A process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a detection method

Abstract

This application relates to a processing box, an image forming apparatus, and a detection method. The processing box includes a box body and a discharge screw. The box body has a first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber, which are connected. A magnetic detection element is disposed on the box body. At least a portion of the discharge screw is located in the first receiving chamber. The discharge screw is rotatable to discharge waste toner from the first receiving chamber to the second receiving chamber. A magnetic element is disposed on the discharge screw. The magnetic detection element is capable of detecting magnetic elements and emitting a signal when a magnetic element is detected. The signal emitted by the magnetic detection element changes with the content of waste toner in the first receiving chamber. In this application, the signal output by the magnetic detection element can determine the content of waste toner in the first receiving chamber, thereby determining whether waste toner needs to be cleaned. This prevents excessive waste toner in the first receiving chamber from obstructing the rotation of the discharge screw and damaging the photosensitive drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more particularly to a processing box, an image forming apparatus, and a detection method. Background Technology

[0002] The processing cartridge is an essential printing consumable for laser printers. The processing cartridge includes a drum assembly and a cleaning blade. The cleaning blade scrapes the waste toner off the drum assembly into the first compartment of the processing cartridge. The screw in the first compartment rotates to transport the waste toner through the waste toner discharge port to the second compartment of the processing cartridge.

[0003] When the second containment chamber is full of waste toner, causing waste toner to accumulate at the waste toner outlet, or when waste toner accumulates at the waste toner outlet for other reasons, the waste toner will obstruct the rotation of the screw. Since the screw rotates under the drive of the drum assembly, the waste toner obstructing the screw's rotation can easily damage the drum assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a processing box, an image forming apparatus, and a detection method. The processing box can solve the problem of waste toner accumulation hindering the rotation of the discharge screw and thus damaging the drum assembly by detecting the content of waste toner in the first receiving chamber.

[0005] This application provides a processing box, comprising: a box body and a discharge screw. The box body has a first receiving compartment and a second receiving compartment, which are connected. A magnetic detection element is disposed on the box body. At least a portion of the discharge screw is located in the first receiving compartment. The discharge screw is rotatable to discharge waste toner from the first receiving compartment to the second receiving compartment. A magnetic element is disposed on the discharge screw. The magnetic detection element is capable of detecting the magnetic element and emitting a signal when the magnetic element is detected. The signal emitted by the magnetic detection element changes with the content of waste toner in the first receiving compartment.

[0006] In one possible design, the magnetic element is located at the end of the discharge screw near the second receiving chamber.

[0007] In one possible design, the magnetic element is a sheet-like structure, and the sheet-like magnetic element is fixed to the surface of the discharge screw.

[0008] In one possible design, the processing box includes a bushing, the magnetic element is disposed on the bushing, and the bushing is sleeved onto the end of the discharge screw.

[0009] In one possible design, the processing box includes a photosensitive drum with a first gear at one end and a second gear at the other end of the discharge screw. The first gear can drive the second gear to rotate. The processing box also includes a transmission gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear, and the first gear drives the second gear to rotate through the transmission gear.

[0010] In one possible design, the magnetic detection element is disposed on the side wall of the first or second receiving compartment; or, the magnetic detection element is disposed on the body of the image forming apparatus.

[0011] An image forming apparatus provided in this application includes a body and the processing box described above.

[0012] This application provides a detection method for detecting the aforementioned processing box, the processing box including a photosensitive drum, the detection method comprising:

[0013] Determine whether the peak value of the signal output by the magnetic detection element is less than a first preset value;

[0014] If so, it is determined that the waste toner in the first and second compartments of the processing box is full;

[0015] If not, it is determined that the waste toner in the first and / or second compartments of the processing box is not full.

[0016] In one possible design, when the ratio of the volume occupied by waste toner in the first container to the volume of the first container is greater than a second preset value, the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element is less than the first preset value, and the second preset value a satisfies: 0.3≤a≤0.9.

[0017] In one possible design, the detection signal of the magnetic detection element changes periodically. The periodic changes in the detection signal are used to determine whether the rotation of the photosensitive drum and the discharge screw is abnormal. In this application, the magnetic element rotates with the discharge screw, thus periodically moving closer to or further away from the magnetic detection element, causing the signal output by the magnetic detection element to also change periodically. As the amount of waste toner in the first receiving chamber increases, the signal output by the magnetic detection element changes. Therefore, the signal output by the magnetic detection element indicates the amount of waste toner in the first receiving chamber, allowing for a determination of whether waste toner needs to be cleaned. This prevents excessive waste toner in the first receiving chamber from obstructing the rotation of the discharge screw and damaging the photosensitive drum.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming apparatus provided in this application in a specific embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box provided in this application in a specific embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view in;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the discharge screw;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Another structural diagram of the discharge screw;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the discharge screw and the photosensitive drum.

