Process cartridge, process cartridge set, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a processing box, a processing box set and an image forming device. The processing box comprises a first imaging component and a first information identification component. When the processing box is installed on a body, a first end surface of the first imaging component is close to a driving device on the image forming device. The first information identification component comprises a plurality of first electric contacts for electrically connecting with first contact detection components arranged on the body. The minimum distance between any first electric contact and a first reference surface is L1. The minimum distance between any second electric contact of another processing box and a second reference surface is L2. When the processing box and the other processing box are installed on the body, L1 is different from L2. When the processing box is disassembled, the electric contacts of the first information identification component and the electric contacts of the second information identification component are respectively in contact with the corresponding contact detection components, thereby improving the connection stability and reducing the abrasion during the disassembly process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printer technology, and more particularly to a processing cartridge, a processing cartridge assembly, and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming equipment, such as laser printers, copiers, and multifunction printers, all contain processing cartridges. Each processing cartridge has a corresponding chip to record information about it. When a processing cartridge is installed inside the image forming equipment, the chip in the cartridge can connect to the equipment body via a contact sensor to identify and collect the cartridge's information.

[0003] Existing image forming equipment typically includes a movable component connected to a contact detector. This movable component drives the contact detector to connect to the chip in the processing cartridge after it is installed. However, this method is structurally complex and prone to damage. Furthermore, in existing image forming equipment with multiple processing cartridges, the electrical contacts of the chips in each cartridge are usually arranged on the same plane on one side of the cartridge or on the same plane on the top of the cartridge. Since the contact strength between the electrical contacts of each processing cartridge chip and the corresponding contact detector inside the image forming equipment varies, arranging the electrical contacts of all processing cartridge chips on the same plane can easily lead to poor connection stability between the contact detector and the processing cartridge chip's electrical contacts, affecting user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a processing box, a processing box assembly, and an image forming apparatus to solve at least one problem existing in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a processing box detachably mounted on the body of an image forming apparatus. Other processing boxes can also be detachably mounted on the body. Each processing box includes a first imaging component and a first information identification component. The first imaging component includes a first end face. When the processing box is mounted on the body, the first end face is close to a driving device on the image forming apparatus. The first information identification component includes a plurality of first electrical contacts, which are used to contact and electrically connect with a first contact detection component disposed on the body. Any point on the first end face is taken as a first reference point, and a plane passing through the first reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the processing box is taken as a first reference plane.

[0006] The other processing box includes a second imaging component and a second information identification component. The second imaging component includes a second end face. When the other processing box is installed on the main body, the second end face is close to the driving device on the image forming device. The second information identification component includes a plurality of second electrical contacts. The plurality of second electrical contacts are used to contact and electrically connect with a second contact detection component provided on the main body. Taking any point on the second end face as a second reference point, a plane passing through the second reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the processing box is a second reference plane.

[0007] When the processing box and the other processing boxes are installed on the main body:

[0008] The minimum distance between any of the first electrical contacts and the first reference surface is L1;

[0009] The minimum distance between any of the second electrical contacts and the second reference surface or the first reference surface is L2, and L1 is different from L2.

[0010] In the above scheme, since LI is different from L2, the installation and disassembly process of the processing box can be made smoother when the image forming device is loaded into the main body; at the same time, the contact force between the first electrical contact of the first information recognition element and the corresponding contact detection element on the main body of the image forming device is more balanced, so as to reduce the wear of the information recognition element caused by the contact between the first electrical contact of the first information recognition element and the corresponding contact detection element on the main body of the image forming device.

[0011] Secondly, a processing box assembly is provided, comprising:

[0012] A first processing box, comprising a first imaging component and a first information identification component, wherein the first imaging component includes a first end face, and when the first processing box is mounted on the body of an image forming apparatus, the first end face is close to a driving device on the image forming apparatus; the first information identification component includes a plurality of first electrical contacts, which are used to contact and electrically connect with a first contact detection component disposed on the body; taking any point on the first end face as a first reference point, and a plane passing through the first reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the processing box as a first reference plane;

[0013] The second processing box includes a second imaging component and a second information identification component. The second imaging component includes a second end face. When the second processing box is installed on the main body, the second end face is close to the driving device on the image forming equipment. The second information identification component includes a plurality of second electrical contacts for contacting and electrically connecting with a second contact detection component provided on the main body. Taking any point on the second end face as a second reference point, a plane passing through the second reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the processing box is a second reference plane.

[0014] When the first processing box and the second processing box are installed on the main body:

[0015] The minimum distance between any of the first electrical contacts and the first reference surface is L1;

[0016] The minimum distance between the second electrical contact and the second reference surface or the first reference surface is L2.

[0017] Furthermore, L1 is different from L2.

[0018] In the above scheme, during the installation of the processing box assembly, since L1 is different from L2, the installation and disassembly process of the processing box assembly can be made smoother when it is loaded into the main body of the image forming device. At the same time, the contact force between the electrical contacts of each information recognition component and the corresponding contact detection component on the main body of the image forming device is more balanced. The electrical contacts of the information recognition components of each processing box will only contact and communicate with the contact detection component on its corresponding main body of the image forming device, thereby reducing the wear of the electrical contacts of the information recognition components.

[0019] Thirdly, an image forming apparatus is provided, including a body, the body having a mounting cavity, and a plurality of contact detection elements disposed on the sidewall of the mounting cavity. Each contact detection element includes a plurality of electrical contact portions for contacting electrical contacts disposed on a processing box. The plurality of contact detection elements includes a first contact detection element and a second contact detection element. The minimum distance between the electrical contact portion of the first contact detection element and the sidewall is D1, and the minimum distance between the electrical contact portion of the second contact detection element and the sidewall is D2, wherein D1 is different from D2.

[0020] The above structure results in a short frictional distance between the electrical contacts of the information recognition element in the processing box and the contact detection element on the main body when the main body of the image forming device is loaded into the processing box or processing box assembly (each information recognition element's electrical contact only rubs against its corresponding contact detection element), thus minimizing wear on both.

