Processing box

Abstract

This invention provides a processing box that can be detachably installed within an image forming apparatus. The processing box includes: a housing; a photosensitive drum detachably installed within the housing and rotatable from its rotation axis; a power receiving unit disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum; and an auxiliary member for connecting the power receiving unit to a power output unit from the image forming apparatus, thereby causing the power receiving unit to receive driving force from the power output unit to drive the photosensitive drum to rotate. The auxiliary member is made of an elastic material and does not receive driving force from the power output unit. By using the auxiliary member made of elastic material, direct collision between the processing box and the power output unit is avoided during installation into the image forming apparatus, and the power output unit is aligned to ensure proper connection between the power output unit and the power receiving unit of the processing box, thus guaranteeing normal operation of the processing box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing consumables technology, and more particularly to a processing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Within an image forming apparatus, a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive element (i.e., a photosensitive drum) that serves as an image carrier is uniformly charged on its surface based on the principle of electrostatic latent imaging. This allows the developer, using toner, to be selectively adsorbed. Next, the toner image covering the surface of the photosensitive drum is directly transferred to a recording medium or indirectly transferred to the recording medium via a transfer device. Ultimately, a visualized image is formed on the recording medium. Furthermore, the toner image transferred to the recording medium is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image onto the recording medium, thereby recording the image.

[0003] To facilitate user operation and maintenance, modern image forming apparatuses have largely integrated the photosensitive drum, charging device, developing device, cleaning device, etc., into a separate frame that can be detachably installed from the image forming apparatus. Processing boxes with this frame are already widely available on the market and their feasibility has been effectively and fully verified.

[0004] However, during image formation, the processing cartridge and the image forming apparatus need to work closely together and be linked to each other in order to properly overlay the image onto the recording material. Because most processing cartridges and image forming apparatuses are detachably connected, a loose fit can easily occur when they are disassembled and reinstalled, preventing the linkage between the processing cartridge and the image forming apparatus from forming properly. This results in the recording medium failing to record the image correctly, affecting the user experience.

[0005] like Figure 1As shown, in order to achieve a tight fit between the image forming apparatus and the processing box, the prior art discloses an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a processing box 50 installed in the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus includes a power output member that can output power. The power output member can move in the axial direction between a retracted position away from the processing box 50 and an extended position close to the processing box 50. When the power output member is in the retracted position, it cannot engage with the processing box 50, and when the power output member is in the extended position, it can engage with the processing box 50. The existing processing cartridge 50 includes a coupling member 41 that can engage with a power output component and a developing roller gear 31. The coupling member 41 is mounted on one axial end of the photosensitive drum 49 and can drive the photosensitive drum 49 to rotate. The developing roller gear 31 is mounted on one axial end of the developing roller (not shown) and can drive the developing roller to rotate. Projected along the axial direction, at least a portion of the developing roller gear 31 is exposed outside the coverage area of ​​the gear cover 28 to allow the developing roller gear 31 to engage with the power output component. In the engaged state, the developing roller gear 31 can pull the power output component from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0006] Although the coupling component 41 and the developing roller gear 31 of the aforementioned processing cartridge 50 can engage with the power output component, during engagement, the power output component of the electrophotographic imaging device needs to connect to both the coupling component 41 and the developing roller gear 31 simultaneously for the processing cartridge 50 to operate normally. That is, the processing cartridge 50 cannot operate normally if only the coupling component 41 or the developing roller gear 31 is connected. Furthermore, both the coupling component 41 and the developing roller gear 31 connected to the power output component in the aforementioned processing cartridge 50 are fixedly installed and cannot be fine-tuned. When the power output component of a portion of the image forming apparatus cannot extend or retract, or when the power output component extends or retracts excessively due to a collision with the processing cartridge, the power output component cannot connect to the coupling component 41 or the developing roller gear 31. In this case, the processing cartridge 50 cannot be driven by the power output component and cannot operate normally. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a processing box to solve the problems in related art processing boxes where the power receiving part and the developing roller gear, which are both meshed with the power output part, can only ensure the normal operation of the processing box, and where the power output part cannot extend or retract, or where the power output part extends or retracts excessively due to a collision with the processing box.

[0008] This invention provides a processing box, which is detachably installed within an image forming apparatus, the processing box comprising:

[0009] case;

[0010] A photosensitive drum, which is detachably mounted inside the housing and is rotatable from its rotation axis;

[0011] A power receiving unit is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum;

[0012] An auxiliary component is provided to connect the power receiving unit to the power output unit of the image forming apparatus, thereby causing the power receiving unit to receive the driving force from the power output unit to drive the photosensitive drum to rotate.

[0013] The auxiliary component is made of an elastic material and is not used to receive driving force from the power output unit.

[0014] Wherein, along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the auxiliary component is located between the outermost end face of the housing and the outermost end face of the photosensitive drum.

[0015] Furthermore, the auxiliary component is rotatable from its rotation axis, and the rotation center of the auxiliary component is fixed at the end of the processing box near the power receiving part.

[0016] Furthermore, the processing cartridge also includes a developing roller, which is detachably installed in the housing and is rotatable from its rotation axis, the rotation axis of which is parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum;

[0017] The rotation center of the auxiliary component is located on the rotation axis of the developing roller, and the rotation of the auxiliary component does not affect the rotation of the developing roller.

[0018] Furthermore, the processing box further includes a first connector, which includes a sleeve portion. The inner wall of the sleeve portion is disposed on the rotating shaft of the developing roller, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner wall of the sleeve portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rotating shaft of the developing roller in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The auxiliary component is fixedly disposed on the outer wall of the sleeve portion; wherein, the first direction is along the length direction of the developing roller.

[0019] Furthermore, the first connector also includes an isolation portion, the sleeve portion is connected to the isolation portion, and along the first direction, the isolation portion is located at the center of the sleeve portion and the center of the developing roller.

[0020] Furthermore, the inner wall of the sleeve portion is connected to the inner wall of the isolation portion, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall of the sleeve portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall of the isolation portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the rotation center of the auxiliary component is located at the end of the housing.

[0022] Furthermore, the housing includes a first guide mounting portion, and the processing box also includes a second connector, with the auxiliary component disposed on the first guide mounting portion of the housing via the second connector.

[0023] Furthermore, the second connecting member is a bearing, the inner ring of the second connecting member is disposed on the first guide mounting portion, and the auxiliary component is disposed on the outer ring of the second connecting member.

[0024] Furthermore, the auxiliary component is rotatable from its rotation axis and is disposed on the housing. When the processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary component can move from a first position to a second position, thereby causing the power receiving unit to connect with the power output unit from the image forming apparatus.

[0025] Furthermore, when the auxiliary component is in the first position, the projection of the auxiliary component onto the photosensitive drum on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum is at least partially coincident.

[0026] Furthermore, a third connector is provided at the connection between the auxiliary component and the housing to move the auxiliary component from the first position to the second position.

[0027] Furthermore, the third connector includes:

[0028] A rotating component is mounted on the second guide mounting portion of the housing and is rotatable about the second guide mounting portion, wherein the auxiliary component is mounted on the rotating component and moves as the rotating component rotates;

[0029] An elastic member is configured to hold the rotating member such that the auxiliary member is in the first position, and when the rotating member rotates such that the auxiliary member moves relative to the first position to the second position, the elastic member can apply a force to the rotating member opposite to the direction of movement of the auxiliary member.

[0030] Furthermore, the rotating component also extends to provide a first mounting post, and the auxiliary component is mounted on the first mounting post.

[0031] Furthermore, the rotating component is also provided with a first limiting part, one end of the elastic component abuts against the first limiting part, and the other end abuts against the housing.

