Processing unit and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a processing unit and an image forming device, the processing unit comprising: a housing comprising a developer accommodating cavity and a developer outlet, the housing having opposite front and rear ends in a first direction, the developer outlet being located on the front end; a developing member rotatably arranged on the housing and located on the developer outlet; a transmission mechanism arranged on the housing and a first side wall in a second direction, the second direction being parallel to a rotation axis of the developing member; a first cover connected to the housing to shield the transmission mechanism, the first cover having a complementary space to expose a part of the first side wall in the opposite direction of the second direction; a second cover comprising a first connecting structure, the housing and / or the first cover having a second connecting structure; and an information transmission assembly. The application can simplify the switching process between different signal processing units, improve the versatility and reusability of the processing cartridge, and effectively alleviate the recycling problem caused by signal differences.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and more particularly to a processing unit and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the explosive growth of modern technology, such as the widespread use of artificial intelligence and big data applications, the pace of functional updates and iterations in current printing equipment is accelerating. Manufacturers need to adjust their product strategies promptly in response to market changes. Generally speaking, for manufacturing companies, the development cycle for a new product project using entirely new molds is extremely lengthy. This involves not only considering how to integrate the newly developed technologies into the new product, but also whether the new structure will disrupt the existing product's basic or extended functions. Furthermore, the cost of using entirely new structural molds is substantial for companies.

[0003] Accordingly, in order to keep existing products competitive, manufacturers frequently update their products with new technologies, resulting in a wide variety of product types and models. These models continue to increase with product iterations. Since basic printing functions are already quite mature in existing technologies, the new functions that manufacturers introduce into existing products are usually related to smart applications. While trying to avoid creating more molds and affecting the original product functions, the structure will be improved by modifying the hardware, such as the chips, electronic components, or related structures required for smart applications, to achieve the new functions.

[0004] As a core component of image forming equipment, the processing unit also needs to achieve effective information interaction with the equipment. However, in the existing technology, in order to adapt to different functions of the image forming equipment, the information interaction structure between the same product and the equipment is not exactly the same in different models. Moreover, the improved structure is often related to information interaction chips, detected components, etc. Especially in the period of rapid product iteration, the old model processing unit is difficult to apply to the existing product. The new structure of information interaction is prone to interference with the original structure during the assembly process, which affects other components on the processing unit such as photosensitive drum and developing roller. It is inconvenient to recycle and reuse, and can only be disassembled and then disposed of, which is obviously not conducive to environmental protection and causes waste of resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a processing unit and an image forming apparatus.

[0006] The present invention provides a processing unit in a first aspect, comprising: a housing including a developer receiving cavity and a developer outlet, the housing having opposing front and rear ends in a first direction, the developer outlet being located on the front end; a developing member rotatably disposed on the housing and located on the developer outlet; a transmission mechanism disposed on a first sidewall of the housing in a second direction, for receiving an external driving force and capable of driving the developing member to rotate, the second direction being parallel to the rotation axis of the developing member; and a first cover connected to the housing for shielding the transmission mechanism, the first cover having an exposure of the first... A partial filling space for the sidewall, the filling space being disposed opposite to the developer outlet in the first direction; a second cover, including a first connecting structure, the housing and / or the first cover having a second connecting structure, the second cover being relatively fixed in the filling space by the cooperation between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure to cover the exposed portion of the first sidewall; an information transmission assembly disposed on the second cover and having an information transmission part for contacting the image forming device; wherein the information transmission part is located at the rear end of the housing, and its exposure direction in the second cover is perpendicular to the second direction and biased towards the lower side of the housing.

