Conductive part of processing box, storage unit of processing box, processing box, processing box group and image forming device

Abstract

The utility model provides a conductive part of a processing box, a storage unit of the processing box, the processing box, a processing box group and an image forming device, the conductive part comprises a first electric connection part, a second electric connection part, a third electric connection part and a fourth electric connection part, and the fourth electric connection part is electrically connected to the first electric connection part, the second electric connection part and the third electric connection part respectively; the first electric connection part is used for receiving electricity, the third electric connection part is used for outputting electricity, and the fourth electric connection part is used for conducting electricity; if the second electric connection part is used for being electrically connected with the electric input part of the storage unit of the processing box, the second electric connection part is used for outputting electricity, or if the second electric connection part is used for being electrically connected with the electric output part of the storage unit of the processing box, the second electric connection part is used for receiving electricity. The design of the utility model is beneficial to improving the reliability degree of electric connection between the device main body of the image forming device and the processing box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of printing devices, and particularly to a conductive member of a processing cartridge, a storage unit of a processing cartridge, a processing cartridge, a processing cartridge group, and an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a processing cartridge includes a storage unit, and the storage unit includes a plurality of conductive contacts. Correspondingly, the device main body of the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of conductive terminals. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the conductive contacts are electrically connected to the conductive terminals. Since an image forming apparatus is usually equipped with at least two processing cartridges, each processing cartridge includes a storage unit, and the device main body of the corresponding image forming apparatus includes at least two sets of corresponding conductive terminals. Therefore, the number of electrical connection structures of the device main body of the image forming apparatus in the prior art is large, the structural complexity of the electrical connection structure is high, and correspondingly, the reliability degree of the electrical connection work is low. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a conductive member of a processing cartridge, a storage unit of a processing cartridge, a processing cartridge, a processing cartridge group, and an image forming apparatus, which is beneficial to improving the reliability degree of the electrical connection between the device main body of the image forming apparatus and the processing cartridge.

[0004] In a first aspect of this application, a conductive member of a processing cartridge includes a first electrical connection portion, a second electrical connection portion, a third electrical connection portion, and a fourth electrical connection portion. The fourth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the third electrical connection portion respectively; the first electrical connection portion is used to receive electricity, the third electrical connection portion is used to output electricity, and the fourth electrical connection portion is used for conducting electricity; if the second electrical connection portion is used to be electrically connected to the electrical input portion of the storage unit of the processing cartridge, the second electrical connection portion is used to output electricity, or if the second electrical connection portion is used to be electrically connected to the electrical output portion of the storage unit of the processing cartridge, the second electrical connection portion is used to receive electricity.

[0005] Optionally, at least a part of the structures of at least one of the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, the third electrical connection portion, and the fourth electrical connection portion is in an arc shape, a U shape, a C shape, an Ω shape, or a straight shape.

[0006] Optionally, the fourth electrical connection portion includes a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section. The first electrical connection portion is connected to the second section through the first section, the second electrical connection portion is connected to the second section through the third section, and the third electrical connection portion is connected to the second section through the fourth section; the length extension directions of the first section, the third section, and the fourth section intersect with the length extension direction of the second section respectively.

[0007] Optionally, the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section are integrally formed, welded, or detachably connected.

[0008] Optionally, the third section is provided with a first connection hole for a first connecting member of the processing cartridge to pass through, so that the third section is connected to the cartridge body of the processing cartridge through the first connecting member.

[0009] Optionally, the fourth electrical connection portion further includes a fifth section provided with a second connection hole for a second connecting member of the processing cartridge to pass through, so that the fifth section is connected to the cartridge body of the processing cartridge through the second connecting member.

[0010] Optionally, the fifth section is integrally formed with, welded to, or detachably connected to the second section.

[0011] Optionally, the fourth electrical connection portion has a mountain-shaped structure.

[0012] Optionally, the area of the first electrical connection portion is greater than, less than, or equal to the area of the third electrical connection portion.

[0013] Optionally, the material of the conductive member is metal or conductive plastic.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present application, a storage unit of a processing cartridge is provided. The storage unit includes a substrate, an electrical input portion, an electrical output portion, and the conductive member described above; the electrical input portion and the electrical output portion are provided on the substrate.