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A partial structural cross-sectional view of the processing box, wherein the magnetic detection element is disposed on the side wall of the first receiving compartment;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A partial structural cross-sectional view of the processing box, wherein the magnetic detection element is disposed on the side wall of the second receiving compartment;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A partial structural cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus, wherein a magnetic detection element is disposed in the main body;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the output signal of the magnetic detection element;

[0029] Figure 11 A flowchart of the detection method provided in this application.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 100 - Image forming apparatus;

[0032] 1-Photosensitive drum;

[0033] 2-Discharge screw;

[0034] 21-Magnetic components;

[0035] 22 - Second gear;

[0036] 23-Sleeve

[0037] 3-First Gear

[0038] 4- Transmission gears;

[0039] 5- Cleaning scraper

[0040] 6-Processing box;

[0041] 61 - First containment compartment;

[0042] 62 - Second containment compartment;

[0043] 63 - Connecting port;

[0044] 64 - Magnetic detection element;

[0045] 7-Exposure components;

[0046] 8-Intermediate transfer belt;

[0047] 9 - Primary transfer bias roller;

[0048] 10-Cleaning components;

[0049] 11-Paper box;

[0050] 12-Feed roller;

[0051] 13-Pair of opposing rollers;

[0052] 14 - Secondary transfer roller;

[0053] 15-Fixing assembly;

[0054] 16-Discharge roller;

[0055] 17-Stacked components.

[0056] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0061] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0062] This application provides an image forming apparatus, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body and processing cartridges 6. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with four processing cartridges 6, each containing yellow, magenta, cyan, and black developer respectively. Furthermore, the four processing cartridges 6 have identical structures and can be replaced with new processing cartridges 6 when the developer is depleted. In addition, for easy replacement of the processing cartridges 6, the processing cartridges 6 are detachably connected to the main body.

[0063] Specifically, the processing cartridge 6 includes a photosensitive drum 1, a cleaning blade 5, a discharge unit, a charging assembly, and a developing assembly. The charging assembly enables the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to be uniformly charged. The exposure assembly 7 uses a laser to expose and scan the photosensitive drum 1, so that the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1 carries an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing assembly and developer, and then transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8. After the transfer is completed, the cleaning blade 5 removes the developer residue on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and the discharge unit removes the residual charge on the photosensitive drum 1, making the photosensitive drum 1 ready for the next imaging.

[0064] More specifically, an intermediate transfer unit is disposed above the four processing boxes. The intermediate transfer unit includes four primary transfer bias rollers 9, a cleaning assembly 10, and an annular intermediate transfer belt 8. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is disposed between the primary transfer bias rollers 9 and the photosensitive drum 1 of the processing box 6, and forms a primary transfer clamping area. An exposure assembly 7 is disposed below the four processing boxes 6, and at least part of the paper feeding unit is disposed below the exposure assembly 7. The paper feeding unit includes a paper tray 11, a paper feeding roller 12, and a pair of opposing rollers 13. The paper tray 11 contains paper, and the uppermost layer of paper is in contact with the paper feeding roller 12, so that the paper can be conveyed to the opposing roller pair 13 under the action of the paper feeding roller 12. The opposing roller pair 13 clamps the paper and can convey the paper to the secondary transfer clamping area at an appropriate time.

[0065] In the first transfer process, the developer presses the opposite polarity transfer bias member against the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the photosensitive drum 1, so that the developer can be transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8. As the intermediate transfer belt 8 passes sequentially through the photosensitive drums 1 of the four processing chambers, the images formed by the four colors of developer are superimposed to form a developer image, completing the first transfer. In the second transfer process, paper is inserted between the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the secondary transfer roller 14 (secondary transfer clamping area), so that the developer image is transferred onto the paper. Then the paper passes through the fixing assembly 15, which uses heat and pressure to fix the developer image onto the paper. Finally, the paper is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 by the discharge roller 16. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with a stacking assembly 17, on which the paper discharged from the discharge roller 16 to the image forming apparatus 100 can be stacked one by one.

