting part 55 has a first limiting position 551 at the end in the +x direction and a second limiting position 552 at the end in the -x direction. That is, the second limiting position 552 is closer to the rotating body 11 than the first limiting position 551, or the first limiting position 551 is closer to the pushing surface 622 than the second limiting position 552. Along the rotation direction r2, the first limiting position 551 is located upstream of the second limiting position 552.

[0073] In some embodiments, the positions of the connecting groove / hole 55 and the connecting protrusion 63 can be interchanged, that is, the connecting groove / hole 55 can be provided on the connecting member 6, while the connecting protrusion 63 can be provided on the force-bearing member 5. This design can still achieve the inventive purpose of the present invention.

[0074] Combination of coupling and force output mechanism

[0075] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the relative positions of the force-bearing component and the connecting component of the coupling before it is combined with the force output mechanism, according to the present invention. Figure 4B The present invention relates to a side view of the coupling viewed along the rotation axis direction before the force output mechanism is engaged; Figure 4C and Figure 4D This is a perspective view of the coupling that is initially combined with the force output mechanism according to the present invention; Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the relative positions of the force-receiving component and the connecting component after the coupling of the present invention is combined with the force output mechanism; Figure 5B The present invention relates to a side view of the coupling after it is combined with a force output mechanism, viewed along the rotation axis of the coupling. Figure 5C and Figure 5D This is a perspective view of the coupling and force output mechanism after they have been combined according to the present invention. Figure 5E This is a schematic diagram of the engagement state of the coupling and the second braking force output component after the coupling and force output mechanism of the present invention are combined.

[0076] To make the engagement process of coupling 42 and force output mechanism 90 clearer, Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 5C and Figure 5D A portion of the sleeve body was cut off.

[0077] As shown in the figure, before the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 begin to engage, under the elastic force of the elastic element 421, the engagement protrusion 63 is located at the first limiting position 551. Figure 4B In the angle shown, along the rotation direction r2, with the projection point of the rotation axis L11 as the center, the first action angle a1 is formed between the line connecting the center of the circle and the downstream end of the locking part 652 of the upstream action body and the line connecting the center of the circle and the upstream end of the driving force receiving surface 531 of the downstream action body.

[0078] As the imaging device's door is closed, the force output mechanism 90 begins to extend along the -x direction. The coupling 42 begins to engage with the force output mechanism 90. The pushing surface 622 first abuts against the limiting surface 944. Because the elastic force of the elastic element 421 is set to be less than the elastic force of the elastic pushing assembly 936, the elastic element 421 will undergo elastic deformation during the extension of the force output mechanism 90. The engaging part 6 is pushed in the -x direction and retracts into the movable cavity 56. The second braking force output component 95b moves towards the third region s3, and the driving force receiving component 53 moves towards the second region s2. Figure 4D As shown, along the rotation direction r2 / r9, the second helical surface 95b3 abuts against the contact surface 651 of the downstream action body. At this time, it is preferable that the first helical surface 95a3 does not contact the driving force receiving surface 531. This not only reduces the friction between the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90, but also provides space for the rotation of the connecting member 6 along the rotation direction r2.

[0079] During the process of the coupling 6 being pushed in the -x direction by the force output mechanism 90, the coupling protrusion 63 moves towards the second limiting position 552 in the coupling groove / hole 55. Therefore, the coupling 6 as a whole will rotate around the rotation axis L11 in the direction shown by r2. At the same time, the coupling 6 also retracts in the movable cavity 56 along the rotation axis L11. In this invention, the second helical surface 95b3 abuts against the abutting surface 651 in the downstream action body 65, which can guide the second braking force output member 95b towards the third region s3. Furthermore, through the combination of the coupling part 95a2 and the coupled part 95b2, the movement trajectory of the first braking force output member 95a is also determined. Correspondingly, the driving force receiving member 53 is guided towards the second region s2.

[0080] In some embodiments, before the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 are fully engaged, the first helical surface 95a3 can also abut against the driving force receiving surface 531, thereby guiding the driving force receiving component 53 toward the second region s2 through the abutment.

[0081] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, with the rotation of the coupling 6, along the rotation direction r2, the locking part 652 gradually approaches the driving force receiving surface 531. A second action angle α2 is formed between the locking part 652 of the upstream actuator and the driving force receiving surface 531 of the downstream actuator. The angle of the first action angle α1 is greater than the angle of the second action angle α2. The smaller second action angle α2 is more conducive to the barb 95b4 entering the locking space 653. At the same time, as Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown, the barb 95b4 on the second braking force output component 95b enters the third region s3. When the coupling 6 continues to rotate, the barb 95b4 will enter the locking space 653 of the upstream actuator. Along the rotation axis L11, the barb 95b4 is opposite to the locking surface 6520, that is, the barb 95b4 and the locking surface 6520 abut against each other or are spaced apart in the direction of the rotation axis L11. Along the rotation direction r2, the first helical surface 95a3 is opposite to the driving force receiving surface 531, that is, the first helical surface 95a3 and the driving force receiving surface 531 abut against each other or are spaced apart in the rotation direction r2. The coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 are engaged, and the two are locked together along the rotation axis L11 / L9.