[0015] Optionally, the number of conductive members is one, and the second electrical connection portion of the conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical input portion, or the second electrical connection portion of the conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical output portion.

[0016] Optionally, the number of conductive members is two. The second electrical connection portion of one conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical input portion, and the second electrical connection portion of the other conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical output portion.

[0017] In a third aspect of the present application, a processing cartridge is provided, including a cartridge body and the storage unit described above. The substrate of the storage unit and the conductive member of the storage unit are both connected to the cartridge body.

[0018] Optionally, at least a part of the structure of the first electrical connection portion and at least a part of the structure of the third electrical connection portion are installed outside the cartridge body, and the second electrical connection portion and the fourth electrical connection portion are provided inside the cartridge body of the processing cartridge.

[0019] Optionally, the first electrical connection portion is used to be electrically connected to a first conductive terminal of the device main body of the image forming apparatus; the first electrical connection portion is provided on an end surface of the cartridge body of the processing cartridge, the second electrical connection portion is provided on the electrical input portion of the storage unit, and the third electrical connection portion is provided on a side wall of the cartridge body of the processing cartridge.

[0020] Optionally, the first electrical connection portion of the conductive member provided in the current processing cartridge is used to be electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion of the conductive member provided in another processing cartridge; the first electrical connection portion and the third electrical connection portion are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the cartridge body of the processing cartridge; the same second electrical connection portion is disposed on the electrical input portion or the electrical output portion of the storage unit.

[0021] In a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a first processing cartridge group, which includes at least two processing cartridges described above. The third electrical connection portion of the conductive member of some processing cartridges is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion of the conductive member of another part of the processing cartridges; the first electrical connection portion of the conductive member of one of the processing cartridges that is electrically connected to the electrical input portion of the storage unit is used to be electrically connected to the first conductive terminal of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and / or, the third electrical connection portion of the conductive member of one of the processing cartridges that is electrically connected to the electrical output portion of the storage unit is used to be electrically connected to the second conductive terminal of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0022] In a fifth aspect of the present application, there is provided a second processing cartridge group, which includes a first processing cartridge and a second processing cartridge. The first processing cartridge includes a first storage unit, and the first storage unit includes a first substrate, a first electrical input portion, a first electrical output portion, and a first conductive member. The first electrical input portion and the first electrical output portion are disposed on the first substrate. The first conductive member includes a first electrical connection portion, a second electrical connection portion, a third electrical connection portion, and a fourth electrical connection portion. The fourth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the third electrical connection portion respectively. The same second electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the first electrical input portion, or the same second electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the first electrical output portion. The second processing cartridge includes a second storage unit, and the second storage unit includes a second substrate, a second electrical input portion, a second electrical output portion, and a second conductive member. The second electrical input portion and the second electrical output portion are disposed on the second substrate. The second conductive member includes a fifth electrical connection portion, a sixth electrical connection portion, a seventh electrical connection portion, and an eighth electrical connection portion. The eighth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion, the sixth electrical connection portion, and the seventh electrical connection portion respectively. The same sixth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the second electrical input portion, or the same sixth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the second electrical output portion; the first electrical connection portion is used to be electrically connected to the first conductive terminal of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and the third electrical connection portion is used to be electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion.

[0023] Optionally, the third electrical connection portion is used to be directly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion, or the third electrical connection portion is used to be indirectly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion.

[0024] Optionally, at least two second processing cartridges are provided, and the first processing cartridge and each second processing cartridge are arranged in a row. In each second processing cartridge, the third electrical connection portion is used for directly electrically connecting to the fifth electrical connection portion of the second conductive member corresponding to the second processing cartridge adjacent to the first processing cartridge; the third electrical connection portion is further used for indirectly electrically connecting to the fifth electrical connection portion of the second conductive member corresponding to the second processing cartridge far from the first processing cartridge.