[0032] Furthermore, the housing is also provided with a second limiting part, which restricts the first mounting post from moving only inside the second limiting part.

[0033] Furthermore, the housing is also provided with a third limiting part, which together with the elastic member restricts the movement of the auxiliary member between the first position and the second position.

[0034] Furthermore, the third connector includes:

[0035] A translational component is mounted on the third guide mounting portion of the housing and is movable along the third guide mounting portion, wherein the auxiliary component is mounted on the translational component and moves with the translational component;

[0036] An elastic member is configured to hold the translational member such that the auxiliary member is in the first position, and when the translational member moves such that the auxiliary member moves relative to the first position to the second position, the elastic member can apply a force to the translational member opposite to the direction of movement of the auxiliary member.

[0037] Furthermore, the translational component is provided with a second mounting post, and the auxiliary component is mounted on the second mounting post.

[0038] Furthermore, the translational member is also provided with a fourth limiting part, one end of the elastic member abuts against the fourth limiting part, and the other end abuts against the third guide mounting part.

[0039] Furthermore, the third guide mounting part includes an inner side plate and an outer side plate. The end of the second mounting post away from the translation member is also provided with a first buckle. The first buckle passes through the waist-shaped groove on the inner side plate and abuts against the inner side plate. The translation member is also provided with a second buckle. The second buckle passes through the slide rail on the outer side plate and abuts against the outer side plate. The auxiliary member is placed between the outer side plate and the inner side plate.

[0040] Furthermore, the movement trajectory of the auxiliary component from the first position to the second position is located below the photosensitive drum when the processing box is placed on a horizontal plane.

[0041] Furthermore, the processing cartridge also includes a developing roller, and the movement trajectory of the auxiliary component from the first position to the second position does not coincide with the projection of the developing roller onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0042] By adopting the above technical solution, during the installation of the processing box onto the image forming apparatus using the auxiliary component made of elastic material, direct collision between the processing box and the power output unit is avoided. Simultaneously, the power output unit is aligned so that it can connect with the power receiving unit of the processing box, ensuring the normal operation of the processing box. Furthermore, the power output unit only needs to connect to the power receiving unit of the processing box to operate; the auxiliary component does not act as a receiving part of the driving force, simplifying the operating conditions of the processing box. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 For existing technology processing boxes;

[0044] Figure 2 This is an overall view of the processing box provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 An exploded view of the processing box provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection between the processing box and the power output unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the auxiliary component and the first connector provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connector provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 7 This is an overall view of the processing box provided in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 8 An exploded view of the processing box provided in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the connection between the processing box and the power output unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the auxiliary component and the first guide mounting part in the processing box provided in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 11 An overall view of the processing box provided in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 12 An exploded view of the processing box provided in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the connection between the processing box and the power output unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary component and the third connector in the processing box provided in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third connector provided in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 16 This is an overall view of the processing box provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 17 An exploded view of the processing box provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the processing box and the power output unit of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary component and the third connector in the processing box provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the auxiliary component and the third connector in the processing box provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating component in the third connector provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 22 This is an overall view of the processing box provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 23 An exploded view of the processing box provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the processing box and the power output unit of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary component and the fourth connector in the processing box provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 26 This is a structural schematic diagram of the translational component in the fourth connector provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the upper frame of the processing box housing provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third guide mounting part on the processing box provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 29 This is another structural schematic diagram of the processing box provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure label:

[0073] 1. Shell;

[0074] 1A, Upper frame; 1A1, Positioning hole;

[0075] 1B, lower frame; 1B1, socket; 1B2, end cap;

[0076] 1C1, First guide installation unit;

[0077] 1C2, Second guide installation unit;

[0078] 1C3, Third guide mounting part; 1C31, Inner side plate; 1C311, Waist-shaped groove; 1C32, Outer side plate; 1C321, Slot; 1C322, First section; 1C323, Second section; 1C324, First opening; 1C325, Second opening; 1C326, Limiting post;

[0079] 1D1, Second limiting part;

[0080] 1D2, Third limiting part;

[0081] 2. Photosensitive drum;

[0082] 3. Developing roller;

[0083] 4. Positioning pin;

[0084] 5. Power receiving unit; 5A. Protruding part;

[0085] 6. Auxiliary components;

[0086] 7A, First connecting member; 7A1, Sleeve portion; 7A11, Inner wall of sleeve portion; 7A12, Outer wall of sleeve portion; 7A2, Isolation portion;

[0087] 7B, Third connecting member; 7B1, Rotating member; 7B11, First mounting part; 7B12, First limiting part; 7B2, First elastic member; 7B3, Fixing member;

[0088] 7C, Fourth connector; 7C1, Translation component; 7C11, Second mounting post; 7C12, Fourth limiting part; 7C13, First buckle; 7C14, Second buckle; 7C15, First plate; 7C16, Second plate; 7C2, Second elastic component;

[0089] 8. Developing roller gears;

[0090] A1. The axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum;

[0091] W1, steps;

[0092] L1, width of the first plate;

[0093] L2, width of the second plate;

[0094] L3, First opening width;

[0095] L4, second opening width;

[0096] S, space. Detailed Implementation

[0097] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0098] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in embodiments of this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a common dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as being interpreted in an idealized or highly formalized sense, unless expressly defined in this embodiment of the invention.

[0099] The terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” and “horizontal” used in the embodiments of this invention indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this embodiment is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this invention.

[0100] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the embodiments of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Similarly, terms such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The steps preceding or following the steps in the method of the embodiments of this invention are not necessarily performed precisely in sequence. Instead, various steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from these processes.

[0101] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a processing box that can be detachably installed within an image forming apparatus. The processing box includes: a housing; a photosensitive drum detachably installed within the housing and rotatable from its rotation axis; a power receiving unit disposed at an end of the photosensitive drum; and an auxiliary member for connecting the power receiving unit to a power output unit from the image forming apparatus, thereby causing the power receiving unit to receive a driving force from the power output unit to drive the photosensitive drum to rotate. The auxiliary member is made of an elastic material and is not used to receive the driving force from the power output unit, while the power receiving unit is used to receive the driving force from the power output unit of the image forming apparatus from outside the processing box to drive the photosensitive drum to rotate.

[0102] In the processing box of the above embodiments of the present invention, since the auxiliary member is made of an elastic material, the auxiliary member, being made of an elastic material, prevents direct collision between the processing box and the power output unit during installation into the image forming apparatus. It also helps to align the power output unit so that it can connect with the power receiving unit of the processing box, ensuring the normal operation of the processing box. Furthermore, the power output unit only needs to connect to the power receiving unit of the processing box to operate; the auxiliary member does not act as a receiving part of the driving force, thus simplifying the operating conditions of the processing box.

[0103] The embodiments and examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] Please see Figure 2 , 7Figures 11, 16, and 22 are overall views of the processing cartridge 100 provided in different embodiments of the present invention, wherein the processing cartridge 100 includes at least a housing 1, a photosensitive drum 2, and a developing roller 3.

[0105] The direction of the rotation axis A1 of the photosensitive drum 2 is defined as the first direction X;

[0106] The installation direction of the processing box 100 is defined as the second direction Y;

[0107] The installation direction of the photosensitive drum 2 is defined as the third direction Z.

[0108] In the first direction X, one end of the processing box 100 is a drive end that receives the driving force of the power output unit of the image forming apparatus (not shown), and the other end is a non-drive end.

[0109] It should be noted that, in cases such as Figure 2-28 In the provided embodiments, the structure and position of the auxiliary components and their corresponding connectors (first connector 7A, second connector, third connector 7B, and fourth connector 7C) in the processing box are basically the same, except that the structure and position of the other parts are different.