[0007] The processing unit provided by the present invention has replaceable functions, which can adapt to the existing product iteration direction to replace the information transmission components on the processing unit, facilitate the recycling of the processing box, and do not affect the addition of functions and technology updates of subsequent products. When the processing unit is installed in the image forming device, the detection unit or information receiving unit corresponding to the information transmission unit is located on the lower side inside the box mounting cavity, which enables the processing unit of this example to have the characteristic of ensuring stable and accurate information transmission between the information transmission unit and the device body, regardless of the structure of the replacement structure.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting structure includes a first joint and a second joint disposed opposite to each other in the third direction, the second connecting structure includes a first joint corresponding to the first joint and a second joint corresponding to the second joint, and the projection of the information transmission part onto the straight line in the third direction is located between the first joint and the second joint; wherein, the second joint is located below the first joint in the direction of gravity, and the second joint is closer to the front end than the first joint.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exposure direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes a power receiver exposed on the first cover to dock with a drive member on the image forming device, the power receiver being located in the opposite direction to the exposure direction of the information transmission section.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first joint and the second joint are configured as a first fastener and a second fastener extending in the opposite direction to the second direction. The first joint and the second joint include a first channel and a second channel disposed on the first cover and extending in the second direction. The first fastener and the second fastener pass through the first channel and the second channel respectively and are fastened to the second cover. The first sidewall has a columnar portion protruding in the second direction. The inner sidewall of the second cover is provided with a positioning surface that abuts against the protruding end face of the columnar portion.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columnar portion includes a first cylindrical portion disposed along its protruding direction and a second cylindrical portion having a diameter larger than that of the first cylindrical portion. The positioning surface is disposed on the first cylindrical portion, and a spring member is sleeved on the first cylindrical portion. The length of both ends of the spring member in the initial state is greater than the distance between the positioning surface and the second cylindrical portion.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end face of the first buckle is parallel to the first direction, and the end face of the second buckle is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first fastener includes a first connecting portion connected to the second cover, and the second cover has a first clearance portion adapted to the outer contour of the first connecting portion in the portion near the first channel; the second fastener includes a second connecting portion connected to the second cover, and the second cover has a second clearance portion adapted to the outer contour of the second connecting portion in the portion near the second channel; the power receiving member has a power receiving portion that docks with the driving member on the side opposite to the first sidewall, and the distances between the first clearance portion and the second clearance portion and the first sidewall in the second direction are both less than the distance between the power receiving portion and the first sidewall.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first cover has a positioning portion extending in the opposite direction to the first direction, and when the processing unit is disposed on the image forming device, the positioning portion is located on the upper side of the filling space.

[0016] Using the processing unit provided by the present invention, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus in a second aspect, comprising: an apparatus body; and the processing unit described in the first aspect embodiment, wherein the processing unit is removably mounted in the apparatus body.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures and / or processes particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 A simplified structural diagram of the processing unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the processing unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention from a first perspective.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partially exploded structural diagram of the embodiment shown;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram from a second perspective of the embodiment shown;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram from a third perspective of the embodiment shown;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure between the embodiment shown and the detection components of the device;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second cover and information transmission component in the embodiment shown;

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first cover body in the embodiment shown;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the processing unit from a first perspective, provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A partially exploded structural diagram of the embodiment shown;

[0029] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A structural schematic diagram from a second perspective of the embodiment shown;

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A structural schematic diagram from a third perspective of the embodiment shown;

[0031] Figure 14 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second cover and information transmission component in the embodiment shown;

[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a processing unit provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the embodiment shown in the diagram at the first sidewall after the second cover has been installed;

[0034] Figure 17 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the corresponding second cover and information transmission component in the embodiment shown;

[0035] Figure 18 This is a circuit diagram of the detection column and conductive component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the processing unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention, excluding the second cover and the information transmission component.

[0037] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Equipment body, 11. Paper tray, 12. Pick-up assembly, 13. Conveyor assembly, 14. Transfer assembly, 15. Developing assembly, 16. Scanning assembly, 17. Fixing assembly, 18. Paper output assembly; 100 Housing, 110 Developer receiving cavity, 120 Developer outlet, 130 Drum frame, 131 Frame, 140 First sidewall, 150 Second sidewall, 160 Filling space, 170 Columnar portion, 171 First cylindrical portion, 172 Second cylindrical portion, 180 Detection column, 181 First detection column, 182 Second detection column, 190 Electrical connection piece, 101 Front part, 102 Rear part, 103 Left part, 104 Right part; 200 developing components; 300 photosensitive components; 400 mixing components; 500 Transmission mechanism, 510 Power receiving component, 511 Engaging recess, 520 First gear, 530 Second gear, 540 Third gear; 600 First cover, 610 Connecting part, 620 Covering part, 630 Second connecting structure, 631 First joint, 631a First channel, 632 Second joint, 632a Second channel, 633 First clearance part, 634 Second clearance part, 640 First positioning edge, 650 Second positioning edge, 660 Positioning part; 700 Second cover, 710 Cover body, 720 First connecting structure, 721 First joint, 721a First fastening strip, 721b First connecting portion, 722 Second joint, 722a Second fastening strip, 722b Second connecting portion, 730 First contact edge, 740 Second contact edge, 750 Extension portion, 760 Positioning surface, 770 Conductive sheet, 771 First conductive end, 772 Second conductive end, 780 Functional part; 800 Information transmission component, 810 trigger gear, 811 meshing part, 812 trigger part, 812a cantilever, 813 missing tooth part, 814 first wall surface, 815 second wall surface, 816 first notch, 817 second notch, 818 intermediate connecting post, 820 information storage component, 821 electrical connection part, 830 mounting slot; 900 spring parts; 1000 Locking mechanism, 1010 Moving part, 1011 Locking part, 1012 Pushing part; 1100 conveyor components. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will provide a thorough understanding of how the present invention uses technical means to solve technical problems and achieve technical effects, enabling its implementation. It should be noted that these specific descriptions are merely intended to facilitate a clearer understanding of the present invention by those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the terms "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the invention, but are merely used to indicate the sequence numbers of multiple identical or similar devices or mechanisms. Those skilled in the art can readjust these sequence numbers for ease of description or during the organization of technical solutions. Furthermore, alternative solutions are described for some mechanisms in different embodiments, and these alternatives can be applied to other identical or similar devices or mechanisms. As long as there is no conflict, the various embodiments and features in each embodiment of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the resulting technical solutions are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, including an apparatus body 1 and a paper tray 11, a pickup assembly 12, a conveying assembly 13, a transfer assembly 14, a developing assembly 15, a scanning assembly 16, a fixing assembly 17, and a paper discharge assembly 18 disposed within the apparatus body 1. The apparatus body 1 has a paper conveying path. The paper tray 11 stores stacked paper for printing. The pickup assembly 12 includes a pickup roller that contacts the stacked paper and feeds the paper into the paper conveying path. The conveying assembly 13 includes a correction roller and a feed roller. The correction roller is used to correct the position of the paper in the paper conveying path, and the feed roller is used to transport the paper in the paper conveying path. The developing assembly 15 forms an image composed of powder within itself and transfers the image to the transfer assembly 14. The transfer assembly 14 transfers the image into the paper conveying path. After acquiring the image, the paper is further conveyed to the fixing assembly 17, which fixes the image onto the paper surface by heating. Finally, the printed paper is discharged outside the apparatus body 1 by the paper discharge assembly 18.