[0066] This application embodiment provides a processing box that is detachably mounted on the body of the image forming apparatus 100. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the processing box 6 includes a box body and a discharge screw 2. The box body has a first receiving chamber 61 and a second receiving chamber 62, which are connected. A magnetic detection element 64 is provided on the box body. At least a portion of the discharge screw 2 is located in the first receiving chamber 61. The discharge screw 2 can rotate to discharge the waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61 to the second receiving chamber 62. A magnetic element 21 is provided on the discharge screw 2. The magnetic detection element 64 can detect the magnetic element 21 and output a signal when the magnetic element 21 is detected. The signal output by the magnetic detection element 64 changes with the content of waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61.

[0067] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the magnetic element 21 rotates with the discharge screw 2, thus periodically moving closer to or further away from the magnetic detection element 64, causing the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64 to change periodically as well. As the amount of waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61 increases, the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64 changes. Therefore, the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64 indicates the amount of waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61, allowing for a determination of whether waste toner needs to be cleaned. This prevents excessive waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61 from obstructing the rotation of the discharge screw 2 and potentially damaging the photosensitive drum 1.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the processing box 6 is equipped with a cleaning scraper 5, which can scrape the residual developer on the photosensitive drum 1 into the first receiving chamber 61. A magnetic detection element 64 can generate a magnetic field around itself. The magnetic element 21, as the discharge screw 2 moves, cuts the magnetic field lines, allowing the magnetic detection element 64 to detect the magnetic element 21 and output a signal. Furthermore, the magnetic field strength changes accordingly with the amount of waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61. Specifically, when there is no waste toner or a small amount of waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61, the magnetic field strength is high, and the signal value output by the magnetic detection element 64 is relatively large; conversely, when there is a large amount of waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61, the magnetic field strength decreases, and the signal value output by the magnetic detection element 64 also decreases. This allows the determination of the waste toner content in the first receiving chamber 61 based on the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64.

[0069] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic element 21 is disposed at the end of the discharge screw 2 near the second receiving chamber 62.

[0070] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the surface of the discharge screw 2 is provided with spiral protrusions. When the discharge screw 2 rotates, the waste toner can move from the first receiving chamber 61 to the second receiving chamber 62 under the push of the spiral protrusions. Figure 8 As shown, the first receiving chamber 61 and the second receiving chamber 62 are connected by a connecting port 63. When there is a large amount of waste toner in the second receiving chamber 62, the waste toner produced later will accumulate at the connecting port 63. Therefore, placing the magnetic element 21 at the end of the discharge screw 2 near the second receiving chamber 62 can improve the accuracy of determining the content of waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61 by detecting the magnetic element 64. In addition, the structure at the end of the discharge screw 2 near the second receiving chamber 62 is relatively simple, which facilitates the placement of the magnetic element 21.

[0071] Optionally, such as Figure 4As shown, the magnetic element 21 has a sheet-like structure and is fixed to the surface of the discharge screw 2. The sheet-like magnetic element 21 can be fixed to the surface of the discharge screw 2 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, etc. This structure has the advantages of simple structure and easy manufacturing.

[0072] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the processing box includes a bushing 23, and a magnetic element 21 is disposed on the bushing 23. The bushing 23 is sleeved on the end of the discharge screw 2. When the bushing 23 is sleeved on the end of the discharge screw 2, it can rotate with the rotation of the discharge screw 2, so that the magnetic element 21 can also rotate accordingly.

[0073] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, a first gear 3 is provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 1, and a second gear 22 is provided at the end of the discharge screw 2. The first gear 3 can drive the second gear 22 to rotate.

[0074] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, after the processing box 6 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100, the drive head of the image forming apparatus 100 (not shown in the figure) meshes with the drive head of the photosensitive drum 1 to drive the drive head of the photosensitive drum 1 to rotate. The drive head of the photosensitive drum 1 is coaxially arranged with the first gear 3. Therefore, the first gear 3 rotates with the drive head of the photosensitive drum 1. At the same time, the first gear 3 drives the second gear 22 to rotate, thereby driving the discharge screw 2 to rotate.

[0075] Since the number of teeth of the first gear 3 and the second gear 22 are determined, the transmission ratio of the first gear 3 and the second gear 22 is also determined. The rotational speed of the second gear 22 can be obtained from the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64, and the rotational speed of the first gear 3 can be obtained through calculation. Therefore, the rotational status of the photosensitive drum 1 can also be indirectly obtained through the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64, so as to detect whether the photosensitive drum 1 is working properly.