[0110] It should be noted that you should refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 , 8 Figures 12, 17, and 23 are exploded views of the processing box 100 provided in different embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the housing 1 is composed of an upper frame 1A and a lower frame 1B. The upper frame 1A is the component on which the photosensitive drum 2 is mounted, and the lower frame 1B is the component on which the developing roller 3 is mounted. The upper frame 1A and the lower frame 1B are movable relative to each other. Specifically, the lower frame 1B is provided with an insertion hole 1B1, and the upper frame 1A is provided with a positioning hole 1A1. During the installation of the processing box 100, the upper frame 1A moves from top to bottom along the second direction Y until the positioning hole 1A1 on the upper frame 1A and the insertion hole 1B1 of the lower frame 1B are on the same straight line (that is, the center line of the positioning hole 1A1 and the center line of the insertion hole 1B1 overlap in the first direction X). Then, the positioning pin 4 passes through the positioning hole 1A1 and the insertion hole 1B1 in sequence, thereby locking the upper frame 1A and the lower frame 1B. The upper frame 1A and the lower frame 1B can then rotate relative to the positioning pin 4 as the pivot center, so that the photosensitive drum 2 of the upper frame 1A and the developing roller 3 of the lower frame 1B are either in close contact or separated.

[0111] Please see Figure 4 , 9 Figures 13, 18, and 24 are schematic diagrams showing the connection between the processing box 100 and the power output unit 200 of the image forming apparatus according to different embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the process of connecting the power output unit 200 of the image forming apparatus (not shown) to the drive end of the processing box 100 will be described in detail.

[0112] The power output unit 200 is a transmission component that is connected to the image forming apparatus and rotates the image forming apparatus when it is energized and operating normally. The power output unit 200 is generally cylindrical and may include a connecting recess (not shown) and a gear portion 200A. The connecting recess (not shown) is located at the end of the cylindrical power output unit 200 near the processing cartridge 100, while the gear portion 200A covers a portion of the cylindrical power output unit 200. When the processing cartridge 100 is normally installed in the image forming apparatus, the processing cartridge 100 moves from its starting position in the image forming apparatus to a predetermined position via a slide (not shown) in the image forming apparatus. This predetermined position is actually the position where the connecting recess (not shown) connects to the power receiving unit 5 of the processing cartridge 100, which is located at the end of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0113] In some image forming apparatuses, the power output unit 200 can swing and move to a certain extent (so that before the processing cartridge 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus, a certain installation space margin is formed inside the image forming apparatus through the swingable power output unit 200, and this installation space margin can be changed through the power output unit 200 before or after the processing cartridge 100 is installed). Before or during the installation of the processing cartridge 100, the power output unit 200 is in a retracted state, specifically, the power output unit 200 is retracted into the inner wall of the image forming apparatus; after the processing cartridge 100 is installed, the power output unit 200 is in an extended state, specifically, the power output unit 200 is extended from the inner wall of the image forming apparatus.

[0114] In some image forming apparatuses, before the processing cartridge 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus, when the power output section 200 is in a retracted state, the power output section 200 is tilted due to swinging; while after the processing cartridge 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus, when the power output section 200 is in an extended state, the power output section 200 is parallel due to swinging (approximately parallel to the first direction X), so that the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output section 200 is connected to the power receiving section 5 of the processing cartridge 100, thereby causing the photosensitive drum 2 to rotate.

[0115] It should be noted that the connecting recess (not shown) and the gear portion 200A are arranged simultaneously in a first direction X, parallel to the rotation axis A1 of the photosensitive drum 2, and their center lines are parallel and overlap each other. That is, the gear portion 200A and the connecting recess (not shown) are arranged coaxially.

[0116] The connecting recess (not shown) of the power output section 200 has a roughly triangular cross-section that is recessed inward by a certain distance from the cylindrical power output section 200; conversely, the power receiving section 5 has a protruding portion 5A with a roughly triangular cross-section. Both the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output section 200 and the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving section 5 are arranged in a manner that is generally twisted (tilted) from one end to the other along the first direction X.

[0117] In order to ensure that the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 is properly connected to the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100, so as to ensure that the processing box 100 can smoothly receive driving force from the power output unit 200 of the image forming apparatus, this embodiment provides an auxiliary member 6 made of elastic material.

[0118] When the processing unit 100 moves from the starting position of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined position via a slide (not shown) in the image forming apparatus, the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 connects with the power receiving unit 5 of the processing unit 100, and the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 contacts the auxiliary member 6. Since the auxiliary member 6 is made of an elastic material, when the gear portion 200A contacts the auxiliary member 6, the gear portion 200A has a certain amount of movement margin on the surface in contact with the auxiliary member 6, and the frictional force between the gear portion 200A and the auxiliary member 6 can adjust the tilt angle of the power output unit 200, and can adjust the power output unit 200 in the tilted position to the upright position, thereby enabling the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 and the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving unit 5 to connect normally, so as to ensure the normal operation of the processing unit 100.

[0119] It should be noted that if the auxiliary member 6, made of elastic material, has gear teeth, then when the auxiliary member 6 contacts the gear part 200A, the meshing of the gear teeth made of elastic material in the auxiliary member 6 with the gear part 200A will make the contact and meshing between the gear teeth of the auxiliary member 6 and the gear part 200A unstable. This will prevent the power output section 200, which is in an inclined position, from being adjusted to the upright position, and consequently prevent the connection between the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output section 200 and the protruding part 5A of the power receiving section 5 from being properly connected. This will make it difficult to ensure the normal operation of the processing box 100. Therefore, generally speaking, if... Figure 2As shown, the auxiliary member 6 made of elastic material in this invention does not have a gear tooth portion. This ensures that the auxiliary member 6 and the gear portion 200A have more stable contact, thereby enabling the connection recess (not shown) of the power output portion 200 and the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving portion 5 to connect normally, so as to ensure the normal operation of the processing box 100.

[0120] The elastic material can be rubber, and the auxiliary component 6 can be constructed as a rubber wheel or a rubber body.

[0121] Please see Figure 29 In some embodiments, viewed from the first direction X toward the housing 1, the processing box 100 has a space S in which a portion of the auxiliary member 6 is exposed. It should be noted that this space S is primarily used to accommodate the power output unit 200, allowing the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 to connect with the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100. Viewed from the first direction X toward the housing 1, because this space S can accommodate the power output unit 200 and its gear portion 200A, the space S is slightly larger than the power output unit 200.

[0122] More specifically, in the cross-section of the housing 1 passing through the gear portion 200A and perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 2, an imaginary circle C with a radius slightly larger than that of the power output portion 200 and its gear portion 200A is drawn around the photosensitive drum 2. Accordingly, the interior of this imaginary circle C is a space where no constituent elements exist. The space defined by this imaginary circle C is included in the aforementioned space S. That is, space S is greater than or equal to the space defined by the imaginary circle C.

[0123] The following is an explanation of this in another way. In the cross-section described above, an imaginary circle C concentric with the photosensitive drum 2 is drawn. The radius R1 of the imaginary circle C can be the distance from the axis from the photosensitive drum 2 to the inner wall of the upper frame 1A portion of the housing 1, or the radius R1 of the imaginary circle C can also be the distance from the axis from the photosensitive drum 2 to the inner wall of the upper frame 1A portion of the housing 1.

[0124] It should be noted that the auxiliary component 6 of this application is only partially exposed in the space S. When the processing box 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary component 6 will not affect the installation of the processing box 100, nor will it affect the rotation of the power output unit 200. At the same time, the auxiliary component 6 can also ensure that the power output unit 200 can be properly aligned so that the power output unit 200 can be connected to the power receiving unit 5 located on the side of the photosensitive drum 2 in the processing box 100.

