Process cartridge

Abstract

The application discloses a conductive component, an imaging assembly, a process cartridge, a process cartridge set and an image forming device, the conductive component comprises an electric receiving part, an electric output part, an electric conducting part and a conductive transmission part which are electrically connected with each other, the conductive transmission part is used for transmitting the electric power received by the electric receiving part to the electric output part and the electric conducting part, when the process cartridge is electrically conducted by using the conductive component, the electric receiving part is electrically connected with a power supply outside a current process cartridge to receive a first power supply from the outside of the current process cartridge; the electric output part is electrically connected with an imaging component in the current process cartridge and transmits a second power supply to the imaging component; and the electric conducting part outputs a third power supply to the outside of the current process cartridge, so that part of the process cartridges can obtain power supply through the voltage transmitted by other process cartridges, therefore, the image forming device body side can reduce the setting of the conductive terminal, the elastic force generated between the process cartridge and the body is reduced, the stability of the process cartridge installation is improved, and the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, specifically to a conductive component, an imaging assembly, a processing box, a processing box assembly, and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Printers, such as laser printers, are printing output devices that combine laser scanning technology and electrophotographic technology. Laser printers include monochrome laser printers and color laser printers, and laser printers typically include a printer body.

[0003] The processing cartridge is an essential component of a laser printer. It is typically installed within the printer body and includes imaging components such as the photosensitive drum, developing roller, and charging roller, which are used to form the toner image. During laser printer operation, the photosensitive drum, developing roller, and charging roller require an applied voltage to attract and transfer toner; to obtain this voltage, the processing cartridge needs to be electrically connected to the laser printer body.

[0004] In existing technology, to provide voltage to the processing cartridge, multiple first electrical contacts (conductive contacts) are provided on the processing cartridge, and multiple second electrical contacts (conductive terminals) are provided on the body side. This allows each imaging component to be electrically connected to the body via the first and second electrical contacts. The second electrical contacts on the body side are generally composed of elastic conductive components. Therefore, when the first electrical contact of the processing cartridge contacts the second electrical contact of the body, the processing cartridge is subjected to the elastic force of the second electrical contact on the body side. The more second electrical contacts there are, the greater the elastic force applied to the processing cartridge, which to some extent affects the installation stability of the processing cartridge. Specifically, color laser printers typically include multiple processing cartridges. The photosensitive drum, developing roller, and charging roller in each processing cartridge are electrically connected to the body, and some processing cartridge chips are even electrically connected to the second electrical contacts on the body side via elastic conductive components. This results in a greater number of second electrical contacts needing to be provided on the body, ultimately leading to a larger elastic force between the processing cartridge and the body, affecting the installation stability of the processing cartridge, and making the structure of the image forming apparatus more complex. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, the main objective of this application is to provide a conductive component, imaging assembly, processing box, processing box assembly and image forming apparatus that can improve the installation stability of the processing box.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This application provides a conductive component mounted on a processing box, the conductive component comprising:

[0008] Electrical receiving unit;

[0009] Electrical output section;

[0010] Electrically conductive parts;

[0011] A conductive transmission unit is electrically connected to the electrical receiving unit, the electrical output unit, and the electrical conducting unit, respectively, and is used to transmit the power received by the electrical receiving unit to the electrical output unit and the electrical conducting unit;

[0012] When the conductive component is used to conduct electricity to the processing box, the electrical receiving part is electrically connected to a power source outside the current processing box to receive a first power source from outside the current processing box; the electrical output part is electrically connected to the imaging component in the current processing box and transmits a second power source to the imaging component; the electrical conducting part outputs a third power source to outside the current processing box.

[0013] This application also provides an imaging assembly for use in a processing box. The imaging assembly includes an imaging member and a conductive component as described above, wherein the imaging member is electrically connected to the electrical output portion of the conductive component.

[0014] This application also provides a processing box, which includes the conductive components as described above, or the imaging components as described above.

[0015] This application also provides a processing box, which is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus body. The processing box includes a housing and a developer receiving cavity is provided inside the housing for receiving developer.

[0016] An imaging component is disposed in the housing;

[0017] A conductive component, comprising an electrical receiving part, a conductive transmission part, an electrical output part, and an electrical conduction part, wherein the conductive transmission part is electrically connected to the electrical receiving part, the electrical output part, and the electrical conduction part respectively, and is used to transmit the power received by the electrical receiving part to the electrical output part and the electrical conduction part;

[0018] When the processing box is conductive through the conductive component, the electrical receiving part is electrically connected to a power source outside the current processing box to receive a first power source from outside the current processing box; the electrical output part is electrically connected to the imaging component in the current processing box and transmits a second power source to the imaging component; the electrical conducting part outputs a third power source to outside the current processing box.

[0019] This application also provides a processing box assembly, which includes a first processing box. The first processing box includes a first imaging component and a first conductive component. The first conductive component is electrically connected to the first imaging component, and the first conductive component includes a first electrical receiving part, a first electrical transmitting part, a first electrical output part, and a first electrical conducting part. The first electrical transmitting part is electrically connected to the first electrical receiving part, the first electrical output part, and the first electrical conducting part, respectively.

[0020] The second processing box includes a second imaging component and a second conductive component. The second conductive component is electrically connected to the second imaging component, and the second conductive component includes a second electrical receiving part, a second conductive transmitting part, and a second electrical output part. The second conductive transmitting part is electrically connected to the second electrical receiving part and the second electrical output part, respectively.

[0021] The first electrical receiving part is used to be electrically connected to the second conductive terminal on the body side of the image forming apparatus, the first electrical output part is electrically connected to the first imaging member, the second electrical output part is electrically connected to the second imaging member, and the first electrical conducting part is used to be electrically connected to the second electrical receiving part.

[0022] This application also provides a method for recycling a processing box, wherein the processing box is the processing box described above, and the recycling method includes:

[0023] The conductive components and imaging components are removed from the processing box;

[0024] Separate the conductive component from the imaging component;

[0025] Replace the imaging component and connect the replaced imaging component to the conductive component;

[0026] The connected imaging component and the conductive component are then mounted onto the housing of the processing box.

[0027] This application also provides an image forming apparatus, which includes a body, wherein the body is provided with a processing box mounting part for mounting a processing box and an electrical contact part for supplying power to the processing box;

[0028] A processing box, which is detachably installed on a processing box mounting part, includes an imaging component, a conductive component, and a housing, wherein the imaging component and the conductive component are respectively disposed in the housing;

[0029] The conductive component includes an electrical receiving part, a conductive transmission part, an electrical output part, and an electrical conduction part. The conductive transmission part is electrically connected to the electrical receiving part, the electrical output part, and the electrical conduction part, respectively. The conductive transmission part is used to transmit the power received by the electrical receiving part to the electrical output part and the electrical conduction part.

[0030] When the processing box is conductive through the conductive component, the electrical receiving part is electrically connected to a power source outside the current processing box to receive a first power source from outside the current processing box; the electrical output part is electrically connected to the imaging component in the current processing box and transmits a second power source to the imaging component; the electrical conducting part outputs a third power source to outside the current processing box.

[0031] Compared to existing technologies, the conductive component of this application includes an electrical receiving section, an electrical output section, an electrical conducting section, and a conductive transmission section. The conductive transmission section is electrically connected to the electrical receiving section, the electrical output section, and the electrical conducting section, respectively. The conductive transmission section is used to transmit the power received by the electrical receiving section to the electrical output section and the electrical conducting section. When the conductive component is used to conduct electricity to the processing box, the electrical receiving section is electrically connected to a power source outside the current processing box to receive a first power source from outside the current processing box. The electrical output section is electrically connected to the imaging component in the current processing box and transmits a second power source to the imaging component. The electrical conducting section outputs a third power source to the outside of the current processing box, so that some processing boxes can obtain power through the voltage transmitted by other processing boxes without directly contacting the conductive terminals on the image forming apparatus body side. Therefore, the number of conductive terminals on the image forming apparatus body side can be reduced, or even only one conductive terminal can be provided, which reduces the elastic force generated between the processing box and the body, improves the stability of the processing box installation, reduces costs, and simplifies the structure of the image forming apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the main body;

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of multiple parallel processing boxes provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a single processing box in the middle;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the photosensitive drum, charging roller, and conductive components in the processing box;

[0037] Figure 6 A side view of a plurality of processing boxes provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic diagrams of the structure of the conductive component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a partial structure of the middle end cap;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in an embodiment of this application where the conductive components are disposed outside the processing box;

[0041] Figure 10 The principle of the electrical connection of the processing box provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 11 For multiple Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the electrical connection principle of the processing box shown.

