Process cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of process cartridge detachably installed in the imaging device provided with force output mechanism, the force output mechanism includes sleeve, brake force output piece and driving force output piece arranged in sleeve, driving force output piece rotates along the rotation direction of force output mechanism with brake force output piece, driving force output piece can be mutually disengaged along the rotation axis L9 of force output mechanism with brake force output piece;Process cartridge includes shell, rotatable body rotatably arranged in shell and coupling at one end of shell, the coupling is used to be combined with force output mechanism to receive driving force, and rotatable body is driven by receiving the driving force of coupling;Process cartridge further includes tensioning member arranged separately with coupling, when coupling receives driving force, tensioning member is combined with brake force output piece, this design can effectively inhibit the possible movement of process cartridge in its length direction, ensure that process cartridge keeps stable imaging quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging, and more particularly to a processing box that can be detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device. Background Technology

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

[0003] Therefore, the imaging device is equipped with a force output mechanism for outputting driving force, and correspondingly, the processing box is equipped with a coupling for engaging with the force output component. When the processing box needs to be removed, the coupling disengages from the force output mechanism. In order to ensure that the processing box can be smoothly installed and removed from the imaging device, the overall length of the processing box will be slightly less than the length of the space in the imaging device used to accommodate the processing box.

[0004] Existing imaging devices or processing boxes are also equipped with positioning devices for positioning the processing box in a predetermined position. These positioning devices generally use elastic abutment or snap-fit ​​to position the processing box. However, considering the material of the processing box and the cooperation between the rotating body and other components of the imaging device, the processing box still has a certain amount of movement even after being positioned by the positioning device. In particular, during the process of the force output mechanism outputting driving force to the coupling, the side where the coupling is located will generate large vibrations, which will cause the processing box to move unacceptably in its length direction. Finally, the imaging quality of the processing box deteriorates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a processing box that, when the coupling in the processing box receives a driving force from the imaging device, suppresses possible movement of the processing box in its length direction, thereby ensuring that the processing box maintains stable imaging quality.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] The processing box is detachably installed in an imaging device equipped with a force output mechanism. The force output mechanism includes a sleeve, a braking force output component and a driving force output component disposed in the sleeve. Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the driving force output component and the braking force output component rotate together. Along the rotation axis L9 of the force output mechanism, the driving force output component and the braking force output component can disengage and engage with each other. The processing box includes a housing, a rotating body rotatably disposed in the housing, and a coupling located at one end of the housing. The coupling is used to engage with the force output mechanism to receive driving force, and the rotating body is driven by the driving force received by the coupling. The processing box also includes a tensioning component separately disposed from the coupling. When the coupling receives driving force, the tensioning component engages with the braking force output component. Through this design, the possible movement of the processing box in its length direction can be effectively suppressed, thereby maintaining stable imaging quality.

[0008] In some implementations, the tensioning element and the coupling are separate components, and no force interaction occurs between them.

[0009] In some implementations, the tensioning element is coaxially arranged with the coupling.

[0010] In some implementations, the tensioning member is in a freely rotatable state before the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments, a hook is provided at one end of the braking force output member along the rotation axis L9, and the tensioning member engages with the hook when the tensioning member and the force output mechanism are engaged.

[0012] In some embodiments, along the rotation axis L9, the hook portion is closer to the side of the processing box where the coupling is not located than the portion of the coupling that abuts against the force output mechanism to receive the driving force.

[0013] In some embodiments, multiple drive force output components are provided, and the force output mechanism also includes a connector that connects at least two drive force output components. Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the outer radial side of the connector forms an outer edge. Along the radial direction of the force output mechanism, the outer edge is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the drive force output component. After the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism, when the force output mechanism rotates, the coupling abuts against the outer edge to receive the drive force. In this way, the coupling can receive the drive force more stably.

[0014] In some embodiments, the coupling is provided with a driving force receiving part for receiving driving force. After the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism, the driving force receiving part is located between the braking force output member and the connecting member in the radial direction of the coupling.

[0015] In some embodiments, the coupling is provided with a driving force receiving part for receiving driving force. After the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism, the driving force receiving part is clamped by the braking force output member and the connecting member along the radial direction of the coupling.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sleeve includes a sleeve body forming a sleeve cavity, a drive force output member is disposed on the sleeve body, and the coupling is provided with a drive force receiving part for receiving drive force. When the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism, a portion of the drive force receiving part extends deeper into the sleeve cavity than the connecting member along the rotation axis L2 of the coupling.

[0017] In some embodiments, the braking force output element includes a first braking force output element and a second braking force output element radially distributed along the force output mechanism. The first braking force output element is located outside the second braking force output element. The projection of the first braking force output element along the rotation axis L9 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the driving force output element along the rotation axis L9. The outer edge includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge radially distributed. The first outer edge is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the second outer edge, and the second outer edge is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the first braking force output element. The coupling receives the driving force by abutting against the first outer edge.

