Coupling, rotating member, and process cartridge

Abstract

The application relates to a coupling for receiving driving force from a force output mechanism arranged in an imaging device to drive a rotating body to rotate, the force output mechanism comprising a driving force output part, a braking force output part and an elastic pushing assembly, the coupling comprising a base, a driving force receiving part connected with the base and a reset assembly abutting against the driving force receiving part, the driving force receiving part being arranged to be capable of extending and retracting relative to the base along the rotating axis of the coupling; during the extension of the driving force receiving part, the reset assembly generates a reset force to force the driving force receiving part to move towards the retracted state, the elastic pushing assembly is elastically deformed, one of the driving force output part and the braking force output part is combined with the driving force receiving part so that the driving force receiving part receives the driving force, and the base is used for transmitting the driving force to the rotating body; the structure of the coupling is simplified, the risk of damaging the braking force output part is reduced, and finally, the coupling and the force output part can be smoothly combined.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to the prior application filed by the applicant on October 18, 2022, with application number 202222744712.7 and entitled "Coupling, Rotating Component and Processing Box", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, a processing cartridge detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device") needs to be equipped with at least one rotating body that can rotate about a rotation axis. When the processing cartridge is working, the rotating body is used to stir the developer in the processing cartridge, or to supply the developer to other components, or to form an electrostatic latent image on its surface and receive the developer to develop the electrostatic latent image, etc. For this purpose, a coupling that can continuously receive driving force from the imaging device needs to be provided in the processing cartridge. When the coupling receives driving force, the rotating body can be driven.

[0004] Chinese patent application CN113574469A describes an imaging device, which includes a force output mechanism that simultaneously has a driving force output unit and a braking force output unit. When the rotating body needs to work, the driving force output unit is used to output driving force to the coupling. When the rotating body needs to stop working, the braking force output unit is used to output braking force to the coupling to prevent the rotating body from continuing to rotate due to inertia.

[0005] Corresponding to the force output mechanism, the coupling needs to be equipped with a guide part to enable the coupling to cooperate with the force output mechanism. Furthermore, the braking force output component and the component in the coupling used to receive braking force are all designed as barbs, which makes the structure of the coupling more complex and increases the requirements for its production precision. At the same time, the barb-shaped braking force output component is also easily damaged during the process of coupling and force output mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a coupling that can be smoothly coupled with a force output mechanism to prevent damage to the braking force output component in the force output component during the coupling and force output mechanism coupling process.

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

[0008] A coupling is used to receive driving force from a force output mechanism in an imaging device to drive a rotating body to rotate. The force output mechanism includes a sleeve, a braking force output component disposed within the sleeve, and an elastic pushing assembly. The sleeve includes a sleeve body forming a sleeve cavity and multiple driving force output parts integrally formed with the sleeve body. Both the braking force output component and the elastic pushing assembly are disposed within the sleeve cavity. Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the driving force output parts and the braking force output component rotate together in the same direction. The elastic pushing assembly is used at least to push the braking force output component outwards from the sleeve cavity. The coupling includes a base, a driving force receiving component connected to the base, and a reset assembly abutting against the driving force receiving component. The driving force receiving component is configured to rotate along the coupling. The shaft extends and retracts relative to the base; during the extension of the driving force receiver, the reset assembly generates a reset force that forces the driving force receiver to move towards the retracted state, the elastic push assembly undergoes elastic deformation, and one of the driving force output part and the braking force output part engages with the driving force receiver so that the driving force receiver receives the driving force. The base is used to transmit the driving force to the rotating body. Since the driving force receiver is designed to extend and retract relative to the base, the coupling no longer needs to have a component for receiving the braking force. Not only is the structure of the coupling simplified, but the risk of the driving force receiver and the force output part getting stuck together is reduced, and the risk of the braking force output part being damaged is also reduced. Finally, the coupling and the force output part can be smoothly engaged.

[0009] Preferably, the coupling further includes an extension assembly for extending the drive force receiver in the direction of the rotation axis of the coupling; the drive force receiver is in a retracted state before the extension assembly acts on the drive force receiver.

[0010] The extension assembly also keeps the drive force receiver in the extended state, and the resultant force of the reset force and the elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the elastic push assembly does not exceed the thrust of the extension assembly that forces the drive force receiver to remain in the extended state.

[0011] Furthermore, the extension assembly includes a rotating member and a pushing member. The rotating member is used to receive forces from outside the coupling and rotates. Along the rotation axis of the coupling, the pushing member is opposite to the driving force receiving member. When the driving force receiving member retracts, the rotating member and the pushing member move closer to each other along the rotation axis of the coupling. When the driving force receiving member extends, the rotating member and the pushing member move away from each other along the rotation axis of the coupling.

[0012] In some embodiments, the present invention also provides a coupling for receiving driving force from a force output mechanism disposed in an imaging device to drive a rotating body to rotate. The force output mechanism includes a sleeve and a braking force output member disposed in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a sleeve body forming a sleeve cavity and a plurality of driving force output parts integrally formed with the sleeve body. Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the driving force output parts and the braking force output members rotate together in the same direction. Along the rotation axis of the force output mechanism, the braking force output member and the driving force output parts can be engaged and disengaged. When the braking force output member and the driving force output parts are disengaged, the braking force output member can rotate freely relative to the driving force output parts about the rotation axis of the force output mechanism. The coupling includes a base, and a driving force receiving member and a pushing member connected to the base. The driving force receiver and the pusher are configured to extend and retract relative to the base along the rotation axis of the coupling. When the driving force receiver and the pusher extend, the pusher presses against the braking force output component, and the driving force receiver engages with the driving force output component. The driving force receiver receives the driving force output by the driving force output component and transmits it to the rotating body through the base. When the driving force receiver and the pusher retract, the driving force receiver disengages from the driving force output component, and the braking force output component is no longer pressed by the pusher. Both the driving force receiver and the pusher are configured to extend and retract along the rotation axis of the coupling. During the engagement of the driving force receiver and the force output component, the braking force output component is pressed by the pusher, and only the driving force receiver engages with the driving force output component. Therefore, the risk of damage to the braking force output component can be significantly reduced.

[0013] Specifically, the coupling also includes an extension assembly and a reset assembly. The extension assembly is used to extend the drive force receiver and the pusher in the direction of the rotation axis of the coupling, and the reset assembly is used to retract the drive force receiver and the pusher in the direction of the rotation axis of the coupling. Before the extension assembly acts on the drive force receiver, the drive force receiver and the pusher are in the retracted state.

[0014] The extension assembly includes a rotating component and a pushing component. The rotating component is used to receive forces from outside the coupling and rotates along the rotation axis of the coupling. The pushing component is opposite to the driving force receiving component. When the driving force receiving component and the pushing component retract, the rotating component and the pushing component move closer to each other along the rotation axis of the coupling. When the driving force receiving component and the pushing component extend, the rotating component and the pushing component move away from each other along the rotation axis of the coupling.

[0015] The rotating component is provided with an active part, and the pushing component is provided with a driven part. When the rotating component rotates, the active part applies a thrust to the driven part, causing the pushing component to move away from the rotating component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the driving part and the driven part are engaged by inclined surfaces or helical surfaces.

[0017] In some embodiments, the active part and the driven part are configured as a pair of magnetic elements capable of generating a repulsive force.

[0018] In some embodiments, a movable cavity is formed within the base, and the coupling further includes a base plate located at least a portion within the movable cavity, with at least a portion of the reset assembly located between the base plate and the drive force receiver.

[0019] Preferably, the driving force receiving component is combined with the base plate.

[0020] The reset assembly includes a second reset member, one end of which is connected to the base plate and the other end of which is connected to the base. When the coupling is provided with a pusher, the reset assembly also includes a first reset member, one end of which is connected to the base plate and the other end of which is connected to the pusher. Along the radial direction of the coupling, the second reset member is located outside the first reset member.

[0021] The present invention also provides a rotating component comprising a rotating body coupled together with a coupling as described above, the rotating body rotating by receiving a driving force from a base.

[0022] The present invention also provides a processing box, which includes a housing and a rotating component rotatably mounted in the housing.

[0023] Furthermore, the processing box also includes a force transmission assembly and a triggered component, wherein the force transmission assembly is used to force the extension assembly to work, and the triggered component is used to force the force transmission assembly to start working; the triggered component is part of the force transmission assembly, or it may be a component other than the force transmission assembly.

[0024] Alternatively, the processing box may further include a force transmission assembly, a triggered element, and a movable element, wherein the force transmission assembly is used to force the extension assembly to work, the triggered element is used to force the force transmission assembly to start working, and the movable element is used to receive the pushing force applied by the force-applying element in the imaging device; when the processing box changes from a working state to a non-working state, the force-applying element applies a first force to the movable element, and when the processing box changes from a non-working state to a working state, the force-applying element applies a second force to the movable element in the opposite direction to the first force; the movable element is the triggered element.

[0025] In some embodiments, the rotating body includes a developing element and a photosensitive element, the developing element being used to supply developer contained in the housing to the photosensitive element; when the applying force applies a first force to the moving element, the developing element and the photosensitive element separate from each other, and when the applying force applies a second force to the moving element, the developing element and the photosensitive element move closer to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the force output mechanism in an imaging device to which the processing box of the present invention is applicable.

[0028] Figure 2B This is an exploded schematic diagram of some components in the force output mechanism.

[0029] Figure 2C It is a cross-sectional view of the force output mechanism taken along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the force output mechanism.