[0041] The scanning component 16 includes a laser emitting unit and an optical component for deflecting the laser emitted by the laser emitting unit. The optical component may consist of multiple optical parts to deflect the laser onto the developing component 15 for the imaging process of the developing component 15.

[0042] The present invention provides a processing unit in a first aspect embodiment, see below. Figures 2 to 19 This processing unit is used in and is detachable within an image forming apparatus. It can provide powder to the apparatus as part of the developing component, wherein the powder is developer, toner, etc. that can be consumed by the apparatus. In this embodiment, the processing unit includes a housing 100 and a photosensitive component 300 and a developing component 200 disposed within the housing 100. The photosensitive component 300 is rotatable relative to the housing 100 about a first axis. A photosensitive surface made of photosensitive material is disposed on its outer side wall. When the photosensitive material is irradiated by light, the polarity of the charge on its surface changes, forming an electrostatic latent image. This allows it to further attract powder to form an image after receiving it. The developing component 200 is rotatable relative to the housing 100 about a second axis. The housing 100 has a developing agent receiving cavity 110 for storing powder and a developing agent outlet 120 connected to the developing agent receiving cavity 110. The developing component 200 is disposed at the developing agent outlet 120. One side of its surface is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive component 300, and the other side is in contact with the powder in the developing agent receiving cavity 110, thereby conveying the powder to the surface of the photosensitive component 300 during rotation.

[0043] The processing unit further includes a stirring component 400 and a conveying component 1100. The stirring component 400 is disposed within the housing 100 and rotates around a third axis, while the conveying component 1100 is disposed within the housing 100 and rotates around a fourth axis. In this embodiment, the stirring component 400 is located within the developer receiving cavity 110 to stir the powder within the developer receiving cavity 110. The conveying component 1100 is located in the powder feeding channel and contacts the surface of the developing component 200, used to transfer the powder to the developing component 200. The stirring component 400 includes a stirring shaft and stirring blades disposed on the stirring shaft. During the rotation of the stirring shaft, the stirring blades push the powder within the developer receiving cavity 110 to the powder feeding channel between the developer outlet 120 and the developer receiving cavity 110. The developing component 200 contacts the powder in the powder feeding channel and conveys it toward the photosensitive component 300.

[0044] In one embodiment, the processing unit is a separate structure, different from the integrated structure described above, and is assembled on the drum frame 130 to form a developing assembly. The drum frame 130 includes a frame 131 and a photosensitive component 300 disposed on the frame 131. This structure differs from the previous embodiment in that the photosensitive drum is disposed on the frame 131 while other components or structures are disposed on the processing unit. Both of these implementation directions can be realized in the present invention.