[0021] Fourthly, a processing box is also provided, detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus, the processing box comprising:

[0022] The driving unit is used to receive driving force from the driving device in the image forming apparatus;

[0023] Imaging component, used for driving connection with the driving unit;

[0024] An information identification device, the information identification device including a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the image forming device;

[0025] When the processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus, the minimum distance between any electrical contact of the information identification element and the side plate of the image forming apparatus near the drive unit is H, and the value of the distance H corresponds to the attribute information of the processing box and / or the mounting position of the processing box on the image forming apparatus.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of this application will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments of this application. The objects and other advantages of the embodiments of this application are realized and obtained in accordance with the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the separation of the processing box from other processing boxes provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded view of the processing box provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the processing box assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the processing box assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the side plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 7 Exploded view of the side plate provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 8 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the side plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the processing box assembly and the contact detection element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moving component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a single processing box and a moving component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between multiple processing boxes and moving parts provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 14 A partial exploded view of a processing box provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the moving component of this application;

[0043] Figure 16 The processing box of this application is installed in Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the moving parts in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The following describes specific embodiments of the image forming apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0046] like Figure 1-5 As shown, in a first aspect, this application provides a processing box that is detachably mounted on the body 2000 of an image forming apparatus 100; in this embodiment, the processing box of this application is exemplified by a first processing box 1011:

[0047] The processing box of this application includes a first imaging component (the first imaging component is disposed inside the processing box of this application) and a first information identification component 1111. The first imaging component includes a first end face 1016, wherein the first imaging component may include a first photosensitive drum or a first developing roller. The first end face 1016 is the axial end face of the first photosensitive drum or the axial end face of the first developing roller. Taking any point on the first end face 1016 as a first reference point, passing through the first reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the processing box of this application (e.g., ... Figure 2 The plane perpendicular to the direction indicated by the middle arrow 10 is the first reference plane. In this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first end face 1016 is the axial end face of the first photosensitive drum 1017. The plane containing the first end face 1016 is perpendicular to the length direction of the first processing box 1011. Therefore, the plane containing the first end face 1016 can be used as an example of a first reference plane. Of course, in other embodiments, if the plane containing the first end face 1016 is not perpendicular to the length direction of the first processing box 1011 or the first end face 1016 is not planar, then any point on the first end face 1016 can be selected as the first reference point, and the plane passing through the first reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the first processing box 1011 can be used as the first reference plane. The first photosensitive drum or the first developing roller is a conventional component of the processing box of this application. It should be further noted that the aforementioned first imaging component can also be other components such as a powder feeding roller provided on the processing box of this application, which are not limited here. When the processing box of this application is installed on the main body 2000, the first end face 1016 is a face close to the driving device on the image forming apparatus 100. The driving device is installed inside the image forming apparatus 100 and is a device for driving the movement of the imaging components inside the processing box of this application (not shown in the figure). The processing box of this application also includes a driving part 1018, which is used to receive driving force from the driving device in the image forming apparatus to move the imaging components inside the processing box of this application.

[0048] The first information identification element 1111 is along the length direction of the processing box of this application (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As indicated by the middle arrow 10, the first information identification element 1111 protrudes and includes multiple first electrical contacts 1113. These first electrical contacts 1113 are used to contact and electrically connect with a first contact detection element disposed on the body 2000. It should be noted that the first electrical contacts 1113 may be electrical contacts disposed on the body of the first information identification element 1111, or they may not be disposed on the body of the first information identification element 1111. For example, when the first electrical contacts 1113 are not disposed on the body of the first identification element 1111, the body of the first information identification element 1111 is provided with conductive contacts, and the first electrical contacts 1113 can be electrically connected to the conductive contacts of the body of the first information identification element 1111 through conductive components.

[0049] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, when the processing box of this application is installed on the body 2000, the minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1. In this embodiment, a plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are provided protruding along the length direction of the processing box of this application. The protrusion of the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 is achieved by providing a mounting bracket 1015 on the processing box of this application, which protrudes from one end face of the processing box of this application (the end face is the end face away from the driving part of the processing box of this application) along the length direction of the processing box of this application. That is, the mounting bracket 1015 is an embodiment of the mounting part of the first electrical contact 1113 of the first information identification element, that is, the mounting bracket 1015 protrudes a certain distance along the length direction of the processing box of this application. The maximum distance that the mounting bracket 1015 protrudes from the end face of the first processing box 1011 away from the driving part along the length direction of the first processing box 1011 can be determined according to the color of the processing box of this application or the installation position of the processing box of this application on the image forming device.

[0050] Specifically, a plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are disposed on the side of the mounting bracket 1015 parallel to the first end face 1016. This side is the mounting surface of the first electrical contacts 1113. The minimum distance between this mounting surface and the left side plate 2031 of the image forming device near the drive unit 1018 is determined according to the color of the processing box of this application or the mounting position of the processing box of this application on the image forming device.

[0051] Specifically, when the processing box of this application is installed on the main body 2000, the minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1. The minimum distance between the first electrical contact 1113 of the first information identification element 1111 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located can be changed by altering the specifications and protrusion height of the mounting bracket 1015. The protrusion height of the mounting bracket 1015 can also be easily ground and adjusted to a certain extent to compensate for positional errors caused by the production process and improve installation accuracy.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first information identification element 1111 further includes a substrate 1112, and a plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are disposed on the substrate 1112. Specifically, the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are arranged on the substrate 1112 along the height direction h of the processing box of this application. The arrangement of the first electrical contacts 1113 (which may be low-voltage contacts) along the height direction h of the processing box of this application can reduce the friction between the contact detection element 2022 and the first electrical contacts 1113, avoid wear and damage, and improve the reliability of the first information identification element 1111. In one embodiment, the specific protrusion method of the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 of the first information identification element 1111 can also be that the substrate 1112 protrudes along the length direction of the processing box of this application by means of its own thickness. For example, the substrate 1112 can be set as a substrate with a certain thickness. After the substrate 1112 is installed in the processing box of this application, the minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 on the substrate 1112 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1. Alternatively, the height of the substrate 1112 protruding from the processing box of this application can be changed by adjusting the assembly and connection method. For example, the substrate 1112 can be directly set on the side parallel to the first end face 1016 on the mounting bracket 1015 with the above-mentioned structure. After the substrate 1112 is installed in the mounting bracket 1015, the minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 on the substrate 1112 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1. The substrate in this application can be an IC substrate.

[0053] In other embodiments, the substrate 1112 can be disposed at any position in the processing box of this application, and the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 may not be disposed on the substrate 1112. The plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are electrically connected to the substrate 1112 through conductive components, which can be conductive wires. As long as the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 protrude along the length direction of the processing box of this application, and the minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1, it is acceptable.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 14As shown, the first information identification component 1111 of the processing box 1011 of this application further includes a substrate 1112 and an adapter 1110. The adapter 1110 is sleeved on the substrate 1112 and electrically connected to the substrate 1112. A plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are arranged sequentially on the adapter 1110 along the height direction h of the first processing box and are electrically connected to the substrate 1112 through the adapter 1110. In this embodiment, the substrate 1112 is disposed on one end face of the processing box 1011 of this application. The height of the substrate 1112 protruding from the end face along the length direction of the processing box 1011 of this application is not limited, as long as the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 on the adapter 1110 protrude along the length direction of the processing box of this application when the adapter 1110 is sleeved on the substrate 1112, and the minimum distance between any one of the first electrical contacts 1113 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1. Of course, in other embodiments, the substrate can also be disposed at any position of the processing box 1011 of this application. Unlike the above embodiments, the adapter 1110 may not be sleeved on the substrate 1112 but may be directly disposed on one end face of the processing box of this application and protrude a certain height along the length direction of the processing box 1011. It is electrically connected to the substrate 1112 via a wire. Multiple first electrical contacts 1113 are disposed on the adapter 1110 and are electrically connected to the substrate 1112 through the adapter 1110. Figure 1 As shown, the main body 2000 includes a left side plate 2031 and a right side plate 2021 disposed opposite to each other, wherein the left side plate 2031 is a side plate close to the drive unit 1018 of the processing box of this application.