[0030] Figure 2D This is a side view of the force output mechanism viewed along its rotation axis.

[0031] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the coupling involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3B This is an exploded view of the coupling involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3C It is a cross-sectional view of the coupling taken along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the coupling involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 A- Figure 4 D is a schematic diagram of the coupling and force output mechanism connection process involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 5 B- Figure 5 D corresponds to respectively Figure 4 B- Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the coupling and force output mechanism in section D.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the coupling and the force output mechanism after they are fully engaged, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the coupling involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 A and Figure 8 B is a schematic diagram of the connection process between the coupling and the force output mechanism involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap of the processing box after it is separated from the housing according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the coupling involved in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken along the AA direction.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the driving force receiving component in the coupling according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the coupling and control device combined according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 15A and Figure 15B These are, respectively, a plan view and a perspective view of the coupling and control device observed along the rotation axis of the coupling before they are combined with the force output mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 15C This is a cross-sectional view of the coupling and the force output mechanism before they are combined, taken along the rotation axis of the coupling, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are, respectively, a plan view and a perspective view of the coupling and control device observed along the rotation axis of the coupling before they are combined with the force output mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 16C This is a cross-sectional view of the coupling and the force output mechanism before they are combined, taken along the rotation axis of the coupling, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050]

Processing Box

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention.

[0052] The processing box 100 includes a housing 1 and a rotating body 11 rotatably mounted in the housing 1. The rotating body 11 can rotate about a rotation axis L11 extending in the x direction after receiving a driving force. The +x direction end of the rotating body 11 / processing box 100 is used to receive the driving force. Therefore, the +x direction end of the processing box 100 is called the driving end, and the opposite end is called the non-driving end.

[0053] Depending on the different structures within the imaging device, the processing box 100 can be configured to be detachably installed in the imaging device along the x-direction, or it can be detachably installed in the imaging device along a direction intersecting the x-direction. Depending on the structure of the processing box 100, the processing box 100 can be configured as only a developer receiving unit 100a that contains developer, or only a developing unit 100b that can carry developer, or only an imaging unit 100c that can form an electrostatic latent image, or it can be configured as a combination of at least two of the aforementioned developer receiving unit 100a, developing unit 100b and imaging unit 100c. A stirring element for stirring the developer is rotatably disposed in the developer holding unit 100a, and this stirring element can be regarded as a type of rotating body; a developing element is rotatably disposed in the developing unit 100b, which is used to carry the developer and deliver the developer to the imaging unit 100c, or a supply element is also rotatably disposed at the same time, which is used to supply the developer to the developing element, and the developing element or the supply element can also be regarded as a type of rotating body; a photosensitive element is rotatably disposed in the imaging unit 100c, which is used to form an electrostatic latent image on its surface and receive the developer supplied by the developing element, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image, and the photosensitive element can also be regarded as a type of rotating body.

[0054] The coupling 2 described below can be directly installed at the end of the rotating body 11. In this case, the coupling 2 and the rotating body 11 are coaxial and together constitute part of the rotating component. When the coupling 2 receives a driving force, the rotating body 11 can be directly driven. Alternatively, the coupling 2 can be installed at a position that is not coaxial with the rotating body 11. When the coupling 2 receives a driving force, the coupling 2 transmits the driving force to the rotating body 11 through the driving force transmission device. Therefore, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 2 is coaxial or parallel to the rotation axis L11 of the rotating body 11.

[0055] Given that the rotating body 11 can have the above-mentioned multiple options, the position of the coupling 2 can also have multiple options. In order to clearly show the connection process between the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism in the imaging device, the rotating body 11 will not be shown in the following text. However, it can be understood that the rotating body 11 will rotate by receiving the driving force of the coupling 2.

[0056] [Force Output Mechanism]

[0057] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the force output mechanism in an imaging device to which the processing box of the present invention is applicable; Figure 2B This is an exploded view of some components in the force output mechanism; Figure 2C It is a cross-sectional view of the force output mechanism taken along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the force output mechanism; Figure 2D This is a side view of the force output mechanism viewed along its rotation axis.

[0058] To reduce interference between the force output mechanism 90 and the processing box 100 during installation and disassembly, there are solutions that allow the force output mechanism 90 to extend and retract in the x-direction. For example, the force output mechanism 90 can be linked with the door cover of the imaging device. When the door cover is opened, the force output mechanism 90 retracts in the -x direction, and when the door cover is closed, the force output mechanism 90 extends in the +x direction.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the force output mechanism 90 can rotate about a rotation axis L9 parallel to the x-direction along the direction indicated by r9. The force output mechanism 90 includes a sleeve 93, a braking force output component 95 disposed in the sleeve 93, and an elastic pushing assembly 936. The sleeve 93 includes a sleeve body 935 forming a sleeve cavity 930. The elastic pushing assembly 936 is used to push the braking force output component 95 towards the outside of the sleeve cavity 930. The elastic pushing assembly 936 includes a first elastic pushing component 932 and a second elastic pushing component 933 coaxially disposed. The braking force output component 95, the first elastic pushing component 932, and the second elastic pushing component 933 are all disposed in the sleeve cavity 930. The driving force output part 94 and the braking force output component 95 can rotate together about the rotation axis L9 along the rotation direction r9. Along the circumferential direction of the sleeve body 935, an exposure port 931 is formed between two adjacent driving force output parts 94, and the braking force output component 95 is exposed from the exposure port 931. Each drive force output section 94 is provided with a drive force output surface 941 and a guide surface 942 adjacent to each other. Preferably, the drive force output section 94 protrudes radially inward from the inner wall of the sleeve body 935, and the diameter of the circle formed by the radial inner wall of the drive force output section 94 along the radial direction of the sleeve 93 is d1.

[0060] The braking force output component 95 includes a first braking force output component 95a and a second braking force output component 95b that are coaxially arranged and separable from each other. The first braking force output component 95a is provided with a plurality of first braking force output portions 95a1 and a connecting portion 95a2 for engaging with the second braking force output component 95b. The second braking force output component 95b is provided with a plurality of second braking force output portions 95b1 and a connected portion 95b2 for engaging with the first braking force output component 95a. Along the radial direction of the sleeve 93, the first braking force output portions 95a1 are located outside the second braking force output portions 95b1, that is, the first braking force output portions 95a1 are farther away from the rotation axis L9 than the second braking force output portions 95b1. Along the rotation direction r9, the first braking force output portions 95a1 and the driving force output portion 94 are basically located on the same circumference, and the second braking force output portion 95b1 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the driving force output portion 94.

[0061] Furthermore, along the rotation direction r9, the first braking force output section 95a1 has a first helical surface 95a3 located downstream of the component, and the second braking force output section 95b1 has a second helical surface 95b3 located downstream of the component; as shown in the figure, along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, two driving force output sections 94 are arranged radially opposite each other, two first braking force output sections 95a1 are arranged radially opposite each other, and two second braking force output sections 95b1 are arranged radially opposite each other, and at least a portion of the first braking force output section 95a1 and at least a portion of the second braking force output section 95b1 coincide in the radial direction. Therefore, from an overall perspective, one first braking force output section 95a1 and one second braking force output section 95b1 that are close to each other in the radial direction form the first braking part 951 of the braking force output member 95, and the other first braking force output section 95a1 that is close to each other in the radial direction... The first braking part 951 and the second braking part 952 are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction.

[0062] If one of the driving force output sections 94 is selected along the rotation direction r, then this driving force output section 94 will be located between the first braking section 951 and the second braking section 952, as shown below. Figure 2D As shown, a first region s1 is formed between the first braking part 951 and the driving force output part 94, and a second region s2 is formed between the driving force output part 94 and the second braking part 952.

[0063] The first braking force output component 95a and the second braking force output component 95b can transmit force through the connection of the connecting part 95a2 and the connected part 95b2. When the second braking force output component 95b receives a force along the +x direction, the entire braking force output component 95 can move along the rotation axis L9 in the +x direction under the drive of the second braking force output component 95b, that is, the entire braking force output component 95 moves into the sleeve cavity 930.

[0064] Furthermore, the force output mechanism 90 also includes an intermediate transmission member 96 disposed in the sleeve cavity 930. The first braking force output member 95a and the intermediate transmission member 96 are also able to engage and disengage along the rotation axis L9, but cannot disengage along the rotation direction r9. Therefore, when the braking force output member 95 moves as a whole into the sleeve cavity 930, the braking force output member 95 and the intermediate transmission member 96 will disengage. At this time, the braking force output member 95 as a whole can rotate freely around the rotation axis L9 relative to the driving force output part 94 in the direction r9.

[0065] Coupling

[0066] [Example 1]

[0067] (Structure of the coupling)

[0068] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the coupling according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3B This is an exploded view of the coupling involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3C It is a cross-sectional view of the coupling cut along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the coupling involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 A- Figure 4 D is a schematic diagram of the coupling and force output mechanism connection process according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5B- Figure 5 D corresponds to respectively Figure 4 B- Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the coupling and force output mechanism in section D; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the coupling and the force output mechanism after they are fully engaged, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0069] The coupling 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis L2 extending in the x-direction along a rotation direction r2. The coupling 2 includes a base 2a, a base plate 2b, a driving force receiver 2c, and a pushing member 2d. During the engagement of the coupling 2 with the force output mechanism 90, the pushing member 2d forces the braking force output member 95, and the driving force receiver 2c engages with the driving force output section 94. The base plate 2b... Connected to the base 2a, the driving force receiver 2c can be directly mounted on the base 2a or on the base plate 2b. Regardless of whether the coupling 2 is mounted on the base plate 2b, after the driving force receiver 2c receives the driving force, the base 2a can transmit the driving force and drive the rotating body 11 to rotate. Along the radial direction of the coupling 2, the pusher 2d is restricted in the following movable cavity 2a1 by the limiting part 2d3, and the pusher 2d is located inside the driving force receiver 2c, that is, the driving force receiver 2c is further away from the rotation axis L2 than the pusher 2d. On the one hand, this can avoid the driving force receiver 2c interfering with the contact between the pusher 2d and the braking force output member 95. On the other hand, the pusher 2d can be protected by the driving force receiver 2c.