[0043] Figure 12 For multiple Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electrical connection principle of the processing box shown;

[0044] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the conductive contact lines of the storage device provided in this application embodiment and the first conductive component;

[0045] Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the lines connecting the second conductive terminal on the body side of the image forming apparatus to the output terminals of the first imaging member and the second imaging member, respectively, and the lines connecting the first conductive component, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0046] Figure 15 A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the conductive contact lines of the storage device provided in this application embodiment and the first conductive component;

[0047] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the lines connecting the second conductive terminal on the body side of the image forming apparatus provided in the embodiment of this application to the output terminals of the first imaging member and the second imaging member, and the lines connecting the first conductive component.

[0048] Figure 17 For multiple Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electrical connection principle of the processing box shown;

[0049] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the electrical connection of the processing box provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 19 For application Figure 18 The principle of electrical connection of multiple processing boxes at the time Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 20 For application Figure 18 The principle of electrical connection of multiple processing boxes at the time Figure 2 ;

[0052] Figure 21 A flowchart of the processing box recycling method provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0054] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and the term "various types" refers to two or more; the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" used in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0056] In the prior art, both the processing cartridge side and the image forming apparatus body side typically include electrical contacts such as conductive planes, conductive probes, and conductive coils. For ease of explanation, the electrical contacts provided on the image forming apparatus body are referred to as conductive terminals, and the electrical contacts provided on the processing cartridge are referred to as conductive contacts.

[0057] In existing technologies, each processing unit includes multiple imaging components, such as a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a charging roller. These components all require voltage to perform image formation processing. Correspondingly, the main body is equipped with conductive terminals electrically connected to the photosensitive drum, developing roller, and charging roller, thereby supplying power to them. Since the main body typically houses multiple processing units, such as four, it requires 4n conductive terminals, where n is the number of imaging components to be powered. This results in a large number of conductive terminals on the main body, leading to a complex structure. Furthermore, there are multiple electrical contacts between the main body and the processing units. Because the conductive terminals on the main body are typically elastic, a significant elastic force is required to achieve electrical contact between the main body and the processing units. Therefore, the main body needs high strength, which also contributes to its complex structure and high cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0058] In view of this, embodiments of this application disclose a conductive component, an imaging assembly, a processing box, a processing box assembly, and an image forming apparatus. The imaging component is mounted on the housing of the processing box, and the housing of the processing box is provided with a conductive component for providing electrical energy to the imaging component. The conductive component includes an electrical receiving part, an electrical output part, an electrical conducting part, and a conductive transmission part. The conductive transmission part includes a first conductive sheet and a second conductive sheet. The length of the first conductive sheet extends along a first direction, and the length of the second conductive sheet extends along a second direction. The first and second directions intersect, and a first end of the first conductive sheet is electrically connected to the electrical receiving part, a second end of the first conductive sheet is electrically connected to the electrical conducting part, and one end of the second conductive sheet is electrically connected to the electrical output part. When the processing box is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the first and second conductive sheets are electrically connected to each other. The electrical receiving part receives the power supply voltage provided by the power supply unit (of course, the first or second conductive sheet can also be electrically connected to the power supply unit through other components to receive electrical energy), and transmits it to the electrical output part and the electrical conducting part through the conductive transmission part. The conductive section is used to electrically connect each processing unit, enabling electrical connection and voltage transmission between the processing units. The electrical output section is used to electrically connect to the imaging component. Therefore, when the above-mentioned conductive components conduct electricity to the processing unit, the electrical receiving section is electrically connected to a power source outside the current processing unit to receive a first power source from the outside of the current processing unit; the electrical output section is electrically connected to the imaging component in the current processing unit and transmits a second power source to the imaging component; the conductive section outputs a third power source to the outside of the current processing unit. It should be noted that the voltage magnitudes of the first, second, and third power sources can be the same or different, and are not limited here.

[0059] Furthermore, when multiple processing boxes are installed in an image forming apparatus, the processing box directly electrically connected to the image forming apparatus is designated as the first processing box, and other processing boxes not directly electrically connected to the image forming apparatus (indirectly electrically connected) are designated as second processing boxes. The electrical receiving portion of the conductive component on the first processing box is connected to the image forming apparatus, and the electrical conducting portion of the conductive component on the first processing box can be connected to the electrical receiving portion of the conductive component on the adjacent second processing box. Other second processing boxes are electrically connected to each other through the electrical receiving and conducting portions. Therefore, the imaging components installed on the second processing boxes can be powered by the voltage transmitted from the first processing box directly electrically connected to the image forming apparatus, eliminating the need to rely on the image forming apparatus body to directly provide voltage. Thus, the conductive terminals on the image forming apparatus body for contacting each second processing box and providing power to the imaging components in each second processing box can be omitted. Specifically, when multiple processing boxes are simultaneously applied to the image forming apparatus, the electrical receiving portion of the conductive component corresponding to the second processing box can be electrically connected to the electrical conducting portion of the conductive component corresponding to the adjacent second processing box. In this way, for each of the above-mentioned imaging components, the main body of the image forming apparatus only needs to be provided with one conductive terminal, which reduces the number of conductive terminals on the main body, simplifies the structure of the main body, and reduces the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses an image forming apparatus 10, which can be a laser printer, laser copier, etc. Each processing box is detachably installed inside the image forming apparatus.

[0061] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body 200 and an optical scanning unit (not shown), a paper feeding unit (not shown), a fixing unit (not shown), and a processing cartridge, etc., disposed on the main body 200. The main body 200 is provided with a processing cartridge mounting section for mounting the processing cartridge and an electrical contact section for supplying power to the processing cartridge, and the processing cartridge is detachably mounted to the processing cartridge mounting section. The operating principle and process of the image forming apparatus 10 are as follows: the optical scanning unit exposes the processing cartridge to convert image information into an electrostatic latent image; the processing cartridge converts the electrostatic latent image into a toner image; the paper feeding unit feeds paper to the processing cartridge position so that the toner image is transferred onto the paper; subsequently, the paper feeding unit feeds the paper to the fixing unit, where the toner image is fixed onto the paper by heating and pressurizing. Then, the paper feeding unit outputs the paper outside the image forming apparatus 10.

[0062] The image forming apparatus 10 may further include a communication unit (not shown) for connecting to terminal devices such as mobile phones and computers, so that the image forming apparatus 10 can acquire print jobs sent by the terminal devices. The communication unit can be a module such as a cellular network such as 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G, a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, a wireless sensor network such as Bluetooth, or a near field communication unit (NFC).

[0063] The processing cartridge group may include multiple processing cartridges, such as a first processing cartridge 100(K), a second processing cartridge 100(M), a third processing cartridge 100(C), and a fourth processing cartridge 100(Y), where K, M, C, and Y can represent toner colors. The toner colors in the multiple processing cartridges may be the same or different. For example, each processing cartridge may store toner of a different color, thus enabling the image forming apparatus to form both black and white images on paper.

[0064] To facilitate the simultaneous assembly and disassembly of multiple processing boxes, such as the first processing box 100(K), the second processing box 100(M), the third processing box 100(C), and the fourth processing box 100(Y), in some possible embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a moving member 220 movably mounted within the body 200 for accommodating the multiple processing boxes, including the first processing box 100(K), the second processing box 100(M), the third processing box 100(C), and the fourth processing box 100(Y). When the moving member 220 is outside the body 200, the multiple processing boxes can be moved off the moving member 220. In other words, the user can move the multiple processing boxes simultaneously by pushing or pulling the moving member 220, making assembly and disassembly more convenient.

[0065] The moving component 220 can be a rod-shaped or plate-shaped structural member. In some embodiments, the moving component 220 includes a base plate 221 and a side plate 222 (see reference). Figure 11 As shown, the base plate 221 and the side plate 222 are connected to form a cavity with an opening. The base plate 221 is used to support multiple processing boxes such as the first processing box 100(K), the second processing box 100(M), the third processing box 100(C), and the fourth processing box 100(Y). The side plate 222 is arranged around the outside of the multiple processing boxes to limit the position of each processing box so that each processing box can be stably installed on the moving part 220.

[0066] In some embodiments, a snap-fit ​​groove may be provided on the side plate 222 for snapping with each processing box, so that each processing box is fixed relative to the moving part 220, and the processing box is prevented from shifting relative to the moving part 220.