[0125] It should be noted that, viewed from the position of the housing 1 in the first direction X, the processing box 100 has a space S, and a portion of the auxiliary component 6 is exposed in the space S. This is not only reflected in the first embodiment of the present invention, but also in all embodiments provided by the present invention. However, only the first embodiment is used as an example for detailed description. Other embodiments can be referred to for comparison.

[0126] like Figure 2-28 As shown, especially as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in figures 7, 8, 11, 12, 16, 17, 22, and 23, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2, at least a portion of the auxiliary member 6 is located between the outermost end face of the housing 1 and the outermost end face of the photosensitive drum 2. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2, the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 is also substantially located between the outermost end face of the housing 1 and the outermost end face of the photosensitive drum 2. Therefore, the location of at least a portion of the auxiliary member 6 between the outermost end face of the housing 1 and the outermost end face of the photosensitive drum 2 facilitates better contact between the auxiliary member 6 and the gear portion, thereby enabling better connection between the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 and the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving unit 5, ensuring the normal operation of the processing box 100.

[0127] The auxiliary component 6 can be located between the outermost end face of the housing 1 and the outermost end face of the photosensitive drum 2 when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2; or it can be located entirely between the outermost end face of the housing 1 and the outermost end face of the photosensitive drum 2 when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0128] Please see Figure 2-5 ,in, Figure 5 An exploded view of the auxiliary component and the first connecting member provided in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2-5 As shown, an embodiment is provided in which the auxiliary member 6 is rotatable from its rotation axis, and the rotation center of the auxiliary member 6 is fixed at the end of the processing box 100 near the power receiving part 5 in the first direction X. The auxiliary member 6 can be disposed on the housing 1, or it can be coaxially rotatable with other rotatable components in the processing box 100, for example: Figure 3 As shown, the developing roller 3 is detachably installed inside the housing 1 and can rotate on its own axis. The axis of rotation of the developing roller 3 is parallel to the axis of rotation A1 of the photosensitive drum 2. The auxiliary component 6 can be disposed on the axis of rotation of the developing roller 3. The auxiliary component 6 can be cylindrical or polygonal. In the embodiments provided in this specification, the auxiliary component 6 is generally cylindrical.

[0129] Fixing the rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 in the processing box 100 helps the auxiliary component 6 rotate more stably, thereby enabling the connection recess (not shown) of the power output section 200 and the protruding part 5A of the power receiving section 5 to connect properly, thus ensuring the normal operation of the processing box 100.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing roller 3 is detachably installed inside the housing 1 and can rotate from its rotation axis. The rotation axis of the developing roller 3 is parallel to the rotation axis A1 of the photosensitive drum 2, that is, the rotation axis of the developing roller 3 is parallel to the first direction X.

[0131] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3-5 As shown, the rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 is located on the rotation axis of the developing roller 3, and the rotation of the auxiliary component 6 does not affect the rotation of the developing roller 3. Since, generally, at least one end of the rotation axis of the developing roller 3 and the rotatable component in the processing cartridge 100 is directly fixed to the side end of the housing 1, and when the rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 is directly located on the rotation axis of the developing roller 3, as... Figure 3 As shown, one end of the developing roller 3 is still located on the side of the housing 1. Therefore, by directly setting the rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 on the rotation axis of the developing roller 3, it is not necessary to change the assembly position of the rotation axis of the developing roller 3 and the assembly position of the rotation axis of other rotatable components in the processing box 100. This facilitates the simple assembly of the developing roller 3 and other rotatable components in the processing box 100, while also ensuring the stable installation and rotation of the auxiliary component 6.

[0132] like Figure 5 As shown, the processing cartridge 100 also includes a first connector 7A, and the rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 is set on the rotation axis of the developing roller 3 via the first connector 7A. See also... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connector 7A provided in the first embodiment of the present invention. The first connector 7A includes a sleeve portion 7A1. The inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 is disposed on the rotation axis of the developing roller 3. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rotation axis of the developing roller 3 on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X. The auxiliary component 6 is fixedly disposed on the outer wall 7A12 of the sleeve portion 7A1. The first direction X is along the length direction of the developing roller 3. Since the length direction of the developing roller 3 is the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 3, and the rotation axis of the developing roller 3 is parallel to the rotation axis A1 of the photosensitive drum 2, the first direction X is also the direction of the rotation axis A1 of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0133] Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rotating shaft of the developing roller 3 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X, the sleeve portion 7A1 and the developing roller 3 are not tightly fitted. Therefore, the rotation of the sleeve portion 7A1 will not drive the rotation of the developing roller 3, and the rotation of the developing roller 3 will not drive the rotation of the sleeve portion 7A1. That is, the rotation of the sleeve portion 7A1 and the rotation of the developing roller 3 do not affect each other. Consequently, the rotation of the first connecting member 7A does not affect the rotation of the developing roller 3. Furthermore, since the auxiliary member 6 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall 7A12 of the sleeve portion 7A1, the auxiliary member 6 will rotate synchronously with the sleeve portion 7A1. Therefore, the auxiliary member 6 and the first connecting member 7A rotate synchronously. Since the rotation of the first connecting member 7A does not affect the rotation of the developing roller 3, the rotation of the auxiliary member 6 does not affect the rotation of the developing roller 3.

[0134] Wherein, if the rotating shaft of the developing roller 3 is cylindrical, the inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 is also cylindrical. Consequently, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rotating shaft of the developing roller 3 in the same plane. This includes: the cross-sectional diameter of the inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the rotating shaft of the developing roller 3 in the same plane. The shape of the inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 is adjusted according to actual conditions to ensure that the rotation of the sleeve portion 7A1 and the rotation of the developing roller 3 do not interfere with each other.

[0135] In other embodiments, the first connector 7A may also be a bearing, and the inner ring of the first connector 7A is disposed on the rotating shaft of the developing roller 3, and the auxiliary component 6 is fixedly disposed on the outer ring of the first connector 7A.

[0136] To prevent the auxiliary component 6 from moving towards the center of the developing roller 3 in the first direction X when it contacts the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200, thereby causing the sleeve portion 7A1 in the first connecting member 7A to move towards the center of the developing roller 3 in the first direction X and affecting the operation of the developing roller 3, the first connecting member 7A also includes an isolation portion 7A2, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the sleeve portion 7A1 is connected to the isolation portion 7A2, and along the first direction X, the isolation portion 7A2 is located at the center of the sleeve portion 7A1 and the developing roller 3. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion 7A1 and the isolation portion 7A2 are integrally formed. The isolation portion 7A2 can isolate the auxiliary component 6 and the main working area of ​​the developing roller 3, thereby avoiding the influence of the auxiliary component 6 on the operation of the developing roller 3.

[0137] The inner wall 7A11 of the sleeve portion 7A1 is connected to the inner wall of the isolation portion 7A2. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall 7A12 of the sleeve portion 7A1 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall of the isolation portion 7A2 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0138] If the outer wall 7A12 of the sleeve portion 7A1 is cylindrical, and the outer wall of the isolation portion 7A2 is also cylindrical, then the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall 7A12 of the sleeve portion 7A1 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall of the isolation portion 7A2 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X. This includes: the cross-sectional diameter of the outer wall 7A12 of the sleeve portion 7A1 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer wall of the isolation portion 7A2 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X. The shape of the outer wall 7A12 of the sleeve portion 7A1 is adjusted according to the actual situation and fits with the connection of the auxiliary member 6. The shape of the outer wall of the isolation portion 7A2 can also be adjusted according to the actual situation and is not limited to being cylindrical.

[0139] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the processing box 100 also includes a developing roller gear 8, which is disposed at the midpoint between the isolation section 7A2 and the center of the developing roller 3 along the length direction of the developing roller 3.