[0055] In one embodiment, when the processing box of this application is installed on the body 2000, the minimum distance H between any electrical contact of the processing box and the left side plate 2031 of the image forming apparatus is denoted as H. The value of distance H corresponds to the attribute information of the processing box and / or the mounting position of the processing box on the image forming apparatus 100. The attribute information of the processing box includes at least one of the following: processing box color, developer capacity, and model. The processing box can be selected from multiple attribute information or multiple mounting positions, and each attribute information and / or each mounting position corresponds to a predetermined different distance. The only difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is the difference in the minimum distance between the electrical contacts of the processing box and different reference surfaces. That is, the previous embodiment used the plane containing the first end face 1016 as the reference surface, while this embodiment uses the left side plate 2031 of the image forming apparatus as the reference surface. As mentioned above, the mounting forms of the multiple electrical contacts in this embodiment can be various, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 12As shown, along the mounting direction 200 of the processing box in the image forming apparatus, black (K), magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) processing boxes can be sequentially installed in the image forming apparatus. When all three processing boxes are installed in the image forming apparatus, the minimum distance between any electrical contact of the information identification element in the black (K) processing box and the left side plate 2031 of the image forming apparatus near the drive unit 1018 is H1. The minimum distance between any electrical contact of the information identification element in the magenta (M) processing box and the left side plate 2031 of the image forming apparatus near the drive unit 1018 is H1. The minimum distance between the left side plates 2031 near the drive unit 1018 is H2. The minimum distance between any electrical contact of the information identification element in the cyan (C) processing box and the left side plate near the drive unit on the image forming device is H3. The minimum distance between any electrical contact of the information identification element in the yellow (Y) processing box and the left side plate 2031 near the drive unit 1018 on the image forming device is H4. Wherein, H1>H2>H3>H4. Furthermore, the processing box of this application determines the distance H value corresponding to the current color from the above H1, H2, H3, and H4 based on the color of the processing box. For example, if the processing box of this application takes the first processing box 1011 as an example, and the first processing box 1011 is a black processing box, the value of H is determined to be H1; if the processing box of this application is a magenta processing box, the value of H is determined to be H2, and so on.

[0057] Specifically, other processing boxes can also be detachably installed on the main body 2000. In this embodiment, the other processing boxes are processing boxes other than the processing boxes of this application in the image forming apparatus 100; the other processing boxes include one or more, mainly depending on the number of processing boxes installed required by the function of the image forming apparatus 100. Taking the second processing box 1011b as an example of the other processing boxes in this embodiment:

[0058] Specifically, the other processing box includes a second imaging component (the second imaging component is disposed inside the other processing box and is a conventional functional component in the processing box) and a second information identification element 1111b. The second imaging component includes a second end face 1016b, wherein the second imaging component can be a second photosensitive drum or a second developing roller, and the second end face 1016b is the axial end face of the second photosensitive drum or the axial end face of the second developing roller. Wherein, any point on the second end face 1016b is taken as the second reference point, and the plane passing through the second reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the processing box is taken as the second reference plane. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 5As shown, the second end face 1016b is the axial end face of the second photosensitive drum 1017b. The plane containing the second end face 1016b is perpendicular to the length direction of the second processing box 1011b. Therefore, the plane containing the second end face 1016b serves as an example of a second reference plane. Of course, in other embodiments, if the second end face 1016b is not perpendicular to the length direction of the second processing box 1011b or the second end face 1016b is not planar, then any point on the second end face 1016b can be selected as the second reference point, and the plane passing through the second reference point and perpendicular to the length direction of the second processing box 1011b can be used as the second reference plane. It should be further noted that the above-mentioned second imaging component can also be other components such as a powder feeding roller provided on other processing boxes, which are not limited here.

[0059] When other processing boxes are installed on the main body 2000, the second end face 1016b is close to the driving device on the image forming apparatus 100 (not shown in the figure); the second information identification element 1111b protrudes along the length direction of the other processing boxes. The second information identification element 1111b includes a plurality of second electrical contacts 1113b, which are used to electrically connect with the second contact detection element provided on the main body 2000. The minimum distance between any second electrical contact 1113b and the plane (second reference plane) where the second end face 1016b is located, or the minimum distance between any second electrical contact 1113b and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located, is L2. When the processing boxes of this application and other processing boxes are installed on the main body 2000, L1 is different from L2. In this embodiment, the plane where the first end face 1016 is located and the plane where the second end face 1016b is located are on the same plane, that is, the first reference plane and the second reference plane are on the same plane (as shown in the figure). Figure 5 (The dotted line portion is a schematic diagram of the plane). Of course, in other embodiments, the plane where the first end face 1016 is located (the first reference plane) and the plane where the second end face 1016b is located (the second reference plane) may also be on different planes. When the two are on different planes, the minimum distance L2 between any second electrical contact 1113b and the first reference plane is different from L1. It should be noted that the way the second electrical contact 1113b of the second information identification element 1111b protrudes is similar to the way the first electrical contact 1113 of the first information identification element 1111 protrudes, and will not be described in detail here; and the first imaging component and the second imaging component correspond one-to-one. The first imaging component and the second imaging component refer to the same type of component. For example, the first imaging component and the second imaging component are both photosensitive drums or developing rollers, or powder feeding rollers, etc.

[0060] With this configuration, since L1 is different from L2 when the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are installed in the main body 2000, the electrical contact force between the electrical contact of the information identification element of the processing box of this application and the contact detection element 2022 in the main body 2000 is more uniform, which is conducive to ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the two.

[0061] The first electrical contact 1113 is fixedly disposed relative to the processing box (first processing box 1011) of this application, or the first electrical contact 1113 is movable relative to the processing box (first processing box 1011) of this application; the second electrical contact 1113b is fixedly disposed relative to other processing boxes (second processing box 1011b), or the second electrical contact 1113b is movable relative to other processing boxes (second processing box 1011b).

[0062] In one embodiment, the first electrical contact 1113 is fixedly disposed in the processing box of this application, and the second electrical contact 1113b is fixedly disposed in other processing boxes, and L1 is different from L2. That is, regardless of whether the processing box of this application or other processing boxes are installed on the main body 2000, the values ​​of L1 and L2 remain fixed.

[0063] In another embodiment, the first electrical contact 1113 is movably disposed in the processing box of this application, and the second electrical contact 1113b is movably disposed in other processing boxes. When the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are installed on the main body 2000, L1 is different from L2. It is understood that since both the first electrical contact 1113 and the second contact are movably disposed, L1 and L2 are both variable. When the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are not installed on the main body 2000, L1 and L2 can be the same or different, but as long as it is ensured that L1 is different from L2 when the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are installed on the main body 2000.