[0070] It is understandable that the substrate 2b can be regarded as part of the base 2a to improve the overall structural design freedom of the coupling 2. The following description takes the example of having a substrate 2b.

[0071] In this embodiment, the pusher 2d is movably configured relative to the base 2a. Specifically, the coupling 2 further includes an elastic element 2e coupled to the pusher 2d. The elastic element 2e is used to push the pusher 2d in the +x direction. When the pusher 2d receives a force in the -x direction, the pusher 2d will move / retract relative to the base 2a in the -x direction, and the elastic element 2e will undergo elastic deformation. Conversely, when the force is removed, the elastic element 2e releases its elastic force, and the pusher 2d moves / extends relative to the base 2a in the +x direction. Preferably, the elastic element 2e is configured as a compression spring.

[0072] As shown in the figure, a movable cavity 2a1 is formed inside the base 2a. A base plate 2a2 is provided on the side of the movable cavity 2a1 away from the substrate 2b / driving force receiver 2c / pushing member 2d. At least a portion of the base plate 2a2 is located inside the movable cavity 2a1. One end of the elastic member 2e abuts against the base plate 2a2, and the other end abuts against the pushing member 2d. Therefore, the elastic member 2e can contract and expand within the movable cavity 2a1. Furthermore, the base 2a / substrate 2b is provided with an opening 2b1 communicating with the movable cavity 2a1. The elastic member 2e and the pushing member 2d are disposed in the movable cavity 2a1 through the opening 2b1.

[0073] The specific shape of the pusher 2d should not be limited, as long as it can abut against the braking force output member 95 and push the braking force output member 95 into the sleeve cavity 930. For example, the pusher 2d can be set as a regular columnar body or an irregular body. Regardless of the shape of the pusher 2d, the pusher 2d is provided with a pusher surface 2d1 for abutting against the braking force output member 95. Before the coupling 2 is engaged with the force output mechanism 90, along the rotation axis L2, the pusher 2d relative to the base 2a The protrusion height h of the substrate 2b is 1mm-7mm, or in other words, the shortest distance between the push surface 2d1 and the base 2a / substrate 2b is 1mm-7mm. Preferably, the push surface 2d1 is the end face of the push member 2d. Along the radial direction of the coupling 2, the maximum dimension d2 of the push member 2d at least at the end in the +x direction is less than d1, specifically, the value of d2 does not exceed 11mm. When the push member 2d is set as a cylinder, the cross-sectional diameter d2 of the push member 2d does not exceed 11mm.

[0074] A driving force receiver 2c protrudes from the base 2a / substrate 2b in the +x direction along the rotation direction r2. At least one driving force receiver 2c is provided, as shown in the figure. The driving force receiver 2c is provided with a driving force receiving surface 2c3 for receiving driving force. Preferably, the driving force receiving surface 2c3 has a shape that can match the driving force output surface 941. Further, the driving force receiver 2c is also provided with an adjustment surface 2c1 for guiding the driving force receiver 2c / coupling 2. Preferably, the adjustment surface 2c1 is set to be inclined relative to the rotation axis L2 of the coupling. During the process of coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 being engaged, when the coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 interfere, the adjustment surface 2c1 can adjust the relative position between coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90, so that coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 can be smoothly engaged. Preferably, the adjustment surface 2c1 is set as an adjustment surface.

[0075] In some embodiments, the driving force receiving member 2c may also be provided with a clearance portion 2c2 for avoiding specific components in the force output mechanism 90, thereby ensuring that the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 can be smoothly coupled. Preferably, the clearance portion 2c2 is arranged adjacent to the driving force receiving surface 2c3. More preferably, the driving force receiving surface 2c3, the clearance portion 2c2 and the adjustment surface 2c1 are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction of the coupling. Furthermore, along the direction intersecting with the rotation axis L2, the size of the driving force receiving member 2c decreases as the driving force receiving member 2c gradually moves away from the base 2a / base plate 2b, which is more conducive to the smooth coupling of the driving force receiving member 2c and the driving force output part 94.

[0076] (The process of combining the coupling with the force output mechanism)

[0077] The following is combined Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The process of coupling 2 engaging with force output mechanism 90 is described, and the relative positions between coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 are shown more clearly. Figure 4 B. Figure 4 C and Figure 4 D shows a sectional view of the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 after being cut along the rotation axis L9.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown in Figure A, after coupling 2 reaches the predetermined installation position of the imaging device along with the processing box, the force output mechanism 90 is in a retracted state, not engaged with coupling 2, before the door closes. As the door closes, the force output mechanism 90 begins to move / extend along the rotation axis L9 in the -x direction, as... Figure 4 B and Figure 5As shown in Figure B, the pushing surface 2d1 begins to abut against the second braking force output member 95b. At this time, the driving force receiving member 2c does not contact the driving force output part 94. Therefore, for the coupling 2, it is preferable that, before the coupling 2 is engaged with the force output mechanism 90, along the rotation axis L2, the pushing surface 2d1 is further away from the base 2a / base plate 2b than the driving force receiving member 2c / driving force receiving surface 2c3. Figure 3C As shown, along the rotation axis L2, the pushing surface 2d1 is higher than the highest point P of the driving force receiving component 2c.

[0079] As the door continues to close, Figure 4 C and Figure 5 As shown in Figure C, the elastic pusher 936 begins to be compressed, and the second braking force output member 95b drives the entire braking force output member 95 to move into the sleeve cavity 930. Since d2 does not exceed d1, at this time, the pusher 2d will enter the sleeve cavity 930 or between the radial directions of the multiple driving force output parts 94. In some embodiments, the connecting part 943 is also provided with a positioning protrusion 934 through which the rotation axis L9 passes. Correspondingly, the pusher 2d is provided with a positioning hole 2d2 that allows the positioning protrusion 934 to enter. As the braking force output member 95 gradually moves into the sleeve cavity 930, the positioning protrusion 934 begins to enter the positioning hole 2d2, and the relative position between the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 can be initially positioned.

[0080] However, it is understandable that even without the combination of the aforementioned positioning protrusion 934 and positioning hole 2d2, the coupling 2 can still be pre-positioned within the force output mechanism 90 due to the mutual contact between the push surface 2d1 and the second braking force output component 95b, thereby ensuring that the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 can be successfully coupled.

[0081] like Figure 4 D and Figure 5 As shown in Figure D, when the force output mechanism 90 continues to move / extend in the +x direction, along the rotation axis L9, the braking force output component 95 disengages from the intermediate transmission component 96 and becomes free to rotate in the direction of rotation r9 or in the opposite direction. That is, the braking force output component 95 can rotate freely in the circumferential direction of the sleeve body 935, and the elastic pushing component 936 no longer undergoes elastic deformation. At the same time, under the elastic force of the elastic pushing component 936, the pushing component 2d will also move a distance along the rotation axis L2 in the -x direction, that is, the pushing component 2d retracts into the movable cavity 2a1. The driving force receiving component 2c enters the sleeve cavity 930 through the exposure port 931, as shown in Figure D. Figure 6As shown, along the direction intersecting the rotation axis L2 / L9, under the pushing action of the elastic pushing component 936, the driving force output surface 941 coincides with the driving force receiving surface 2c3. When the force output mechanism 90 starts to rotate, the driving force output surface 941 and the driving force receiving surface 2c3 abut against each other to transmit the driving force.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the coupling 2 is engaged with the force output mechanism 90, the braking force output component 95 located in the force output mechanism 90 is shielded, or in other words, the braking force output component 95 no longer outputs braking force to the coupling 2. Correspondingly, the coupling 2 does not need to be equipped with a braking force receiving component for receiving braking force, thus simplifying the structure of the coupling 2 and reducing its production precision requirements. At the same time, the braking force output component 95 is pushed into the sleeve cavity 930 by the pusher 2d provided in the coupling 2 and retracts. The retraction action of the braking force output component 95 precedes the engagement of the driving force receiving component 2c with the driving force output part 94. In other words, before the driving force receiving component 2c reaches the position where it can receive driving force from the driving force output part 94, the pusher 2d and the braking force output component 95 begin to engage / abut. This not only ensures the smooth engagement of the driving force receiving component 2c with the driving force output part 94, but also allows a pre-engagement to be formed between the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90, thus ensuring the engagement between the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90. The relative positions of the components will not change, and consequently, the risk of damage to the braking force output components is greatly reduced.

[0083] To more clearly demonstrate the positional relationship between the drive force output unit 94 and the drive force receiver 2c, Figure 6 The braking force output component is hidden (95). Continuing... Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion that may be provided in the force output mechanism 90 is avoided by the avoidance part 2c2. In some embodiments, a part of the driving force receiving member 2c reaches below the connecting part 943, that is, a part of the driving force receiving member 2c is deeper into the sleeve cavity 930 than the connecting part 943. Therefore, the driving force output surface 941 can stably output driving force to the driving force receiving surface 2c3.