[0140] Among them, such as Figure 6 As shown, a chamfer may be provided on the sleeve portion 7A1, and a chamfer may also be provided on the isolation portion 7A2.

[0141] In other embodiments, such as Figure 7-10 As shown, where, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the processing box 100 provided in the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 is set on the end of the housing 1. The rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 is set on the end of the housing 1. The projections of the auxiliary component 6 and the developing roller 3 on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X may or may not coincide, depending on the actual situation.

[0142] Specifically, the housing 1 includes a first guide mounting portion 1C1, and the processing box 100 also includes a second connector (not shown). The auxiliary component 6 is disposed on the first guide mounting portion 1C1 of the housing 1 via the second connector (not shown). In some embodiments, the lower frame 1B also includes an end cap 1B2, on which the first guide mounting portion 1C1 is disposed. Furthermore, the first guide mounting portion 1C1 and the end cap 1B2 can also be integrally formed.

[0143] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second connector (not shown) is a bearing, the inner ring of the second connector (not shown) is disposed on the first guide mounting portion 1C1, and the auxiliary component 6 is disposed on the outer ring of the second connector (not shown). Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first guide mounting portion 1C1 is a mounting post extending and protruding from the end cap 1B2. The inner ring of the bearing, which serves as the second connector (not shown), is disposed on this mounting post, and the auxiliary member 6 is disposed on the outer ring of the bearing, which serves as the second connector (not shown). In other embodiments, the structure of the second connector (not shown) may also refer to the structural design of the first connector 7A.

[0144] exist Figure 7-10 In the illustrated embodiment, as long as the end cap is stably connected to other components in the housing, the rotation center of the auxiliary component can be stably fixed on the end of the processing box, thereby enabling the connection recess (not shown) of the power output section 200 and the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving section 5 to be normally and stably connected, ensuring the normal operation of the processing box 100. Furthermore, since the rotation center of the auxiliary component 6 is directly set on the end cap 1B2 in this embodiment, and the structure of the second connector is simple, the configuration of the auxiliary component in this embodiment is conceptually simple and structurally simple, while ensuring the normal operation of the processing box.

[0145] like Figure 11-28 As shown, another embodiment is provided, in which the auxiliary member 6 is rotatable from its rotation axis. The auxiliary member 6 is disposed on the housing 1. When the processing box 100 is installed to the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary member 6 can move from a first position to a second position, thereby causing the power receiving unit 5 to connect with the power output unit 200 from the image forming apparatus.

[0146] It should be noted that the auxiliary component 6 can move from the first position to the second position. The first position is the initial position before the processing box 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus, and the second position is the contact position after the processing box 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus.

[0147] like Figure 13 , Figure 18 and Figure 24 The diagram shows both the state before the processing cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus and the state after the processing cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus. The auxiliary member 6 is installed at the drive end of the processing cartridge 100, which receives the driving force from the power output unit 200 of the image forming apparatus. Please also refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 11-28The auxiliary component 6 is provided with a third connector 7B or a fourth connector 7C at the connection between it and the housing 1. The third connector 7B or the fourth connector 7C can move the auxiliary component 6 from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position. Its movement path is either a curved offset or a straight offset.

[0148] like Figure 14 , Figure 19 and Figure 25 As shown, when the auxiliary member 6 is in the first position, the processing cartridge 100 is not installed in the image forming apparatus. On the plane perpendicular to the first direction X, the projection of the auxiliary member 6 and the photosensitive drum 2 at least partially overlap. When the processing cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary member 6 shifts from the first position to the second position. During this process, the auxiliary member 6 continuously contacts the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus. When the auxiliary member 6 reaches the second position, it can effectively and stably contact the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus. Since the gear portion 200A and the photosensitive drum 2 overlap on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X, the projections of the auxiliary member 6 and the photosensitive drum 2 on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X are essentially not overlapping. If, when the auxiliary member 6 is in the first position, its projection on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X does not coincide with that of the photosensitive drum 2, it may cause the auxiliary member 6 to disengage from the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus when the processing cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus, thus preventing effective contact and affecting the operation of the processing cartridge 100. Therefore, when the auxiliary member 6 is in the first position, at least part of its projection on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X coincides with that of the photosensitive drum 2, ensuring that the auxiliary member 6 contacts the gear portion 200A in advance, thereby making the contact and the relative force generated during operation smoother.

[0149] In the first direction X, the end of the auxiliary member 6 is arranged to be closer to the inner wall of the image forming apparatus (i.e., closer to the drive end) than the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving part 5.

[0150] In other words, before the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 of the image forming apparatus is connected to the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving unit 5, the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 will first contact the auxiliary member 6. Since the auxiliary member 6 is made of an elastic material, the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 has a certain amount of movement margin on the surface in contact with the auxiliary member 6. Thus, the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 can rotate when in contact with the auxiliary member 6, and at the same time drive the self-rotating auxiliary member 6 to rotate. Due to the force between them, the auxiliary member 6 can also adjust the tilt angle of the power output unit 200 while rotating, and can adjust the power output unit 200 in the tilted position to the upright position, so that the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 and the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving unit 5 can be connected normally to ensure the normal operation of the processing box 100.

[0151] like Figure 11-21 As shown, an embodiment is provided in which the movement path of the auxiliary component 6 is a curved offset, and it is connected to the housing 1 through the third connector 7B, and in Figure 11-15 In one embodiment, the movement trajectory of the auxiliary member 6 from the first position to the second position is located below the photosensitive drum 2 when the processing box 100 is placed on a horizontal plane.

[0152] As mentioned earlier, in some image forming apparatuses, the power output unit 200 can swing and move to a certain extent. Therefore, before the processing cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus, the power output unit 200 is tilted due to the swing, and the power output unit 200 tilts downward due to gravity. When the processing cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus, although the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus is connected to the power receiving unit 5 of the processing cartridge 100 and no longer tilts downward, it still has a tendency to tilt downward due to its swinging structure and gravity. Therefore, when the auxiliary member 6 is positioned such that its movement trajectory from the first position to the second position is below the photosensitive drum 2 when the processing box 100 is placed on a horizontal plane, the auxiliary member 6 can not only connect the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus with the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100, but also support the power output unit 200 which is tilting downwards due to gravity. This makes the connection between the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus and the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100 more stable and effective, thereby improving the working efficiency of the processing box 100.

[0153] Specifically, the third connector 7B includes a rotating member 7B1 and a first elastic member 7B2. The rotating member 7B1 is mounted on the second guide mounting portion 1C2 of the housing 1 and is rotatable about the second guide mounting portion 1C2. An auxiliary member 6 is mounted on the rotating member 7B1 and moves as the rotating member 7B1 rotates. The first elastic member 7B2 is configured to hold the rotating member 7B1 such that the auxiliary member 6 is in a first position. When the rotating member 7B1 rotates and the auxiliary member 6 moves relative to the first position to a second position, the first elastic member 7B2 can apply a force to the rotating member 7B1 opposite to the direction of movement of the auxiliary member 6. This allows the first elastic member 7B2 to apply a force to the auxiliary member 6 via the rotating member 7B1, causing the auxiliary member 6 to come closer to the gear portion 200A. This results in better contact between the auxiliary member 6 and the gear portion 200A, thereby enabling a more stable and effective connection between the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus and the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100, and improving the working efficiency of the processing box 100.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second guide mounting part 1C2 is disposed on the end cap 1B2 of the lower frame 1B. Furthermore, the second guide mounting part 1C2 and the end cap 1B2 can also be integrally formed.