[0064] In another embodiment, the first electrical contact 1113 is movably disposed in the processing box of this application, and the second electrical contact 1113b is fixedly disposed in other processing boxes. When the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are installed on the main body 2000, L1 is different from L2. That is, since the first electrical contact 1113 is movably disposed, its L1 is variable; when the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are not installed on the main body 2000, L1 and L2 can be the same or different, but as long as it is ensured that L1 is different from L2 when the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are all installed on the main body 2000.

[0065] In another embodiment, the first electrical contact 1113 is fixedly disposed in the processing box of this application, and the second electrical contact 1113b is movably disposed in other processing boxes. When the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are installed in the main body 2000, L1 is different from L2. That is, since the second electrical contact 1113b is movably disposed, its L2 is variable; when the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are not installed in the main body 2000, L1 and L2 can be the same or different, but as long as it is ensured that L1 is different from L2 when the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are all installed in the main body 2000.

[0066] The electrical contacts of the aforementioned information identification component can be movably disposed on the processing box in a manner that allows for angular displacement along the height or width of the processing box, or linear displacement along the length of the processing box. Specifically, the movement of the electrical contacts can be achieved by connecting them to the processing box via elastic elements, or by using elastic structural elements themselves, but is not limited to these methods.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 or Figure 10 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 also includes a moving part 3000 movably mounted on the main body 2000. The moving part 3000 includes an operating part 3002 and a plurality of mounting positions 3001 for mounting the processing box of this application. The moving part 3000 can be inserted into the main body 2000 along the mounting direction 200 or pulled out of the main body 2000 in the opposite direction to the mounting direction 200. After the movable component 3000 is installed on the main body 2000, the movable component 3000 can move relative to the main body 2000. It can move from a first position to a second position. The second position is in which the movable component 3000 is completely contained in the image forming apparatus 100, and the first position is in which the movable component 3000 is completely exposed outside the image forming apparatus 100. The processing box of this application and other processing boxes can be detachably installed on the movable component 3000. When the movable component 3000 moves to the second position, the processing box of this application is electrically connected to the main body 2000. That is, the electrical contacts of the processing box of this application are electrically connected to the electrical contact detection element 2022 inside the main body 2000.

[0068] like Figure 10As shown, the plurality of mounting positions 3001 includes a first mounting position 3001a, a second mounting position 3001c, and a third mounting position 3001b located between the first mounting position 3001a and the second mounting position 3001c. Compared to the other mounting positions 3001 in the plurality of mounting positions 3001, the first mounting position 3001a is closer to the operating part 3002, and the second mounting position 3001c is farther away from the operating part 3002. For example, when the plurality of mounting positions 3001 includes four mounting positions 3001, the one closer to the operating part 3002 is the first mounting position 3001a, the one farther away from the operating part 3002 is the second mounting position 3001c, and the two mounting positions 3001 located between the first mounting position 3001a and the second mounting position 3001c can both be the third mounting position 3001b.

[0069] In another embodiment, the aforementioned movable component 3000 is included in the processing box of this application. The structure of the movable component 3000 is the same as in the above embodiment, and will not be described again here. Unlike the above embodiment, the electrical contacts of the aforementioned information identification element can be disposed on the corresponding processing box body or on the movable component 3000, as long as it is ensured that when the movable component with the processing box is mounted moves from the first position to the second position, the electrical contacts of the information identification element contact and are electrically connected to the electrical contact detection element 2022 inside the body 2000. For example... Figure 15-16 As shown, the processing box of this application includes a movable component 3000 movably installed within the body of the image display device. The processing box (first processing box 1011) can be installed on the movable component 3000. A plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 of the first information identification element 1111 of the processing box (first processing box 1011) are disposed on the outside of the movable component 3000. When the first processing box 1011 is installed in the movable component 3000, the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are electrically connected to the body of the first information identification element 1111 installed on the first processing box 1011. The minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1.

[0070] The movable component 3000 is also used to mount other processing boxes (e.g., the second processing box 1011b). That is, the movable component 3000 can be provided with mounting positions corresponding to the number of processing boxes. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts of the information identification element of each processing box can be located on the outside of the movable component 3000. In other embodiments, depending on the actual situation, the electrical contacts of the information identification elements of some processing boxes can be located on the outside of the movable component 3000, and the electrical contacts of the information identification elements of some processing boxes can be located on the processing box body. With the above configuration, when the processing box is installed inside the body 3000, the electrical contacts of the information identification elements of the processing box can contact and electrically connect with the electrical contact detection element 2022 inside the body 2000. It should be noted that: the statement that the processing box is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus body can refer to the entire processing box or at least partially detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus body. When the processing box of this application includes the movable part 3000, the processing box and the movable part 3000 can be detached from the image forming device body as a whole, or they can be partially detached from the image forming device body. For example, only the processing box of this application can be detached and installed, but the movable part 3000 cannot be detached and installed.

[0071] It should be noted that, in this application, the electrical contacts of the aforementioned information identification element refer to the electrical contact portion used to contact the corresponding contact detection element on the main body 2000.

[0072] In one embodiment, when the processing box of this application is installed at the first mounting position 3001a and other processing boxes are installed at other mounting positions 3001, L1 is greater than L2. For example, the processing box of this application installed at the first mounting position 3001a can be a K box (black), and other processing boxes can be processing boxes of other colors besides the K box (black).

[0073] In another embodiment, when the processing box of this application is installed in the second mounting position 3001c and other processing boxes are installed in other mounting positions 3001, L1 is less than L2. For example, in practical applications, the processing box of this application installed in the second mounting position 3001c can be a Y box (yellow), and other processing boxes can be processing boxes of other colors besides the Y box (yellow).

[0074] In another embodiment, when the processing box of this application is installed in the third mounting position 3001b and other processing boxes are installed in the first mounting position 3001a, L1 is less than L2. For example, the processing box of this application installed in the third mounting position 3001b can be an M box (magenta) or a C box (cyan), and the other processing boxes installed in the first mounting position 3001a are K boxes (black).

[0075] In another embodiment, when the processing box of this application is installed in the third mounting position 3001b and other processing boxes are installed in the second mounting position 3001c, L1 is greater than L2. For example, the processing box of this application installed in the third mounting position 3001b can be an M box (magenta) or a C box (cyan), and the other processing boxes installed in the second mounting position 3001c are Y boxes (yellow).

[0076] In the above embodiments, the operation part 3002 is the part on the moving part 3000 that the user grips when manually pushing the moving part 3000 into the body 2000 or pulling it out of the body 2000 along the installation direction 200.

[0077] With the above configuration, when the moving part 3000 is pushed into or pulled out of the image forming apparatus 100 along the installation direction 200, the force balance during the installation process of the processing box of this application or the whole formed by the processing box of this application and other processing boxes in the image forming apparatus 100 is better, so that the installation and disassembly process is smoother. In addition, since L1 and L2 are different, and the L value is arranged from high to low along the installation direction 200 (i.e., the direction in which the processing box of this application and other processing boxes are pushed into the body 2000 together), during the installation process of the processing box of this application being pushed into the body 2000 along the installation direction 200, the first electrical contact 1113 of the first information identification element 1111 only rubs against the corresponding contact detection element 2022 inside the body 2000, resulting in less wear on the electrical contact, reducing the failure rate, and ensuring a stable electrical connection between it and the image forming apparatus 100.