[0084] As described above, the driving force receiver 2c is also provided with an adjustment surface 2c1. During the engagement of the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90, along the rotation axis L2 / L9, when the driving force receiver 2c is not opposite to the exposure port 931 but opposite to the driving force output part 94, the driving force receiver 2c can be guided by the guide surface 942 to enter the exposure port 931, or the driving force receiver 2c can enter the exposure port 931 by the contact between the adjustment surface 2c1 and the driving force output part 94.

[0085] Preferably, the push surface 2d1 is set as a whole plane extending along the rotation direction r9, so that when the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 begin to contact, the push surface 2d1 can abut against the braking force output component 95 along the rotation direction r9, regardless of the phase of the braking force output component 95.

[0086] [Example 2]

[0087] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the coupling involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 8 A and Figure 8 B is a schematic diagram of the connection process between the coupling and the force output mechanism involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0088] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the pusher 2d is configured to extend and retract relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b along the rotation axis L2, that is, the pusher 2d is movably disposed in the base 2a. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the pusher 2d is fixedly connected to the base 2a / substrate 2b, and along the rotation axis L2, the height of the pusher 2d protruding relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b is less than the height of the driving force receiving member 2c protruding relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b. Preferably, the protrusion height of the pusher 2d is 1mm-2mm, or in other words, along the rotation axis L2, the shortest distance between the pusher surface 2d1 on the pusher 2d and the base 2a / substrate 2b is 1mm-2mm. The other structures of the coupling 2 are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, the pusher 2d is configured as a protrusion extending from the base 2a / substrate 2b along the rotation axis L2, but the protrusion height of the pusher 2d is less than the protrusion height of the driving force receiver 2c. Along the radial direction of the coupling 2, the pusher 2d is located inside the driving force receiver 2c, that is, the driving force receiver 2c is farther away from the rotation axis L2 than the pusher 2d. Preferably, the end face of the pusher 2d forms a pusher surface 2d1.

[0090] Combination Figure 8 A and Figure 8 B. During the engagement of coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90, when the driving force receiving component 2c directly enters the exposed port 931, along the rotation direction r9, the driving force output surface 941 will directly face the driving force receiving surface 2c3. At the same time, the pusher 2d forces the braking force output component 95 to retract into the sleeve cavity 930 along the rotation axis L9, and the elastic push assembly 936 is compressed. Under the elastic force of the elastic push assembly 936, along the direction intersecting with the rotation axis L2 / L9, the driving force output surface 941 and the driving force receiving surface 2c3 coincide and maintain a stable engagement. Coupling 2 can rotate along the rotation direction r9 with the force output mechanism 90.

[0091] During the engagement of coupling 2 with force output mechanism 90, when the driving force receiving member 2c does not directly enter the exposure port 931 but abuts against the driving force output part 94, under the combined action of elastic member 2e and elastic pushing assembly 936, as the force output mechanism 90 rotates, the driving force receiving member 2c will be guided by the guide surface 942 or adjustment surface 2c1 to enter the exposure port 931. As a result, the braking force output member 95 is pushed into the sleeve cavity 930 by the push member 2d and retracts. Along the rotation direction r9, the driving force output surface 941 will directly face the driving force receiving surface 2c3, or in other words, along the direction intersecting with the rotation axis L9, the driving force output surface 941 and the driving force receiving surface 2c3 coincide and maintain a stable engagement. Coupling 2 can rotate with force output mechanism 90 along the rotation direction r9.

[0092] During the engagement of the coupling 2 with the force output mechanism 90, at least a portion of the pusher 2d will enter between multiple drive force output sections 94. Therefore, along the radial direction of the coupling 2, the maximum dimension d2 of the pusher 2d at least at the end in the +x direction must not exceed 11 mm. Specifically, the maximum dimension d2 of the pusher surface 2d1 formed in the pusher 2d does not exceed 11 mm; when the pusher 2d is set as a cylinder, the cross-sectional diameter d2 of the pusher 2d does not exceed 11 mm.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the driving force receiving member 2c can be fixedly disposed relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b, or it can be movably disposed relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b. For example, the driving force receiving member 2c is integrally formed with the base 2a / substrate 2b, or the driving force receiving member 2c is separately formed with the base 2a / substrate 2b, but the driving force receiving member 2c and the base 2a / substrate 2b are fixedly connected by means of opening, bonding, etc., or an elastic element is provided between the driving force receiving member 2c and the base 2a / substrate 2b. At this time, the driving force receiver 2c will be able to move relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b. Preferably, the driving force receiver 2c is set to move relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b along the rotation axis L2. Obviously, the driving force receiver 2c that is movable relative to the base 2a / substrate 2b can obtain a greater degree of installation freedom and has better applicability. During the process of coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 being combined, even if the driving force receiver 2c abuts against the driving force output part 94, coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 can be successfully combined.

[0094] As described above, before the coupling 2 is engaged with the force output mechanism 90, regardless of whether the height of the pusher 2d protruding relative to the base 2a / base plate 2b along the rotation axis L2 is set to 1mm-7mm or 1mm-2mm, it can ensure that the braking force output component 95 is pushed / retracted a certain distance into the sleeve cavity 930 by the pusher 2d. This distance allows the first braking force output component 95 to disengage from the intermediate transmission component 96, and the braking force output component 95 as a whole can rotate freely relative to the sleeve body 935. This can be understood as the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 being engaged. Before assembly, the height of the pusher 2d protruding from the base 2a / substrate 2b should be at least 1 mm. Along the rotation axis L2, the pusher surface 2d1 of the pusher 2d can be set to be farther away from the base 2a / substrate 2b than the highest point P of the driving force receiver 2c, or it can be set to be closer to the base 2a / base plate 2b than the highest point P of the driving force receiver 2c. Alternatively, along the rotation axis L2, the pusher surface 2d1 can also be set to be equidistant from the base 2a / substrate 2b as the highest point P of the driving force receiver 2c.

[0095] Furthermore, during the engagement of coupling 2 with force output mechanism 90, along the rotation axis L2 / L9, when the driving force receiving member 2c cannot be aligned with the exposed port 931, the pushing member 2d abuts against the braking force output member 95, which can pre-position coupling 2, or in other words, form a pre-engagement between coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 to ensure that the relative position of coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 does not change. Correspondingly, the risk of damage to braking force output member is greatly reduced. Along the rotation axis L2 / L9, when the driving force receiving member 2c is aligned with exposed port 931, the pushing member can directly reach the position where it can receive driving force from driving force output part 94. At this time, along the rotation direction r9, driving force receiving surface 2c3 and driving force output surface 941 are located on the same circumference, and the two can abut against each other or separate from each other.

[0096] [Example 3]

[0097] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the processing box according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap of the processing box after it is separated from the housing according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0098] like Figure 9As shown, the developing unit 100b and the developer containing unit 100a are combined to form a developing assembly 100d, and the developing assembly 100d and the imaging unit 100c are connected by an end cap 40; furthermore, the processing cartridge 100 also includes a first driving force receiver 41 for receiving driving force for the developing element and a second driving force receiver 2 for receiving driving force for the photosensitive element, both of which are exposed through the end cap 40; as described above, both the developing element and the photosensitive element can be regarded as rotating bodies, and therefore, the processing cartridge 100 can be simplified to include a housing, a rotating body rotatably mounted in the housing, and a coupling (first driving force receiver 41 and / or second driving force receiver 2) for receiving driving force for the rotating body, wherein the rotating body and the coupling constitute part of the rotating body, that is, the rotating body is rotatably mounted in the housing.

[0099] As described above, the photosensitive element can be used to receive developer supplied by the developing element. When the processing cartridge 100 is in operation, the developing element and the photosensitive element are close to each other, and the developing element supplies developer to the photosensitive element. When the processing cartridge 100 is not in operation, the developing element and the photosensitive element should be far apart to prevent developer on the surface of the developing element from accidentally reaching the surface of the photosensitive element, thereby contaminating the surface of the photosensitive element. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the processing box 100 also includes a movable member 31 for receiving the pushing force (including the separation force and the binding force described below) applied by the force-applying member in the imaging device.

[0100] When the processing cartridge 100 changes from an operating state to a non-operating state, or in other words, when the processing cartridge 100 is in a non-operating state, the force-applying member applies a separation force / first force to the movable member 31, causing the developing element and the photosensitive element to separate from each other, and the developer on the surface of the developing element cannot reach the surface of the photosensitive element; when the processing cartridge 100 changes from a non-operating state to an operating state, or in other words, when the processing cartridge 100 is in an operating state, the force-applying member applies a binding force / second force to the movable member 31 in the opposite direction to the separation force / first force, causing the developing element and the photosensitive element to move closer to each other again, and the developer on the surface of the developing element can reach the surface of the photosensitive element.

[0101] It should be noted that the working state of the processing cartridge 100 refers to the ability of the processing cartridge 100 to perform the developing operation, while the non-working state of the processing cartridge 100 refers to the inability of the processing cartridge 100 to perform the developing operation. In existing imaging equipment, even when the processing cartridge 100 is not performing the developing operation, the coupling still receives driving force from the imaging equipment to drive the rotating body to rotate, thereby achieving the calibration of the imaging equipment or cleaning of the rotating body. At this time, although the rotating body will still rotate, the processing cartridge 100 does not perform the imaging operation. Therefore, the processing cartridge 100 should still be considered to be in a non-working state at this time. It can be seen that whether the processing cartridge 100 is in a working state is not determined by whether the rotating body rotates, but by whether the processing cartridge 100 is performing the developing operation.

