Drive assembly and process cartridge

Abstract

The application provides a driving assembly and a developing cartridge for being installed in a developing cartridge with a rotating member, a process cartridge is detachably installed in an image forming device with a force output member and a pushing member, the driving assembly can drive the rotating member to rotate, at least a part of the driving assembly is used to combine with the force output member and the pushing member, the driving assembly comprises a driving force receiving member which can move between a first position and a second position, a pressing member which is pushed by the pushing member, a first elastic member and a second elastic member; the pressing member is connected with the driving force receiving member through the first elastic member, the pressing member can move between an initial position and a final position, the second elastic member is used to provide a force for moving the pressing member from the final position to the initial position; when the pressing member is located at the initial position, the driving force receiving member is located at the first position, the driving force receiving member is disengaged from the force output member; when the pressing member is located at the final position, the driving force receiving member is located at the second position, the driving force receiving member is combined with the force output member.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A driving component is a device installed in an existing processing box for receiving driving force from an electronic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device"), which can drive a rotating component installed in the processing box to rotate, such as a developing component or a photosensitive component.

[0003] A power transmission device is disclosed in Chinese patent application CN108319123A. The device has a complex structure. Due to the relatively long actuating rod in the device, the assembled structure occupies a large space. Moreover, the actuating rod needs to be installed on the drive end cover, which makes the manufacturing process of the actuating rod and the drive end cover complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a driving component and a developing cartridge to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A drive assembly for mounting in a processing cartridge having a rotating component, the processing cartridge being detachably mounted in an imaging device having a force output component and a push component, the drive assembly driving the rotating component to rotate, at least a portion of the drive assembly for engaging with the force output component and the push component, the drive assembly including a drive force receiver movable between a first position and a second position, a pressing component for the push component to push, a first elastic component, and a second elastic component; the pressing component is connected to the drive force receiver via the first elastic component, the pressing component being movable between an initial position and a final position, the second elastic component providing a force to move the pressing component from the final position to the initial position; when the pressing component is in the initial position, the drive force receiver is in the first position, the drive force receiver being disengaged from the force output component; when the pressing component is in the final position, the drive force receiver is in the second position, the drive force receiver being engaged with the force output component.

[0006] The first elastic element has a first state, a critical state, and a second state; when the first elastic element is in the first state, the driving force receiver is held in a first position; when the first elastic element is in the second state, the driving force receiver is held in a second position; when the first elastic element is in the critical state, the driving force receiver is located in a third position between the first position and the second position.

[0007] Under the pushing action of the pushing member, the pressing member moves from the initial position to the final position along the first direction, and the second elastic member undergoes elastic deformation; under the elastic force of the second elastic member, the pressing member returns from the final position to the initial position along the first direction.

[0008] The first elastic element has a first state, a critical state, and a second state. The first elastic element is a compression spring and has a first end and a second end. When the first elastic element is in the first state, in a first direction, the first end is farther away from the rotating element than the second end. When the first elastic element is in the critical state, the first end and the second end are opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. When the first elastic element is in the second state, in a first direction, the first end is closer to the rotating element than the second end.

[0009] The pressing member includes a pressing member body, a pressing part disposed at the end of the pressing member body, a receiving part formed in the pressing member body, and a first connecting part disposed in the receiving part. The pressing part is used to force the pusher to push, the receiving part can accommodate a first elastic member, and the first connecting part is used to connect with a first end of the first elastic member.

[0010] The driving force receiving device includes a main rod, a secondary rod, and a force-receiving part connected to each other. The secondary rod is located between the main rod and the force-receiving part along the radial direction of the driving force receiving device. The outer peripheral surface of the secondary rod is closer to the rotation axis of the driving force receiving device than the outer peripheral surface of the main rod. The force-receiving part is used to connect with the force output device. The driving force receiving device also includes a protrusion on the outer peripheral surface of the secondary rod, which forms a recess with the main rod. The recess is used to abut against the second end of the first elastic element.

[0011] The drive assembly further includes a connector for engaging with the secondary rod, the drive force receiver being rotatable relative to the connector, and the protrusion for abutting against the connector.