[0067] Please see Figure 2As shown, the main body 200 is provided with a main body-side conductive terminal for applying voltage to one of the multiple processing boxes. Specifically, the main body 200 is provided with a first conductive terminal 210 and a second conductive terminal 210'. The first conductive terminal 210 is used for electrical connection with the storage device of the processing box, and the second conductive terminal 210' is used for connection with the conductive component of the processing box to electrically connect the imaging component and the external conductive component. The main body-side second conductive terminal 210' can be referred to as the external conductive component. It can be understood that the main body-side second conductive terminal 210' can be understood as an electrical connection structure connected to the conductive component, and is not limited to a contact position with the conductive component. Depending on the object being connected, the first conductive terminal 210 can be referred to as the "low-voltage terminal," meaning that the first conductive terminal 210 is used to provide low-voltage power to the storage device, such as providing 3.3V to the storage device; the second conductive terminal 210' can be referred to as the "high-voltage terminal," meaning that the second conductive terminal 210' is used to provide high-voltage power to the imaging component, such as providing +1200V to the charging roller; for ease of explanation, the conductive contact on the storage device connected to the first conductive terminal 210 will be referred to as the first conductive contact, and the conductive contact on the processing box connected to the second conductive terminal 210' will be referred to as the second conductive contact.

[0068] It should be noted that the second conductive terminal 210' located on the main body can be electrically connected to the conductive component of any one of the multiple processing cartridges. Since the imaging component can be one of the photosensitive drum, developing roller, and charging roller, the number of imaging components powered by the conductive component on the processing cartridge can be one or more, and each imaging component is provided with a corresponding conductive component.

[0069] Please see Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment also discloses a processing box, and multiple processing boxes can be combined to form a processing box group. The processing box group is detachably installed in the body 200 of the image forming apparatus 10 to facilitate the maintenance and replacement of each processing box.

[0070] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the processing box includes a housing 110 and an imaging component 120. The housing 110 has a developer-containing cavity for holding the developer. The housing 110 can be made of plastic and is relatively lightweight. The imaging component 120 is disposed within the housing 110 and can be, for example, a photosensitive drum 121 or a developing roller 122. Figure 10 The components include a charging roller 123, a toner feeding roller (not shown), and a toner adjustment component (not shown) for adjusting the toner quantity. The axes of the photosensitive drum 121, developing roller 122, charging roller 123, and toner feeding roller are parallel to each other and are all arranged along the length direction L of the processing cartridge. It can be understood that the length direction L of the processing cartridge is the same as the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 121.

[0071] Continue reading Figure 4 As shown, the housing 110 includes two end caps 111, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the processing cartridge along the length direction L. The photosensitive drum 121, developing roller 122, and charging roller 123 are all fixed between the two end caps 111. The charging roller 123 charges the photosensitive drum 121, which forms an electrostatic latent image. The toner delivery roller transfers toner to the developing roller 122. The toner adjustment component adjusts the toner on the surface of the developing roller 122 to a predetermined amount and ensures the toner is uniformly charged. The developing roller 122 converts the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 121 into a toner image. Therefore, during operation, the image forming apparatus 10 requires the application of voltage to the photosensitive drum 121, developing roller 122, charging roller 123, toner delivery roller, and toner adjustment component.

[0072] Understandably, one of the two end caps 111 can be equipped with a driving component to drive the imaging component 120 to rotate, and the conductive component can be disposed on the other end cap 111. For example, one of the two end caps 111 can be equipped with a driving component to drive the photosensitive drum 121 to rotate, and the conductive component can be disposed on the other end cap 111.

[0073] The conductive components of the processing box can be connected to the end cap 111 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism (e.g., ...). Figure 5 and Figure 8 It can be connected in the manner shown, or fixed to the end cap 111 by threaded fasteners, locking pins, etc. (not shown).

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 5 As shown, the end cap 111 is approximately a plate-shaped structure. Exemplarily, the end cap 111 includes a plate body and a retaining portion. The plate body is perpendicular to the axis of the imaging member 120 and connected to the imaging member 120. The retaining portion protrudes from the plate body towards the imaging member 120, thus forming an accommodating area with an opening. The conductive components of the processing box are connected to the plate body to provide protection for the conductive components through the accommodating area. Further, the end cap 111 has an end face and a side face. The end face can be understood as the end face of the plate body, perpendicular to the axis of the imaging member 120. The side face can be understood as the outer wall surface of the retaining portion, connected to the end face.

[0075] In some embodiments, the imaging component 120 is mounted between two oppositely disposed end faces of the housing 110 along the length direction L of the processing box, that is, the imaging component 120 is disposed between two end caps 111.

[0076] To provide protection for components such as the photosensitive drum 121, the developing roller 122, and the charging roller 123, the end cap 111 can have an irregular geometric shape. Thus, the end cap 111 has multiple sides connected end to end.

[0077] To facilitate the application of voltage to each imaging component, the processing box also includes conductive components for providing voltage to each imaging component. For ease of distinction, the conductive component electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 121 is referred to as the first conductive component, the conductive component electrically connected to the developing roller is referred to as the second conductive component, and the conductive component electrically connected to the charging roller 123 is referred to as the third conductive component. Since the structures of each conductive component are basically the same, only the imaging components they are connected to are different, so the structure of the first conductive component will be described in detail below.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 As shown, the processing box also includes a first conductive component 130, which is disposed on the housing 110 and provides voltage to the photosensitive drum 121, which serves as the first imaging component. The first conductive component 130 can be a metal part, and the material of the metal part can be copper, gold, aluminum, etc.

[0079] In some embodiments, the photosensitive drum includes an aluminum base, a steel shaft, and a conductive bearing. The aluminum base is disposed on the photosensitive drum body, and the steel shaft is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum body. The aluminum base and the steel shaft are electrically connected. The first electrical output part 131 includes a hollow part and a clamping part. The hollow part is sleeved on the outside of the steel shaft, and a conductive bearing is disposed between the hollow part and the steel shaft. The clamping part abuts against the conductive shaft sleeve. Alternatively, the first electrical output part 131 abuts directly against the conductive bearing disposed on the steel shaft.

[0080] Simultaneously refer to Figure 6As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the first conductive component 130 includes a first electrical receiving part 133, a first electrical output part 131, a first electrical conducting part 132, and a first conductive transmission part 137. The first conductive transmission part 137 includes a first conductive sheet 134 and a second conductive sheet 135 that are electrically connected to each other. Both ends of the first conductive sheet 134 are electrically connected to the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132, respectively. The first electrical receiving part 133 can be used to connect to an external conductive component to obtain power, and the first electrical conducting part 132 is used for electrical connection between two adjacent processing boxes. One end of the second conductive sheet 135 is connected to the first electrical output part 131, which is used to electrically connect to the photosensitive drum 121 of the imaging component. When the processing box is conductive through the first conductive component 130, the first electrical receiving part 133 is electrically connected to the power source outside the current processing box to receive the first power source from the outside of the current processing box; the first electrical output part 131 transmits the second power source to the photosensitive drum 121 of the imaging component; the first electrical conducting part 132 outputs the third power source to the outside of the current processing box. Optionally, the first electrical conducting part 132 may output the third power source to other processing boxes adjacent to the current processing box.

[0081] Specifically, at least a portion of the first electrical receiving part 133 and at least a portion of the first electrical conducting part 132 are mounted on the outside of the processing box housing, while the first conductive transmission part and the first electrical output part 131 are disposed inside the processing box housing. The length of the first conductive sheet 134 extends along a first direction, the length of the second conductive sheet 135 extends along a second direction, and one end of the second conductive sheet 135 is connected to the middle region of the first conductive sheet 134.

[0082] In some embodiments, for example, when the first electrical receiving part 133 is used to electrically connect with a second conductive terminal provided on the image forming apparatus body to receive power transmitted by the image forming apparatus body, the first electrical receiving part 133 is located on the end face of the end cover 111, and the first electrical conducting part 132 is located on the side wall of the processing box, with the side wall adjacent to the end cover 111. This embodiment facilitates direct electrical connection between two processing boxes by providing the first electrical conducting part 132 for voltage transmission on the side of the processing box, eliminating the need for additional relay components and saving costs.