[0045] See Figure 3 When the processing unit is in its normal operating position within the image forming device, it has forward, backward, left, and right directions, wherein the forward direction is as follows: Figure 3 The direction of X in the middle, the left direction as... Figure 3 In the direction Y, the front part 101 of the processing unit is the position of the developing member 200. Corresponding to each direction, the housing 100 has a front part 101, a rear part 102, a left part 103 and a right part 104. The developer outlet 120 is located in the front part 101 of the processing unit. A first side wall 140 intersecting the first axis is formed on the left part 103, and a second side wall 150 opposite to the first side wall 140 is formed on the right part 104. Its outer contour has an upper wall, a lower wall, a front wall and a rear wall. A handle is formed on the rear part 102 for hand operation.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit includes a transmission mechanism 500, which is used to transmit driving force to at least the developing member 200, the stirring member 400, and the conveying member 1100. It includes a power receiving member 510 for receiving external driving force, wherein the external driving force in this embodiment can be an external drive shaft. The drive shaft has a cantilever 812a half-shaft structure, capable of approaching the processing unit from the left side of the housing 100 and engaging with the power receiving member 510. It has a engagement protrusion at its end, and the power receiving member 510 is provided with an engagement recess 511 corresponding to the engagement protrusion, thereby realizing power transmission between the drive shaft and the processing unit. Figures 3 to 13 In the embodiment shown, the transmission component is configured as a gear set, which includes a first gear 520, a second gear 530, and a third gear 540 rotatably disposed on the first sidewall 140. The first gear 520 is disposed at the end of the developing component 200 to drive the developing component 200 to rotate, the second gear 530 is disposed at the end of the conveying component 1100 to drive the conveying component 1100 to rotate, and the third gear 540 is disposed at the end of the stirring component 400 to drive the stirring component 400 to rotate.

[0047] The processing unit also includes a first cover 600 mounted on the housing 100. The first cover 600 has a connecting portion 610 and a blocking portion 620. The connecting portion 610 is detachably connected to the housing 100 so that the blocking portion 620 can cover the first side wall 140 in the right direction. The connecting portion 610 includes, but is not limited to, screws or buckles to be detachably fixed to the first side wall 140. For example, the connecting portion 610 has three connection positions on the housing 100. One connection position is located at the junction of the front part 101 and the lower part of the housing 100, one connection position is located at the junction of the upper part and the front part 101, and another connection position is located on the side of the first cover 600 away from the front part 101, which can form a triangular stable state with the first two connection positions. In this embodiment, the shielding portion 620 does not completely cover the first sidewall 140, resulting in a filling space 160 on the housing 100 that exposes at least a portion of the first sidewall 140 in the right direction. This filling space 160 is located at the rear portion 102 and is positioned opposite to the developer outlet 120. In this structure, the filling space 160 is adjacent to the first cover 600 in the front direction and has an extended opening that faces outward in the rear and downward directions.

[0048] Furthermore, the processing unit also includes a second cover 700 detachably mounted on the first cover 600 or the housing 100. In a detailed configuration, the second cover 700 includes a cover body 710 and a first connecting structure 720 disposed on the cover body 710. Adaptively, the housing 100 and / or the first cover 600 have a second connecting structure 630. In this exemplary configuration, see [reference needed]. Figures 3 to 9A second connecting structure 630 is disposed on the first cover 600, allowing the second cover 700 to be detachably connected to the first cover 600 in advance to adapt to automated production assembly processes. For example, the second cover 700 is located on the rear side of the first cover 600 to cover the gap 160 not covered by the first cover 600. Thus, the second cover 700 has at least partial overlap with the first sidewall 140 in the left direction, so that when the second cover 700 is subjected to pressure in the right direction, the first sidewall 140, together with the two connecting structures and the cover, can provide sufficient support for the second cover 700. The specific structure of the second cover 700 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0049] The second cover 700 has a first contact edge 730 and a second contact edge 740, wherein the first contact edge 730 and the second contact edge 740 intersect to form a positioning protrusion on the second cover 700. The first cover 600 has a first positioning edge 640 extending in the rearward direction and a second positioning edge 650 extending in the downward direction. When the first cover 600 is detachable from the first cover 600 or the housing 100, the first positioning edge 640 fits with the first contact edge 730, and the second positioning edge 650 fits with the second contact edge 740. The resulting concave angle matches the positioning protrusion to provide a limiting force on the second cover 700 in the upward direction and a limiting force on the second cover 700 in the forward direction.

[0050] In order for the processing unit to transmit relevant information such as unit model, developer container 110 capacity, compatibility information with the device, and remaining developer amount to the device, the processing unit also includes an information transmission component 800. The information transmission component 800 is disposed on the second cover 700 and has an information transmission part. The information transmission part is located at the rear end of the housing 100, i.e., the rear part 102, and can be exposed between the housing 100 and the second cover 700 to connect with the information receiving structure on the device.