[0012] The connector includes a second connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion. The second connecting portion is used to connect with the auxiliary rod body, and the fourth connecting portion is used to connect with the second end of the first elastic member.

[0013] The elastic force of the second elastic element is greater than that of the first elastic element.

[0014] The present invention also provides a processing box that is detachably mounted to an imaging device having a force output element and a thrust element, the processing box including a drive assembly as described above, at least a portion of the drive assembly being used to engage with the force output element and the thrust element.

[0015] In this solution, the movement of the driving force receiving member between the first position and the second position is achieved by the change of the first elastic member between the first state and the second state. The first elastic member is housed in the pressing member, which not only reduces the volume of the pressing member, thereby reducing the space occupied by the driving assembly, but also simplifies the structure of the driving assembly by treating the driving assembly as an independent component. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a perspective view of the drive component involved in the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the internal structure of the drive component involved in the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the drive component involved in the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the active component in the drive assembly involved in the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the bracket in the drive assembly involved in the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the drive gear in the drive assembly of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the first position, viewed along a third direction.

[0024] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the first position and viewed along the second direction, according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the second position, viewed along a third direction.

[0026] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the second position and viewed along the second direction, according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The processing box 100 is used for detachable installation to an imaging device with a powerful output component. The processing box 100 has a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction as shown in the figure. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other; preferably, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The processing box 100 is installed or removed along the second direction. Further, the processing box 100 has a left and right side opposite to the first direction, a front and a rear side opposite to the second direction, and an upper and a lower side opposite to the third direction. The processing box 100 is installed forward and removed backward.

[0028] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the processing box involved in the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the processing cartridge 100 includes a developing unit 1 and a photosensitive unit 2 detachably coupled together. The developing unit 1 includes a developing housing 10 containing toner and a developing element (not shown) rotatably disposed on the developing housing 10. The photosensitive unit 2 includes a photosensitive housing 20 and a photosensitive element 21 rotatably disposed on the photosensitive housing 20. The developing element and the photosensitive element 21 extend along a first direction and are rotatable about a rotation axis L21 parallel to the first direction (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown, the developing element rotates along the second direction, with the developing element and the photosensitive element 21 positioned opposite each other. The developing element is used to transport toner to the photosensitive element 21 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive element 21. Further, the developing element and the photosensitive element 21 can be collectively referred to as the rotating element.

[0030] Continuing as shown in the figure, the processing cartridge 100 also includes a drive assembly 3 disposed at its first directional end. The drive assembly 3 is used to receive driving force from the imaging device and transmit it directly or indirectly to at least one of the photosensitive element 21 and the developing element. When the processing cartridge 100 is installed or removed, at least a portion of the drive assembly 3 can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least a portion of the drive assembly 3 is disengaged from the force output element in the imaging device. In the second position, at least a portion of the drive assembly 3 is engaged with the force output element in the imaging device. Before the processing cartridge 100 is installed into the imaging device, at least a portion of the drive assembly 3 is located in the first position (retracted state). After the processing cartridge 100 is installed in place, at least a portion of the drive assembly 3 is located in the second position (extended state). When at least a portion of the drive assembly 3 is located in the second position, it can receive driving force. The following will describe the drive assembly 3 in detail as an example where it is disposed at the end of the photosensitive unit 2.

[0031] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a perspective view of the drive component involved in the present invention; Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the internal structure of the drive component involved in the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the drive component involved in the present invention; Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the active component in the drive assembly involved in the present invention; Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the bracket in the drive assembly involved in the present invention; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the drive gear in the drive assembly of the present invention.

[0032] like Figures 2A-2C , Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 6 As shown, the drive assembly 3 includes a pressing member 31, a driving force receiving member 32, a first elastic member 34, a second elastic member 36, and a bracket 37. The pressing member 31 is indirectly connected to the driving force receiving member 32 through the first elastic member 34. The elastic force generated by the first elastic member 34 causes the driving force receiving member 32 to move between a first position and a second position. The pressing member 31 is mounted on the bracket 37, and the second elastic member 36 is located between the pressing member 31 and the bracket 37.