[0102] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the processing cartridge 100 also includes a handle 15, which the user uses to install and remove the processing cartridge 100. Here, the direction from the handle 15 towards the photosensitive element / developing element is defined as the -z direction, and the opposite direction as the +z direction. The direction from the developing assembly 100d towards the photosensitive unit 100c is defined as the -y direction, and the opposite direction as the +y direction. That is, along the z direction, the handle 15 and the photosensitive element / developing element are located at opposite ends of the housing. The +y and -y directions are collectively referred to as the y direction. The x, y, and z directions intersect; preferably, the x, y, and z directions are perpendicular to each other. The separation force applied by the force-applying element is towards the +y direction, and the bonding force applied by the force-applying element is towards the -y direction.

[0103] (Control mechanism for the extension and retraction of the driving force receiver)

[0104] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the coupling involved in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view cut along the AA direction; Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the driving force receiving component in the coupling according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the coupling and control device combined according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0105] In this embodiment, the base plate 2b of the coupling 2 is omitted, or rather, the base plate 2b is integrally formed with the base 2a, as shown in the figure. The coupling 2 still includes the base 2a, and a driving force receiving member 2c and a pushing member 2d that are combined with the base 2a. The driving force receiving member 2c and the pushing member 2d are both movably arranged relative to the base 2a. Specifically, the driving force receiving member 2c and the pushing member 2d can extend and retract relative to the base 2a along the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 2. The pushing member 2d still functions as a forced braking force output member 95, and the driving force receiving member 2c still functions as a member combined with the driving force output part 94 to receive the driving force.

[0106] The processing box 100 includes a control mechanism 3 for controlling the extension and retraction of the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d. When the processing box 100 reaches a predetermined position of the imaging device, the control mechanism 3 can be triggered to extend the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d. At this time, the pusher 2d forces the braking force output member 95, and the driving force receiver 2c can engage with the driving force output part 94. When the control mechanism 3 is no longer triggered, the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d retract, the braking force output member 95 is no longer forced, and the driving force receiver 2c disengages from the driving force output part 94.

[0107] Therefore, when the control mechanism 3 is not triggered, the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d are in a retracted state. In this way, during the installation and removal of the processing box 100, the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d will not interfere with the imaging device, and thus the installation and removal process of the processing box 100 will become smooth.

[0108] The control mechanism 3 can be triggered when the user closes the door of the imaging device, or it can be triggered by a component in the processing box or a component in the imaging device when the processing box reaches a predetermined position. The following description will take a plate in the imaging device that can move in the z-direction as the door is opened and closed as an example.

[0109] The control mechanism 3 includes a triggered element, a force transmission component, an extension component, and a reset component. The triggered element is triggered by the plate. The force transmission component transmits a force to the extension component. The extension component forces the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d to extend. The reset component forces the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d to retract. In other words, the extension component forces the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d to move from the retracted state to the extended state and keeps them in the extended state. Before the force transmission component acts on the extension component, or before the extension component begins to act on the driving force receiver 2c, the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d are in the retracted state. The reset component forces the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d back from the extended state to the retracted state and keeps them in the retracted state.

[0110] When the imaging device's door is open, the -z-direction end of the movable member 31 does not extend beyond the housing, and at this time, the movable member 31 cannot receive a pushing force. When the imaging device's door is closed, the plate moves in the -z direction as the door closes, so the +z-direction end of the movable member 31 can abut against the plate, and the movable member 31 as a whole moves in the z-direction towards the -z-direction, with the -z-direction end of the movable member 31 extending beyond the housing. At this time, the movable member 31 can receive a pushing force.

[0111] In other words, the movable member 31 is configured to move along the z-direction. When the -z-direction end of the movable member 31 does not extend beyond the housing, the processing box 100 can be installed and removed more smoothly. Furthermore, the movable member 31 has an abutting part / first end 311 located at the +z-direction end and a pushing force receiving part / second end 312 located at the -z-direction end. The control mechanism 3 can be triggered by the movement of the plate in the -z-direction. Therefore, the movable member 31 can be regarded as the triggered member of the control mechanism 3.

[0112] Force transmission components

[0113] like Figure 10 As shown, the control mechanism 3 also includes a force transmission assembly rotatably mounted on the housing or end cap 40. When the movable member 31 is abutted by the plate and moves in the -z direction, the movable member 31 causes the force transmission assembly to start working. Specifically, the force transmission assembly includes at least one movable member that can move relative to the housing. The movable member can move by rotating relative to the housing or by translating / sliding relative to the housing, as long as the force transmission assembly can force the extension component to work.

[0114] Continue as Figure 10 As shown, the force transmission assembly includes a first movable member 32 and a second movable member 33 that can rotate relative to the housing. Preferably, the rotation axis L3 of the first movable member 32 and the rotation axis L4 of the second movable member 33 are both parallel to the rotation axis L2. The first movable member 32 includes a first rotating body 323 and a first part 321 and a second part 322 respectively connected to the first rotating body 323. The second movable member 33 includes a second rotating body 333 and a third part 331 and a fourth part 332 respectively connected to the second rotating body 333. The first part 321 is used to engage with the movable member 31, the second part 322 and the third part 331 are engaged, and the fourth part 332 is engaged with the extension assembly.

[0115] More preferably, the second part 322 and the third part 331 are configured to have a shaft-hole fit, and the hole is an elongated hole; the fourth part 332 and the protruding component are also configured to have a shaft-hole fit, and the hole is an elongated hole, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the second part 322 is configured as a shaft, the third part 331 is configured as an elongated hole, the fourth part 332 is configured as an elongated hole, and the protruding component is provided with a shaft 20. In some embodiments, the positions of the elongated hole and the shaft can be interchanged.

[0116] When the plate abuts against the first end 311, the movable part 31 moving in the -z direction abuts against the first part 321, and the first movable part 32 will rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the direction shown by r3. At the same time, the combination of the second part 322 and the third part 331 will cause the second movable part 33 to rotate around the rotation axis L4 in the direction shown by r4. Through the fourth part 332 and the shaft 20, the extended assembly begins to work.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 33 may also be configured to translate / slide relative to the housing. For example, the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 33 may be configured as a rack that can mesh with each other, or the force transmission assembly may also be provided with gears that mesh with the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 33 respectively. That is, the force transmission assembly may be configured as a rack and pinion drive.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first part 321 can also be configured to be directly coupled to the plate, that is, when the door is closed, the plate moving in the -z direction will directly abut against the first part 321. At this time, the first moving member 32 is the triggered member. Alternatively, the first moving member 32 can also be directly coupled to the extension component. In this case, the force transmission component is simplified to the first moving member 32, which not only helps to improve the transmission efficiency of the force transmission component, but also simplifies the overall structure of the processing box.

[0119] In some embodiments, the component that can trigger the triggered element may also be a transfer assembly in the imaging device that can move in the z-direction as the door is closed, or a component that is disposed in the processing box and can automatically release the stored force after the processing box reaches a predetermined position.

[0120] Extending components

[0121] like Figure 11 As shown, the extension assembly includes a rotating member 2g and a pushing member 2h that can move relative to each other. A shaft / hole 20 is disposed on the rotating member 2g. The rotating member 2g includes a rotating body 2g1 and an active part disposed on the rotating body 2g1. The pushing member 2h includes a pushing body 2h1 and a driven part disposed on the pushing body 2h1. As the rotating member 2g rotates, the active part and the driven part interact with each other, thereby causing the pushing member 2h to push the driving force receiving member 2c from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0122] This is achievable, for example, by including a driving part comprising a groove 2g2 on the rotating body 2g1 and a pushing surface 2g3 located in the groove 2g2, and a driven part comprising a protrusion 2h2 connected to the pushing body 2h1 and a pushed surface 2h4 located on the protrusion 2h2. Specifically, the pushing surface 2g3 is an inclined surface or a spiral surface located in the groove 2g2, and the pushed surface 2h4 is an inclined surface or a spiral surface located on the protrusion 2h2. The pushing surface 2g3 and the pushed surface 2h4 can cooperate with each other. It is understood that the positions of the groove 2g2 and the protrusion 2h2 can also be interchanged, as long as it is ensured that the rotation of the rotating member 2g causes the pushing member 2h to gradually move away from the rotating member 2g. That is, the driving part can apply a thrust to the driven part as the rotating member 2g rotates, thereby causing the pushing member 2h to gradually move away from the rotating member 2g.

[0123] Furthermore, the pushing member 2h also includes a positioning part 2h3 connected to the pushing body 2h1. The end cover 40 is provided with a positioned part 44 that can cooperate with the positioning part 2h3. Specifically, the positioning part 2h3 is a positioning post protruding from the pushing body 2h1, and the positioned part 44 is a hole or groove provided in the end cover 40. In this way, when the pushed surface 2h4 is pushed by the pushing surface 2g3, the pushing member 2h can be kept in a non-rotating state and can only move in a direction away from the rotating member 2g. It is understood that the shapes of the positioning part 2h3 and the positioned part 44 can also be interchanged, as long as they can achieve the purpose of preventing the pushing member 2h from rotating relative to the rotating member 2g.