[0155] Furthermore, the second guide mounting part 1C2 can be a mounting post extending and protruding from the end cover 1B2. The rotating member 7B1 is mounted on the mounting post, which is the second guide mounting part 1C2, via a bearing. Specifically, the inner ring of the bearing is mounted on the mounting post, which is the second guide mounting part 1C2, and the rotating member 7B1 is mounted on the outer ring of the bearing.

[0156] Furthermore, the rotating member 7B1 also extends to provide a first mounting post 7B11. In some embodiments, the first mounting post 7B11 may be a mounting post extending and protruding from the rotating member 7B1. The auxiliary member 6 is mounted on the first mounting post 7B11. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 6 is mounted on the first mounting post 7B11 via a bearing, thereby allowing the auxiliary member 6 to rotate on the first mounting post 7B11.

[0157] Furthermore, the rotating member 7B1 is also provided with a first limiting part 7B12, one end of the first elastic member 7B2 abuts against the first limiting part 7B12, and the other end abuts against the housing 1.

[0158] in, Figure 11-15In the illustrated embodiment, the first elastic member 7B2 is a spring, and the first limiting portion 7B12 is a cylindrical structure extending from the main body of the rotating member 7B1. One end of the spring, which is part of the first elastic member 7B2, is fitted onto this cylindrical structure, and the other end of the spring, which is also part of the first elastic member 7B2, abuts against the housing 1. Therefore, the end of the rotating member 7B1 near the first elastic member 7B2 can rotate around the rotation center of the rotating member 7B1 within the elastic range of the spring, thereby driving the auxiliary member 6 on the rotating member 7B1 to move between the first position and the second position. Figure 14 In the first position, when the spring 7B2, which is the first elastic member, is not under stress, the auxiliary member 6 is in the first position. At this time, the processing box 100 has not yet been installed into the image forming apparatus. When the spring 7B2, which is the first elastic member, is under compression, the auxiliary member 6 is in the second position. At this time, the processing box 100 has been installed into the image forming apparatus and the auxiliary member 6 is in contact with the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200. At this time, the spring 7B2, which is the first elastic member, applies a force to the rotating member 7B1 that is opposite to the direction of movement of the auxiliary member 6.

[0159] Furthermore, the housing 1 is also provided with a third limiting part 1D2, which, together with the first elastic member 7B2, restricts the movement of the auxiliary member 6 between the first position and the second position. Specifically, as shown... Figure 14 As shown, the third limiting part 1D2 and the spring, which serves as the first elastic member 7B2, together restrict the movement of the auxiliary member 6 between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, the third limiting part 1D2 may be provided on the lower frame 1B1 of the housing 1, and furthermore, the third limiting part 1D2 and the lower frame 1B1 may be integrally formed.

[0160] Figure 16-21 In the embodiment shown, the first elastic member 7B2 is a torsion spring, and the first limiting part 7B12 is a protrusion extending from the main body of the rotating member 7B1. One end of the torsion spring, which is the first elastic member 7B2, is hooked to the protrusion, and the other end abuts against the housing 1. Figure 18 and 19In the image forming apparatus, when the processing cartridge 100 is not yet installed, the torsion spring, which is the first elastic member 7B2, is in a free-arm state, and the auxiliary member 6 is in the first position. During the installation of the processing cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus, the torsion spring, which is the first elastic member 7B2, undergoes elastic deformation. When the processing cartridge 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary member 6 is in the second position, and at this time, the first limiting part 7B12 abuts against the housing 1 to restrict the auxiliary member 6 from moving beyond the second position in the direction from the first position to the second position. At this time, the torsion spring, which is the first elastic member 7B2, applies a torque to the rotating member 7B1, causing the auxiliary member 6 to move in the opposite direction. Therefore, the first limiting part 7B12 can restrict the movement of the auxiliary member 6 between the first and second positions.

[0161] In one embodiment where the first elastic member 7B2 is a torsion spring, the second guide mounting portion 1C2 is disposed on the housing 1. The second guide mounting portion 1C2 may be a mounting post extending and protruding from the housing 1. The rotating member 7B1 is mounted on the mounting post serving as the second guide mounting portion 1C2 via a bearing. Specifically, the inner ring of the bearing is mounted on the mounting post serving as the second guide mounting portion 1C2, and the rotating member 7B1 is mounted on the outer ring of the bearing.

[0162] Furthermore, the second guide mounting portion 1C2 is also hollow and has internal threads (not shown) on its inner wall. The third connecting member 7B also includes a fixing member 7B3, which is detachably installed into the second guide mounting portion 1C2 to restrict the first direction X movement of the rotating member 7B1. Specifically, the outer surface of the fixing member 7B3 has external threads (not shown). When the rotating member 7B1 is installed into the second guide mounting portion 1C2, the fixing member 7B3 can be inserted into the second guide mounting portion 1C2 and its external thread engages with the internal thread of the second guide mounting portion 1C2 to fix the fixing member 7B3 on the second guide mounting portion 1C2, thereby restricting the first direction X movement of the rotating member 7B1.

[0163] Furthermore, the housing 1 is also provided with a second limiting part 1D1, which is constructed as a groove on the housing 1. One end of the first mounting post 7B11 is connected to the rotating member 7B1, and the other end is disposed in the groove that serves as the second limiting part 1D1. The auxiliary member 6 is fixedly installed in both ends of the first mounting post 7B11. The groove that serves as the second limiting part 1D1 can restrict the first mounting post 7B11 to move only inside the second limiting part 1D1, thereby restricting the auxiliary member 6 to move between the first position and the second position.

[0164] It should be noted that, Figure 16-21 In the embodiment shown, the movement trajectory of the auxiliary component 6 from the first position to the second position is related to the developing roller ( Figure 16-21(Not shown) The projection of the auxiliary member 6 onto a plane perpendicular to the first direction X does not coincide. Unlike the embodiment where the rotation center of the auxiliary member 6 is fixed, in the embodiment where the auxiliary member 6 can move from the first position to the second position, the rotation center of the auxiliary member 6 is not simply set in the processing cartridge 100. If the movement trajectory of the auxiliary member 6 from the first position to the second position coincides with the developing roller (… Figure 16-21 If the projection of the auxiliary component 6 (not shown) onto a plane perpendicular to the first direction X at least partially coincides, it will inevitably affect the assembly of the developing roller on the housing 1. Therefore, the movement trajectory of the auxiliary component 6 from the first position to the second position will be different from that of the developing roller. Figure 16-21 (Not shown) The projections on the plane perpendicular to the first direction X do not coincide, which has the advantage of not affecting the assembly of the developing roller on the housing 1, thus making the assembly of the developing roller simpler, and not affecting the assembly and operation of the auxiliary component 6.

[0165] like Figure 22-28 As shown, an embodiment is provided in which the movement path of the auxiliary component 6 is a straight line offset. It is connected to the housing 1 via a fourth connector 7C. In this embodiment, the movement trajectory of the auxiliary component 6 from the first position to the second position is parallel to that of the developing roller. Figure 22-28 (Not shown in the image) The projections of the two objects onto the plane perpendicular to the first direction X do not coincide.

[0166] Specifically, the fourth connector 7C includes a translation member 7C1 and a second elastic member 7C2. The translation member 7C1 is mounted on the third guide mounting portion 1C3 of the housing 1 and is movable along the third guide mounting portion 1C3. The auxiliary member 6 is mounted on the translation member 7C1 and moves with the translation member 7C1. The second elastic member 7C2 is configured to hold the translation member 7C1 such that the auxiliary member 6 is in a first position. When the translation member 7C1 moves such that the auxiliary member 6 moves relative to the first position to a second position, the second elastic member 7C2 can apply a force to the translation member 7C1 opposite to the direction of movement of the auxiliary member 6. This allows the second elastic member 7C2 to apply a force to the auxiliary member 6 via the translation member 7C1, causing the auxiliary member 6 to come closer to the gear portion 200A. This results in better contact between the auxiliary member 6 and the gear portion 200A, thereby enabling a more stable and effective connection between the power output unit 200 in the image forming apparatus and the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100, and improving the working efficiency of the processing box 100.