[0033] Furthermore, the driving force receiver 32 is used to receive the driving force provided by the imaging device and rotates about a rotation axis L32 parallel to the first direction. The driving force receiver 32 includes a main rod 321 and a force-receiving part 322 connected to each other. Specifically, the main rod 321 extends along the first direction, and the force-receiving part 322 is located at the end of the main rod 321 along the first direction. The main rod 321 and the force-receiving part 322 are preferably integrally formed. The force-receiving part 322 is used to connect with the force output component in the imaging device, and the main rod 321 is used to connect with the bracket 37 to guide the driving force receiver 32 / force-receiving part 322 to move along the first direction. In some embodiments, the main rod 321 and the force-receiving part 322 can also be formed separately.

[0034] The driving force receiving member 32 also includes a secondary rod 321a connecting the main rod 321 and the force receiving part 322, and a protrusion 323 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the secondary rod 321a. Along the radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis L32, the outer peripheral surface of the secondary rod 321a is closer to the rotation axis L32 than the outer peripheral surface of the main rod 321. A recess 321b is formed between the protrusion 323 and the main rod 321. The recess 321b is used to abut against one end of the first elastic member 34. In this embodiment, the drive assembly 3 further includes a connector 33 that is coupled to the drive force receiver 32. The secondary rod body 321a is rotatably coupled to the connector 33 so that the connector 33 is installed. The drive force receiver 32 is rotatable relative to the connector 33. Further, in the first direction, the connector 33 is located between the protrusion 323 and the main rod body 321. The protrusion 323 is used to prevent the connector 33 from moving in the first direction so that the movement position of the drive force receiver 32 in the first direction is accurate, thereby preventing the drive force receiver 32 from not moving into place and thus not receiving the drive force, or preventing the drive force receiver 32 from moving too much and interfering with the force output component so that it cannot receive the drive force.

[0035] Furthermore, the pressing member 31 is mounted on the bracket 37. In the first direction, the pressing member 31 is movable relative to the bracket 37. The pressing member 31 includes a pressing member body 310, a pressing portion 311, and a receiving portion 312 extending in the first direction. Specifically, the pressing member body 310 is preferably a cylindrical structure extending in the first direction. The receiving portion 312 is formed in the pressing member body 310 for accommodating at least a portion of the driving force receiving member 32, at least a portion of the connecting member 33, and at least a portion of the first elastic member 34. Preferably, the receiving portion 312 is through-connected in the first direction. The pressing portion 311 is disposed at the end of the pressing member body 310 in the first direction. In the first direction, the pressing portion 311 protrudes from the receiving portion 312. During the installation of the processing box 100, the pushing member P (such as...) in the imaging device... Figure 8A(As shown) abuts against the pressing part 311 to move the pressing member 31 along the first direction, thereby causing the first elastic member 34 to push the driving force receiving member 32 from the first position to the second position. Furthermore, the pressing part 311 also includes a third guide part 311a, which is used to engage with the bracket 37 so that the pressing member 31 is guided to move along the first direction. Furthermore, the third guide part 311a can be configured as a column extending along the first direction. In some embodiments, the pressing member 31 may also be mounted on the photosensitive housing 20. In the first direction, the pressing member 31 is movable relative to the photosensitive housing 20. Furthermore, the third guide portion 311a is used to engage with the photosensitive housing 20 so that the pressing member 31 is guided to move along the first direction. Alternatively, the pressing member 31 may also be mounted on a cover / end cap independent of the photosensitive housing 20. In the first direction, the pressing member 31 is movable relative to the photosensitive housing 20. Furthermore, the third guide portion 311a is used to engage with the cover / end cap independent of the photosensitive housing 20 so that the pressing member 31 is guided to move along the first direction.