[0076] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the processing box also includes a transmission gear 4, which meshes with the first gear 3 and the second gear 22. The first gear 3 drives the second gear 22 to rotate through the transmission gear 4.

[0077] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the transmission gear 4 meshes with the first gear 3 and the second gear 22 simultaneously, so that even when the distance between the photosensitive drum 1 and the discharge screw 2 is large, the first gear 3 at the end of the photosensitive drum 1 can still smoothly drive the discharge screw 2 to rotate.

[0078] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the magnetic detection element 64 is disposed on the side wall of the first receiving chamber 61 or the side wall of the second receiving chamber 62, or the magnetic detection element 64 is disposed on the body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0079] In this embodiment, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the magnetic detection element 64 can be disposed on the side wall of the first receiving compartment 61 or the side wall of the second receiving compartment 62, depending on the actual situation, so that the magnetic detection element 64 can detect the magnetic element 21. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the magnetic detection element 64 can also be disposed on the body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0080] In one specific embodiment, the magnetic element 21 can be a component capable of reflecting or emitting light, and the magnetic detection element 64 can be a component capable of detecting light. Waste toner will block the propagation of light, so the content of waste toner in the first container 61 can be detected based on the light intensity detected by the magnetic detection element 64.

[0081] This application provides a detection method, such as... Figure 11 As shown, this detection method is used to detect the processing box 6, and the detection method includes:

[0082] S1: Determine whether the peak value of the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64 is less than the first preset value.

[0083] If so, then S11: Determine that the waste toner in the first and second compartments of the processing box is full.

[0084] If not, then S12: Determine that the waste toner in the first and / or second compartments 62 of the processing box is not full.

[0085] In this embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the new processing cartridge 6 is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100, since there is no waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61, the magnetic induction intensity of the magnetic field is relatively large, and the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element 64 is the largest (corresponding to...). Figure 10 In the first stage T1). After the image forming apparatus 100 has been operating for a period of time, the waste toner that has entered the first receiving chamber 61 is discharged into the second receiving chamber 62 by the discharge screw 2. At this time, because some waste toner remains in the first receiving chamber 61, the magnetic induction intensity of the magnetic field decreases, which causes the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element 64 to decrease accordingly (corresponding to...). Figure 10(In the second stage T2). When the second container 62 is full of waste toner, the waste toner generated subsequently cannot enter the second container 62 and accumulates at the end of the first container 61 near the second container 62. The magnetic induction intensity of the magnetic field further decreases, causing the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element 64 to further decrease (corresponding to...). Figure 10 The third stage (T3) in the middle.

[0086] Optionally, the first preset value can be set to the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element 64 when the first receiving chamber 61 and the second receiving chamber 62 are full of waste toner. Therefore, when the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element 64 is less than the first preset value, that is, when the first receiving chamber 61 and the second receiving chamber 62 are full of waste toner, the waste toner in the processing box 6 needs to be cleaned to prevent the waste toner from preventing the discharge screw 2 from rotating and thus damaging the photosensitive drum 1 and other structures.

[0087] Optionally, when the ratio of the volume occupied by waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61 to the total volume of the first receiving chamber 61 is greater than a second preset value 'a', the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element 64 is less than the first preset value. The second preset value 'a' satisfies: 0.3 ≤ a ≤ 0.9. For example, the second preset value 'a' can specifically be 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, etc.

[0088] While the second receiving chamber 62 is not full of waste toner, and the discharge screw 2 continuously transports waste toner to the second receiving chamber 62, a small amount of waste toner will accumulate in the first receiving chamber 61. The ratio of the volume occupied by the waste toner in the first receiving chamber 61 to the volume of the first receiving chamber 61 at this time is defined as a second preset value a. The second preset value a can be selected according to the characteristics of the waste toner and the actual situation of the processing box 6, but the selection of the second preset value a should not be too large or too small. If the second preset value a is too large (for example, a is greater than 0.9), If the first preset value is too small, it will cause the waste toner in the first container 61 to be too much when the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element 64 indicates that the waste toner in the second container 62 is full. This will cause the waste toner to jam the discharge screw 2, and the photosensitive drum 1 will be damaged. If the second preset value a is too small (for example, a is less than 0.3), the first preset value will be too large. This may cause the second container 62 to be full when the waste toner in the second container 62 is not full, leading to a misjudgment.