[0124] The pushing member 2h also abuts against the driving force receiving member 2c. Therefore, as the pushing member 2h gradually moves away from the rotating member 2g, it can push the driving force receiving member 2c. Based on this inventive concept, the active part and the driven part can also be replaced by a pair of magnetic members that can generate a repulsive force. In this case, the opposing surfaces of the two magnetic members are the pushing surface 2g3 and the pushed surface 2h4. For example, before the force transmission assembly forces the rotating member 2g to rotate, the pair of magnetic members are not opposite each other along the direction of the pushing member 2h away from the rotating member 2g. When the force transmission assembly forces the rotating member 2g to rotate, the pair of magnetic members gradually become opposite each other along the direction of the pushing member 2h away from the rotating member 2g. Under the action of the pair of repulsive forces, the pushing member 2h gradually moves away from the rotating member 2g.

[0125] Assembly of reset assembly and coupling

[0126] In this embodiment, the reset assembly is disposed between the driving force receiver 2c and the base 2a. The reset assembly includes at least the aforementioned elastic element 2e. Optionally, the elastic element 2e can be a compression spring, a tension spring, a sponge, rubber, or a pair of magnetic elements, etc. Preferably, the reset assembly is located between the base plate 2a2 and the driving force receiver 2c / pushing element 2d. When the triggered element is no longer triggered, the reset assembly forces the driving force receiver 2c and the pushing element 2d to return from the extended state to the retracted state. Preferably, the reset assembly also includes an elastic element 2f. Along the radial direction of the coupling 2, the diameter of the elastic element 2f is larger than the diameter of the elastic element 2e. More preferably, the elastic element 2e and the elastic element 2f are coaxially arranged, and the elastic element 2f is sleeved on the outside of the elastic element 2e. In the following text, the elastic element 2e is referred to as the first elastic element, and the elastic element 2f is referred to as the second elastic element.

[0127] The first elastic element 2e is located between the base plate 2a2 and the pushing element 2d, and the second elastic element 2f is located between the base plate 2a2 and the cylinder 2a0 / driving force receiving element 2c. This allows the pushing element 2d and the driving force receiving element 2c to be controlled by the first elastic element 2e and the second elastic element 2f respectively. Designers can adjust the elastic force of the first elastic element 2e and the second elastic element 2f according to design requirements, so that the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 can be engaged and disengaged more smoothly. It can be seen that the elastic force generated by the first elastic element 2e and the elastic force generated by the second elastic element 2f can be the same or different.

[0128] The base 2a is cylindrical in shape and includes a cylindrical body 2a0 forming a movable cavity 2a1 and a support member 2a3 located in the movable cavity 2a1. The support member 2a3 is connected to the cylindrical body 2a0, and a receiving cavity 2a4 extending along the rotation axis L2 is formed inside the support member 2a3. The receiving cavity 2a4 communicates with the movable cavity 2a1 and extends through the support member 2a3 along the rotation axis L2. A gap is formed between the support member 2a3 and the cylindrical body 2a0 along the radial direction of the coupling 2 / base 2a. At least a portion of the driving force receiving member 2c is located in the gap, and at least a portion of the pushing member 2d is located in the receiving cavity 2a4.

[0129] The coupling 2 also includes at least a portion of a base plate 2a2 located within the movable cavity 2a1. The base plate 2a2 has an abutment plate 2a21 that abuts against a first elastic member 2e and a second elastic member 2f. Preferably, the base plate 2a2 also has a first protrusion 2a22 protruding from the abutment plate 2a21. The first elastic member 2e and the second elastic member 2f surround the first protrusion 2a22 and are positioned thereby.

[0130] The driving force receiving component 2c includes a base 2c0 and a transmission part and a driving force receiving part 2c6 located on both sides of the base 2c0. The transmission part is used to transmit the driving force received by the driving force receiving part to the base 2a. Finally, the base 2a transmits the driving force to the rotating body 11.

[0131] Specifically, the driving force receiving part 2c6 is still provided with the above-mentioned adjustment surface 2c1 and driving force receiving surface 2c3. In some embodiments, the driving force receiving part 2c6 is also provided with a clearance part 2c2. The structure of the adjustment surface 2c1, clearance part 2c2 and driving force receiving surface 2c3 is the same as that in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here. The transmission part is configured as at least one extension plate 2c4 extending from the base 2c0. The extension plate 2c4 can form a connection with the cylinder 2a0 and / or the support member 2a3 in the circumferential direction of the coupling 2. Preferably, the extension plates 2c4 are arranged in a plurality of spaced distributions along the circumferential direction of the driving force receiving member 2c. A connecting groove 2c5 is formed between two adjacent extension plates 2c4. Correspondingly, the cylinder 2a1 or the support member 2a3 is provided with a connecting protrusion 2a5 that engages with the connecting groove 2c5. Through the engagement of the connecting groove 2c5 and the connecting protrusion 2a5, the driving force receiving member 2c can not only extend and retract along the rotation axis L2, but also rotate around the rotation axis L2 and transmit the driving force to the base 2a.

[0132] Combination Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the driving force receiving member 2c is also provided with a pulling part 2c8 for engaging with the base plate 2a2. The pulling part 2c8 enables the base plate 2a2 to move in one direction as the driving force receiving member 2c extends. Preferably, the pulling part 2c8 is a locking boss provided on the extension plate 2c4, and the base plate 2a2 is supported by the locking boss 2c8.

[0133] like Figure 11 As shown, the pusher 2d includes a base 2d0 with the aforementioned positioning hole 2d2 and a limiting portion 2d3 provided on the base 2d0. One end of the base 2d0 forms a pusher surface 2d1, and the positioning hole 2d2 is exposed from the pusher surface 2d1. Through the limiting portion 2d3, at least a portion of the pusher 2d can be restricted in the movable cavity 2a1. Therefore, the pusher 2d will not disengage along the rotation axis L2, but the pusher 2d can rotate about the rotation axis L2. Furthermore, the pusher 2d is also provided with a second protrusion 2d4 protruding toward the movable cavity 2a1, and at least the first elastic member 2e surrounds the second protrusion 2d4.

[0134] The extension assembly is used to force the driving force receiver 2c and the pusher 2d to extend; therefore, the extension assembly can also be considered as part of the coupling 2 and can be assembled along with the coupling 2, such as... Figure 12 As shown, coupling 2 is assembled in the following manner:

[0135] The protrusion 2h2 is aligned with the groove 2g2 so that the rotating part 2g and the pushing part 2h are joined together;

[0136] The extension plate 2c4 passes through the pusher 2h and the rotating member 2g in sequence, so that the pusher body 2h1 is opposite to the base 2c0;

[0137] The base 2d0 of the pusher 2d passes through the through hole 2c7 on the base 2c0, so that at least a portion of the base 2d0 of the pusher enters the mounting cavity 2c9 formed by the extension plate 2c4 (e.g., Figure 12 and Figure 13 (as shown)

[0138] The extension plate 2c4 is inserted into the gap formed between the support member 2a3 and the cylinder 2a0, so that the support member 2a3 will be accommodated by the mounting cavity 2c9, and at the same time, a part of the base 2d0 of the pusher member that enters the mounting cavity 2c9 will enter the accommodating cavity 2a4.

[0139] The reset assembly is installed into the mounting cavity 2c9. Specifically, the first elastic member 2e surrounds the second protrusion 2d4 and abuts against the base 2d0. The second elastic member 2f is located radially outside the first elastic member 2e and one end of the second elastic member 2f abuts against the support member 2a3.

[0140] Install the base plate 2a2 toward the mounting cavity 2c9, so that the engaging boss 2c8 engages with the abutment plate 2a21 of the base plate. At the same time, the other end of the first elastic member 2e and the other end of the second elastic member 2f abut against the abutment plate 2a21. The first protrusion 2a22 is also surrounded by the first elastic member 2e and the second elastic member 2f. Finally, the base 2a, the reset assembly, the driving force receiving member 2c, the extension assembly and the push member 2d are coaxially arranged.

[0141] According to the inventive concept of the present invention, the specific structure of each component in the coupling 2 and the connection structure of each component should not be limited by the above description, but can be appropriately adjusted according to the specific design environment. For example, the connection between the driving force receiving part 2c and the base 2a can also be achieved by setting a connecting pin on the driving force receiving part 2c, and the pushing part 2d can also pass through 2c7 from the side of the base 2c0 where the driving force receiving part 2c6 is not provided, etc.

[0142] (The engagement and disengagement of the coupling with the force output mechanism)

[0143] Figure 15A and Figure 15B These are, respectively, a plan view and a perspective view of the coupling and control device observed along the rotation axis of the coupling before they are combined with the force output mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 15CThis is a cross-sectional view of the coupling and the force output mechanism before they are combined, taken along the rotation axis of the coupling, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are, respectively, a plan view and a perspective view of the coupling and control device observed along the rotation axis of the coupling before they are combined with the force output mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 16C This is a cross-sectional view of the coupling and the force output mechanism before they are combined, taken along the rotation axis of the coupling, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0144] In this example, the processes of engaging and disengaging coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 are the same; therefore, in Figure 15C and Figure 16C In the middle, the braking force output component 95 in the force output mechanism 90 is hidden, the... Figure 15C and Figure 16C The focus is on demonstrating the relative positional changes of the components in coupling 2.