[0018] In some implementations, during the engagement of the coupling with the force output mechanism, the braking force output component is pressed by the coupling and retracts into the sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a force output component in an imaging device to which the processing box of the present invention is applicable.

[0021] Figure 2B This is an exploded view of some components in the force output device.

[0022] Figure 2C It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the force output component cut along the BB direction.

[0023] Figure 2D This is a side view of the force output component viewed along its rotation axis.

[0024] Figure 2E It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the force output component cut along the AA direction.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the coupling and tensioning member of the present invention after they are combined with the end cap.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing the coupling, tensioner, and end cap of the present invention separated from each other.

[0027] Figure 5A The coupling involved in this invention, after being combined with the force output component, moves along... Figure 2A A cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction.

[0028] Figure 5B The coupling involved in this invention, after being combined with the force output component, moves along... Figure 5A A sectional view cut along the CC direction.

[0029] Figure 5C This is a partial perspective view of the coupling and force output component of the present invention, after which the tensioning component and the force output component are combined.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft of another coupling involved in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] [Processing Box]

[0033] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention.

[0034] 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 referred to as the driving end C1, and the -x direction end of the processing box 100 is referred to as the non-driving end C2.

[0035] Depending on the internal structure of the imaging device, the processing box 100 can be detachably installed in the imaging device along the x-direction or in a direction intersecting the x-direction. Depending on the structure of the processing box 100, the processing box 100 can be configured as a developer-containing unit 100a that contains developer, a developing unit 100b that can carry developer, an imaging unit 100c that can form an electrostatic latent image, or a combination of at least two of the aforementioned developer-containing unit 100a, developing unit 100b, and imaging unit 100c.

[0036] A stirring rack for stirring the developer is rotatably disposed in the developer holding unit 100a, and the stirring rack can be regarded as a type of rotating body; a developing roller 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 powder feeding roller is also rotatably disposed at the same time, which is used to supply the developer to the developing roller, and the developing roller or the powder feeding roller can also be regarded as a type of rotating body; a photosensitive drum 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 roller, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image, and the photosensitive drum can also be regarded as a type of rotating body.

[0037] To enable the rotating body to rotate, the processing box 100 also includes at least one coupling disposed therein, such as... Figure 1B As shown, the processing box 100 is provided with a first coupling 41 and a second coupling 2. The first coupling 41 is used to receive driving force from the imaging device to drive at least one of the developing roller, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame to rotate. The second coupling 2 is used to receive driving force from the imaging device to drive the photosensitive drum to rotate. The first coupling 41 and the second coupling 2 are exposed outward from a first end cover 40 or a second end cover 30 located at the longitudinal end of the processing box 100. Both the first end cover 30 and the second end cover 40 are fixedly connected to the housing 1. In some embodiments, the processing box 100 is provided with only one coupling, and the rotating bodies are all driven by the driving force received from the imaging device by this coupling. Generally, the structure of the first coupling 41 and the structure of the second coupling 2 can be set to be the same. The following description will take the second coupling 2 as an example. In some embodiments, the structures of the first coupling 41 and the second coupling 2 can also be different depending on the structure inside the imaging device.

[0038] 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. The coupling 2 can also 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.

[0039] 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 component 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.

[0040] [Force Output Mechanism]

[0041] 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 along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the force output mechanism taken along the BB direction; Figure 2D This is a side view of the force output mechanism viewed along its rotation axis. Figure 2E It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the force output mechanism taken along the AA direction.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In some imaging devices, the force output mechanism 90 can also be configured to be oscillating. Generally speaking, the force output mechanism 90 has a force output position (rotation axis L2 and rotation axis L9 coincide or are parallel) where force can be output to the coupling 2, and a force disconnect position (rotation axis L2 and rotation axis L9 are relatively inclined) where force cannot be output to the coupling 2. Taking a specific point in the end of the force output mechanism 90 used to engage with the coupling 2 as a reference, the distance from the specific point to the end of the force output mechanism 90 not used to engage with the coupling 2 will vary depending on the position of the force output mechanism 90. Specifically, regardless of whether the force output mechanism 90 is configured to extend or retract in the x-direction or be oscillating, when the force output mechanism 90 is in the force output position, the distance from the specific point to the engagement end along the rotation axis L9 is the first distance, and when the output mechanism 90 is in the force disconnect position, the distance from the specific point to the engagement end along the rotation axis L9 is the second distance, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the force output mechanism 90 can rotate about a rotation axis L9 parallel to the x-direction in the direction indicated by r9. The force output mechanism 90 includes a sleeve 93, a braking force output component 95 disposed in the sleeve 93, and an elastic pushing assembly 936. The sleeve 93 includes a sleeve body 935 forming a sleeve cavity 930. The elastic pushing assembly 936 is used at least to push the braking force output component 95 outward (in the -x direction) of the sleeve cavity 930. The elastic pushing assembly 936 includes a first elastic pushing component 932 and a second elastic pushing component 933 coaxially disposed. The braking force output component 95, the first elastic pushing component 932, and the second elastic pushing component 933 are all disposed in the sleeve cavity 930. The first elastic pushing component 932 is connected to the intermediate transmission component 96 described below. The sleeve 935 is pushed forward by the force-driven component, and the second elastic force-driven component 933 and the braking force output component 95 push the braking force output component. Furthermore, the sleeve 93 is also provided with a plurality of driving force output components 94 and a connecting component 943 connecting at least two driving force output components 94. Preferably, the connecting component 943 and the plurality of driving force output components 94 are integrally formed with the sleeve 935. In some embodiments, the connecting component 943 is also provided with a positioning protrusion 934 through which the rotation axis L9 passes. The driving force output component 94 and the braking force output component 95 can rotate together around the rotation axis L9 in the rotation direction r9. Along the circumferential direction of the sleeve 935, an exposure port 931 is formed between two adjacent driving force output components 94, and the braking force output component 95 is exposed from the exposure port 931. The driving force output component 94 protrudes radially inward from the inner wall of the sleeve body 935. The diameter of the circle formed by the radial inner wall of the driving force output component 94 along the radial direction of the sleeve 93 is d1.