[0082] like Figure 5E As shown in the figure, only the second braking force output component 95b and the connecting component 6 are shown to more clearly illustrate their relative positional relationship. Along the rotation direction r2, the second helical surface 95b3 is opposite to the abutment surface 651 of the downstream actuating body. That is, the second helical surface 95b3 and the abutment surface 651 of the downstream actuating body can either abut against each other or be spaced apart. Preferably, the second helical surface 95b3 and the abutment surface 651 are spaced apart. In other words, along the rotation direction r2, a space is formed between the second helical surface 95b3 and the abutment surface 651. Similarly, this space can not only reduce the friction between the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90, but also provide space for the connecting component 6 to rotate in the opposite direction of the rotation direction r2 during the process of the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 disengaging from each other.

[0083] As described above, when the locking surface 6520 is provided with a first surface 6521 and a second surface 6522, during the process of the barb 95b4 entering the locking space 653, the barb 95b4 can first be guided by the first surface 6521, and then the barb 65b4 reaches the position opposite to the second surface 6522.

[0084] When the first helical surface 95a3 is opposite to the driving force receiving surface 531, when the force output mechanism 90 starts to rotate in the rotation direction r9, the driving force output by the force output mechanism 90 is transmitted to the driving force receiving surface 531 through the first helical surface 95a3. The force-receiving member 5 starts to rotate around the rotation direction r2, the base 51 transmits the driving force, and the rotating body 11 is driven to rotate. At the same time, through the combination of the limiting part 55 and the limited part 63, the connecting member 6 is also driven by the force-receiving member 5 to rotate together in the rotation direction r2.

[0085] [Other Notes]

[0086] like Figure 4A As shown, the locking part 652 has a third surface 6523 facing the +x direction. That is, the third surface 6523 is disposed opposite to at least a portion of the locking surface 6520. Specifically, the third surface 6523 is disposed opposite to the second surface 6522. Therefore, along the rotation axis L11, the third surface 6523 is closer to the pushing surface 622 than the locking surface 6520. The third surface 6523 can be referred to as the upper surface of the locking part 652, and the locking surface 6520 can be referred to as the lower surface of the locking part 652.

[0087] The above describes the situation where, during the engagement of coupling 42 and force output mechanism 90, the second braking force output component 95b can directly enter the third region s3 along the rotation axis L11. However, in the actual engagement process, the second braking force output component 95b may be opposite to the upper surface 6523, that is, the second braking force output component 95b is not opposite to the third region s3. At this time, the barb 95b4 will not be able to enter the locking space 653. However, as the force output mechanism 90 rotates along the rotation direction r2 / r9, the second braking force output component 95b gradually stops being opposite to the upper surface 6523 and enters the third region s3. Finally, the barb 95b4 can still smoothly enter the locking space 653.

[0088] Disengagement of the coupling from the force output mechanism

[0089] like Figure 5C and Figure 5DAs shown, during the process of the force output mechanism 90 outputting driving force to the coupling 42, the limiting surface 944 and the pushing surface 622 remain in contact in the direction of the rotation axis L11. When the processing box 100 is removed, the door is opened, and the force output mechanism 90 moves in the +x direction. The elastic force of the elastic pushing component 936 decreases. At this time, the elastic force of the elastic element 421 is greater than the elastic force of the elastic pushing component 936. Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element 421, through the combination of the limiting part 55 and the limited part 63, the force-receiving element 6 begins to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction r2. At the same time, the force-receiving element 6 also extends out of the movable cavity 56 along the rotation axis L11. Thus, along the circumferential direction of the coupling 42 / the circumferential direction of the force output mechanism 90, the barb 95b4 gradually moves away from the locking space 653. Along the rotation axis L11, when the barb 95b4 is no longer opposite the locking surface 6520, the coupling 42 disengages from the force output mechanism 90.

[0090] In summary, during the engagement of the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 as described in this invention, the driving force output part 94 and the braking force output member 95 do not need to be separated along the rotation direction r9. On the contrary, when the force output mechanism 90 outputs driving force, the driving force output part 94 and the braking force output member 95 will move closer to each other. Along the rotation direction r9 of the force output mechanism 90, the driving force output part 94 and the braking force output member 95 can be in contact with each other. The driving force output part 94 and the braking force output member 95 can also be separated by a separator to reduce wear between them. At this time, the driving force output by the driving force output part 94 is transmitted to the braking force output member 95 through the separator. The separator can be an independent component or part of the coupling 42. As the coupling 42 and the force output mechanism 90 are engaged, the separator enters between the driving force output part 94 and the braking force output member 95.