[0145] Before the triggered element is triggered, such as Figure 15B and Figure 15C As shown, both the driving force receiving member 2c and the pushing member 2d are in a retracted state. Along the rotation axis L2, the rotating member 2g and the pushing member 2h approach each other. As described above, when the plate of the imaging device abuts against the first end 311 of the movable member, the movable member 31 begins to move in the -z direction, thereby forcing the force transmission assembly to start working. The first moving member 32 rotates along the rotation direction r3, and the second moving member 33 rotates along the rotation direction r4. Subsequently, the rotating body 2g1 begins to rotate along the rotation direction r2, and the pushing surface 2g3 pushes the pushed surface 2h4. At this time, the pushing member 2h also has a tendency to rotate around the rotation axis L2. However, the pushing member 2h is combined with the positioned part 44 through the positioning part 2h3. The pushing member 2h will be limited to moving only along the rotation axis L2 and gradually moving away from the rotating member 2g. Figure 16C As shown, along the rotation axis L2, the rotating component 2g and the pushing component 2h move away from each other. Specifically, the pushing component 2h moves in the +x direction.

[0146] As the pushing member 2h moves away from the rotating member 2g, it pushes the driving force receiving member 2c to move in the +x direction. At the same time, the driving force receiving member 2c forces the second elastic member 2f to undergo elastic deformation through the base plate 2a2, and also forces the first elastic member 2e to push the pushing member 2d. Thus, the pushing member 2d also moves in the +x direction. That is, both the driving force receiving member 2c and the pushing member 2d move from the retracted state to the extended state in the +x direction. Subsequently, the pushing member 2d presses against the braking force output member 95, and the driving force receiving member 2c engages with the driving force output part 94.

[0147] When the processing box 100 is installed in the imaging device, the extended state of the driving force receiver 2c can be maintained by the pusher 2h as long as the triggered member is abutted by the plate. As described above, the braking force output member 95 is pushed by the elastic push assembly 936. While the pusher 2d presses the braking force output member 95, the elastic push assembly 936 will undergo elastic deformation. The braking force output member 95 has a tendency to be pushed outward of the sleeve cavity 930 by the elastic push assembly 936. The first elastic member 2e also undergoes elastic deformation, which in turn makes the driving force receiver 2c tend to return to the retracted state. Therefore, the resultant force of the return force generated by the first elastic member 2e and the elastic force generated when the elastic push assembly 936 undergoes elastic deformation does not exceed the thrust of the extension assembly that forces the driving force receiver to remain in the extended state.

[0148] When the triggered component is no longer triggered by the plate component, the first elastic component 2e and the second elastic component 2f release their elastic force, the base plate 2a2 is pushed in the -x direction, which in turn drives the driving force receiving component 2c to move in the -x direction. The driving force receiving component 2c disengages from the driving force output part 94, and the pushing component 2d also disengages from the braking force output part 95. The extension component and the forced thrust transmission component are reset.

[0149] The above describes an embodiment where the first elastic element 2e and the second elastic element 2f are compression springs. In some embodiments, the first elastic element 2e and the second elastic element 2f can also be made of rubber, sponge, etc. In some embodiments, the first elastic element 2e and the second elastic element 2f can also be made of tension springs. When the driving force receiving element 2c is pushed in the +x direction by the pushing element 2h, the tension spring is stretched and undergoes elastic deformation. Similarly, when the triggered element is no longer triggered by the plate, the tension spring forces each component in the coupling 2 and each component in the control mechanism 3 to reset. In some embodiments, the reset assembly can also be set as a pair of magnetic elements. The coupling 2 and the control mechanism 3 are reset by using the attraction or repulsion force between the pair of magnetic elements. In this case, the pair of magnetic elements are respectively formed as the two ends of the reset assembly. Therefore, the first elastic element 2e and the second elastic element 2f in the reset assembly can also be referred to as the first reset element and the second reset element, respectively. During the extension of the driving force receiving element 2c, the reset assembly, or the first reset element and the second reset element, can generate a reset force that forces the driving force receiving element 2c and the pushing element 2d to move towards the retracted state.

[0150] As can be seen from the above description, during the process of coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 being combined, the pusher 2d first needs to press the braking force output component 95. Therefore, the elasticity or magnetic force of the reset component can be adjusted according to the elasticity of the elastic pusher component 936 to ensure that before the driving force receiving component 2c / driving force receiving part 2c6 is combined with the driving force output part 94, the braking force output component 95 has been pressed by the pusher 2d and moves into the sleeve cavity 930.

[0151] (Other notes)

[0152] In some embodiments, the movable member 31 also serves to receive a separating force or a binding force applied by a force-applying member. The separating force is used to move the developing member and the photosensitive member from close proximity to separation, and the binding force is used to move the developing member and the photosensitive member from separation to close proximity. Therefore, along the -z direction, the second end 312 of the movable member 31 needs to move from a position not exceeding the housing to exceeding the housing. In some embodiments, the developing member and the photosensitive member may be configured not to separate but to remain close to each other. In this case, an electrical adjustment device may be provided in the processing cartridge 100 to control whether the developing member can receive power from the imaging device or whether the developing member can be grounded, and whether the photosensitive member can be charged or whether the photosensitive member can be grounded. How the electrical adjustment device works can be determined by the type of driving force received by the movable member 31. Therefore, along the -z direction, the second end 312 of the movable member 31 also needs to move from a position not exceeding the housing to exceeding the housing.

[0153] As described above, the triggered element of the control mechanism 3 can be either the first end 311 of the movable element 31 or part of the force transmission assembly. Therefore, regardless of how the triggered element is positioned, using a plate to abut against it is a preferred method. The plate can move in the -z direction as the door closes and in the +z direction as the door opens. When the door is open, the plate moves in the +z direction without abutting against the first end 311 of the movable element or the force transmission assembly. When the door is closed, the plate moves in the -z direction and abuts against the first end 311 of the movable element or the force transmission assembly. In other words, the triggered element of the control mechanism 3 can be triggered by a plate that always moves in the -z direction as the door closes. Thus, neither the processing box 100 nor the imaging device needs additional components for triggering the triggered element, thereby keeping the structures of the processing box 100 and the imaging device simple. Furthermore, the closing of the door always occurs within the processing box 100... After reaching the predetermined installation position of the imaging equipment, the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 are at least partially opposite each other along the rotation axis L2. When the triggered component is triggered, the driving force receiving component 2c and the pushing component 2d move from the retracted state to the extended state, and the coupling 2 will be able to engage with the force output mechanism 90 more smoothly.

[0154] As previously mentioned, when the driving force receiver 2c is configured to move relative to the base 2a along the rotation axis L2, the driving force receiver 2c will be able to obtain greater installation freedom and better adaptability. During the engagement of the coupling 2 with the force output mechanism 90, even if the braking force output component 95 has not yet been pressed by the pusher 2d and moved into the sleeve cavity 930, and the driving force receiver 2c6 cannot yet engage with the driving force output component 94, the driving force receiver 2c6 / driving force receiver 2c can still be engaged via the second... The elastic member 2f retracts a certain distance due to elastic deformation. Similarly, when the push member 2d abuts against the braking force output member 95, but the push member 2d cannot press the braking force output member 95 into the sleeve cavity 930, the push member 2d can also retract a certain distance due to elastic deformation of the first elastic member 2e, until the push member 2d causes the deformation of the first elastic member 2e to force the push member 2d to press the braking force output member 95 into the sleeve cavity 930. Finally, the driving force receiving member 2c is combined with the driving force output part 94.

[0155] [Example 4]

[0156] As described above, when the force output mechanism 90 starts to rotate in the rotation direction r9, the driving force output part 94 and the braking force output part 95 can rotate together around the rotation direction r9. For the coupling 2, the driving force receiving part 2c can receive the driving force by connecting with the driving force output part 94 or by connecting with the braking force output part 95.

[0157] The above embodiments describe a scheme in which the jacking member 2d presses the braking force output member 95 into the sleeve cavity 930, so that the driving force receiving member 2c cannot be combined with the braking force output member 95. Instead, the driving force receiving member 2c is combined with the driving force output part 94 to receive the driving force. In practice, the driving force receiving member 2c can also be configured to be combined with the braking force output member 95 to receive the driving force. In this case, the jacking member 2d will no longer be necessary, but it is sufficient to ensure that the driving force receiving member 2c can still extend and retract along the rotation axis L2. The second reset member 2f is still disposed between the bottom plate 2a2 and the cylinder 2a0 / driving force receiving member 2c.

[0158] When the thrust generated by the extending component is large enough, the driving force receiver 2c and the force output mechanism 90 can be combined in the following five possible ways:

[0159] In the first method, the driving force receiver 2c enters the first region s1. At this time, along the rotation direction r2 / r9, the driving force receiver 2c will be located downstream of the braking action part 951 / 952, and the driving force receiver 2c is opposite to at least one of the first helical surface 95a3 and the second helical surface 95b3. As the force output mechanism 90 starts to rotate, the driving force receiver 2c abuts against at least one of the first helical surface 95a3 and the second helical surface 95b3 to receive the driving force. It can be seen that the driving force receiver 2c is driven by the braking force output part 95 in the force output mechanism 90 at this time.

[0160] Method 2: The driving force receiver 2c enters the second region s2. At this time, along the rotation direction r2 / r9, the driving force receiver 2c will be located downstream of the driving force output section 94, and the driving force receiver 2c is opposite to the driving force output surface 941. As the force output mechanism 90 starts to rotate, the driving force receiver 2c abuts against the driving force output surface 941 and receives the driving force. It can be seen that the driving force receiver 2c is driven by the driving force output section 94 in the force output mechanism 90 at this time.