[0089] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the detection signal of the magnetic detection element 64 changes periodically. The periodic changes in the detection signal are used to determine whether the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 and the discharge screw 2 is abnormal.

[0090] In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 drives the discharge screw 2 to rotate via the first gear 3, the transmission gear 4, and the second gear 22. The transmission ratio between the photosensitive drum 1 and the discharge screw 2 is determined. Therefore, based on the rotational speed at which the image forming apparatus 100 drives the photosensitive drum 1, the time required for the discharge screw 2 to rotate one revolution can be calculated, thus obtaining a preset cycle. The actual rotation cycle of the discharge screw 2 can be obtained by measuring the period of the output signal from the magnetic detection element 64. By determining whether the actual rotation cycle of the discharge screw 2 matches the preset cycle, it can be determined whether the discharge screw 2 and the photosensitive drum 1 are rotating normally. Therefore, the period of the output signal from the magnetic detection element 64 is used to monitor whether the discharge screw 2 and the photosensitive drum 1 are working normally.

[0091] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown, before step S1: determining whether the peak value of the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64 is less than the first preset value, the detection method further includes:

[0092] S2: Determine whether the period of the signal is consistent with the preset period.

[0093] If so, then S21: Determine that the discharge screw 2 is rotating normally, and continue to S1: Determine whether the peak value of the signal output by the magnetic detection element 64 is less than the first preset value.

[0094] If not, then S22: Determine that the discharge screw 2 is rotating abnormally.

[0095] The preset cycle is defined as the time required for the discharge screw 2 to rotate once, calculated based on the rotational speed at which the image forming apparatus 100 drives the photosensitive drum 1 to rotate.

[0096] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A processing box, detachably mounted on the body of an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The processing box (6) includes: The box has a first receiving compartment (61) and a second receiving compartment (62), the first receiving compartment (61) and the second receiving compartment (62) are connected, and a magnetic detection element (64) is provided on the box. Discharge screw (2), at least a portion of which is located in the first receiving chamber (61), the discharge screw (2) being rotatable to discharge waste toner from the first receiving chamber (61) to the second receiving chamber (62), and the discharge screw (2) being provided with a magnetic element (21). The magnetic detection element (64) is able to form a magnetic field around itself. The magnetic element (21) cuts the magnetic field lines with the movement of the discharge screw (2), so that the magnetic detection element (64) can detect the magnetic element (21) and emit a signal when the magnetic element (21) is detected. The signal output by the magnetic detection element (64) changes periodically, and the peak value of the signal emitted by the magnetic detection element (64) changes with the content of waste toner in the first container (61).

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic element (21) is disposed at the end of the discharge screw (2) near the second receiving chamber (62).

3. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic element (21) is a sheet-like structure, and the sheet-like magnetic element (21) is fixed to the surface of the discharge screw (2).

4. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box (6) includes a bushing (23), the magnetic element (21) is disposed on the bushing (23), and the bushing (23) is sleeved on the end of the discharge screw (2).

5. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box (6) includes a photosensitive drum (1), the end of which is provided with a first gear (3), and the end of the discharge screw (2) is provided with a second gear (22). The first gear (3) can drive the second gear (22) to rotate. The processing box (6) also includes a transmission gear (4), which meshes with the first gear (3) and the second gear (22). The first gear (3) drives the second gear (22) to rotate through the transmission gear (4).

6. The processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The magnetic detection element (64) is disposed on the side wall of the first receiving chamber (61) or the side wall of the second receiving chamber (62); Alternatively, the magnetic detection element (64) may be disposed on the body of the image forming apparatus.

7. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus (100) includes a body and a processing box (6) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A detection method, characterized in that, The detection method is used to detect the processing box (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the processing box (6) including a photosensitive drum (1), the detection method comprising: Determine whether the peak value of the signal output by the magnetic detection element (64) is less than a first preset value; If so, it is determined that the waste toner in the first container (61) and the second container (62) of the processing box (6) is full; If not, it is determined that the waste toner in the first container (61) and / or the second container (62) of the processing box (6) is not full.

9. The detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the ratio of the volume of the waste toner occupying the first container (61) to the volume of the first container (61) is greater than the second preset value a, the peak value of the output signal of the magnetic detection element (64) is less than the first preset value, and the second preset value a satisfies: 0.3≤a≤0.

9.

10. The detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The detection signal of the magnetic detection element (64) changes periodically. Based on the periodic change of the detection signal, it is determined whether the rotation of the photosensitive drum (1) and the discharge screw (2) is abnormal.

Images