[0051] Figures 3 to 9The illustrated embodiment is one implementation of the information transmission component 800 of the processing unit. Specifically, the information transmission component 800 includes a trigger gear 810, which is rotatably mounted on the second cover 700. It includes at least an engagement portion 811 and a trigger portion. Both the trigger portion and the engagement portion 811 are arranged around the axis of the trigger gear 810. The engagement portion 811 has multiple alternately arranged teeth for meshing with one of the transmission gears on the transmission mechanism 500, thereby receiving driving force from the transmission mechanism 500. In this embodiment, the trigger gear 810 has a tooth-deficient portion 813 around its axis, except for the engagement portion 811. In the initial state, the trigger gear 810 maintains a linkage between the engagement portion 811 and the transmission mechanism 500. After the transmission mechanism 500 drives the trigger gear 810 to rotate to a moving angle via the engagement portion 811, the tooth-deficient portion 813 disengages the trigger gear 810 from the transmission mechanism 500, preventing it from receiving driving force.

[0052] The contact portion is located in the missing tooth portion 813, see reference. Figure 4 The second cover 700 forms a detection opening on one side of the information transmission part in the exposed direction. A first wall surface 814 and a second wall surface 815 are located between the engaging part 811 and the toothed part 813. A contact part is located between the first wall surface 814 and the second wall surface 815, forming a first notch 816 with the first wall surface 814 and a second notch 817 with the second wall surface 815. The information transmission component 800 in this example is used to trigger a detection component on an image forming device. (See reference...) Figure 7 The detection assembly has a detection handle that extends from the outside of the detection opening and contacts the toothed portion 813. The end of the detection handle enters the toothed portion 813 and is initially located in the first notch 816. The trigger gear 810 rotates in the direction U under the drive of the transmission mechanism 500. The trigger part and the second notch 817 are located downstream of the first notch 816, so that the trigger gear 810 has at least three triggering states for the detection assembly: in the first state, the detection handle is pushed by the first notch 816, and the detection assembly generates a first detection signal; in the second state, the detection handle is pushed by the trigger part, and the detection assembly generates a second detection signal; in the third state, the detection handle enters the second notch 817, causing the detection assembly to generate a third detection signal.

[0053] As an example of the specific structure of the trigger part, the trigger part extends smoothly outward from the intermediate connecting post 818 of the trigger gear 810 on the outer side facing away from the axis of the trigger gear 810, and the trigger part continues to form a cantilever 812a spaced from the intermediate connecting post 818 in the extension direction. The cantilever 812a enables the trigger part to have elastic deformation and reset capability. The cantilever 812a can deform and move inward or outward relative to the axis of the trigger gear 810. When the trigger gear 810 rotates in the forward direction U, the cantilever 812a can receive appropriate pressure from the detection handle and generate inward deformation to avoid damage caused by rigid contact between the two. When the trigger gear 810 wants to move in the opposite direction U, the cantilever 812a can expand and deform outward in the first notch 816 to block the trigger gear 810 from rotating in the opposite direction.

[0054] Figures 10 to 14 The illustrated embodiment represents another implementation of the information transmission component 800 within the processing unit. In this embodiment, the information transmission component 800 includes an information storage device 820 and an electrical connection portion 821. The electrical connection portion 821 is used to make electrical contact with an electrical connection port on the device to achieve information exchange between the unit and the device. The information storage device 820 may be configured as a chip. The second cover 700 has a mounting slot 830, and the electrical connection portion 821 is detachably fixed to the mounting slot 830. In this embodiment, the electrical connection portion 821 is configured as multiple contact ports on the chip exposed on the mounting slot 830. When the processing unit is assembled inside the device, the contact ports make contact with the electrical connection ports or electrical contacts on the device to achieve information exchange of electrical signals.

[0055] See Figure 13 and Figure 19 When viewed from the left, the second cover 700 covers the filling space 160 and has an extension 750 that protrudes from the rear sidewall of the housing 100. The electrical connection 821 is located in the extension 750 and is on the side of the extension 750 away from the transmission mechanism 500. At the same time, it is located in the extension 750 at a slightly lower position. The orientation of the electrical connection 821, i.e. the exposure direction, is tilted to the rearward direction and is set obliquely downward so that the processing unit comes into contact with the electrical connection 821 last during the installation process.

[0056] Besides the two specific implementations of the information transmission component 800 mentioned above, other implementations are also possible. However, regardless of the implementation method, the information transmission part of the information transmission component 800 in this invention is located at the rear end of the housing 100 and biased towards the lower side of the housing 100. (See reference...) Figure 6Regardless of whether the processing unit is a separate or integrated structure, when it enters the equipment along the installation direction L, the front end of the developing component 200 is located on the front side of the processing unit, while the information transmission component 800 is located on the rear side of the housing 100. Since the handheld part is the rear end of the processing unit, the front end and side wall will inevitably rub or rub against the internal side wall of the equipment due to the position adjustment. The information transmission part located on the lower rear side can finally connect with the detection component or electrical connection part 821 inside the equipment. (Continue reading...) Figure 6 In the specific installation details, after the front end of the processing unit, such as the photosensitive component 300, comes into contact with the transfer roller or transfer belt and other transfer components, the hand operation will move downward around the aforementioned contact position to adapt to the assembly process. At this time, since the exposed direction is downward and the information transmission part is located at the rear 102 position, when the last buckle and other structures on the processing unit are fastened into the assembly position, the information transmission part can achieve cooperation in a relatively stable assembly environment. The force generated between them is small, the alignment is accurate, and serious friction damage is usually not caused, so as to better protect the information transmission component 800. At the same time, in this assembly position, the information transmission part is in close contact with the corresponding structure on the equipment under the support of the weight of the processing unit itself, ensuring the stability of information interaction.