[0078] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the processing box in this embodiment is an integrated box, which includes a toner hopper 1012 and a waste toner hopper 1013. The toner hopper 1012 and the waste toner hopper 1013 can be assembled together to form an integrated box. When the toner in the integrated box is used up, the entire box needs to be replaced. Specifically, the first information identification element 1111 can be disposed at the end of the waste toner hopper 1013. In this embodiment, the waste toner hopper 1013 also includes an end cap 1014, on which the information identification element is disposed. In other embodiments, the first information identification element 1111 can also be disposed at the end of the toner hopper 1012.

[0079] In other embodiments, the processing cartridge of this application can be a separate cartridge, which typically includes a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. When the toner in the separate cartridge runs out, the developing cartridge can be replaced, so the information identification element is generally located on the developing cartridge.

[0080] In one embodiment, a first electrical contact 1113 is disposed in the rear region of the end of the processing box of this application, wherein the maximum value of the projected length of the rear region in the width direction w of the processing box of this application is M1, and the maximum value of the projected length of the end of the processing box of this application in the width direction w of the processing box of this application is M2, and M1 is less than or equal to 1 / 3 of M2; the rear region is closer to the rear side of the waste powder hopper 1013 of the processing box of this application than to the front side of the powder hopper 1012 of the processing box of this application; a high voltage contact 1114 is also disposed at the end, and the area where the high voltage contact 1114 is located does not coincide with the rear region.

[0081] The high-voltage contact 1114 is typically identified using a higher voltage. It is used for electrical connection to the main body 2000, providing voltage to the charging roller, photosensitive drum, developing roller, and powder feeding roller inside the processing cartridge. This arrangement prevents mutual interference between the first electrical contact 1113 and the high-voltage contact 1114. When the processing cartridge is installed in the main body 2000, the first electrical contact 1113 and the high-voltage contact 1114 are at a relatively safe distance and will not interfere with each other. It is understood that if they are too close, the electromagnetic interference generated by the high voltage of the high-voltage contact 1114 could interfere with the first information identification element 1111, which has the first electrical contact 1113.

[0082] This application ensures the stability and accuracy of the control of the first information identification element 1111, thereby improving the image quality of the image forming device 100. In addition, it can prevent the high-voltage conductive terminal on the main body 2000 that is in contact with the high-voltage contact 1114 from contacting the first electrical contact 1113 of the first information identification element 1111, thereby avoiding damage to the first information identification element 1111 by high voltage.

[0083] Please see Figure 11 and Figure 12 The arrangement direction of the multiple first electrical contacts 1113 intersects with the arrangement direction of the multiple high voltage contacts 1114, which makes the processing box of this application more compact.

[0084] In one embodiment, a plurality of high-voltage contacts 1114 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first electrical contacts 1113.

[0085] In one embodiment, a plurality of high-voltage contacts 1114 are provided, and the plurality of high-voltage contacts 1114 are arranged in a direction that intersects with the arrangement direction of the plurality of first electrical contacts 1113.

[0086] Please see Figure 11 This solution arranges the first electrical contact 1113 and the high voltage contact 1114 in mutually perpendicular directions, which enables the processing box of this application to be designed more compactly and simplifies the spatial structure of the image forming device 100, thereby reducing production costs.

[0087] Secondly, this application provides a processing box assembly 1001, which includes a first processing box 1011 and a second processing box 1011b.

[0088] The first processing box 1011 includes a first imaging component and a first information identification component 1111. The first imaging component includes a first end face 1016. When the first processing box 1011 is installed on the body 2000 of the image forming apparatus 100, the first end face 1016 is close to the driving device on the image forming apparatus 100. The first information identification component 1111 includes a plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 protruding along the length direction of the first processing box 1011. The plurality of first electrical contacts 1113 are used to electrically connect with the first contact detection component 2022a provided on the body 2000. The minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 and the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face 1016 is located is L1.

[0089] The second processing box 1011b includes a second imaging component and a second information identification component 1111b. The second imaging component includes a second end face 1016b. When the second processing box 1011b is installed on the main body 2000, the second end face 1016b is close to the driving device on the image forming apparatus 100. The second information identification component 1111b includes a plurality of second electrical contacts 1113b protruding along the length direction of the second processing box 1011b. The plurality of second electrical contacts 1113b are used to electrically connect with the second contact detection component 2022b provided on the main body 2000. The minimum distance between any second electrical contact 1113b and the plane (second reference plane) where the second end face 1016b is located or the plane (first reference plane) where the first end face is located is L2. When the first processing box 1011b and the second processing box 1011b are installed on the main body 2000, L1 is different from L2. In this embodiment, the plane containing the first end face 1016 and the plane containing the second end face 1016b are on the same plane. Of course, in other embodiments, the plane containing the first end face 1016 and the plane containing the second end face 1016b may be on different planes; this is not a limitation here. When the plane containing the first end face 1016 and the plane containing the second end face 1016b are on different planes, the minimum distance between the plane containing any second electrical contact 1113b and the plane containing the first end face (the first reference plane) is L2, which also satisfies that L1 and L2 are different.

[0090] The image forming apparatus 100 or processing cartridge assembly 1001 also includes the aforementioned movable component 3000. The movable component 3000 includes multiple mounting positions 3001 for mounting the processing cartridges and an operating section 3002. The operating section 3002 is a part of the movable component 3000 that is gripped by the user when manually pushing the movable component 3000 into or pulling it out of the main body 2000 along the mounting direction 200. With this configuration, when all the processing cartridges in the processing cartridge assembly 1001 are mounted on the movable component 3000 and pushed into the main body 2000 together, the information identification element and the contact detection element 2022 on the processing cartridge assembly 1001 do not contact each other before the processing cartridge assembly 1001 is fully installed. If you continue pushing it in this state, the electrical contacts of the information identification element will begin to make contact with the corresponding contact detection element 2022, and the contact detection element 2022 will be slightly compressed by the electrical contacts of the information identification element in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the contact detection element 2022. If you continue pushing it in at this time, the electrical contacts of the information identification element and the contact detection element 2022 will continue to rub against each other for a short distance, and then the processing box assembly 1001 will be installed in place.

[0091] The plurality of mounting positions 3001 includes a first mounting position 3001a, a second mounting position 3001c, and a third mounting position 3001b located between the first mounting position 3001a and the second mounting position 3001c. Compared to the other mounting positions 3001 in the plurality of mounting positions 3001, the first mounting position 3001a is closer to the operating part 3002, and the second mounting position 3001c is farther away from the operating part 3002. For example, when the plurality of mounting positions 3001 includes four mounting positions 3001, the one closer to the operating part 3002 is the first mounting position 3001a, the one farther away from the operating part 3002 is the second mounting position 3001c, and the two mounting positions 3001 located between the first mounting position 3001a and the second mounting position 3001c can both be the third mounting position 3001b.