[0045] The first elastic pusher 932 is used to apply a pushing force in the -x direction to the sleeve body 935, and the second elastic pusher 933 is used to apply a pushing force in the -x direction to the braking force output member 95. However, the pushing force applied by the first elastic pusher 932 to the sleeve body 935 is different from the pushing force applied by the second elastic pusher 933 to the braking force output member 95. Therefore, the braking force output member 95 can move relative to the sleeve body 935 in the x direction.

[0046] The braking force output component 95 includes a first braking force output component 95a and a second braking force output component 95b coaxially arranged. The first braking force output component 95a is provided with a plurality of first braking force output portions 95a1 and at least one engaging 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 at least one engaging 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 positioned... Outside the second braking force output section 95b1, that is, the first braking force output section 95a1 is farther away from the rotation axis L9 than the second braking force output section 95b1. Along the rotation direction r9, the first braking force output section 95a1 and the driving force output member 94 are basically located on the same circumference. The second braking force output section 95b1 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the driving force output member 94. That is, the projection of the first braking force output section 95a1 / the first braking force output member 95 along the rotation axis L9 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the driving force output member 94 along the rotation axis L9.

[0047] Furthermore, along the rotation direction r9, the first braking force output section 95a1 has a first helical surface 95a3 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. 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, a first braking force output section 95a1 and a second braking force output section are close to each other in the radial direction. 95b1 is formed as a first braking part 951 of the braking force output member 95. Another first braking force output part 95a1 and another second braking force output part 95b1, which are close to each other in the radial direction, are formed as second braking parts 952 of the braking force output member 95. The first braking parts 951 and the second braking parts 952 are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction. Along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, the minimum distance between the first braking parts 951 and the second braking parts 952 is d3. That is, the minimum distance between the two second braking force output members 95b arranged in the radial direction is d3, which satisfies d3 < d1.

[0048] Along the rotation direction r9, if one of the driving force output sections 94 is selected, then this driving force output section 94 will be located between the first braking section 951 and the second braking section 952, as follows. Figure 2DAs shown, a first region s1 is formed between the first braking part 951 and the driving force output part 94, and a second region s2 is formed between the driving force output part 94 and the second braking part 952. Normally, the second region s2 is in a closed state, that is, the driving force output part 94 and the first braking part 951 / second braking part 952 are close to each other. At this time, the second region s2 can also be regarded as non-existent.

[0049] Continue as Figure 2B As shown, each first braking force output part 95a1 includes a first base 95a11 and a first extension 95a12 connected to each other, and a connecting part 95a2 is disposed on the first base 95a11. Two first braking force output parts 95a1 arranged radially opposite to each other can be formed integrally or separately. Each second braking force output part 95b1 includes a second base 95b11 and a second extension 95b12 connected to each other, and is disposed on the second base 95b11 by the connecting part 95b2. Two second braking force output parts 95b1 arranged radially opposite to each other can be formed integrally or separately. Preferably, along the rotation direction r9, the two first bases 95a11 are connected to each other so that the first braking force output part 95a1 forms a whole, and the two second bases 95b11 are connected to each other so that the second braking force output part 95b1 forms a whole.

[0050] The first braking force output unit 95a1 further includes a first hook portion 95a4 extending from the first extension body 95a12, and the second braking force output unit 95b1 further includes a second hook portion 95b4 extending from the second extension body 95b12. The first hook portion 95a4 extends from the first extension body 95a12 downstream of the rotation direction r9, and the second hook portion 95b4 extends from the second extension body 95b12 at least radially towards the force output mechanism 90. In some embodiments, the second hook portion... Part 95b4 also extends downstream of the second extension 95b12 in the rotation direction r9; preferably, the first hook 95a4 and the second hook 95b4 are respectively disposed at the free ends of the first extension 95a12 and the second extension 95b12, that is, along the rotation axis L9, the first hook 95a4 and the first base 95a11 are respectively located at both ends of the first extension 95a12, and the second hook 95b4 and the second base 95b11 are respectively located at both ends of the second extension 95b12.