[0167] Furthermore, the third guide mounting part 1C3 is disposed on the housing 1, and the third guide mounting part 1C3 is configured to include at least one slide, so that the translation member 7C1 can move along the slide in the third guide mounting part 1C3; furthermore, the third guide mounting part 1C3 and the housing 1 can also be integrally formed.

[0168] Furthermore, the translation member 7C1 is provided with a second mounting post 7C11, and the auxiliary member 6 is mounted on the second mounting post 7C11. In some embodiments, the second mounting post 7C11 may be a mounting post that extends and protrudes from the translation member 7C1. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 6 is mounted on the second mounting post 7C11 by a bearing, thereby allowing the auxiliary member 6 to rotate on the second mounting post 7C11.

[0169] Furthermore, the translation member 7C1 is also provided with a fourth limiting part 7C12, one end of the second elastic member 7C2 abuts against the fourth limiting part 7C12, and the other end abuts against the third guide mounting part 1C3. Specifically, in such a case... Figure 26-28 In the illustrated embodiment, the second elastic member 7C2 is a spring, and the fourth limiting portion 7C12 is a cylindrical structure extending from the main body of the translation member 7C1. One end of the spring of the second elastic member 7C2 is fitted onto this cylindrical structure, and the other end of the spring of the second elastic member 7C2 abuts against the third guide mounting portion 1C3. Therefore, the end of the translation member 7C1 near the second elastic member 7C2 can move within the elastic range of the spring of the second elastic member 7C2, thereby driving the auxiliary member 6 on the translation member 7C1 to move between the first position and the second position. Figure 25 In the first position, when the spring, which is the second elastic member 7C2, is in a state of no force, the auxiliary member 6 is in the first position. At this time, the processing box 100 has not yet been installed into the image forming apparatus. When the spring, which is the second elastic member 7C2, is in a compressed state, the auxiliary member 6 is in the second position. At this time, the processing box 100 has been installed into the image forming apparatus and the auxiliary member 6 is in contact with the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200. At this time, the spring, which is the second elastic member 7C2, applies a force to the translation member 7C1 that is opposite to the direction of movement of the auxiliary member 6.

[0170] Furthermore, the third guide mounting part 1C3 includes an inner side plate 1C31 and an outer side plate 1C32. The end of the second mounting post 7C11 away from the translation member 7C1 is also provided with a first buckle 7C13. The first buckle 7C13 passes through the waist-shaped groove 1C311 on the inner side plate 1C31 and abuts against the inner side plate 1C31. The translation member 7C1 is also provided with a second buckle 7C14. The second buckle 7C14 passes through the slide on the outer side plate 1C32 and abuts against the outer side plate 1C32. The auxiliary member 6 is placed between the outer side plate 1C32 and the inner side plate 1C31.

[0171] Furthermore, the first latch 7C13 passes through the waist-shaped groove 1C311 and latches the inner side plate 1C31, while the second latch 7C14 passes through the slide rail and latches the outer side plate 1C32, thereby placing the auxiliary member 6, which is mounted on the second mounting post 7C11, between the outer side plate 1C32 and the inner side plate 1C31. The first latch 7C13 can slide within the waist-shaped groove 1C311, and the second latch 7C14 can slide on the slide rail. Therefore, when the translation member 7C1 moves, it causes the first latch 7C13 and the second latch 7C14 to slide simultaneously on the waist-shaped groove 1C311 and the slide rail, respectively. Thus, the waist-shaped groove 1C311 and the slide rail restrict the movement range of the first latch 7C13 and the second latch 7C14, thereby restricting the movement range of the translation member 7C1 and consequently restricting the movement of the auxiliary member 6 between the first and second positions.

[0172] Specifically, in some embodiments, such as Figure 26 As shown, the translation member 7C1 has a first plate 7C15 and a second plate 7C16. The first plate 7C15 has a projection length of L1 perpendicular to the third direction Z (i.e., the second direction Y), and the second plate 7C16 has a projection length of L2 perpendicular to the third direction Z (i.e., the second direction Y). The projection length L1 of the first plate 7C15 is greater than the projection length L2 of the second plate 7C16. The fourth limiting part 7C12 is installed at the end of the second plate 7C16.

[0173] like Figure 26-28As shown, the translation member 7C1 moves in the third direction Z. To further ensure the translation member 7C1 can move along the third direction Z, at least one set of second latches 7C14 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second plate 7C16 in the second direction Y, about the central axis of the second plate 7C16. These second latches 7C14 are approximately in a "7" shape. Additionally, two slides are symmetrically arranged in the third direction Z on the outer plate 1C32, far from the groove 1C321. These slides are configured to allow the translation member 7C1 to move a certain position along the third direction Z. Specifically, the slide includes a first segment 1C322 and a second segment 1C323, which are staggered and connected along the second direction Y. Viewed in the first direction X, the first segment 1C322 connects to the slot 1C321, and the second segment 1C323 is positioned higher than the first segment 1C322 to create a height difference between them. This height difference is specifically the length of the step W1 in the second direction Y. Simultaneously, the distance L3 between the two sets of first segments 1C322 on opposite sides in the second direction Y forms a first opening; similarly, the distance L4 between the two sets of second segments 1C323 on opposite sides in the second direction Y forms a second opening. The projection length L2 of the second plate 7C16 perpendicular to the third direction Z (i.e., the second direction Y) is the same as the distance L3 between the two sets of first segments 1C322 on opposite sides in the second direction Y, meaning L2 is approximately equal to L3.

[0174] When the translation component 7C1 is installed onto the upper frame 1A, one end of the spring, which serves as the second elastic component 7C2, is first sleeved onto the limiting post 1C326 of the housing 1. Then, the fourth connecting piece 7C is pushed along the first segment 1C322 and the second segment 1C323 toward the slot 1C321, causing the other end of the spring, which serves as the second elastic component 7C2, to be sleeved onto the fourth limiting part 7C12. At the same time, the second buckle 7C14 located on the second plate 7C16 will also pass through the outer plate 1C32, and its outer end will also be close to the side of the first segment 1C322 near the inner plate 1C31, thus completing the installation of the translation component 7C1. This allows the translation member 7C1 to move along the mounting direction of the photosensitive drum 2 (i.e., the third direction Z). Simultaneously, the second latch 7C14, mounted on the second plate 7C16, can abut against either the step W1 or the slot 1C321 as the translation member 7C1 moves, thus limiting the range of movement of the translation member 7C1. Specifically, when the auxiliary member 6 is in the first position, the second latch 7C14 moves with the translation member 7C1 and the third direction Z, and is abutted by the step W1 formed by the first segment 1C322 and the second segment 1C323, thereby placing the auxiliary member 6 in the first position. Furthermore, when the auxiliary member 6 is in the second position, the second latch 7C14 moves with the translation member 7C1 and the third direction Z, and is abutted by the slot 1C321, thereby placing the auxiliary member 6 in the second position.