[0092] In one embodiment, when the first processing box 1011 is installed in the first mounting position 3001a and the second processing box 1011b is installed in another mounting position 3001, L1 is greater than L2. For example, in practical applications, the first processing box 1011 installed in the first mounting position 3001a can be a K-box (black), and the second processing box 1011b can be a processing box of a color other than the K-box (black).

[0093] In another embodiment, when the first processing box 1011 is installed in the second mounting position 3001c and the second processing box 1011b is installed in other mounting positions 3001, L1 is less than L2. For example, in practical applications, the processing box installed in the second mounting position 3001c can be a Y-box (yellow), and the second processing box 1011b can be a processing box of a color other than the Y-box (yellow).

[0094] In another embodiment, when the first processing box 1011 is installed in the third mounting position 3001b and the second processing box 1011b is installed in the first mounting position 3001a, L1 is less than L2. The processing box installed in the third mounting position 3001b can be an M box (magenta) or a C box (cyan), and the second processing box 1011b is a K box (black).

[0095] In another embodiment, when the first processing box 1011 is installed in the third mounting position 3001b and the second processing box 1011b is installed in the second mounting position 3001c, L1 is greater than L2. The processing box installed in the third mounting position 3001b can be an M box (magenta) or a C box (cyan), and the second processing box 1011b is a Y box (yellow).

[0096] With the above configuration, when each processing box in the processing box assembly 1001 is installed at the mounting position 3001 of the moving component 3000, the L value varies because each processing box is positioned differently at the mounting position 3001 of the moving component 3000. In this application, the processing box closer to the mounting position 3001 of the operating part 3002 of the moving component 3000 has a larger L value, and the L value gradually decreases along the mounting direction 200 of the moving component 3000. Therefore, when the processing box assembly 1001 is inserted into the body 2000 along with the moving component 3000, the electrical contacts of the information identification element on each processing box will only fully contact their corresponding contact detection element 2022, resulting in better force balance between the two and making the installation and removal process of the processing box assembly 1001 smoother. When the processing box assembly 1001 is pulled out, the electrical contacts of the information identification components on each processing box rub against each other for a short distance before separating, and the contact detection components 2022 slightly spring back to their relaxed state. Therefore, during the pushing or pulling of the moving part 3000, the electrical contacts of each information identification component only rub against their corresponding contact detection components 2022, ensuring minimal wear between the electrical contacts of the information identification components and the contact detection components 2022.

[0097] The above structure utilizes the user's action of pulling out or inserting the processing box assembly 1001 to achieve the contact and separation of the electrical contacts of the information identification element and the contact detection element 2022. This eliminates the need for an additional driving structure to drive the contact detection element 2022 to contact or separate from the electrical contacts of the information identification element. The structure is simple, and the friction distance between the electrical contacts of the information identification element and the contact detection element 2022 is short (each electrical contact of the information identification element only rubs against its corresponding contact detection element 2022), resulting in less wear on both and reducing the failure rate to ensure stable connection.

[0098] In this embodiment, the processing box group 1001 includes four processing boxes arranged sequentially along the mounting direction 200 (which can also be said to be the depth direction of the mounting cavity of the body). For example, the processing box group 1001 includes four processing boxes (K, M, C, Y), wherein the four processing boxes (K, M, C, Y) correspond to four printing colors, such as the first processing box 1011 (K), the second processing box 1011b (M), the third processing box 1011 (C), and the fourth processing box 1011 (Y). With the four processing boxes sequentially installed on the main body 2000, the minimum distance between any first electrical contact 1113 of the first processing box 1011(K) and the plane (first reference plane) containing the first end face 1016 is L1; the minimum distance between any second electrical contact 1113b of the second processing box 1011b(M) and the plane (first reference plane) containing the first end face 1016 is L2; ​​the minimum distance between any third electrical contact of the third processing box 1011(C) and the plane (first reference plane) containing the first end face 1016 is L3; and the minimum distance between any fourth electrical contact of the fourth processing box 1011(Y) and the plane (first reference plane) containing the first end face 1016 is L4, where L1>L2>L3>L4. It should be noted that in other types of image forming apparatus 100, the processing box group 1001 can also be composed of other numbers of processing boxes.

[0099] In one embodiment, both the first electrical contact 1113 and the second electrical contact 1113b can be disposed on the moving part 3000, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the processing box assembly 1001 includes four processing boxes (K, M, C, Y) and a moving component 3000. First to fourth electrical contacts are sequentially disposed on the moving component 3000. When the first processing box 1011(K), the second processing box 1011b(M), the third processing box 1011(C), and the fourth processing box 1011(Y) are mounted on the moving component 3000, the information identification element body disposed on each processing box is electrically connected to the electrical contacts disposed on the moving component 3000 in a one-to-one correspondence, satisfying the condition L1>L2>L3>L4. In other embodiments, some of the electrical contacts of the information identification elements in the processing box assembly may be disposed on the moving component 3000, and some may be disposed on the body of the processing box. Thirdly, this application also provides an image forming apparatus 100, which includes a body 2000, the body 2000 being provided with a mounting cavity, and the body 2000 may include a right side plate 2021 and a left side plate 2031, a contact detection element 2022 (chip spring), a chip pressure plate, and chip connection wires, etc.

[0100] Multiple contact detection elements 2022 are provided on the side wall 2021a of the mounting cavity. Each contact detection element 2022 includes multiple electrical contact portions 20221 for contacting electrical contacts (i.e., electrical contacts of information detection elements) provided on the processing box. The multiple contact detection elements 2022 include a first contact detection element 2022a and a second contact detection element 2022b. The minimum distance between any electrical contact portion 20221 of the first contact detection element 2022a and the side wall 2021a is D1, and the minimum distance between any electrical contact portion 20221 of the second contact detection element 2022b and the side wall 2021a is D2, wherein D1 is different from D2.

[0101] Thus, when the processing box assembly 1001 is installed in the mounting cavity, the electrical contacts of the information identification element on each processing box can be connected one-to-one with the contact detection element 2022. In the image forming apparatus 100 provided in this application, the mounting connection between the processing box assembly 1001 and the main body 2000 does not require an additional driving structure to drive the contact detection element 2022 to contact or separate from the electrical contacts of the information identification element. When the processing box assembly 1001 is pulled out of the main body 2000, the electrical contacts of the information identification element rub against the contact detection element 2022 on the main body 2000 for a short distance before separating. When the processing box assembly 1001 is pushed into the main body 2000, the electrical contacts of the information identification element rub against the contact detection element 2022 on the main body 2000 for a short distance before making contact.

[0102] The above structure can realize the contact and separation of the electrical contacts of the information identification element and the contact detection element 2022 by the user's action of pulling out or pushing in the processing box assembly 1001. This eliminates the need for an active separation and contact structure, making the structure simple. At the same time, the friction distance between the electrical contacts of the information identification element and the contact detection element 2022 is short (each information identification element's electrical contact only rubs against its corresponding contact detection element 2022), resulting in less wear on both and reducing the failure rate to ensure stable connection.