[0051] The connecting portion 95a2 and the joined portion 95b2 can be connected and disconnected along the rotation axis L9, but cannot be disconnected along the rotation direction r9. Accordingly, the first braking force output member 95a and the second braking force output member 95b can transmit force through the connection of the connecting portion 95a2 and the joined portion 95b2. When the second braking force output member 95b receives a force along the +x direction, the entire braking force output member 95 can move along the rotation axis L9 under the drive of the second braking force output member 95b. The braking force output member 95 moves in the +x direction, that is, the entire braking force output member 95 moves into the sleeve cavity 930. In some embodiments, a limiting part 95a5 located in the -x direction at least part of the second braking force output member 95b can be provided in the first braking force output member 95a. When the first braking force output member 95a receives a force in the +x direction, the entire braking force output member 95 moves in the +x direction along the rotation axis L9 under the drive of the first braking force output member 95a, that is, the entire braking force output member 95 moves into the sleeve cavity 930.

[0052] 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 in the direction of the rotation axis L9, but cannot disengage in the direction of the rotation axis 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 relative to the driving force output member 94 around the rotation axis L9 along r9.

[0053] like Figure 2D As shown, along the rotation direction r9 of the force output mechanism 90, the outer edge 9431 is formed on the radially outer side of the connector 943. Specifically, the outer edge 9431 is formed as the radially outer contour of the connector 943; as... Figure 2E As shown, along the rotation axis L9, the second hook 95b4 is located in the -x direction of the connector 943, or in other words, the second hook 95b4 is further away from the +x direction end of the force output mechanism 90 than the connector 943, and at least a portion of the second hook 95b4 overlaps with the connector 943 in the direction of the rotation axis L9. Along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, an insertion space g is formed between the second extension 95b12 and the connector 943, or in other words, an insertion space g is formed between the second extension 95b12 and the outer edge 9431 of the connector 943.

[0054] Coupling

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the coupling and tensioning component of the present invention after they are respectively combined with the end cover; Figure 4This is an exploded view of the coupling, tensioner, and end cap of the present invention, separated from each other; Figure 5A The coupling involved in this invention, after being combined with the force output component, moves along... Figure 2A A sectional view cut along the AA direction; Figure 5B The coupling involved in this invention, after being combined with the force output component, moves along... Figure 5A A sectional view cut along the CC direction; Figure 5C This is a partial perspective view of the coupling and force output component of the present invention, after which the tensioning component and the force output component are combined.

[0056] The coupling 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis L2 extending in the x-direction along the rotation direction r2. The coupling 2 includes a base 2a and a driving force receiving component 2c that are coupled together. The driving force receiving component 2c is used to receive driving force from the force output mechanism 90. The base 2a transmits the driving force to the rotating body 11. The driving force receiving component 2c and the base 2a can be directly connected or indirectly connected, as long as the base 2a is driven by the driving force received by the driving force receiving component 2c. The two can be connected by snap-fit, keyway, or other methods. The driving force receiving component 2c can be coupled with the driving force output component 94, the braking force output component 95, or other components in the force output mechanism 90, as long as the driving force receiving component 2c can receive driving force from the force output mechanism 90. For example, the driving force receiving component 2c is coupled with the connecting component 943 to receive driving force. Therefore, based on the following inventive concept of the present invention, the driving force receiving component 2c can receive driving force in various ways and should not be limited.

[0057] The processing box 100 also includes a tensioning member 8 separately disposed from the coupling 2. No force interaction occurs between the coupling 2 and the tensioning member 8. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling 2 and the tensioning member 8 are coaxially disposed. In other feasible embodiments, based on the inventive concept of the present invention, the coupling 2 and the tensioning member 8 are not coaxial. Specifically, the tensioning member 8 is disposed in a state of free rotation relative to the coupling 2 / housing 1 / end cover 40. The tensioning member 8 is rotatably disposed on the end cover 40. In some embodiments, the tensioning member 8 may also be rotatably disposed on the housing 1, but the tensioning member 8 is still exposed through the end cover 40, or at least a portion of the tensioning member 8 is located in the -x direction of at least a portion of the end cover 40.

[0058] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the tensioning member 8 is annular and has a through-hole 80 extending in the x direction. A portion of the coupling 2 is exposed through the through-hole 80. Along the radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis L2, the tensioning member 8 is located outside the driving force receiving part 2c6 described below. Furthermore, the processing box is also provided with an anti-detachment protrusion 45 to prevent the tensioning member 8 from falling off. Depending on the installation position of the tensioning member 8, the anti-detachment protrusion 45 can be provided on the end cover 40 or on the housing 1.