[0083] Furthermore, the first conductive component 130 can be configured with an irregular shape. The first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132 can extend in different directions. To facilitate electrical connection between the first conductive components 130 in two adjacent processing boxes, in some embodiments, the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132 can pass through the enclosure portion of the end cover 111 and be exposed outside the enclosure portion. That is, the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132 are respectively located on two opposite side walls of the processing box, and these two different side walls are respectively adjacent to the end face of the end cover 111.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first conductive component 130 further includes a voltage regulation unit, which adjusts the voltage transmitted to the imaging component according to the voltage required by the imaging component in the processing box. Specifically, the processing box receives a first power supply through an electrical receiving unit and provides a second power supply to the imaging component through an electrical output unit. The voltage magnitudes of the first power supply and the second power supply can be the same or different. When the voltage magnitudes of the first power supply and the second power supply are different, the first conductive component may further include a voltage regulation unit to achieve voltage conversion. This voltage regulation unit can adjust not only the voltage magnitude but also the voltage polarity, as long as it enables the imaging component to obtain a suitable supply voltage. Specifically, the processing box receives a first power supply through an electrical receiving unit and provides a third power supply to the outside of the current processing box through an electrical conducting unit. The voltage magnitudes of the first power supply and the third power supply can be the same or different. When the voltage magnitudes of the first power supply and the third power supply are different, the first conductive component may further include a voltage regulation unit to achieve voltage conversion. This voltage regulation unit can adjust not only the voltage magnitude but also the voltage polarity, as long as it enables the current processing box to transmit a suitable voltage to the outside.

[0085] This is understandable, please continue reading. Figure 4 As shown, taking the processing box 100(K) as an example, at least one of the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 can also penetrate the plate of the end cover 111 to be exposed on the outer side of the end of the processing box.

[0086] Understandably, when the first electrical receiving part 133 is located on the side of the end cover 111, the end face of the first electrical receiving part 133 can be flush with the side of the end cover 111 or extend to the outside of the side of the end cover 111. When the first electrical conducting part 132 is located on the side of the end cover 111, the end face of the first electrical conducting part 132 can be flush with the side of the end cover 111 or extend to the outside of the side of the end cover 111. This embodiment does not limit the placement of the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132.

[0087] The first conductive component 130 can be a sheet-like structure, and the first electrical receiving part 133, the first electrical conducting part 132, and the first electrical output part 131 all correspond to different positions of the first conductive component 130.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 are integrally formed or detachably connected, the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 are integrally formed or detachably connected to the first conductive sheet 134, and the first electrical output part 131 is integrally formed or detachably connected to the second conductive sheet 135.

[0089] To simplify the structure of the first conductive component 130, please continue to refer to Figures 7(a) and 7(b). In some possible embodiments, both the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 can be strip-shaped structural members. The two ends of the first conductive sheet 134 are respectively configured as a first electrical receiving portion 133 and a first electrical conducting portion 132. The spacing direction of the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132 (that is, the extension direction of the first conductive sheet 134) is parallel to the parallel direction M of the multiple processing boxes, so that the first electrical receiving portion 133 can be electrically connected to the first electrical conducting portion 132 of the first conductive component 130 in the adjacent processing box. The first electrical output portion 131 is disposed on the second conductive sheet 135, and extends towards the axis of the imaging member 120 to be electrically connected to the roller of the imaging member 120. When viewed from the length direction L of the processing box, the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 intersect, that is, the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 overlap each other in the length direction L of the processing box.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first conductive portion 132 has an abutment plane, which may be parallel to the axis of the imaging member 120. This results in a larger abutment area between the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first conductive portion 132 of the adjacent first conductive member 130, preventing situations where two adjacent processing units cannot be effectively electrically connected. The abutment plane may smoothly transition to the side of the end cover 111 or extend to the outer side of the end cover 111.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first electrical receiving portion 133 of the first conductive sheet 134 can be an arc-shaped structure. The arc-shaped structure is elastic and can effectively abut against the abutment plane to avoid the situation of poor connection between two adjacent first conductive components 130. Alternatively, the first electrical receiving portion 133 may include an elastic component with protrusions.

[0092] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 As shown, the first conductive component 130 includes a metal edging sheet 134', which is disposed on the outside of the housing 110 of the processing box. That is, the first conductive sheet is configured as a metal edging structure, so that the conductive contact between adjacent processing boxes is made through the conductive surface of the metal edging sheet 134'. In other words, the corresponding first electrical receiving part 133' and first electrical conducting part 132' are both planar and can be parallel to the axis of the imaging component 120. The area at the contact position between the first electrical conducting part 132' and the first electrical receiving part 133' of the metal edging sheet 134' of the adjacent processing box is large, avoiding the situation where two adjacent processing boxes cannot be effectively electrically connected.

[0093] In some embodiments, when multiple processing boxes are electrically connected, there is a mating gap D between two adjacent processing boxes. Therefore, to ensure effective electrical connection between two adjacent processing boxes, both the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 can extend along the parallel direction M of the processing boxes to the outside of the end cover 111 (see...). Figure 6 (As shown).

[0094] Please see Figure 10 As shown, for the second conductive sheet 135, the first electrical output part 131 is electrically connected to one end of the second conductive sheet 135, and the other end of the second conductive sheet 135 is electrically connected to the connecting end 136. That is, a connecting end 136 is provided between the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 for electrical connection. The connecting end 136 can be directly connected to the first conductive sheet 134, for example, by welding or snap-fitting. In this case, the connecting end 136 can be connected to any position on the first conductive sheet 134. For example, the connecting end 136 is fixedly connected to the middle of the first conductive sheet 134.

[0095] Please see Figure 11 As shown, in the multiple processing boxes that are electrically connected to each other, each processing box is electrically connected through a first electrical receiving unit 133 and a first electrical conducting unit 132.

[0096] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 As shown, among the multiple processing boxes that are electrically connected to each other, the first electrical receiving part corresponding to the first processing box 100(K) does not need to penetrate the plate body, so it does not need to be exposed on the outside of the end of the processing box.

[0097] When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus 10, it receives the power supply voltage provided by the power supply unit through the first electrical receiving portion 133 of the first conductive sheet 134. The power supply unit may be disposed on the body 200 of the image forming apparatus 10, on the processing cartridge, on the movable part 220 of the image forming apparatus 10 for accommodating multiple processing cartridges, or on other processing cartridges electrically connected to the processing cartridge; no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the power supply unit can be a battery, a power circuit, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the form of the power supply unit, as long as it can provide the power supply voltage.

[0098] For example, when the first processing box 100(K), the second processing box 100(M), the third processing box 100(C), and the fourth processing box 100(Y) are installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the first processing box 100(K) receives the power supply voltage provided by the power supply unit through the first electrical receiving unit 133 and transmits the voltage to the other processing boxes through the first electrical conducting unit 132.

[0099] The external conductive member is used to electrically connect the aforementioned power supply unit and the first conductive component 130. Specifically, the external conductive member is used to electrically connect the aforementioned power supply unit and the first electrical receiving part 133. For example, when the power supply unit is disposed on the body of the image forming apparatus 10, the external conductive member may include a conductive terminal (not shown in the figure) disposed on the body 200 of the image forming apparatus 10, which is electrically connected to the first conductive component 130 on the processing cartridge. Alternatively, when the power supply unit is disposed on the moving part 220 of the image forming apparatus 10, the external conductive member may include a conductive terminal disposed on the moving part 220 of the image forming apparatus 10, which is electrically connected to the first conductive component 130 on the processing cartridge. Alternatively, when the power supply unit is disposed on another processing cartridge electrically connected to the processing cartridge, the external conductive member may include a conductive terminal disposed on the other processing cartridge electrically connected to the processing cartridge, which is electrically connected to the first conductive component 130 on the processing cartridge. Further, the conductive terminal disposed on the other processing cartridge may be a first electrical conducting part 132 disposed on the first conductive component 130 of the other processing cartridge. Alternatively, the external conductive component can also refer to a sheet metal part disposed on the body 200 of the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the sheet metal part is in a grounded state and is electrically connected to the first conductive component 130 on the processing box. The external conductive component can take the form of the aforementioned conductive terminal or sheet metal part, or it can be other conductive components such as connectors used to connect the power supply unit and the first connection end. In this embodiment of the application, the form of the external conductive component is not limited, as long as it can achieve an electrical connection between the first conductive component 130 and the power supply unit.