[0036] The pressing member 31 further includes a receiving groove 314, a first engaging portion 315, and a limiting portion 316 disposed in the receiving portion 312. The receiving groove 314 is used to receive at least a portion of the bracket 37, the first engaging portion 315 is used to engage with the first end 34a of the first elastic member 34, and the limiting portion 316 is used to engage with the bracket 37 to limit the range of movement of the pressing member 31 in the first direction and to prevent the pressing member 31 from falling off. In some embodiments, the receiving groove 314 may also be disposed on the bracket 37, and at least a portion of the pressing member 31 is received therein.

[0037] The pressing member 31 also includes a first opening 317a, a second opening 317b, and a third opening 317c. In the first direction, the first opening 317a is located to the left of the pressing part 311 and is used to facilitate the installation of the first elastic member 34. In the radial direction of the pressing member body 310, the second opening 317b and the third opening 317c are arranged opposite to each other and are used to avoid at least a part of the bracket 37 so that the pressing member 31 can move smoothly along the first direction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pressing member 31 further includes an extension body 313 extending from the pressing member body 310 in a first direction. The extension body 313 is used to engage with the second elastic member 36. The diameter of the extension body 313 is smaller than the diameter of the pressing member body 310 in the radial direction. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the extension body 313 is provided with a protrusion 313a. The protrusion 313a extends out from the pressing member body 310 in the first direction, or the protrusion 313a extends out from the outer peripheral surface of the extension body 313 in the radial direction. The protrusion 313a also has an abutment surface 313b for abutting or just contacting the second elastic member 36. In addition, the protrusion 313a can also increase the strength of the extension body 313.

[0039] Furthermore, the first elastic member 34 is used to directly connect the pressing member 31 and the driving force receiving member 32. Specifically, the first elastic member 34 has a first end 34a and a second end 34b. The first end 34a is used to engage with the first coupling portion 315 of the pressing member 31, and the second end 34b is used to engage with the recess 321b. Preferably, the first elastic member 34 is a compression spring. In this embodiment, the connecting member 33 is engaged with the driving force receiving member 32, and the first elastic member 34 is used to connect the pressing member 31 and the connecting member 33, thereby allowing the pressing member 31 to be indirectly connected to the driving force receiving member 32. The second end 34b of the first elastic member 34 is used to engage with at least a portion of the connecting member 33.

[0040] Furthermore, the connector 33 includes a second coupling portion 330, a third coupling portion 331, and a fourth coupling portion 332. Specifically, the second coupling portion 330 is used to engage with the secondary rod 321a of the driving force receiving member 32, the third coupling portion 331 is used to engage with at least a portion of the bracket 37 to guide the driving force receiving member 32 to move along the first direction, and the fourth coupling portion 332 is used to engage with the second end 34b of the first elastic member 34. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fourth coupling portion 332 and the first coupling portion 315 of the pressing member 31 together enable the first elastic member 34 to be installed.

[0041] Furthermore, the second elastic element 36 is used to engage with the pressing element 31 and the bracket 37. Specifically, the second elastic element 36 is capable of generating elastic force in the first direction. The second elastic element 36 can be configured as a compression spring or a tension spring. Preferably, the second elastic element 36 is a compression spring. Further, along the first direction, the second elastic element 36 is located between the pressing element 31 and the bracket 37. The second elastic element 36 can be sleeved on the extension body 313 of the pressing element 31. One end of the second elastic element 36 abuts or just contacts the abutting surface 313b of the protrusion 313a, and the other end of the second elastic element 36 abuts on the bracket 37. In some embodiments, the second elastic element 36 can also be sleeved on the component provided in the bracket 37. Before the processing box 100 is installed, the second elastic member 36 pushes the pressing member 31 outward (to the right) along the first direction. At this time, the pressing member 31 is in the initial position, and the driving force receiving member 32 is in the retracted state. During the installation of the processing box 100, the pressing part 311 of the pressing member 31 is forced to move along the first direction towards the support 37 by the forced push member P, so that the second elastic member 36 undergoes elastic deformation (compression) inward (to the left) along the first direction and accumulates elastic force until the pressing member 31 reaches the final position. At this time, the driving force receiving member 32 is in the extended state. When the processing box 100 is disassembled, the forced push member P no longer pushes the pressing part 311. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member 36, the pressing member 31 returns to the initial position along the first direction away from the support 37. In some embodiments, the other end of the second elastic member 36 may also be configured to abut against the photosensitive housing 20, or the other end of the second elastic member 36 may also be configured to abut against a cover / end cap independent of the photosensitive housing 20; in addition, the second elastic member 36 may also be sleeved on a component provided on the photosensitive housing 20, or the second elastic member 36 may be sleeved on a component provided on a cover / end cap independent of the photosensitive housing 20.