[0103] Specifically, multiple electrical contacts 20221 in each contact detection element 2022 are arranged along the height direction h of the body 2000.

[0104] It should be noted that the aforementioned electrical contact 20221 can be understood as the part on the contact detection element 2022 that has contact with the electrical contacts provided on the processing box.

[0105] The aforementioned electrical contacts, such as the first electrical contact 1113, the second electrical contact 1113b, the third electrical contact, or the fourth electrical contact, can be understood as electrical contact portions used to contact the corresponding contact detection element on the body 2000.

[0106] In one embodiment, the contact detection element 2022 includes a plurality of metal springs that can elastically deform toward the sidewall 2021a of the mounting cavity, and an electrical contact portion 20221 is provided on the metal springs, that is, the part on the metal springs that contacts the electrical contacts provided on the processing box is the electrical contact portion 20221.

[0107] Each processing box can have four electrical contacts on its information identification element, and correspondingly, each contact detection element 2022 has four metal springs. Of course, the number of electrical contacts on the information identification element and the number of metal springs on the contact detection element 2022 can also be any other number, as long as stable information transmission between them can be guaranteed.

[0108] Specifically, the contact detection element 2022 can be a spring made of a metal material with a certain degree of toughness, such as a brass spring. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The metal spring can be bent into a tortuous structure. When the metal spring is subjected to force, it can deform to a certain extent, and when the external force is removed, the metal spring can return to its original shape. Thus, when installing the processing box assembly 1001, the contact detection element 2022 can be slightly compressed to make the contact between the two more secure. This solution further improves the connection stability between the electrical contacts of the information identification element and the contact detection element 2022, thereby ensuring the stability of signal transmission between the two.

[0109] In one embodiment, the plurality of contact detection elements 2022 further includes a third contact detection element 2022c and a fourth contact detection element 2022d. The minimum distance between any electrical contact portion 20221 of the third contact detection element 2022c and the sidewall 2021a is D3, and the minimum distance between any electrical contact portion 20221 of the fourth contact detection element 2022d and the sidewall 2021a is D4. The first contact detection element 2022a, the second contact detection element 2022b, the third contact detection element 2022c, and the fourth contact detection element 2022d are aligned along the depth direction of the mounting cavity (e.g., ...). Figure 6 or Figure 8 Set them sequentially (in the direction indicated by the middle arrow 20), where D4>D3>D2>D1.

[0110] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the inner wall of the mounting cavity includes a right side plate 2021, on which four contact detection elements 2022 are provided. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 8Four contact detection elements 2022 are arranged sequentially along the depth direction of the mounting cavity, that is, from the outside of the mounting cavity towards its inner bottom wall, the first contact detection element 2022a, the second contact detection element 2022b, the third contact detection element 2022c, and the fourth contact detection element 2022d are arranged sequentially. Moreover, from the first contact detection element 2022a to the fourth contact detection element 2022d, the contact detection elements 2022 are closer and closer to the center of the mounting cavity, that is, satisfying D4>D3>D2>D1.

[0111] This design makes the connection between the processing box assembly 1001 and the main body 2000 more stable, further improving the force balance during the assembly process of the processing box assembly 1001 and the main body 2000, so as to make the installation and disassembly process of the processing box assembly 1001 smoother.

[0112] In one embodiment, the difference between D4 and D3 is at least the same as one of the differences between D3 and D2 and the differences between D2 and D1.

[0113] In one embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 includes the above processing box group 1001 or processing box.

[0114] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 10-13 The working principle and internal structure of the image forming device are explained:

[0115] The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body and, mounted on the apparatus body, an optical scanning unit (not shown), a paper feeding unit (not shown), a fixing unit (not shown), and a processing cartridge as described below. The working principle and process of the image forming apparatus are as follows: The optical scanning unit exposes the image on the processing cartridge to convert the 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, through heating and pressurization, the toner image is fixed onto the paper. Finally, the paper feeding unit outputs the paper outside the image forming apparatus.

[0116] The image forming apparatus may also include a communication unit (not shown) for connecting to terminal devices such as mobile phones and computers, so that the image forming apparatus 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).

[0117] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12The image forming apparatus also includes a movable component 3000, which is detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus. After being mounted, the movable component 3000 is movable relative to the image forming apparatus, moving from a first position to a second position. The second position is where the movable component is completely contained within the image forming apparatus, while the first position is where the movable component is completely exposed outside the image forming apparatus. Multiple processing boxes 1011 are mounted on the movable component, such as the simultaneous mounting and dismounting of a first processing box 1011(K), a second processing box 1011b(M), a third processing box 1011(C), and a fourth processing box 1011(Y). The movable component 3000 is used to accommodate these multiple processing boxes. When the movable component 3000 is outside the apparatus body 2000, the multiple processing boxes can be removed from the movable component 3000. In other words, users can move multiple processing boxes 1011 simultaneously by pushing and pulling the moving part 3000, making disassembly and assembly relatively convenient.

[0118] Figure 13 This is a diagram of the internal structure of an image forming device. Figure 13 The image forming apparatus 100 shown includes four processing cartridges (K, M, C, Y), a transfer belt 105, a secondary transfer roller 106, an input paper tray 107, a manual paper feed tray 108, a paper feed roller 109, a transfer roller 110, a laser scanning unit (LSU) 111, a heating roller 112, a pressure roller 113, an output roller 114, and an output paper tray 115. The four processing cartridges (K, M, C, Y) correspond to four printing colors, and their specific structures include a photosensitive drum 101 (K, M, C, Y), a charging roller 102 (K, M, C, Y), a developing roller 103 (K, M, C, Y), and a toner hopper 104 (K, M, C, Y) for holding the toner of their respective colors.

[0119] like Figure 4The LSU 111 shown is a single LSU comprising four optical paths. Four charging rollers 102 (K, M, C, Y) charge the surfaces of the four photosensitive drums 101 (K, M, C, Y) respectively. The four optical paths of the LSU 111 emit laser beams to form electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 101 (K, M, C, Y). Four developing rollers 103 (Y, M, C, K) develop toner images of their respective colors on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 101 (K, M, C, Y). The image forming apparatus 100 employs a two-stage transfer method, whereby the four photosensitive drums 101 (K, M, C, Y) sequentially transfer the toner image onto the transfer belt 105, and then the colored toner image formed on the transfer belt 105 is transferred a second time onto the paper via a secondary transfer roller 106. The paper is then placed in the paper tray 107 and transported to the transport path by the paper feed roller 109. The transfer roller 110 transports the paper along the transport path to the secondary transfer roller 106 for image transfer. The secondary transfer roller 106 then transports the imaged paper to the clamping area of ​​the heating roller 112 and the pressure roller 113. The heating roller 112 and the pressure roller 113 are used to fix the toner image on the paper. The heating roller 112 can be heated by ceramic heating. The heating roller 112 and the pressure roller 113 transport the fixed paper to the discharge roller 114. The discharge roller 114 discharges the paper into the discharge tray 115 and stacks it up, thus completing the image printing.