[0100] In some embodiments, the external conductive member can be directly electrically connected to the first electrical receiving part 133; the external conductive member can also be directly electrically connected to other parts of the first conductive component 130, thereby indirectly electrically connected to the first electrical receiving part 133. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0101] For example, when the number of imaging components 120 powered by conductive components on the processing box is one, the imaging component 120 can be any one of the photosensitive drum 121, the developing roller 122, and the charging roller 123. In this case, taking the photosensitive drum 121 as an example, a set of conductive components, namely the first conductive component 130, is provided in the processing box. When the number of imaging components 120 powered by conductive components on the processing box is three, the imaging component 120 can be the photosensitive drum 121, the developing roller 122, and the charging roller 123. Taking the photosensitive drum 121 and the developing roller 122 as examples, each processing box is provided with a first conductive component 130 and a second conductive component. The first electrical output part 131 of the first conductive component 130 is connected to the photosensitive drum 121, and the second electrical output part of the second conductive component is electrically connected to the developing roller 122. At least a portion of the first conductive component 130 and at least a portion of the second conductive component are arranged in a staggered manner, and the first conductive component 130 and the second conductive component are insulated from each other.

[0102] It can be further explained that, along the length extension direction of the processing box, that is, in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the first conductive component 130 and the second conductive component are arranged in a staggered manner, and the first conductive component 130 and the second conductive component are insulated from each other.

[0103] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge may also be provided with a first conductive component 130, a third conductive component 130a, and a second conductive component (not shown in the figure). The first conductive component 130, the third conductive component 130a, and the second conductive component are used to supply power to the photosensitive drum 121, the charging roller 123, and the developing roller 122, respectively. The first conductive component 130, the third conductive component 130a, and the second conductive component are insulated from each other. It can be understood that the paths of the first conductive component 130, the third conductive component 130a, and the second conductive component on the processing cartridge are arranged around each other to avoid contact with each other and forming an electrical short circuit, which would damage the processing cartridge. That is, at least a portion of the first conductive component 130, at least a portion of the third conductive component 130a, and at least a portion of the second conductive component are staggered from each other. It can be further explained that along the length extension direction of the processing cartridge, that is, in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the first conductive component 130, at least a portion of the second conductive component, and at least a portion of the third conductive component 130a are staggered from each other, and the first conductive component 130, the second conductive component, and the third conductive component 130a are insulated from each other.

[0104] Of course, when the processing box is equipped with components such as a powder feeding roller (not shown) and a powder discharging knife (not shown), and the powder feeding roller and the powder discharging knife also need to be powered, more conductive components can be installed in the processing box, and the paths set on the processing box for each conductive component are separated from each other, and the conductive components are insulated from each other.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply component in the processing box used to provide voltage to each imaging component may also be different. For example, the conductive component electrically connected to the photosensitive drum has the same structure as the first conductive component 130 mentioned in the previous embodiment, while the structure of the component electrically connected to other imaging components in the processing box, such as the charging roller and the developing roller, to provide voltage is different from the structure of the first conductive component 130. That is, not all imaging components in the processing box need to use the conductive component provided in this embodiment to obtain power. At least some imaging components can still obtain power by being electrically connected to the second conductive terminal provided on the image forming apparatus body. For ease of description, the power supply component corresponding to the imaging component that obtains power by being electrically connected to the second conductive terminal provided on the image forming apparatus body will be referred to as a conductive component. The conductive component includes an electrical input terminal and an electrical output terminal. The electrical input terminal is electrically connected to the electrical output terminal, and the electrical output terminal is electrically connected to an imaging component such as a charging roller or a developing roller. The electrical input terminal is used to connect to a second conductive terminal provided on the image forming apparatus body to obtain power. That is, for ease of distinction, the terminal on the first conductive component 130 that is connected to the end of the imaging component is called the "electrical output part", and the terminal on the conductive component with a different structure from the first conductive component 130 that is connected to the imaging component is called the "electrical output terminal".

[0106] In one feasible embodiment, the processing cartridge includes a first conductive component 130 that provides power to the photosensitive drum 121 and conductive components (not shown) that provide power to at least one of other imaging components such as a charging roller 123, a developing roller 122, a toner feeding roller (not shown), and a toner ejector blade (not shown). It is understood that at least a portion of the first conductive component 130 and at least a portion of the conductive components (not shown) are staggered to avoid contact and short circuits that could damage the processing cartridge. Further, along the length of the processing cartridge, i.e., in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the first conductive component 130 and at least a portion of the conductive components are staggered to each other, and the first conductive component 130 and the conductive components are mutually insulated.

[0107] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 3 As shown, multiple processing boxes are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the imaging component 120. Figure 3The processing boxes are arranged in the M direction, and adjacent processing boxes are electrically connected to each other. Specifically, when the imaging component 120 is a photosensitive drum 121, the first electrical receiving part 133 of the first conductive component 130 of one of the two adjacent processing boxes is electrically connected to the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive component 130 of the other processing box, thereby realizing the electrical connection between each processing box through the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132. At this time, the first conductive component 130 of one of the two adjacent processing boxes can constitute the external conductive component of the other processing box. The two first conductive components 130 that are electrically connected to each other in the multiple processing boxes can be connected by welding, snap-fitting, or other methods.

[0108] In some embodiments, two first conductive components 130 that are electrically connected to each other in a plurality of processing boxes can also be connected by abutting to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the processing boxes.

[0109] Since multiple processing boxes are electrically connected through first conductive components 130, when the first conductive component 130 corresponding to one of the interconnected processing boxes is electrically connected to the power supply unit, all the first conductive components 130 can obtain the same potential, so that the same multiple imaging components 120 (e.g., multiple photosensitive drums 121) can all obtain voltage. At this time, when the power supply unit for supplying power to the imaging components 120 is provided in the image forming apparatus body 200, a second conductive terminal 210' is provided in the body 200 to apply voltage to one of the processing boxes for the same imaging components 120 (e.g., the aforementioned multiple photosensitive drums 121) in the multiple processing boxes. That is, for the multiple identical imaging components 120 in the multiple processing boxes, the body 200 can only provide one second conductive terminal 210', and this body-side second conductive terminal 210' can be electrically connected to the first conductive component 130 of any one of the multiple processing boxes.

[0110] In other words, the main body 200 can be provided with only one second conductive terminal 210', while through the first conductive component 130, the same imaging components 120 in multiple processing boxes (such as the multiple photosensitive drums 121 mentioned above) can all obtain voltage, reducing the number of second conductive terminals 210' on the main body 200 corresponding to the multiple identical imaging components 120 (such as the multiple photosensitive drums 121 mentioned above), thereby reducing the elastic force between the main body 200 and the processing box, reducing costs and simplifying the spatial structure of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0111] The second conductive terminal 210' disposed on the main body 200 can correspond to any one of the processing boxes. In some embodiments, when multiple sets of conductive components are disposed on the processing box corresponding to multiple imaging components 120 (e.g., at least two of the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 121, charging roller 123, and developing roller), the main body 200 is provided with multiple second conductive terminals 210'. The multiple second conductive terminals 210' can correspond to different processing boxes respectively, so as to avoid the electrical connection structure on the main body 200 being concentrated at the position corresponding to a certain processing box, simplifying the spatial structure of the image forming apparatus 10 and reducing costs.

[0112] For example, the second conductive terminal 210' on the body 200 corresponding to the photosensitive drum 121 is electrically connected to the first conductive component 130, the second conductive terminal 210' corresponding to the charging roller 123 is electrically connected to the third conductive component 130a, and the second conductive terminal 210' corresponding to the developing roller 122 is electrically connected to the second conductive component (not shown).

[0113] For example, the second conductive terminal 210' on the body 200 corresponding to the photosensitive drum 121 is electrically connected to the first processing cartridge, the second conductive terminal 210' corresponding to the developing roller 122 is electrically connected to the second processing cartridge, and the second conductive terminal 210' corresponding to the charging roller 123 is electrically connected to the third processing cartridge.

[0114] Continue to refer to Figure 4 As shown, a storage device 140 is also provided on the end cap 111 where the first conductive component 130 is located. The storage device 140 is used to record attribute information of the processing cartridge, such as serial number and toner color information, and consumption information, such as remaining toner level. The storage device 140 includes a circuit board, a memory mounted on the circuit board, and multiple first conductive contacts 141 electrically connected to the memory. The direction of the connection of the multiple first conductive contacts 141 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving component 220 (i.e., the parallel direction M of the processing cartridge), and the storage device 140 is located on the end face of the processing cartridge where the first conductive component 130 is located, near the front side of the housing. (Refer to...) Figure 6 As shown, the storage device 140 is closer to the lower bottom surface of the processing cartridge than the first conductive sheet 135 of the conductive component. Further, the storage device 140 is closer to the lower bottom surface of the processing cartridge than the conductive terminal C of the conductive component (the conductive terminal C is one end of the conductive component used for electrical connection with the power supply unit). The developer receiving cavity is located on the rear side of the processing cartridge housing. Compared to the rear side of the processing cartridge housing, the storage device 140 is closer to the front side of the processing cartridge housing. Figure 4As shown. This ensures that when the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the storage device 140 is further away from the multiple second conductive contacts on the processing cartridge for receiving high voltage, preventing the second conductive terminal 210' on the image forming apparatus body from contacting the conductive contacts 141 on the storage device 140, which could lead to high voltage damage to the conductive contacts 141. Additionally, it effectively avoids space conflicts, preventing the high-voltage second conductive terminal 210' on the body from contacting the bracket for mounting the storage device, thus preventing interference between the bracket and the second conductive terminal 210' on the body during processing cartridge installation.