[0175] When the auxiliary member 6 on the fourth connector 7C is in the first position, this first position is the initial position before the processing box 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus (that is, the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 is not connected to the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100). In practice, as... Figure 22-28As shown, the user moves the processing box 100 into the image forming apparatus. The specific pushing method and force direction have been explained in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here. It should be noted that the process of the auxiliary member 6 contacting the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200 is specifically as follows: the translation member 7C1 can move along the third direction Z until the auxiliary member 6 on the translation member 7C1 begins to contact the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200, and until the auxiliary member 6 is in complete contact with the gear portion 200A of the power output unit 200, so as to align the power output unit 200 so that the axis of the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 is aligned with the protrusion of the power receiving unit 5. The axis of 5A coincides with the first direction X. At this time, the auxiliary member 6 on the fourth connector 7C is in the second position. This second position is the contact position after the processing box 100 is installed into the image forming apparatus (that is, the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 is not connected to the protruding part 5A of the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100). In addition, the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output unit 200 can be connected to the protruding part 5A of the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100 so as to rotate the photosensitive drum 2 and ensure that the processing box 100 can operate normally.

[0176] As the auxiliary component 6 gradually approaches the power output section 200, when the end of the auxiliary component 6 begins to contact the gear portion 200A of the power output section 200, the auxiliary component 6 will move appropriately in the opposite direction due to the fourth connector 7C, so that the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output section 200 reaches the appropriate position and connects with the protruding portion 5A of the power receiving section 5 of the housing. At the same time, the second elastic member 7C2 in the fourth connector 7C will apply a force to the auxiliary component 6 against the gear portion 200A of the power output section 200, so that the auxiliary component 6 and the gear portion 200A of the power output section 200 can make more stable contact and prevent slippage.

[0177] The fourth connector 7C slides on the slide rail in the third direction Z, thereby causing the auxiliary member 6 to translate from the first position relative to the third direction Z to the second position. It should be noted that, since the second elastic member 7C2 is a spring, during the removal of the processing box 100, the auxiliary member 6 gradually separates from the gear part 200A of the power output unit 200, and the auxiliary member 6 gradually returns from the second position to the first position, so as to ensure that the above-mentioned linear offset effect can still be achieved when the auxiliary member 6 is reinstalled into the image forming apparatus.

[0178] To further limit the range of movement of auxiliary component 6, such as... Figure 28As shown, in some embodiments, a waist-shaped groove 1C311 is provided on the inner side plate 1C31. The length of the waist-shaped groove 1C311 in the third direction Z is approximately the length of the linear movement of the auxiliary member 6 between the first position and the second position. A first latch 7C13 is provided at the end of the second mounting post 7C11 away from the translation member 7C1. The first latch 7C13 passes through the waist-shaped groove 1C311 and is in close contact with the side of the inner side plate 1C31 near the photosensitive drum 2. It is configured to restrict the movement of the second mounting post 7C11 only within the waist-shaped groove 1C311 (i.e., only in the first direction X and the second direction Y). This further restricts the range of movement of the auxiliary member 6, preventing excessive movement of the auxiliary member 6 that could cause interference from other components and stop its rotation, or premature alignment of the power output part 200 that would prevent the connecting recess (not shown) of the power output part 200 from connecting with the protruding part 5A of the power receiving part 5.

[0179] During the installation of the processing box 100 into the image forming apparatus by means of the movable auxiliary member 6, direct collision between the processing box 100 and the power output unit 200 is avoided. At the same time, the power output unit 200 is aligned so that it can be connected to the power receiving unit 5 of the processing box 100, thus ensuring the normal operation of the processing box 100.

[0180] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the specific structure and technical effects of the processing box 100 can be referred to the description of the chip above, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] The following points need to be explained:

[0182] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of the present invention. Other structures can refer to the general design.

[0183] (2) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0184] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A processing box, said processing box being detachably installed within an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The processing box includes: case; A photosensitive drum, which is detachably mounted inside the housing and is rotatable from its rotation axis; A power receiving unit is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum; An auxiliary component, capable of rotating from its axis of rotation, is used to connect the power receiving unit to the power output unit from the image forming apparatus, thereby causing the power receiving unit to receive the driving force from the power output unit to drive the photosensitive drum to rotate. The auxiliary component is made of an elastic material and is not used to receive driving force from the power output unit. Wherein, along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the auxiliary component is located between the outermost end face of the housing and the outermost end face of the photosensitive drum; The auxiliary component is provided with a fourth connecting member at the connection between the auxiliary component and the housing, which allows the auxiliary component to move from a first position to a second position. The fourth connecting member includes: A translational component is mounted on the third guide mounting portion of the housing and is movable along the third guide mounting portion, wherein the auxiliary component is mounted on the translational component and moves with the translational component; An elastic member is configured to hold the translational member such that the auxiliary member is in the first position, and when the translational member moves such that the auxiliary member moves relative to the first position to the second position, the elastic member can apply a force to the translational member opposite to the direction of movement of the auxiliary member; The translational component is provided with a second mounting post, and the auxiliary component is mounted on the second mounting post; The third guide mounting part includes an inner side plate and an outer side plate. The end of the second mounting post away from the translation member is also provided with a first buckle. The first buckle passes through the waist-shaped groove on the inner side plate and abuts against the inner side plate. The translation member is also provided with a second buckle. The second buckle passes through the slide rail on the outer side plate and abuts against the outer side plate. The auxiliary member is placed between the outer side plate and the inner side plate. The outer side plate has a slide rail symmetrically arranged in a third direction at a position far from the slot. The slide rail includes a first section and a second section. In the first direction, the first section is connected to the slot, and the second section is set higher than the first section. The translational component has a first plate and a second plate. The second plate has at least one set of second buckles symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second plate in the second direction with respect to the central axis of the second plate. As the translational component moves, the second buckles can respectively abut against the step or the slot to limit the movement range of the translational component.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary component is disposed at the end of the processing box near the power receiving part.

3. The processing box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processing box also includes a developing roller, which is detachably installed in the housing and can rotate on its own axis. The axis of rotation of the developing roller is parallel to the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum. The auxiliary component is disposed on the rotation axis of the developing roller, and the rotation of the auxiliary component does not affect the rotation of the developing roller.

4. The processing box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The processing box further includes a first connector, which includes a sleeve portion. The inner wall of the sleeve portion is disposed on the rotating shaft of the developing roller and on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner wall of the sleeve portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rotating shaft of the developing roller. The auxiliary component is fixedly disposed on the outer wall of the sleeve portion. The first direction is along the length direction of the developing roller.

5. The processing box according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connector further includes an isolation portion, the sleeve portion is connected to the isolation portion, and along the first direction, the isolation portion is located at the center of the sleeve portion and the center of the developing roller.

6. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the sleeve portion is connected to the inner wall of the isolation portion. On a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall of the sleeve portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall of the isolation portion.

7. The processing box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotation center of the auxiliary component is located at the end of the housing.

8. The processing box according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing includes a first guide mounting portion, and the processing box further includes a second connector. The auxiliary component is disposed on the first guide mounting portion of the housing via the second connector.

9. The processing box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second connecting member is a bearing, the inner ring of the second connecting member is disposed on the first guide mounting part, and the auxiliary component is disposed on the outer ring of the second connecting member.

10. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary component is rotatable from its rotation axis. The auxiliary component is disposed on the housing. When the processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary component can move from a first position to a second position, thereby causing the power receiving unit to connect with the power output unit from the image forming apparatus. The processing box also includes a developing roller, which is detachably installed in the housing and is rotatable from its rotation axis. The rotation axis of the developing roller is parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

11. The processing box according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the auxiliary component is in the first position, the projection of the auxiliary component onto the photosensitive drum on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum is at least partially coincident.

12. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The translational component is further provided with a fourth limiting part, one end of the elastic component abuts against the fourth limiting part, and the other end abuts against the third guide mounting part.

13. The processing box according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The movement trajectory of the auxiliary component from the first position to the second position is located below the photosensitive drum when the processing box is placed on a horizontal plane.

14. The processing box according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The processing cartridge also includes a developing roller, and the movement trajectory of the auxiliary component from the first position to the second position does not coincide with the projection of the developing roller on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

Images