[0161] Method 3: The driving force receiver 2c first abuts against the driving force output part 94. As the force output mechanism 90 begins to rotate, when the driving force output part 94 is not opposite to the driving force receiver 2c, the driving force receiver 2c enters the first region s1. The braking force output part 95 is pressed into the sleeve cavity 930 by the driving force receiver 2c until the resultant force of the reset force and the elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the elastic pushing component 936 balances the thrust. That is, as the braking force output part 95 retracts into the sleeve cavity 930, the driving force receiver 2c also extends into the sleeve cavity 930 in the direction of +x. Furthermore, during the process of the force output mechanism 90 driving the driving force receiver 2c to rotate, even if the braking force output part 95 continues to retract into the sleeve cavity 930, the driving force receiver 2c can continue to extend into the sleeve cavity 930, ultimately ensuring that the force output mechanism 90 and the driving force receiver 2c maintain good contact and can stably transmit the driving force.

[0162] Preferably, during the engagement of the force output mechanism 90 and the driving force receiver 2, or during the transmission of driving force between the two, the elastic pushing assembly 936 is compressed to its maximum elastic deformation. At this time, along the rotation direction r2 / r9, if the braking force output member 95 and the driving force receiver 2c are still opposite each other, the driving force receiver 2c will abut against the braking force output member 95 and be driven by the braking force output member 95. If the braking force output member 95 is no longer opposite to the driving force receiver 2c, the driving force receiver 2c will abut against the driving force output part 94 and be driven by the driving force output part 94.

[0163] In method four, the driving force receiver 2c first abuts against the braking force output component 95. As the force output mechanism 90 begins to rotate, the driving force receiver 2c may enter the second region s2 without abutting against the braking force output component 95. At this time, the driving force receiver 2c will abut against the driving force output part 94 and be driven by the driving force output part 94. Alternatively, the driving force receiver 2c may begin to abut against the driving force output part 94 without abutting against the braking force output component 95. However, as the force output mechanism 90 continues to rotate, the driving force receiver 2c enters the first region s1, thereby performing the engagement process described in method three.

[0164] In method five, the driving force receiver 2c simultaneously abuts against the driving force output part 94 and the braking force output part 95. As the force output mechanism 90 begins to rotate, the driving force receiver 2c will enter the first region s1, thereby performing the combination process described in method three.

[0165] Therefore, as a preferred embodiment, when the thrust generated by the extending component is sufficient to compress the driving force receiving component 2c in the +x direction to a state where it no longer moves, or when the thrust generated by the extending component is sufficient to force the driving force receiving component 2c to compress the driving force output component 94 and / or the braking force output component 95 and force the elastic pushing component 936 to reach its maximum elastic deformation, the driving force receiving component 2c and the force output mechanism 90 can smoothly achieve a tight connection without disengaging from each other along the rotation direction r2 / r9. Thus, the driving force receiving component 2c can stably receive the driving force, and the risk of damage to the braking force output component is also reduced.

[0166] In summary, the coupling 2 no longer includes a component for receiving braking force. This not only simplifies the structure of the coupling 2, but also significantly reduces the risk of the coupling 2 / driving force receiving component 2c / driving force receiving part 2c6 and the force output mechanism 90 getting stuck together. The risk of the braking force output component 95 being damaged is also significantly reduced. Finally, the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 can be successfully coupled.

Claims

1. A coupling for receiving a driving force from a force output mechanism provided in an imaging device to drive a rotating body to rotate, said force output mechanism including a sleeve, a braking force output element disposed in the sleeve, and an elastic pushing assembly; The sleeve includes a sleeve body having a sleeve cavity and multiple driving force output parts integrally formed with the sleeve body; Both the braking force output component and the elastic thrust assembly are housed within the sleeve cavity; Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the driving force output part and the braking force output part rotate together in the same direction; The elastic ramming assembly is used at least to ram the braking force output component toward the outside of the sleeve cavity; Its features are, The coupling includes a base, a drive force receiver connected to the base, and a reset assembly abutting against the drive force receiver. The drive force receiver is configured to extend and retract relative to the base along the rotation axis of the coupling. During the extension of the driving force receiver, the reset assembly generates a reset force that forces the driving force receiver to move toward the retracted state. The elastic push assembly undergoes elastic deformation. One of the driving force output part and the braking force output part combines with the driving force receiver so that the driving force receiver receives the driving force. The base is used to transmit the driving force to the rotating body.

2. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling also includes an extension assembly for extending the drive force receiver in the direction of the rotation axis of the coupling; Before the extended component acts on the driving force receiver, the driving force receiver is in the retracted state.

3. The coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extension assembly also keeps the drive force receiver in the extended state, and the resultant force of the reset force and the elastic force generated when the elastic push assembly is elastically deformed does not exceed the thrust of the extension assembly that forces the drive force receiver to remain in the extended state.

4. The coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that, The extension assembly includes a rotating element and a pushing element. The rotating element is used to receive forces from outside the coupling and rotates along the rotation axis of the coupling. The pushing element is opposite to the driving force receiving element. When the driving force receiver retracts, the rotating and pushing components move closer to each other along the rotation axis of the coupling; when the driving force receiver extends, the rotating and pushing components move further apart along the rotation axis of the coupling.

5. A coupling for receiving driving force from a force output mechanism in an imaging device to drive a rotating body to rotate, the force output mechanism including a sleeve and a braking force output element disposed in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a sleeve body having a sleeve cavity and multiple driving force output parts integrally formed with the sleeve body; Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the driving force output part and the braking force output part rotate together in the same direction; Along the rotation axis of the force output mechanism, the braking force output component and the driving force output component can be engaged and disengaged. When the braking force output component and the driving force output component are disengaged, the braking force output component can rotate freely relative to the driving force output component around the rotation axis of the force output mechanism. Its features are, The coupling includes a base, and a drive force receiver and a pusher connected to the base, the drive force receiver and the pusher being configured to extend and retract relative to the base along the axis of rotation of the coupling; When the driving force receiver and the pusher extend, the pusher presses against the braking force output member, the driving force receiver engages with the driving force output part, and the driving force receiver receives the driving force output by the driving force output part and transmits it to the rotating body through the base. When the driving force receiver and the pusher retract, the driving force receiver disengages from the driving force output part, and the braking force output part is no longer compressed by the pusher.

6. The coupling according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coupling also includes an extension assembly and a reset assembly. The extension assembly is used to extend the drive force receiver and the pusher in the direction of the rotation axis of the coupling, and the reset assembly is used to retract the drive force receiver and the pusher in the direction of the rotation axis of the coupling. Before the extended component acts on the driving force receiver, the driving force receiver and the pusher are in the retracted state.

7. The coupling according to claim 6, characterized in that, The extension assembly includes a rotating element and a pushing element. The rotating element is used to receive forces from outside the coupling and rotates along the rotation axis of the coupling. The pushing element is opposite to the driving force receiving element. When the driving force receiving component and the pushing component retract, the rotating component and the pushing component move closer to each other along the rotation axis of the coupling; when the driving force receiving component and the pushing component extend, the rotating component and the pushing component move further apart along the rotation axis of the coupling.

8. The coupling according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that, The rotating component is provided with an active part, and the pushing component is provided with a driven part. When the rotating component rotates, the active part applies a thrust to the driven part, causing the pushing component to move away from the rotating component.

9. The coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that, The driving part and the driven part are engaged by inclined or helical surfaces.

10. The coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that, The active and driven parts are configured as a pair of magnetic components that can generate a repulsive force.

11. The coupling according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The base has a movable cavity, and the coupling also includes a base plate located at least partly within the movable cavity, with at least a part of the reset assembly located between the base plate and the drive force receiving member.

12. The coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that, The driving force receiving component is combined with the base plate.

13. The coupling according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reset assembly includes a second reset member, one end of which is connected to the base plate and the other end of which is connected to the base.

14. The coupling according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the coupling is equipped with a pusher, the reset assembly also includes a first reset member, one end of which is connected to the base plate and the other end is connected to the pusher. Along the radial direction of the coupling, the second reset member is located outside the first reset member.

15. A rotating component, characterized in that, The rotating component includes interlocking rotating bodies and a coupling as described in any one of claims 1-14, wherein the rotating bodies rotate by receiving a driving force from the base.

16. A processing box, characterized in that, The processing box includes a housing and a rotating element as described in claim 15, the rotating element being rotatably mounted in the housing.

17. The processing box according to claim 16, characterized in that, The processing box also includes a force transmission assembly and a triggered element, wherein the force transmission assembly is used to force the extension assembly to work, and the triggered element is used to force the force transmission assembly to start working; The triggered component is part of the force transmission assembly, or it may be a component outside the force transmission assembly.

18. The processing box according to claim 16, characterized in that, The processing box also includes a force transmission assembly, a triggered element, and a movable element, wherein the force transmission assembly is used to force the extension assembly to work, the triggered element is used to force the force transmission assembly to start working, and the movable element is used to receive the pushing force applied by the force-applying element in the imaging device; When the processing box changes from the working state to the non-working state, the force-applying component applies a first force to the moving component. When the processing box changes from the non-working state to the working state, the force-applying component applies a second force to the moving component in the opposite direction to the first force. The active component is the triggered component.

19. The processing box according to claim 18, characterized in that, The rotating body includes a developing element and a photosensitive element. The developing element is used to supply the developer contained in the housing to the photosensitive element. When the applying force applies a first force to the moving element, the developing element and the photosensitive element separate from each other. When the applying force applies a second force to the moving element, the developing element and the photosensitive element move closer to each other.

Images