[0115] Furthermore, the storage device 140 includes a plurality of first conductive contacts 141 arranged along a direction perpendicular to the M direction. When the processing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, this prevents the same conductive contact 141 from being scratched by multiple first conductive terminals 210 on the body 200, which would scrape off debris from the conductive contact 141, causing wear and tear, and consequently leading to abnormal communication between the storage device 140 and the body, affecting print quality. Simultaneously, this arrangement also facilitates the arrangement of the relative positions of the first conductive terminals 210 and the second conductive terminals 210' on the image forming apparatus body 200. If the arrangement directions of the first conductive terminals 210 and the second conductive terminals 210' are parallel, a larger reserved space is required on the high-voltage side of the image forming apparatus, resulting in higher costs.

[0116] Specifically, when the processing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, a plurality of first conductive contacts 141 are electrically connected to first conductive terminals 210 on the body 200 side of the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, when viewed from the length direction L of the processing cartridge, the first conductive contacts 141 and the first conductive component 130 are not in the same plane. (Refer to...) Figure 13As shown, along the length L of the processing box, the projection of the extension line m of at least two of the first conductive contacts 141 intersects (preferably perpendicularly) the projection of the line n connecting the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive component 130. That is, on the end face of the processing box, the second conductive contact (high voltage contact) is closer to the upper part of the processing box housing, and the multiple first conductive contacts 141 are closer to the lower part of the processing box housing. The first conductive component is located between the second conductive contact and the storage device 140. This arrangement simplifies the spatial structure of the image forming apparatus 10 and effectively prevents the first conductive contact 141 from being contacted by the second conductive terminal 210′ ​​provided on the image forming apparatus body during the installation of the processing box, thereby preventing high voltage damage to the first conductive contact 141 on the storage device. In addition, it can also prevent debris scraped off by the first conductive terminal 210 of the processing box from the first conductive terminal 210 of the body from sticking to the first conductive contact 141, avoiding communication abnormalities of the storage device. At this time, the line n connecting the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 can be specifically understood as the line connecting a point contained in the first electrical receiving part 133 and a point contained in the first electrical conducting part 132. Furthermore, this line can be parallel to the M direction.

[0117] In some embodiments, the projection of the extension line m of the line connecting at least two of the plurality of first conductive contacts 141 along the length L of the processing box intersects with the projection of the line n connecting the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132 of the first conductive component 130. Specifically, this means that the projection of the extension line m of the line connecting at least one point contained in one of the plurality of first conductive contacts 141 and another point contained in another of the plurality of first conductive contacts 141 intersects with the projection of the line n connecting the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132 of the first conductive component 130. Specifically, when the plurality of first conductive contacts 141 included in the storage device 140 are regular conductive surfaces of a certain size, the line connecting at least two of the plurality of first conductive contacts 141 of the storage device 140 can specifically be the line connecting the center points of at least two of the plurality of first conductive contacts 141.

[0118] In other embodiments, see Figure 14As shown, when the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus 10, when viewed from the length direction L of the processing cartridge, the projection of the line x connecting the second conductive terminal 210' and the first electrical output portion 131 of the first conductive member 130 on the body side of the image forming apparatus 10 intersects the projection of the line n connecting the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132. The projection of the line q connecting the second conductive terminal 210' and the third electrical output terminal 131a of the third conductive member 130a intersects the projection of the line n connecting the first electrical receiving portion 133 and the first electrical conducting portion 132. The line connecting the second conductive terminal 210' and the first electrical output portion 131 can be any point on the second conductive terminal 210' and any point included in the first electrical output portion 131, and the line connecting the second conductive terminal 210' and the third electrical output terminal 131a can be any point on the second conductive terminal 210' and any point included in the third electrical output terminal 131a. It should be noted that the second imaging component can also be the developing roller 122, and this application does not limit this. The third conductive component 130a has the same structure as the first conductive component 130. Of course, the third conductive component 130a can also be replaced by other conductive components different from the first conductive component 130. The conductive component includes an electrical input terminal and an electrical output terminal. The electrical output terminal is electrically connected to the end of other imaging components. When the electrical input terminal is used to electrically connect to the second conductive terminal 210′ ​​provided on the image forming apparatus body to receive the power transmitted by the image forming apparatus body, when the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the projection of the line connecting the second conductive terminal 210′ ​​and the electrical output terminal of the conductive component intersects with the projection of the connection between the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive component 130, and the projection of the line connecting the second conductive terminal 210′ ​​and the first electrical output part 131 of the first conductive component 130 intersects with the projection of the connection between the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive component 130. With this configuration, the second conductive contact (high voltage contact) on the processing box and the end of the imaging component are located on different sides of the conductive component, which effectively avoids the problem of large size of the image forming device caused by setting the high voltage contact and the end of the imaging component on the same side of the conductive component, and facilitates the miniaturization design of the image forming device.

[0119] Continue to refer to Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, a first clearance portion 101 is provided at the first edge of the end face of the processing box, a second clearance portion 102 is provided at the second edge of the end face of the processing box, and a third clearance portion 103 is provided at the edge of the side wall of the processing box. An inclined surface is also provided on the end face of the processing box. The first clearance portion and the third clearance portion are arranged adjacent to each other. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first clearance portion may be provided at the first edge of the end face of the processing box, or the second clearance portion may be provided at the second edge of the end face of the processing box, or the third clearance portion may be provided at the edge of the side wall of the processing box; or any two of the first, second, and third edges may have clearance portions.

[0120] After the four processing boxes are installed into the moving part 220, as the processing boxes are pushed in or pulled out of the image forming apparatus body side by the moving part 220, the high-voltage contacts on the image forming apparatus body side will slide on the processing boxes. Because there are gaps between the processing boxes, the high-voltage contacts can easily get stuck in the gaps between the processing boxes. This embodiment provides a first clearance part 101, a second clearance part 102, and an inclined surface, which guide the high-voltage contacts and prevent them from getting stuck in the gaps between the processing boxes.

[0121] When the processing box is installed into the moving part 220, since the first electrical receiving part 133 of the subsequent processing box (the end of the first conductive piece protruding from the end face of the processing box) needs to make contact with the first electrical conducting part 132 of the previous processing box to conduct electricity, this embodiment provides a third clearance part 103 on one side of the processing box. When the processing box is installed into the moving part 220, the first electrical receiving part 133 is avoided by the third clearance part 103. Thus, the third clearance part 103 can prevent the processing box from being unable to be installed into the moving part 220 due to the protrusion of the first electrical receiving part 133.

[0122] Based on the above embodiments, this application also discloses another specific implementation method, see below. Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the first electrical receiving part is located on the aforementioned end face (not shown), and the first electrical conducting part 132 is located on the side wall of the processing box, which is adjacent to the end face. Therefore, the processing box can obtain power by connecting to the power supply unit through the first electrical receiving part located on the end face. Specifically, when the processing box 100 is directly connected to the body of the image forming apparatus through the first electrical receiving part to obtain power, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 As shown, the first electrical receiving part is the conductive terminal C, which is not limited here. For ease of explanation, the second conductive terminal that is directly electrically connected to the first electrical receiving part will be referred to as the second conductive terminal 210′(d), and the other second conductive terminals provided on the image forming apparatus body will be referred to as second conductive terminals 210′(a), 210′(b), and 210′(c).

[0123] In some embodiments, the end face of the processing box with the first electrical receiving part is further provided with a plurality of second conductive contacts. The plurality of second conductive contacts are electrically connected to the developing roller, the powder feeding roller and the charging roller in the processing box, respectively. The plurality of second conductive contacts are used to electrically connect to a plurality of second conductive terminals 210' on the side of the image forming apparatus body to receive power transmitted by the image forming apparatus body.