[0042] Furthermore, in the first direction, the bracket 37 is disposed at the end of the photosensitive housing 20. The bracket 37 and the photosensitive housing 20 are integrally or separately formed. In this embodiment, the bracket 37 and the photosensitive housing 20 are preferably separately formed, which facilitates the installation of components such as the pressing member 31 and the driving force receiving member 32. The bracket 37 is used to accommodate at least a part of the pressing member 31, at least a part of the driving force receiving member 32, the connecting member 33, the first elastic member 34, and the second elastic member 36. In the first direction, the pressing member 31 and the driving force receiving member 32 are movable relative to the bracket 37. Specifically, the bracket 37 includes a bracket body 370, a cylindrical portion 371 extending from the bracket body 370 along a first direction, and a cavity 372 formed in the cylindrical portion 371. Furthermore, the bracket body 370 is used to engage with the photosensitive housing 20 to fix the bracket 37. The bracket body 370 also has a first through hole 376, which engages with the third guide portion 311a of the pressing member 31. In the first direction, the third guide portion 311a is guided by the first through hole 376, allowing the pressing member 31 to move along the first direction. The cavity 372 accommodates at least a portion of the pressing member 31, at least a portion of the driving force receiving member 32, a connecting member 33, a first elastic member 34, and a second elastic member 35. 6. The side wall 371a of the cylindrical portion 371 is provided with a groove 371b that engages with the limiting portion 316 of the pressing member 31. In the first direction, the limiting portion 316 can move along the groove 371b. At the same time, the groove 371b also prevents the pressing member 31 from moving in a direction intersecting the first direction. The bottom wall 371c of the cylindrical portion 371 is provided with a second through hole 377. The second through hole 377 is used for the main rod 321 of the driving force receiving member 32 to pass through, so that the driving force receiving member 32 can move in the first direction. Optionally, the edge of the second through hole 377 is also provided with an extension portion extending to the left from the bottom wall 371c along the first direction. The extension portion can also guide the main rod 321 to move in the first direction. In some embodiments, the first through hole 376 and the third guide portion 311a can also be interchanged. In other embodiments, the main rod 321 may also be configured to pass through and be guided through the photosensitive housing 20, or the main rod 321 may be configured to pass through and be guided through a cover / end cap independent of the photosensitive housing 20.

[0043] The bracket 37 also includes a first guide portion 373 disposed in the cavity 372. The first guide portion 373 extends from the bottom wall 371c of the cylindrical portion 371 along a first direction and is used to guide the movement of the driving force receiving member 32 in the first direction. Specifically, the first guide portion 373 is provided with a clearance opening 373a and a first guide groove 374. The clearance opening 373a is used to avoid the fourth engagement portion 332 of the connector 33, and the first guide groove 374 is used to cooperate with the third engagement portion 331 of the connector 33 so that the connector 33 is movable along the first guide groove 374 in the first direction. The first guide groove 374 can also prevent the driving force receiving member 32 from deflecting when moving along the first direction. Furthermore, along the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 371, the first guide portion 373 is located at the edge of the second through hole 377. Preferably, the number of first guide grooves 374 is set to two, and the two first guide grooves 374 are arranged opposite each other in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 371. Similarly, the first guide groove 374 is located at the edge of the second through hole 377. The number of third coupling parts 331 for the 74 engagement is also set to two, which makes the movement of the driving force receiver 32 in the first direction more stable and reliable. In the first direction, the main rod 321 of the driving force receiver 32 passes through the second through hole 377 and protrudes from the bottom wall 371a. Furthermore, the driving force receiver 32 also includes a locking part 35 provided on the main rod 321. The locking part 35 is formed integrally with the main rod 321 or separately. When the locking part 35 is formed integrally with the main rod 321, the locking part 35 can be a protrusion provided on the main rod 321, or a D-shaped part is provided on the main rod 321 as the locking part 35. When the locking part 35 is formed separately from the main rod 321, the locking part 35 engages with the connecting hole 324 provided on the main rod 321. The locking part 35 is used to form a blockage in the first direction to prevent the driving force receiver 32 from disengaging from the second through hole 377 when it moves from the first position to the second position and being unable to return to the first position.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first guide portion 373 is further provided with a support portion 375 located in the first guide groove 374. The support portion 375 is used to support the connector 33 in a first direction to determine the first position of the driving force receiver 32. In the first direction, the support portion 375 is closer to the bottom wall 371a than the free end (right end) of the first guide portion 373, and the number of support portions 375 is also set to two.