[0057] In conjunction with the implementation structure of this information transmission component 800, the present invention has a first cover 600 and a second cover 700 split on the first side wall 140 to cover the side wall, and the information transmission component 800 is placed on the second cover 700. This enables direct replacement of information interaction components to adapt to the needs of frequent product updates in the current era. Furthermore, the exposure direction of the information transmission part on the second cover 700 is biased towards the lower side of the housing 100 as an adaptive improvement of the detachable end cover. This can effectively reduce the defects of unstable information transmission and difficulty in reuse caused by dimensional errors, and ensure the interaction accuracy when the recycled processing unit is applied in iterative products.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first connection structure 720 includes a tilting direction (e.g., Figure 6The first joint 721 and the second joint 722 are arranged opposite each other in the direction K) of the second cover 700. The first joint 721 and the second joint 722 are located at opposite ends of the second cover 700. Specifically, their projections in the front-back direction and the up-down direction do not overlap and are staggered. The second connecting structure 630 includes a first joint 631 that is combined with the first joint 721 and a second joint 632 that is combined with the second joint 722. The projection of the straight line of the information transmission part in the inclined direction is located between the first joint 721 and the second joint 722. In this way, the exposed direction of the information transmission part intersects with the inclined direction and is basically perpendicular. The reaction force received between the information transmission part and the docking part can be effectively canceled by the first connecting structure 720 and the second connecting structure 630, and the structural compactness in the direction of action can be guaranteed to avoid loosening. In this embodiment, the second joint 722 is located below the first joint 721 in the direction of gravity, and the second joint 722 is closer to the front end than the first joint 721, so that the connecting line between the two is located at the two diagonal positions of the first wall surface 814, which can enhance the firmness of the second cover 700 connected to the housing 100 or the first cover 600.

[0059] Furthermore, reveal the direction (such as) Figure 6 The direction M in the middle is perpendicular to the tilt direction, and the projection of the information transmission part in the tilt direction is located in the middle position between the first joint 721 and the second joint 722, so that the first joint 721 and the second joint 722 are subjected to uniform force.

[0060] See Figures 3 to 8 The transmission mechanism 500 includes a power receiver 510 exposed on the first cover 600 to engage with a drive member on the image forming device. The power receiver 510 is located in the opposite direction to the exposure direction of the information transmission section. In this design, the developing member 200 and the information transmission section are located on opposite sides of the power receiver 510. In this embodiment, the power receiver 510 is implemented as a power receiving gear, which has a docking portion exposed on the first cover 600. In one embodiment, the drive member can be configured as a drive half-shaft capable of lateral movement. The end of the drive half-shaft has a connecting protrusion that can engage with a corresponding recess in the docking portion. Of course, other compatible transmission structures can also be used between the drive member and the docking portion, all within the scope of implementation. The docking portion is located further away from the first sidewall 140 in the axial direction (such as the first axis, second axis, or third axis) than the location of the information transmission section. This brings the information transmission section closer to the first sidewall 140, thus avoiding the phenomenon of unstable docking caused by the offset torque outside the docking portion due to the force generated by docking.

[0061] In the preferred embodiment of the first connecting structure 720 and the second connecting structure 630, the first joining portion 721 and the second joining portion 722 are configured as a first fastener 721a and a second fastener 722a extending in the opposite direction of the second direction. The first joining portion 631 and the second joining portion 632 include a first channel 631a and a second channel 632a disposed on the first cover 600 and extending in the second direction. The first joining portion 721 can pass through the first channel 631a in the right direction and fasten in the opposite direction to the outside of the first channel 631a. Similarly, the second joining portion 722 can pass through the second channel 632a in the right direction and fasten in the opposite direction to the outside of the second channel 632a, thereby fastening the first cover 600 onto the second cover 700, thereby fixing the first cover 600 and the second cover 700 relative to each other in a fastening manner, and further fixing them to the housing 100. In addition, the first sidewall 140 has a columnar portion 170 protruding in the left direction. The inner sidewall of the columnar portion 170 is provided with a positioning surface 760 that abuts against the protruding end face of the columnar portion 170. The positioning surface 760 provides a limiting structure to indicate that the assembly is complete when the second cover 700 is fixed to the first cover 600 by the detachable connection structure, preventing the second cover 700 from being over-assembled in the left direction.