[0124] In some embodiments, a storage device 140 is further provided on the end face of the processing box where the first electrical receiving part is provided, and the storage device 140 includes a plurality of first conductive contacts 141.

[0125] Reference Figure 15 As described above, along the length L of the processing box, the projection of the extension line m of the line connecting at least two of the plurality of first conductive contacts 141 intersects (preferably perpendicularly) the projection of the extension line n′ of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive component 130. That is, on the end face of the processing box, the second conductive contact (high voltage contact) is closer to the upper part of the processing box housing, and the plurality of first conductive contacts 141 are closer to the lower part of the processing box housing. The first conductive component is located between the second conductive contact and the storage device 140. This arrangement simplifies the spatial structure of the image forming apparatus 10 and effectively prevents the first conductive contact 141 from being contacted by the second conductive terminal 210′ ​​provided on the image forming apparatus body during the installation of the processing box, thereby preventing high voltage damage to the first conductive contact 141 on the storage device. In addition, it can also prevent debris scraped off by the first conductive terminal 210 of the processing box from the first conductive contact 141, avoiding communication abnormalities of the storage device. At this time, the extension line n′ of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 can be specifically understood as the extension line of the line connecting a point contained in the first electrical receiving part 133 and a point contained in the first electrical conducting part 132.

[0126] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG16(a), the first electrical receiving unit 133 is used to electrically connect to the second conductive terminal 210′(d) provided on the image forming apparatus body to receive power transmitted by the image forming apparatus body. When the processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus 10, when viewed along the length direction L of the processing box, the projection of the line X connecting the second conductive terminal 210′(d) and the first electrical output unit 131 intersects with the projection of the line n connecting the first electrical receiving unit 133 and the first electrical conducting unit 132.

[0127] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG16(b), the image forming apparatus 10 body is provided with a second conductive terminal 210′(d), a second conductive terminal 210′(a), a second conductive terminal 210′(b), and a second conductive terminal 210′(c). The processing box is also provided with other aforementioned conductive elements a, b, and c, which are different from the first conductive element 130. The processing box is also provided with imaging components such as a charging roller 123, a photosensitive drum 121, and a developing roller 122. Conductive element a is electrically connected to the charging roller 123, conductive element b is electrically connected to the developing roller 122, conductive element c is electrically connected to the powder feeding roller (not shown), and the first conductive element 130 is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 121. Wherein, the electrical input terminal of conductive element a is used to connect with the second conductive terminal 210′(a) disposed on the image forming apparatus body, the electrical input terminal of conductive element b is used to connect with the second conductive terminal 210′(b) disposed on the image forming apparatus body, and the electrical input terminal of conductive element c is used to connect with the second conductive terminal 210′(c) disposed on the image forming apparatus body.

[0128] When the processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus 10, when viewed along the length direction L of the processing box, the projection of the line q connecting the second conductive terminal 210′(a) of the image forming apparatus 10 body and the electrical output terminal of the conductive member a of the charging roller 123 intersects with the projection of the extension line n′ of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive member 130.

[0129] Furthermore, when the processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus 10, when viewed along the length direction L of the processing box, the line intersecting with the projection of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive member 130 includes the following cases.

[0130] 1. The connection between the second conductive terminal 210′(b) and at least one of the following terminals:

[0131] The electrical output terminal of conductive component b, the electrical output terminal of conductive component c, and the electrical output section of the first conductive component 130.

[0132] 2. The connection between the second conductive terminal 210′(c) and at least one of the following terminals:

[0133] The electrical output terminal of conductive component a, the electrical output terminal of conductive component b, the electrical output terminal of conductive component c, and the electrical output section of the first conductive component 130.

[0134] Furthermore, when the processing box is installed in the image forming apparatus 10, when viewed along the length L of the processing box, the extension line of the line connecting the second conductive terminal 210′(a) and the electrical output terminal of the conductive member a intersects with the projection of the extension line of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part 133 and the first electrical conducting part 132 of the first conductive member 130. With this arrangement, the second conductive contact (high-voltage contact) on the processing box and the end of the imaging member are located on different sides of the conductive member, effectively avoiding the problem of a large image forming apparatus size caused by placing the high-voltage contact and the end of the imaging member on the same side of the conductive member, thus facilitating the miniaturization design of the image forming apparatus.

[0135] In some possible embodiments, see Figure 17 As shown, among the multiple processing boxes that are electrically connected to each other, the first electrical conductive part corresponding to the fourth processing box 100(Y) does not need to penetrate the plate body, and therefore does not need to be exposed on the outside of the end of the processing box. It can be understood that for the fourth processing box 100(Y), there is no need to transmit power to other processing boxes. Therefore, for the fourth processing box 100(Y), the first electrical conductive part does not need to be exposed on the end of the processing box.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 can be disposed separately or integrally formed.

[0137] In some embodiments, see Figure 18As shown, the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 can also be two independent components. Either the first electrical receiving portion 133 or the first electrical conducting portion 132 is spaced apart from the connecting end 136. For example, the first electrical conducting portion 132 and the connecting end 136 are arranged side-by-side and located outside the processing cartridge housing. When multiple processing cartridges are installed in the image forming apparatus, when two adjacent processing cartridges are electrically connected, the first electrical conducting portion 132 and the connecting end 136 of one processing cartridge are simultaneously electrically connected to the first electrical receiving portion 133 of the other processing cartridge. To facilitate the simultaneous electrical connection of the first electrical conducting portion 132 and the connecting end 136 to the first electrical receiving portion 133, in some embodiments, the first conductive sheet 134 may include a first segment 1341 and a second segment 1342, with an included angle between the first segment 1341 and the second segment 1342. The end of the first segment 1341 away from the second segment 1342 is connected to the first electrical receiving portion 133, and the end of the second segment 1342 away from the first segment 1341 is connected to the first electrical conducting portion 132. The first segment 1341 can extend towards one side of the second conductive sheet 135, and the extension length of the first segment 1341 in the direction of the interval between the first conductive part 132 and the connecting end 136 is greater than the interval distance between the first conductive part 132 and the connecting end 136. Thus, when multiple processing boxes are arranged side-by-side, the first conductive part 132 and the connecting end 136 of one processing box can simultaneously abut against the first segment 1341 of another processing box, enabling effective electrical connection between adjacent processing boxes. Specifically, one end of the second conductive sheet 135 is disposed outside the processing box housing, used to achieve electrical connection between one end of the second conductive sheet 135 and the conductive part of the first conductive sheet 134 when the current processing box is electrically connected to other processing boxes, so as to receive power transmitted from the conductive part to the interior of the current processing box. The other end of the second conductive sheet is connected to the electrical output part, which is electrically connected to the end of the imaging component.

[0138] Understandably, the first segment 1341 can also evolve into an independent connecting conductive component, which is connected to the first electrical receiving part 133, and there is an angle between the connecting conductive component and the first conductive sheet 134. In this way, when multiple processing boxes are arranged side by side, the first electrical conducting part 132 and the connecting end 136 can simultaneously abut against the connecting conductive component.

[0139] In some embodiments, when multiple processing boxes are arranged side by side on the body 200, and the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 are two independent components, the fourth processing box 100(Y) located at the edge position (see...) Figure 19 and Figure 20 The first electrical conduction part 132 and the connection end 136 of the left-hand processing box are still in the disconnected state.

[0140] Correspondingly, the main body 200 is also provided with a connecting conductive component for connecting the first electrically conductive part 132 of the processing box located at the edge and the connecting end 136.

[0141] In some embodiments, when the processing box is electrically connected to the second conductive terminal 210' on the body side, the second conductive terminal 210' on the body side can be electrically connected to either the first conductive sheet 134 or the second conductive sheet 135. For example, when the connection end 136 is fixedly connected to the first conductive sheet 134, the second conductive terminal 210' on the body side can be connected at the location of the connection end 136 (see reference). Figure 10 (As shown). When the first conductive sheet 134 and the second conductive sheet 135 are independent of each other, the second conductive terminal 210' on the body side can be connected to the first conductive sheet 134 component (e.g., Figure 19 (as shown) connected to or with the second conductive piece 135 (see reference) Figure 20 (As shown) connection.

[0142] Further reference Figure 20 As shown, the conductive transmission section includes a first conductive sheet 134, a second conductive sheet 135, and a third conductive sheet 138. The end of the first conductive sheet 134 is connected to the electrical conduction section. One end of the second conductive sheet 135 is disposed outside the processing box housing for electrical connection to the electrical conduction section. The other end of the second conductive sheet 135 is connected to the electrical output section. The first end of the third conductive sheet 138 is connected to the electrical receiving section, and the second end of the third conductive sheet 138 is connected to the second conductive sheet 135.