[0045] Furthermore, the processing box 100 also includes a drive gear 38 disposed at the end of the photosensitive unit 2. Specifically, the drive gear 38 is disposed at the end of the photosensitive element 21 to directly or indirectly drive at least one of the photosensitive element 21 and the developing element to rotate. The drive gear 38 rotates around a rotation axis L38 parallel to the first direction as the drive force receiver 32 rotates. After the processing box 100 is installed in the predetermined position of the imaging device, the rotation axis L32 of the drive force receiver 32, the rotation axis L38 of the drive gear 38 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive element 21 are coaxial. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the bracket 37 is accommodated by the drive gear 38. Specifically, the drive gear 38 includes a main body 381, a gear portion 382 located at the end of the main body 381, and a receiving cavity 384 formed in the main body 381. The receiving cavity 384 is used to accommodate at least a portion of the pressing member 31, at least a portion of the driving force receiving member 32, at least a portion of the connecting member 33, at least a portion of the first elastic member 34, the second elastic member 36, and at least a portion of the bracket 37. The gear portion 382 is used to transmit the driving force directly or indirectly to the developing member.

[0046] The drive gear 38 also includes a second guide portion 384, which protrudes from the main body 381 in a first direction. At least a portion of the second guide portion 384 is located in the receiving cavity 384. Furthermore, the second guide portion 384 is provided with a second guide groove 385. In the first direction, the second guide groove 385 is used to move the locking portion 35. In a direction intersecting the first direction, the second guide groove 385 is used to connect with the locking portion 35. When the drive force receiving member 32 receives the drive force and begins to rotate, the locking portion... The positioning part 35 rotates with the driving force receiving member 32. At this time, the positioning part 35 abuts against the second guide groove 385, thereby driving the drive gear 38 to rotate, and then directly or indirectly transmitting the driving force to at least one of the photosensitive element 21 and the developing element. Furthermore, there are at least two second guide grooves 385. In the radial direction of the drive gear 38, at least two guide grooves 385 are arranged opposite to each other to abut against the two ends of the positioning part 35 respectively, so that the drive gear 38 is more stable and reliable when rotating with the driving force receiving member 32.

[0047] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the first position, viewed along a third direction. Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the first position and viewed along the second direction, according to the present invention. Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the second position, viewed along a third direction. Figure 8BThis is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly when the drive force receiving member is in the second position and viewed along the second direction, according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the driving force receiver 32 in its retracted state is shown. As shown, when the processing box 100 is not installed on the imaging device, the driving force receiver 32 is in its retracted state. Therefore, the processing box 100 will not interfere with the imaging device during installation, thus ensuring smooth installation. Specifically, in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first coupling portion 315 and the fourth coupling portion 332 are misaligned. The first end 34a of the first elastic member 34 engages with the first coupling portion 315 of the pressing member 31, and the second end 34b engages with the fourth coupling portion 332 of the connecting member 33. At this time, the first elastic member is in the first state (initial state). Specifically, in the first direction, the first end 34a is located to the right of the second end 34b, or, in the first direction, the first end 34a is further away from the sensor than the second end 34b. The light element 21 / bracket 37, the first elastic element 34 pushes the connector 33 and the pressing element 33, thereby keeping the driving force receiving element 32 in the first position (contracted state). At the same time, in the first direction, the elastic force generated by the second elastic element 36 pushes the pressing element 31, so that the limiting part 316 abuts against the right end of the groove 371b, thereby keeping the pressing element 33 in the initial position. Preferably, when the driving force receiving element 32 is in the first position, the driving force receiving element 32 does not protrude from the right end 370a of the bracket 30.