[0059] The tensioning member 8 includes an annular body 81 with a through opening 80, a protrusion 82 disposed on the annular body 81, and an action block 83 connected to at least one of the annular body 81 and the protrusion 82. Before the coupling 2 is engaged / connected with the force output mechanism 90, the tensioning member 8 can rotate freely about the rotation axis L2. As the coupling 2 is engaged / connected with the force output mechanism 90, the tensioning member 8 and the braking force output member 95 are engaged in the direction of the rotation axis L9 / L2. In this way, the force output mechanism 90 is held in place by the tensioning member 8 and will not disengage from the coupling 2. Conversely, the processing box 100 is held in place by the force output mechanism 90, thereby suppressing any possible movement of the processing box 100 in its length direction (x direction). That is, in the direction of the rotation axis L9 / L2, the force output mechanism 90 and the processing box 100 pull on each other, thereby achieving a stable engagement / connection between the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90, and the force output mechanism 90 stably outputs driving force to the coupling 2.

[0060] Specifically, the action block 83 includes a first action surface 831, a second action surface 832, and a third action surface 833. Along the rotation direction r2, the first action surface 831 is located downstream of the second action surface 832, and the third action surface 833 is located between the first action surface 831 and the second action surface 832. The first action surface 831 is set as an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the rotation axis L2 and faces the -x direction. The second action surface 832 is set as a plane that is parallel to the rotation axis L2. The third action surface 833 is set as an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the rotation axis L1 and faces the +x direction. Preferably, both the first action surface 831 and the third action surface 833 are set as helical surfaces to better integrate with the braking force output component 95.

[0061] The protrusion 83 serves two purposes: firstly, it strengthens the actuating block 83; secondly, by setting the end face of the protrusion 83 away from the annular body 81 as an inclined / spiral surface, it provides guidance during the engagement of the actuating block 83 with the braking force output component 95, enabling the actuating block 83 to engage with the braking force output component 95 more smoothly.

[0062] As shown in the figure, the driving force receiver 2c includes a support body 2c0, a connecting body 2c10, and a driving force receiving part 2c6. Along the rotation axis L2, the support body 2c0 is located between the connecting body 2c10 and the driving force receiving part 2c6. In other words, the connecting body 2c10 extends from the support body 2c0 in the -x direction, and the driving force receiving part 2c6 extends from the support body 2c0 in the +x direction. The driving force receiver 2c is directly or indirectly connected to the base 2a through the connecting body 2c10. The support body 2c0 is cylindrical in shape and has at least two driving force receivers. Parts 2c6 are arranged opposite each other in the radial direction of the support 2c0. The maximum distance between the two driving force receiving parts 2c6 in the radial direction of the coupling 2 is between d3 and d1. For each driving force receiving part 2c6, the upstream end face of the driving force receiving part 2c6 is formed as a driving force receiving surface 2c3 along the rotation direction r2. The driving force receiving part 2c6 also has an inner surface 2c61 facing the rotation axis L2. Preferably, the driving force receiving surface 2c3 and the inner surface 2c61 are arranged adjacent to each other to simplify the structure of the driving force receiving part 2c6.

[0063] The following is combined with Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The connection of coupling 2, tensioning member 8, and force output mechanism 90 is described. Regarding the method by which coupling 2 receives driving force, there are already instances where the driving force receiving member 2c is combined with at least one of the driving force output member 94 and the braking force output member 95. Therefore, this method will not be described further below. Instead, the method of receiving driving force by combining the driving force receiving member 2c with components other than the driving force output member 94 and the braking force output member 95 will be described. Specifically, the following explanation focuses on the combination of the driving force receiving member 2c with the connecting member 943.

[0064] For the tensioning member 8, during the engagement process between the tensioning member 8 and the force output mechanism 90, the first surface 831 needs to enter the second region s2, so that at least one of the first hook portion 95a4 and the second hook portion 95b4 engages with the first surface 831, such as... Figure 5C As shown, along the rotation axis L2 / L9, the force output mechanism 90 is stably engaged with the tensioning member 8 through at least one of the first hook 95a4 and the second hook 95b4, which ensures that the force output mechanism 90 will not move away from the coupling 2 along the rotation axis L9 during the output of force.

[0065] When the tensioning member 8 begins to engage with the force output mechanism 90, if the second region s2 does not exist, or if the driving force output part 94 and the first braking part 951 / second braking part 952 are in a state of close proximity, guided by the third surface 833, the driving force output part 94 and the first braking part 951 / second braking part 952 gradually separate along the rotation direction r9 to form the second region s2; if the protrusion 82 / acting block 83 abuts against the braking force output member 95, the braking force output member 95 retracts in the +x direction and becomes rotatable relative to the driving force output member 94, or by using at least one of the first helical surface 95a3, the second helical surface 95b3, the protrusion 82 and the third surface 833, through the freely rotatable tensioning member 8, the first surface 831 finally reaches the second region s2 and engages with at least one of the first hook 95a4 and the second hook 95b4.