[0062] In a specific structure, see Figure 19 The columnar portion 170 includes a first cylindrical portion 171 arranged along its protruding direction and a second cylindrical portion 172 with a diameter larger than that of the first cylindrical portion 171. A positioning surface 760 is disposed on the first cylindrical portion 171. A spring member 900 is sleeved on the first cylindrical portion 171. The length of both ends of the spring member 900 in the initial state is greater than the distance between the positioning surface 760 and the second cylindrical portion 172. The spring member 900 can provide a clamping force between the second cylindrical portion 172 and the positioning surface 760, so that the first buckle 721a and the second buckle 722a fasten the second cover 700 to the first cover 600. At the same time, it makes the overall assembly structure of the second cover 700 more compact and stable, and provides a buffer margin to cope with impact collisions.

[0063] The end face of the first fastener 721a is parallel to the forward direction, and the end face of the second fastener 722a is perpendicular to the forward direction. This arrangement allows the first fastener 721a and the second fastener 722a to provide a restraining structure in the forward and backward direction and in the up and down direction, respectively, making the detachable structure more stable.

[0064] Additionally, the first buckle 721a includes a first connecting portion 721b connected to the second cover 700. The first cover 600 has a first clearance portion 633 near the first channel 631a that conforms to the outer contour of the first connecting portion 721b. The second buckle 722a includes a second connecting portion 722b connected to the second cover 700. The first cover 600 has a second clearance portion 634 near the second channel 632a that conforms to the outer contour of the first connecting portion 721b. Correspondingly, the power receiver 510 has a power receiving portion that docks with the driving member on the side opposite to the first sidewall 140. The distance between the first clearance portion 633 and the second clearance portion 634 and the first sidewall 140 in the right direction is smaller than the distance between the power receiver 510 and the first sidewall 140. The first clearance portion 633 and the second clearance portion 634 are located on the axial inner side of the docking portion of the power receiving member 510, so that the docking portion between the first cover 600 and the second cover 700 does not exceed the power receiving member 510 in the axial direction, making the overall size of the processing unit more compact. The detachable structure of the second cover 700 avoids interference with the power docking process.

[0065] Continue reading Figure 9 The first cover 600 has a positioning portion 660 extending in the rearward direction. When the processing unit is configured on the image forming device, the positioning portion 660 is located above the filling space 160 to provide a limiting force in the upward direction to restrict the second cover 700 from moving upward relative to the housing 100.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment extending the above structure, to detect whether the second cover 700 is properly assembled on the housing 100 and to ensure accurate alignment of the information transmission unit, the first sidewall 140 has at least two detection posts 180. The detection posts 180 are made of conductive material and are electrically connected to conductive components on the processing unit. These conductive components can be configured as photosensitive components 300, charging rollers, developing components 200, or powder feeding components during implementation. In a specific embodiment, the first sidewall 140 is provided with at least one electrically connected piece 190, which is electrically connected to the end of the powder feeding component to supply charge to the powder feeding component. During the process of transporting the developer, the powder feeding component causes the developer to carry a charge so that it is uniformly adsorbed on the surface of the developing component 200, thereby being transported onto the photosensitive component 300.

[0067] The second cover 700 has a conductive sheet 770, which has at least two electrical contact ends. This number matches the number of detection posts 180, for example, in... Figures 15 to 18In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive sheet 770 has a first conductive end 771 and a second conductive end 772. The detection post 180 is elastically mounted on the first sidewall 140 and can elastically protrude in the axial direction. When the second cover 700 is mounted on the housing 100, the position P1 of the first conductive end 771 corresponds to the position N1 of the first detection post 181 in the detection post 180, and the position P2 of the second conductive end 772 corresponds to the position N2 of the second detection post 182 in the detection post 180. Thus, when the two detection posts 180 are in electrical contact with the corresponding conductive ends, they form a power-on circuit on the processing unit and further feed back detection information to the processing unit or the image forming device. In the conductive state, it is identified as a normal state, while in the non-conductive state, it is identified as an abnormal state and prompts unit mismatch or other warning information.

[0068] For further details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 18 Two detection posts 180 are connected in series in the circuit where the conductive component is located. Taking the conductive component as the powder feeding component as an example, when the two detection posts 180 fail to accurately detect the corresponding conductive end on the second cover 700, the powder feeding component is in a de-energized state, which affects the powder feeding quality of the powder feeding component. Moreover, it can be quickly identified by the detection circuit in the equipment, and an abnormality can be quickly identified and dealt with without the need to set up additional detection circuits to increase costs. It is simpler and more convenient to know whether the processing unit has complete functions and effectively identify whether the second cover 700 is assembled and whether there is an assembly misalignment problem.