[0049] Figure 8A and Figure 8BA cross-sectional view of the driving force receiver 32 in the extended state is shown. As shown, during the installation of the processing box 100 into the imaging device, the pressing part 311 of the pressing member 31 is subjected to the pushing force F1 of the pushing member P in the imaging device. The pressing member 31 is forced to move to the left along the first direction. At this time, the first elastic member 34 is gradually compressed and accumulates elastic force, that is, the first end 34a of the first elastic member 34 gradually moves closer to the second end 34b. At the same time, the second elastic member 36 gradually undergoes elastic deformation and accumulates elastic force. When the pressing member 31 continues to move... When the first end 34a and the second end 34b of the first elastic member 34 are opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first elastic member 34 is compressed from the first state to the critical state. At this time, the pressing member 31 is located in the middle position between the initial position and the final position, and the driving force receiving member 32 is located in the third position between the first position and the second position. At this time, the first elastic member 34 is in a state perpendicular to the first direction. In this embodiment, the critical state is when the first elastic member 34 is in a state parallel to the second direction. As the pushing member P pushes the pressing member 31 to continue moving to the left, the second elastic member 36 continues to undergo elastic deformation, and the first elastic member 34 changes from the critical state to the second state. Specifically, in the first direction, the first end 34a is located to the left of the second end 34b, or in the first direction, the first end 34a is closer to the photosensitive member 21 / support 37 than the second end 34b. Specifically, the first end 34a is driven by the first connecting part 315 to continue moving to the left, causing the first elastic member 34 to cross the critical state. At this time, the elastic force accumulated in the first elastic member 34 is released, making The second end 34b pushes the fourth connecting part 332, causing the driving force receiving member 32 to move to the right along the first direction. When the pressing member 31 moves to the point where the limiting part 316 abuts against the left end of the groove part 371b, the pressing member 31 reaches the final position and stops moving. At this time, the driving force receiving member 32 is in the second position (extended state) and is combined with the force output member in the imaging device. The first elastic member 34 is in the second state. Preferably, when the driving force receiving member 32 is in the second position, the driving force receiving member 32 protrudes from the right end 370a of the bracket 30.

[0050] When the processing box 100 needs to be removed from the imaging device, the pushing member P retracts and no longer pushes the pressing part 311 of the pressing member 31. The elastic force accumulated in the second elastic member 36 is released. Under the action of the elastic force, the pressing member 31 returns to the initial position from the final position along the first direction to the right, while the first elastic member 34 returns to the first state (initial state) after crossing the critical state again from the second state. This causes the driving force receiving member 32 to return from the second position to the first position and disengage from the force output member. It should be noted that the elastic force of the second elastic member 36 should be greater than the elastic force of the first elastic member 34 in order for the first elastic member 34 to return from the second state to the first state (initial state), thereby causing the driving force receiving member 32 to return from the second position to the first position.

[0051] In summary, the following beneficial effects can be achieved through this solution:

[0052] 1. By setting the movement direction of the pressing component to the same direction as the movement direction of the driving force receiving component, the volume of the pressing component can be reduced, thereby reducing the space occupied by the driving component.

[0053] 2. The drive assembly can be a standalone component, eliminating the need to separately mount the pressing element on the end cap or housing. This simplifies the structure of the drive assembly and the manufacturing process of each component.

[0054] 3. The pressing component and the driving force receiving component are linked by the first elastic element in the driving component, thereby realizing the purpose of the driving force receiving component moving between the first position and the second position.