[0091] The driving force output by the driving force output unit 94 is transmitted to the driving force receiving unit 53 through the braking force output member 95. Specifically, the first helical surface 95a3 in the first braking force output member 95a abuts against the driving force receiving surface 531 in the driving force receiving unit 53 to realize the transmission of driving force from the force output mechanism 90 to the coupling 42. That is to say, the coupling 42 does not need to be provided with a structure for forcing the driving force output unit 94 and the braking force output member 95 to separate from each other. As a result, the structure of the coupling 42 can be simplified, and the manufacturing precision requirements and strength requirements of the coupling 42 can be reduced.

Claims

1. A coupling for receiving driving force from a force output mechanism provided in an imaging device, the force output mechanism including a sleeve and a braking force output element disposed in the sleeve; The sleeve includes a sleeve body having a sleeve cavity and multiple driving force output parts integrally formed with the sleeve body, and a braking force output component is disposed in the sleeve cavity; Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the driving force output part and the braking force output part rotate together in the same direction; Its features are, The coupling engages with the braking force output component and rotates by receiving the driving force output from the braking force output component. At this time, the driving force output component and the braking force output component move closer to each other.

2. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The braking force output component includes a first braking force output component and a second braking force output component coaxially arranged, wherein the second braking force output component is closer to the rotation axis of the force output mechanism than the first braking force output component; wherein, Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the first braking force output component engages with the coupling and outputs driving force to the coupling; Along the rotation axis of the coupling, the second braking force output component is locked to the coupling.

3. The coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coupling includes a force-bearing component and a coupling component that are connected to each other. The coupling component is closer to the rotation axis of the coupling than the force-bearing component. The force-bearing component is connected to a first braking force output component, and the coupling component is connected to a second braking force output component.

4. The coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that, The coupling also includes an elastic element disposed between the force-bearing component and the coupling component, the coupling component being configured to move within the force-bearing component along the rotation axis of the coupling and in the rotation direction of the coupling.

5. The coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that, The force-bearing component or connecting component is provided with a connecting groove / hole, and the connecting component or force-bearing component is provided with a connecting protrusion, the connecting protrusion being movable along the connecting groove / hole; The groove / hole is configured as an inclined groove / hole that is tilted relative to the axis of rotation of the coupling, or as a helical groove / hole that extends along the direction of rotation of the coupling.

6. The coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that, The force output mechanism also includes an elastic pushing component disposed in the sleeve cavity. The elastic pushing component is used to push the braking force output component outward from the sleeve cavity, and the elastic force of the elastic pushing component is greater than the elastic force of the elastic component.

7. The coupling according to claim 3, 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that, The connector includes a base and multiple acting bodies that are directly or indirectly connected to the base; Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the plurality of actuators have adjacent upstream and downstream actuators; During the engagement of the coupling and the force output mechanism, at least the downstream actuator and the second braking force output component abut against each other along the rotation direction of the coupling. After the coupling and the force output mechanism are engaged, the upstream actuator engages with the second braking force output component along the rotation axis of the coupling.

8. The coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that, During the engagement of the coupling and the force output mechanism, along the rotation direction of the coupling, the downstream action body and the second braking force output component abut against each other, and the driving force receiving surface in the force-bearing component is spaced apart from the first braking force output component.

9. The coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that, After the coupling and the force output mechanism are engaged, along the rotation direction of the coupling, the downstream action body and the second braking force output component are spaced apart from each other, and the driving force receiving surface in the force-bearing component is opposite to the first braking force output component.

10. The coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that, The coupling also includes a pusher that connects to the base. During the coupling and the force output mechanism connection process and after the coupling and the force output mechanism are connected, the pusher abuts against the force output mechanism along the rotation axis of the coupling.

11. The coupling according to claim 10, characterized in that, The multiple actuators have the same structure. Each actuator includes a protrusion and an abutment surface and a locking part disposed on the protrusion. Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the abutment surface and the locking part are located on both sides of the protrusion. A third region is formed between the locking part of the upstream actuator and the abutment surface of the downstream actuator. The second braking force output component is engaged with the locking part through the third region.

12. The coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that, A locking space is formed between the locking part and the protrusion. A locking surface is formed on the side of the locking part facing the locking space. Along the rotation axis of the coupling, the locking part is closer to the free end face of the pusher than the locking space. The second braking force output component also includes a barb located at its free end and protruding toward the rotation axis of the force output mechanism; When the coupling and the force output mechanism are engaged, the barb enters the locking space and, along the rotation axis of the coupling, the barb is opposite to the locking surface.

13. The coupling according to claim 12, characterized in that, The locking surface has an adjacent first surface and a second surface. Along the rotation direction of the coupling, the first surface is located downstream of the second surface. The first surface is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the coupling, and the second surface is perpendicular to the rotation axis.

14. A rotating component, characterized in that, The rotating component includes interlocking rotating bodies and a coupling as described in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the rotating bodies are driven to rotate by a driving force received by the coupling.

15. A processing box, characterized in that, The processing box includes a housing and a rotating member as described in claim 14, the rotating member being rotatably disposed within the housing.

Images