[0069] In other embodiments, the housing 100 also has a locking mechanism 1000 located on the first sidewall 140. The locking mechanism includes a movable member 1010 that moves about a first trajectory. The movable member 1010 is elastically movable on the first sidewall 140 and has a locking part 1011 thereon. The locking part 1011 can be engaged with one of the gears of the transmission mechanism 500 to restrict the movement of the transmission mechanism 500. In this embodiment, the locked gear can be implemented as a third gear 540. Specifically, the moving member 1010 is configured as a swing member, elastically mounted on the first sidewall 140 via a torsion spring or other elastic element. The elastic force provided by the elastic element drives the swing member to move towards the transmission mechanism 500. The swing member has a pushing part 1012 with an inclined surface, which protrudes along the axial direction away from the first sidewall 140. When the second cover 700 is assembled to the first cover 600 or the housing 100 in the right direction, the second cover 700 has an action part 780 protruding towards the first sidewall 140. The action part 780 pushes against the inclined surface of the pushing part 1012 and pushes the swing member to move away from the transmission member, thereby releasing the lock on the transmission mechanism 500. In this structure, the current usage state of the processing unit can be effectively saved and applied to new signal products, avoiding inconsistencies between the current usage state and the recorded information at the time of switching when replacing basic components in the processing unit, such as the developing component 200 and the stirring rack, during the replacement of the information transmission component 800.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and simple substitutions to the technical solutions of the present invention using the disclosed methods and techniques without departing from the scope of the present invention; all of these variations fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A processing unit, characterized in that, include: A housing includes a developer receiving chamber and a developer outlet, the housing having opposing front and rear ends in a first direction, the developer outlet being located on the front end; The developing component is rotatably mounted on the housing and located at the developer outlet; A transmission mechanism is provided on the first sidewall of the housing and the second direction, for receiving external driving force and driving the developing member to rotate, wherein the second direction is parallel to the rotation axis of the developing member; A first cover, connected to the housing to shield the transmission mechanism, has a space for filling the portion of the first sidewall exposed in the opposite direction to the second direction, the space being disposed opposite to the developer outlet in the first direction; The second cover includes a first connecting structure, and the shell and / or the first cover has a second connecting structure. The second cover is relatively fixed in the filling space by the cooperation between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure to cover the exposed part of the first sidewall. An information transmission component is disposed on the second cover and has an information transmission section for contacting an image forming device; The information transmission part is located at the rear end of the housing, and its exposure direction in the second cover is perpendicular to the second direction and biased towards the lower side of the housing.

2. The processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection structure includes a first joint and a second joint disposed opposite to each other in the third direction, the second connection structure includes a first joint corresponding to the first joint and a second joint corresponding to the second joint, and the projection of the information transmission part onto the straight line in the third direction is located between the first joint and the second joint. The second joint is located below the first joint in the direction of gravity, and the second joint is closer to the front end than the first joint.

3. The processing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exposure direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

4. The processing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a power receiver exposed on the first cover to engage with a drive member on the image forming device, the power receiver being located in the opposite direction to the exposure direction of the information transmission section.

5. The processing unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first and second joint portions are configured as a first and a second fastening strip extending in the opposite direction to the second direction. The first and second joint portions include a first channel and a second channel disposed on the first cover and extending in the second direction. The first and second fastening strips pass through the first and second channels respectively and are fastened to the second cover. The first sidewall has a columnar portion protruding along the second direction, and the inner sidewall of the second cover is provided with a positioning surface that abuts against the protruding end face of the columnar portion.

6. The processing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The columnar portion includes a first cylindrical portion arranged along its protruding direction and a second cylindrical portion with a diameter larger than that of the first cylindrical portion. The positioning surface is disposed on the first cylindrical portion, and a spring member is sleeved on the first cylindrical portion. The length of both ends of the spring member in the initial state is greater than the distance between the positioning surface and the second cylindrical portion.

7. The processing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end face of the first buckle is parallel to the first direction, and the end face of the second buckle is perpendicular to the first direction.

8. The processing unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first fastener includes a first connecting portion connected to the second cover, and the second cover has a first clearance portion near the first channel that is adapted to the outer contour of the first connecting portion; The second fastener includes a second connecting portion connected to the second cover, and the second cover has a second clearance portion near the second channel that conforms to the outer contour of the second connecting portion; The power receiving member has a power receiving portion on the side opposite to the first sidewall that docks with the driving member. The distance between the first clearance portion and the second clearance portion and the first sidewall in the second direction is both less than the distance between the power receiving portion and the first sidewall.

9. The processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first cover has a positioning portion extending in the opposite direction to the first direction, and when the processing unit is configured on the image forming device, the positioning portion is located on the upper side of the fill space.

10. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: Equipment body; The processing unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is removably mounted in the device body.

Images