[0143] Of course, such as Figure 19 As shown, the second end of the third conductive sheet 138 can also be connected to the first conductive sheet 134.

[0144] In some embodiments, the moving part 220 of the image forming apparatus is provided with a conductive connector 223, which is the aforementioned connecting conductive part. That is, when each processing box is mounted on the moving part 220, the first electrical conduction part 132 of the first processing box 100(K) located at the edge position is electrically connected to the first electrical output terminal 131 through the conductive connector 223, so that the multiple imaging components 120 can all obtain voltage.

[0145] Based on the above embodiments, this application also discloses an imaging component applied to a processing box. The imaging component includes an imaging member and a conductive component as described in the above embodiments, wherein the electrical output portion of the conductive component is electrically connected to the imaging member.

[0146] A processing box assembly includes the processing box provided in the foregoing embodiments.

[0147] Based on the above embodiments, this application also discloses a processing box assembly, which includes a first processing box and a second processing box. The first processing box includes a first imaging component and a first conductive component, which is electrically connected to the first imaging component, thereby conducting electricity to the first imaging component through the first conductive component. The second processing box includes a second imaging component and a second conductive component, which is electrically connected to the second imaging component, thereby conducting electricity to the second imaging component through the second conductive component. The structure and function of the first and second conductive components are substantially the same as those of the conductive components described in the above embodiments. The first and second imaging components may be the same or different, and this is not limited here.

[0148] Specifically, the first conductive component includes a first electrical receiving section, a first conductive transmitting section, a first electrical output section, and a first electrical conducting section, with the first conductive transmitting section electrically connected to the first electrical receiving section, the first electrical output section, and the first electrical conducting section, respectively. The second conductive component includes a second electrical receiving section, a second conductive transmitting section, and a second electrical output section, with the second conductive transmitting section electrically connected to the second electrical receiving section and the second electrical output section, respectively. The first electrical receiving section is used for electrical connection to the second conductive terminal 210' on the image forming apparatus body side, the first electrical output section is electrically connected to the first imaging member, the first electrical conducting section is used for electrical connection to the second electrical receiving section, and the second electrical output section is electrically connected to the second imaging member. The first electrical conducting section can be directly electrically connected to the second electrical receiving section, or it can be indirectly electrically connected to the second electrical receiving section through other conductive elements.

[0149] Furthermore, multiple second processing boxes are provided, and the first processing box and each second processing box are arranged in a row. In each second processing box, the second electrical receiving part of the second conductive component corresponding to the second processing box adjacent to the first processing box is directly electrically connected to the first electrical conducting part of the first conductive component corresponding to the first processing box; the second electrical receiving part of the second conductive component corresponding to the second processing box away from the first processing box is indirectly electrically connected to the first electrical conducting part of the first conductive component corresponding to the first processing box.

[0150] Specifically, when the voltage received by the electrical receiving unit in the first processing box cannot meet the power supply requirements of the first imaging component, the first processing box further includes a voltage regulating element to adjust the voltage received by the electrical receiving unit to meet the power supply requirements of the first imaging component. Similarly, the second processing box may also include a voltage regulating element. That is, the processing box assembly further includes a voltage regulating element, which is disposed on the first conductive component and the second conductive component, and is used to adjust the voltage input to the first imaging component and the second imaging component according to the voltage required by the first imaging component in the first processing box and the second imaging component in the second processing box. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the voltage regulating element may also be disposed only on the first conductive component or the second conductive component to adjust the voltage input to the first imaging component or the second imaging component according to the voltage required by the first imaging component or the second imaging component.

[0151] Based on the above embodiments, this application also discloses a method for recycling a processing box, wherein the processing box is the processing box described in the above embodiments, and the recycling method includes the following steps:

[0152] S11. Remove the conductive components and imaging components from the processing box.

[0153] Specifically, open the mounting section of the processing box and remove the conductive components and imaging components.

[0154] S12. Separate the conductive components from the imaging components.

[0155] S13. Replace the imaging component and connect the replaced imaging component to the conductive component.

[0156] S14. Install the connected imaging component and conductive component onto the housing of the processing box. In this embodiment, the conductive component and imaging component are detachably connected. When the imaging component of the processing box malfunctions, the faulty imaging component can be removed and replaced with a new one, thus allowing the processing box to be recycled and reused, saving costs and being environmentally friendly.

[0157] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A processing box assembly, said processing box assembly being detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus body, characterized in that, The processing box assembly includes a first processing box and a second processing box, wherein the first processing box includes: A housing, wherein a developer-containing cavity is provided inside the housing for containing developer; A first imaging component is disposed in the housing; a first conductive component includes a first electrical receiving part, a first conductive transmission part, a first electrical output part, and a first electrical conduction part; the first conductive transmission part is electrically connected to the first electrical receiving part, the first electrical output part, and the first electrical conduction part, respectively, for transmitting the power received by the first electrical receiving part to the first electrical output part; When the first processing box conducts electricity through the first conductive component, the first electrical receiving part is electrically connected to a power source outside the first processing box to receive a first power source from outside the first processing box; the first electrical output part is electrically connected to a first imaging component in the first processing box and transmits a second power source to the first imaging component. The second processing box includes a second imaging component and a second conductive component. The second conductive component is electrically connected to the second imaging component, and the second conductive component includes a second electrical receiving part, a second electrical transmitting part, and a second electrical output part. The second electrical transmitting part is electrically connected to the second electrical receiving part and the second electrical output part, respectively, and the second electrical output part is electrically connected to the second imaging component. The first electrical receiving part is used to be electrically connected to the second conductive terminal on the body side of the image forming apparatus, and the first electrical conducting part is used to be electrically connected to the second electrical receiving part.

2. The processing box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrical conductive part is used to output a third power supply to the outside of the first processing box.

3. The processing box assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the first electrical receiving part and at least a portion of the first electrical conducting part are installed outside the first processing box housing, and the first conductive transmission part and the first electrical output part are disposed inside the first processing box housing.

4. The processing box assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first imaging component includes a photosensitive drum, which includes an aluminum base, a steel shaft, and a conductive bearing. The aluminum base is disposed on the photosensitive drum body, and the steel shaft is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum body, and the steel shaft is electrically connected to the aluminum base. The conductive bearing is disposed on the steel shaft. When the first conductive component is used to conduct electricity to the first processing box, the first electrical output part abuts against the conductive bearing. Alternatively, the first electrical output section may include a hollow section and a locking section; When the first conductive component is used to conduct electricity to the first processing box, the hollow part is sleeved on the outside of the steel shaft, and a conductive bushing is provided between the hollow part and the steel shaft, and the clamping part abuts against the conductive bushing.

5. The processing box assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first conductive transmission part includes a first conductive sheet and a second conductive sheet. The first conductive sheet extends along a first direction. In the length direction of the first conductive sheet, a first end of the first conductive sheet is connected to the first electrical receiving part, and a second end of the first conductive sheet is connected to the first electrical conducting part. The second conductive sheet extends along a second direction, where the first direction and the second direction intersect. One end of the second conductive sheet is connected to the first conductive sheet, and the other end of the second conductive sheet is connected to the first electrical output section.

6. The processing box assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A storage device is disposed on the end cap of the first processing cartridge, and the developer receiving cavity is located on the rear side of the housing. The storage device is closer to the front side of the housing than the rear side of the housing.

7. The processing box assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The storage device and the first conductive part are disposed on the same end face of the first processing box. The first conductive transmission part is installed inside the shell of the first processing box, and the storage device is installed outside the shell of the first processing box.

8. The processing box assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The storage device includes a plurality of first conductive contacts, which are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction of the first processing box; Along the length of the first processing box, the first conductive contact and the first conductive transmission part are not on the same plane.

9. The processing box assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The projection of the extension line of the line connecting at least two of the first conductive contacts intersects with the projection of the extension line of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part and the first electrical conducting part.

10. The processing box assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The projection of the extension line of the line connecting at least two of the first conductive contacts is perpendicular to the projection of the extension line of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part and the first electrical conducting part.

11. The processing box assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The projection of the extension line of the line connecting at least two of the first conductive contacts intersects with the projection of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part and the first electrical conducting part.

12. The processing box assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The projection of the extension line of the line connecting at least two of the first conductive contacts is perpendicular to the projection of the line connecting the first electrical receiving part and the first electrical conducting part.

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