[0066] For the driving force receiver 2c, during the process of coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90, the braking force output member 95 still needs to be pressed in the +x direction to become rotatable relative to the driving force output member 94, so as to allow the driving force receiver 2c6 to enter the insertion space g. The end 2c62 (end in the +x direction) of the driving force receiver 2c6 or the end face 2d1 (end in the +x direction) of the support 2c0 can be used to press the braking force output member 95 in the +x direction.

[0067] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, after the coupling 2, tensioning member 8, and force output mechanism 90 are fully engaged, the rotation axis L2 and rotation axis L9 are coaxial, the positioning protrusion 934 enters the positioning hole 2d2, and the driving force receiving part 2c6 enters the insertion space g. The inner surface 2c61 and the outer edge 9431 of the connecting member are opposite each other in the radial direction of the coupling 2, preferably, they are in contact with each other; along the rotation axis L2 / L9, the second hook 95b4 is located in the -x direction of the support body 2c0, that is, the second hook 95b4 is closer to the non-driving end C2 of the processing box than the support body 2c0, and the risk of the coupling 2 disengaging from the force output mechanism 90 in the -x direction is further reduced; along the radial direction of the coupling 2 / force output mechanism 90, the driving force receiving part 2c6... c6 is located between the connector 943 and the braking force output member 95 / second braking force output member 95b. In some embodiments, when the driving force receiving part 2c6 is clamped by the connector 943 and the braking force output member 95 / second braking force output member 95b, the driving force receiving part 2c6 can be stably held between the connector 943 and the braking force output member 95 / second braking force output member 95b. Along the rotation axis L2 / L9, a part of the driving force receiving part 2c6 extends beyond the connector 934 and reaches the +x direction / below of the connector 943, that is, a part of the driving force receiving part 2c is deeper into the sleeve cavity 930 than the connector 943. Therefore, the force output mechanism 90 can stably output driving force to the driving force receiving part 2c6.

[0068] When the processing cartridge 100 needs to be removed from the imaging device, as the user pulls the processing cartridge 100, thereby causing the coupling 2 to move in the -x direction, the driving force receiving part 2c6 disengages by undergoing a slight deformation of itself toward the rotation axis L2 or by forcing the braking force output member 95 to undergo a slight deformation away from the rotation axis L9. In some embodiments, the outer edge 9431 of the force output mechanism 90 / connector abuts against the driving force receiving surface 2c3 to output driving force; in other embodiments, the outer edge 9431 of the output mechanism 90 / connector abuts against the inner surface 2c61 to output driving force. Therefore, the inner surface 2c61 can also be considered as a driving force receiving surface.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft of another coupling involved in this invention.

[0070] Based on the inventive concept of this embodiment, in some implementations, the driving force receiving member 2c can also be configured to extend and retract along the rotation axis L2 (move in the x direction), such as... Figure 6As shown, an elastic element 2e is provided between the driving force receiving part 2c and the base 2a. Specifically, the elastic element 2e is provided in the movable cavity 2a1 formed in the base 2a. During the process of coupling 2 and force output mechanism 90 engaging, along the rotation axis L2 / L9, when the driving force receiving part 2c6 abuts against the force output mechanism 90 to the point that the force output mechanism 90 can no longer move, the driving force receiving part 2c moves / retracts in the -x direction through the elastic element 2e. Thus, the driving force receiving part 2c, which can move in the x direction, can engage with the force output mechanism 90 more smoothly.

[0071] [Beneficial Effects]

[0072] The structure described in this embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0073] 1. The driving force receiving part 2c6 abuts against the outer edge 9431 of the connector in the insertion space g to receive the driving force. Along the rotation axis L9, the driving force output part 94 is located in the -x direction of the connector 943 / outer edge 9431. In other words, the driving force output part 94 is further away from the sleeve cavity 930 than the connector 943 / outer edge 9431. In fact, the driving force output part 94 is set closer to the end of the force output mechanism 90 in the -x direction than the connector 943 / outer edge 9431. Compared with the structure in which the driving force receiving part 2c6 abuts against the driving force output part 94 to receive the driving force, the structure in which the driving force receiving part 2c6 abuts against the outer edge 9431 of the connector to receive the driving force can make the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 more stably connected / connected.

[0074] 2. For example Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, when the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 are engaged / connected, the driving force receiving part 2c6 is located between the connecting member 943 and the braking force output member 95 / second braking force output member 95b in the radial direction of the coupling 2 / force output mechanism 90. Therefore, the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 can maintain a stable engagement / connection. In particular, when the driving force receiving part 2c6 simultaneously abuts against the outer edge 9431 of the connecting member and the braking force output member 95 / second braking force output member 95b, the possible shaking of the coupling 2 / driving force receiving part 2c6 can be effectively suppressed, and the engagement / connection between the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 will become more stable.

[0075] In practice, due to the overall size of the force output mechanism 90, the size of the insertion space g in the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90 may be too small, which in turn will cause the size of the driving force receiving part 2c6 in the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90 to be too small and become easy to break. However, along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, the driving force receiving part 2c6 can be restricted by the outer edge 9431 of the connector and the braking force output member 95 / second braking force output member 95b respectively. Therefore, even if the size of the driving force receiving part 2c6 in the radial direction is set to be small, there is no need to worry about the driving force receiving part 2c6 being broken when receiving driving force.