[0120] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A processing box assembly, characterized in that, include: A first processing box, the first processing box including a first imaging component and a first information identification component, the first imaging component including a first end face, when the first processing box is installed on the body of the image forming apparatus, the first end face is close to the driving device on the image forming apparatus; the first information identification component including a plurality of first electrical contacts, the plurality of first electrical contacts being used to contact and electrically connect with a first contact detection component provided on the body. The second processing box includes a second imaging component and a second information identification component. The second imaging component includes a second end face. When the second processing box is installed on the main body, the second end face is close to the driving device on the image forming device. The second information identification component includes a plurality of second electrical contacts for contacting and electrically connecting with a second contact detection component disposed on the main body. When the first processing box and the second processing box are installed on the main body: The minimum distance between the plane containing the plurality of first electrical contacts and the plane containing the first end face is L1; The minimum distance between the plane containing the plurality of second electrical contacts and the plane containing the second end face is L2. Furthermore, L1 is different from L2; The value of L1 corresponds to the mounting position of the first processing box on the image forming device. When the mounting position of the first processing box is different, the value of L1 is different. The value of L2 corresponds to the mounting position of the second processing box on the image forming device. When the mounting position of the second processing box is different, the value of L2 is different. Alternatively, the first processing box and the second processing box include toner, and the value of L1 corresponds to the color of the toner in the first processing box. When the color of the toner in the first processing box is different, the value of L1 is different; the value of L2 corresponds to the color of the toner in the second processing box. When the color of the toner in the second processing box is different, the value of L2 is different.

2. The processing box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrical contact is fixedly disposed relative to the first processing box, and the second electrical contact is fixedly disposed relative to the second processing box; Alternatively, the first electrical contact may be movable relative to the first processing box, and the second electrical contact may be movable relative to the second processing box; Alternatively, the first electrical contact may be movably disposed relative to the first processing box, and the second electrical contact may be fixedly disposed relative to the second processing box.

3. The processing box assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus further includes a movable component movably mounted on the main body. The movable component includes an operating part and a plurality of mounting positions, each mounting position being used to mount a processing cartridge. The plurality of mounting positions includes a first mounting position, a second mounting position, and a third mounting position. The first mounting position is closer to the operating part than the second mounting position and the third mounting position. The second mounting position is farther away from the operating part than the first mounting position and the third mounting position. The third mounting position is located between the first mounting position and the second mounting position. When the first processing box and the second processing box are installed in different mounting positions, any of the following conditions must be met: When the first processing box is installed in the first mounting position and the second processing box is installed in other mounting positions, L1 is greater than L2; When the first processing box is installed in the second mounting position and the second processing box is installed in other mounting positions, L1 is less than L2; When the first processing box is installed in the third mounting position and the second processing box is installed in the first mounting position, L1 is less than L2; When the first processing box is installed in the third mounting position and the second processing box is installed in the second mounting position, L1 is greater than L2.

4. The processing box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus further includes a moving component capable of being inserted into the body along the mounting direction or pulled out of the body in the opposite direction. The moving component includes multiple mounting positions for mounting processing boxes. When the processing box assembly is mounted on the body, the minimum distance between the plane containing the multiple electrical contacts of each processing box and the plane containing the end face of the imaging component of each processing box near the driving device is L. Each processing box in the processing box assembly has a different mounting position on the moving component and exhibits a different value of L. Along the mounting direction of the moving component, the value of L for each processing box is set in a pattern that gradually decreases from large to small.

5. The processing box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information identification component further includes a substrate, and a plurality of first electrical contacts are disposed on the substrate, and the plurality of first electrical contacts are arranged along the height direction of the first processing box.

6. The processing box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrical contact is located in the rear region of the end of the first processing box, wherein the maximum value of the projected length of the rear region in the width direction of the first processing box is M1, and the maximum value of the projected length of the end of the first processing box in the width direction of the first processing box is M2, wherein M1 is less than or equal to 1 / 3 of M2; the rear region is closer to the rear region of the waste powder hopper of the first processing box than to the front region of the powder hopper of the first processing box; a high-voltage contact is also provided at the end, and the region of the high-voltage contact does not coincide with the rear region.

7. The processing box assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The high-voltage contacts are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple high-voltage contacts are arranged in a direction that intersects with the arrangement direction of the multiple first electrical contacts.

8. An image forming apparatus, comprising a body, a moving component, and a driving device, wherein the moving component is capable of being inserted into the body along a mounting direction or pulled out from the body in a direction opposite to the mounting direction, the moving component including a plurality of mounting positions for mounting a processing cartridge, the body having a mounting cavity, and at least two contact detection elements being disposed on the sidewall of the mounting cavity, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus further includes at least two processing boxes, each processing box including an imaging component and an information recognition component. The imaging component includes an end face, which is close to the driving device when the processing box is mounted on the body. The information identification component includes multiple electrical contacts, which are used to contact and electrically connect with the contact detection component. When the processing box is installed on the body, the minimum distance between the plane containing the multiple electrical contacts and the plane containing the end face is L. Each of the at least two processing boxes has a different mounting position on the moving component and exhibits a different value of L. Along the mounting direction, the value of L for each processing box is set in a pattern that gradually decreases from large to small.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The contact detection element includes a plurality of electrical contact portions for contacting a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the processing box. The at least two contact detection elements include a first contact detection element and a second contact detection element. The minimum distance between the electrical contact portion of the first contact detection element and the side wall is D1, and the minimum distance between the electrical contact portion of the second contact detection element and the side wall is D2, wherein D1 is different from D2.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The contact detection element includes a plurality of metal springs capable of elastic deformation toward the sidewall of the mounting cavity, and the electrical contact portion is disposed on the metal springs.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processing box includes a powder hopper and a waste powder hopper that can be assembled together, and the information identification element is at least partially disposed on the end face of the powder hopper or the end face of the waste powder hopper; or, The processing box includes a developing box or a drum box, and the information identification element is at least partially disposed on the end face of the developing box or the drum box.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The information identification device also includes a substrate, and a plurality of electrical contacts are disposed on the substrate, and the plurality of electrical contacts are arranged along the height direction of the processing box.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, Multiple electrical contacts are disposed in the rear region of the end of the processing box, wherein the maximum value of the projected length of the rear region in the width direction of the processing box is M1, and the maximum value of the projected length of the end of the processing box in the width direction of the processing box is M2, wherein M1 is less than or equal to 1 / 3 of M2; the rear region is closer to the rear side of the processing box where the powder hopper is located compared to the front side of the processing box; the end is also provided with a high-voltage contact, and the area where the high-voltage contact is located does not coincide with the rear region.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The high-voltage contacts are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple high-voltage contacts are arranged in a direction that intersects with the arrangement direction of the multiple electrical contacts.

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