[0055] 4. The first elastic element has a critical state. As long as the first elastic element does not cross the critical state, the driving force receiving element can always remain in the first or second position, thereby making the structure more stable.

[0056] In this scheme, the first elastic member 34 has a first state, a critical state, and a second state. When the first elastic member 34 is in the first state, the pressing member 31 is held in the initial position, and the driving force receiving member 32 is held in the first position. When the first elastic member 34 passes through the critical state from the first state, the first elastic member 34 changes to the second state. At this time, the pressing member 31 is held in the final position, and the driving force receiving member 32 is held in the second position. When the first elastic member 34 is in the critical state, the pressing member 31 is located in the middle position between the initial position and the final position, and the driving force receiving member 32 is located in the third position between the first position and the second position.

[0057] In this solution, the movement of the driving force receiving member between the first position and the second position is achieved by the change of the first elastic member between the first state and the second state. The first elastic member is housed in the pressing member, which not only reduces the volume of the pressing member, thereby reducing the space occupied by the driving assembly, but also simplifies the structure of the driving assembly by treating the driving assembly as an independent component.

Claims

1. A drive assembly for mounting in a processing cartridge having a rotating component, the processing cartridge being detachably mounted in an imaging device having a force output component and a thrust component, the drive assembly being capable of driving the rotating component to rotate, at least a portion of the drive assembly being configured to engage with the force output component and the thrust component, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a drive force receiving member movable between a first position and a second position, a forced push member forcing a pressing member, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member; The pressing member is connected to the driving force receiving member through the first elastic member. The pressing member can move between an initial position and a final position. The second elastic member is used to provide a force to move the pressing member from the final position to the initial position. When the pressing member is in the initial position, the driving force receiving member is in the first position, and the driving force receiving member is disengaged from the force output member; When the pressing member is in the final position, the driving force receiving member is in the second position, and the driving force receiving member is engaged with the force output member; The first elastic element has a first state, a critical state, and a second state. The first elastic element is a compression spring and has a first end and a second end. When the first elastic element is in the first state, the driving force receiving element is held in the first position, and in the first direction, the first end is further away from the rotating element than the second end; When the first elastic element is in the second state, the driving force receiving element is held in the second position, and in the first direction, the first end is closer to the rotating element than the second end; When the first elastic element is in a critical state, the driving force receiving element is located in a third position between the first position and the second position, with the first end and the second end facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The driving component according to claim 1, characterized in that, in Under the pushing action of the pushing member, the pressing member moves from the initial position to the final position along the first direction, and the second elastic member undergoes elastic deformation; under the elastic force of the second elastic member, the pressing member returns from the final position to the initial position along the first direction.

3. The driving component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing member includes a pressing member body, a pressing part disposed at the end of the pressing member body, a receiving part formed in the pressing member body, and a first connecting part disposed in the receiving part. The pressing part is used to force the pusher to push, the receiving part is used to receive the first elastic member, and the first connecting part is used to connect with the first end of the first elastic member.

4. The driving component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving force receiving device includes a main rod, a secondary rod, and a force receiving part connected to each other. The secondary rod is located between the main rod and the force receiving part along the radial direction of the driving force receiving device. The outer peripheral surface of the secondary rod is closer to the rotation axis of the driving force receiving device than the outer peripheral surface of the main rod. The force receiving part is used to combine with the force output device. The driving force receiving component also includes a protrusion disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary rod body, wherein a recess is formed between the protrusion and the main rod body, and the recess is used to abut against the second end of the first elastic member.

5. The driving component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive assembly further includes a connector for engaging with the secondary rod, the drive force receiver being rotatable relative to the connector, and the protrusion for abutting against the connector.

6. The driving component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector includes a second connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion. The second connecting portion is used to connect with the auxiliary rod body, and the fourth connecting portion is used to connect with the second end of the first elastic member.

7. The driving component according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The elastic force of the second elastic element is greater than that of the first elastic element.

8. A processing box, detachably mounted into an imaging device having a force output component and a thrust component, characterized in that, The processing box includes a drive assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7, at least a portion of which is configured to engage with a force output member and a thrust member.

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