[0076] 3. The driving force receiving part 2c6 is configured to receive driving force by abutting against the outer edge 9431 of the connector. Therefore, the position of the driving force receiving part 2c6 abutting against the outer edge 9431 does not need to be restricted, as long as the two can abut against each other. In this way, the driving force receiving part 2c6 will have more design space in the position of the support body 2c0. That is to say, the driving force receiving part 2c6 and the support body 2c0 can be fixedly connected or movably connected.

[0077] 4. During the process of the force output mechanism 90 outputting force to the coupling 2, the closer it is to the rotation axis L9, the better the rotational stability of the force output mechanism 9. Along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, the connecting part 943 / outer edge 9431 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the driving force output part 94. In this way, the driving force receiving part 2c6 will have better stability when it abuts against the driving force output part 94, while the driving force receiving part 2c6 abuts against the connecting part 943 / outer edge 9431.

[0078] Especially when the force output mechanism 90 itself is set to be movable / swinging, the driving force receiving unit 2c6 in this embodiment can also stably receive the driving force.

[0079] like Figure 2D , Figure 2E , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, in the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, the first outer edge 9432 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the braking force output member 95. Similarly, relative to the driving force receiving part 2c6 abutting against the braking force output member 95, the driving force receiving part 2c6 abutting against the first outer edge 9432 will also obtain better stability.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 2D and Figure 5BAs shown, along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, the connector includes a central portion 943a and a connecting portion 943b connected to each other. The central portion 943a is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the connecting portion 943b, and the connecting portion 943b is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the driving force output member 94 and the first braking force output member 95a. A portion of the connecting portion 943b is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the second braking force output member 95b. Specifically, the connecting portion 943b connects the central portion 943a and the driving force output member 94. An outer edge 9431 extends from the outer contour of the central portion 943a to form a first outer edge 9432, and extends from the outer contour of the connecting portion 943b to form a second outer edge 9433. The first outer edge 9432 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than both the driving force output member 94 and the braking force output member 95a. The second outer edge 9433 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than both the driving force output member 94 and the first braking force output member 95a, and a portion of the second outer edge 9433 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the second braking force output member 95b. That is, along the radial direction of the force output mechanism 90, the second outer edge 9433 is located between the first outer edge 9432 and the driving force output member 94. The outer edge 9431 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than both the driving force output member 94 and the first braking force output member 95a, and a portion of the outer edge 9431 is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the second braking force output member 95b. Based on the concept of the present invention, compared to the driving force receiving part 2c6 abutting against the second outer edge 9433, the driving force receiving part 2c6 abutting against the first outer edge 9432 can obtain a more stable driving force.

[0081] 5. As described above, along the rotation axis L2 / L9, at least one of the first hook 95a4 and the second hook 95b4 in the force output mechanism 90 is engaged with the tensioning member 8, so that the tendency of the force output mechanism 90 to move in the +x direction (the direction in which the sleeve cavity 930 is located) can be stopped, and thus the force output mechanism 90 and the coupling 2 can remain engaged.

[0082] Even if the force output mechanism 90 is configured to be movable / oscillating, the movement / oscillation of the force output mechanism 90 off the axis of rotation L9 can be effectively suppressed under the pulling action of the tensioning member 8.

[0083] 6. For example Figure 5A As shown, when the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 are engaged, along the rotation axis L2 / L9, the second hook 95b4 is located in the -x direction of the driving force receiving part 2c6 / support 2c0, that is, the driving force receiving part 2c6 / support 2c0 is located between the second hook 95b4 and the connecting member 943. Therefore, the tendency of the driving force receiving part 2c6 / support 2c0 to move in the -x direction can also be suppressed, and the force output mechanism 90 and the coupling 2 can achieve a stable engagement.

[0084] Even if the force output mechanism 90 is configured to be movable / oscillating, the movement / oscillation of the force output mechanism 90 off the axis of rotation L9 can be effectively suppressed under the pulling action of the tensioning member 8.

[0085] 7. Along the rotation axis L2 / L9, the tensioning member 8 is engaged with the braking force output member 95, and the tensioning member 8 is mounted on the end cover 40 / housing 1. The movement of the processing box 100 in the direction of the rotation axis L2 / L9 can be effectively suppressed. Even if a large vibration occurs on the side where the coupling is located during the process of the force output mechanism 90 outputting driving force to the coupling 2, the possible movement of the processing box in its length direction will be suppressed.

[0086] 8. Compared to setting a component in the coupling 2 for engaging with the braking force output component 95, by separating the tensioning component 8 from the coupling 2 and rotatably mounting the tensioning component 8 on the end cover 40 / housing 1, the tension applied by the braking force output component 95 to the tensioning component 8 can be directly applied to the end cover 40 / housing 1. This not only results in higher transmission efficiency of the tension, but also prevents the rotating body from moving toward the braking force output component 95 under the action of the tension. Consequently, the friction between the rotating body and other components can be reduced.

[0087] 9. As described in 8, compared to having a component in the coupling 2 for engaging with the braking force output component 95, the tensioning component 8 is separately disposed from the coupling 2, and the coupling 2 and the tensioning component 8 do not affect each other, thus the rotating body can be driven more smoothly.

[0088] 10. The above description shows that the engagement of the tensioning member 8 and the braking force output member 95 is completed along with the engagement / connection of the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90. However, since the coupling 2 and the tensioning member 8 are separately set, the structure of the coupling 2 is simplified, and there is no force interaction between the two. The engagement of the tensioning member 8 and the braking force output member 95 can occur before the engagement of the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90, or after the engagement of the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90, or even simultaneously. Therefore, the engagement process of the tensioning member 8 and the braking force output member 95 and the engagement process of the coupling 2 and the force output mechanism 90 will not affect each other, and the two engagement processes can be carried out smoothly.

[0089] In summary, when the force output mechanism 90 is configured to be movable / swinging, and the drive force receiving part 2c6 is configured to abut against the outer edge 9431 of the connector to receive the drive force, the coupling 2 can receive the drive force more stably. Based on this inventive concept, when a limiting member is provided in the drive force receiving part 2c to prevent the force output mechanism 90 from moving in the +x direction, the tensioning member 8 becomes unnecessary. For example, by increasing the friction between the drive force receiving surface and the outer edge 9431, or by increasing the friction between the positioning hole 2d2 and the positioning protrusion 934, or by providing a component in the drive force receiving part 2c6 that can engage with the +x direction surface of the connector 943, or by providing a component in the drive force receiving part 2c that can abut against at least one of the first hook 95a4 and the second hook 95b4 in the +x direction (i.e., by providing a component in the drive force receiving part 2c that functions as the first surface 831), as long as the force output member 90 can be prevented from moving in the +x direction, it is acceptable.

Claims

1. A processing box, detachably installed in an imaging device with a force output mechanism, the force output mechanism including a sleeve, a braking force output component and a driving force output component disposed in the sleeve, the driving force output component and the braking force output component rotating together along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, and the driving force output component and the braking force output component being detachable and engageable along the rotation axis L9 of the force output mechanism; The driving force output component is configured to be multiple, and the force output mechanism also includes a connector that connects at least two driving force output components. Along the rotation direction of the force output mechanism, the outer radial side of the connector forms an outer edge; along the radial direction of the force output mechanism, the outer edge is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the driving force output component. The braking force output component includes a first braking force output component and a second braking force output component distributed radially along the force output mechanism. The first braking force output component is located outside the second braking force output component, and the projection of the first braking force output component along the rotation axis L9 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the driving force output component along the rotation axis L9. The second braking force output member includes a second extension and a second hook extending from the second extension. An insertion space g is formed between the second extension and the outer edge of the connector along the radial direction of the force output mechanism. The outer edge includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge distributed radially. The first outer edge is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the second outer edge, and the second outer edge is closer to the rotation axis L9 than the first braking force output member. The processing box includes a housing, a rotating body rotatably disposed in the housing, and a coupling located at one end of the housing. The coupling is used to engage with a force output mechanism to receive a driving force, and the rotating body is driven by receiving the driving force from the coupling. Its features are, The processing box also includes a tensioning member that is separate from the coupling. When the coupling receives driving force, the tensioning member engages with the braking force output member. After the coupling and the force output mechanism are engaged, the coupling enters the insertion space g; When the force output mechanism rotates, the coupling abuts against the first outer edge and receives the driving force.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tensioning element and the coupling are separate components, and there is no force interaction between the two.

3. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tensioning element is coaxially arranged with the coupling.

4. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism, the tensioning component is in a state where it can rotate freely.

5. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the rotation axis L9, a hook is provided at one end of the braking force output component. When the tensioning component and the force output mechanism are engaged, the tensioning component engages with the hook.

6. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the rotation axis L9, the hook is closer to the side of the processing box where the coupling is not installed than the part of the coupling that abuts against the force output mechanism to receive the driving force.

7. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling is provided with a driving force receiving part for receiving driving force. After the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism, the driving force receiving part is located between the braking force output member and the connecting member in the radial direction of the coupling.

8. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling is provided with a driving force receiving part for receiving driving force. After the coupling is engaged with the force output mechanism, the driving force receiving part is clamped by the braking force output member and the connecting member along the radial direction of the coupling.

9. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve includes a sleeve body forming a sleeve cavity, a driving force output component is disposed on the sleeve body, and the coupling is provided with a driving force receiving part for receiving driving force. When the coupling and the force output mechanism are fully engaged, along the rotation axis L2 of the coupling, a part of the driving force receiving part is deeper into the sleeve cavity than the connecting component.

10. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the engagement of the coupling and the force output mechanism, the braking force output component is compressed by the coupling and retracts into the sleeve.

Images