[0025] In a sixth aspect of the present application, an image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a device main body, and the image forming apparatus further includes the processing cartridge group described above or includes the processing cartridge described above; the processing cartridge is detachably connected to the device main body.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the number of electrical connection structures of the device main body of the image forming apparatus is less, so that the structural complexity of the electrical connection structure of the device main body of the image forming apparatus that needs to be adapted is lower, and the working reliability degree of the electrical connection structure of the device main body of the image forming apparatus that needs to be adapted is higher. Or, the device main body of the image forming apparatus that needs to be adapted may still include the same number of electrical connection structures as the prior art, but compared with the prior art, all the first conductive terminals (positive electrodes) and second conductive terminals (negative electrodes) need to be used. Regarding the connection structure and circuit of the conductive member provided in the present application, the number of first conductive terminals (positive electrodes) that need to be used and the number of second conductive terminals (negative electrodes) that need to be used are less. For example, only one first conductive terminal (positive electrode) and one second conductive terminal (negative electrode) are used, and this setting makes the electrical connection reliability degree higher. Description of the Drawings

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0028] Figure 1a It is a schematic structural diagram of the image forming apparatus provided in the present application in a specific embodiment;

[0029] Figure 1b It is a schematic assembly structure diagram of the processing cartridge and the device main body in a specific embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 It is a schematic assembly structure diagram of the cartridge body and the circuit board in a specific embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the circuit board in a specific embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the device body in a specific embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5a Schematic structural diagram of the conductive member in a specific embodiment;

[0034] Figure 5b Schematic structural diagram of the conductive member in another specific embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6a Schematic assembly structure diagram of the conductive member and the circuit board in the first specific embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6b Schematic connection diagram of the conductive member in the first specific embodiment;

[0037] Figure 6c Circuit diagram of the storage units of four processing cartridges in the first specific embodiment;

[0038] Figure 7 Circuit diagram of the storage units of four processing cartridges in the prior art;

[0039] Figure 8a Schematic assembly structure diagram of the conductive member and the circuit board in the second specific embodiment;

[0040] Figure 8b Schematic connection diagram of the conductive member in the second specific embodiment;

[0041] Figure 8c Circuit diagram of the storage units of four processing cartridges in the second specific embodiment;

[0042] Figure 9a Schematic structural diagram of the conductive member and the circuit board in the third specific embodiment;

[0043] Figure 9b Schematic connection diagram of the conductive member in the third specific embodiment;

[0044] Figure 9c Circuit diagram of the storage units of four processing cartridges in the third specific embodiment;

[0045] Figure 10 Schematic structural diagram of the circuit board in another specific embodiment;

[0046] Figure 11 Schematic structural diagram of the circuit board in yet another specific embodiment.

[0047] Reference numerals:

[0048] 100 - Image forming apparatus;

[0049] 10 - Processing cartridge;

[0050] 1 - Cartridge body;

[0051] 2 - Circuit board;

[0052] 21 - Substrate;

[0053] 22 - Electrical input part;

[0054] 23 - Electrical output part;

[0055] 24 - First data communication electrical connection part;

[0056] 25 - First clock signal electrical connection part;

[0057] 3 - Conductive member;

[0058] 31 - First electrical connection part;

[0059] 32 - Second electrical connection part;

[0060] 33 - Third electrical connection part;

[0061] 34 - Fourth electrical connection part;

[0062] 341 - First section;

[0063] 342 - Second section;

[0064] 343 - Third section;

[0065] 343a - First connection hole;

[0066] 344 - Fourth section;

[0067] 345 - Fifth section;

[0068] 345a - Second connection hole;

[0069] 20 - Device main body;

[0070] 201 - First conductive terminal;

[0071] 202 - Second conductive terminal;

[0072] 203 - Second data communication electrical connection part;

[0073] 204 - Second clock signal electrical connection part. Detailed implementation mode

[0074] For a better understanding of the technical solution of the present application, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative efforts belong to the scope protected by the present application.

[0076] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0077] It should be understood that the term " / and" used herein is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A / and B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0078] The first aspect of the present application provides a conductive member of a processing cartridge, which relates to the technical field of image forming apparatuses.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 1a - Figure 1b As shown, the processing cartridge 10 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100. Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, the processing cartridge 10 may include a cartridge body 1 and a storage unit connected to each other. The cartridge body 1 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100. The cartridge body 1 may include a toner cartridge assembly and a waste toner cartridge assembly. The inside of the toner cartridge assembly is used to store the toner to be used, and the waste toner cartridge assembly is used to store waste toner (the toner remaining after the developing process and not transferred to the print medium). The storage unit is used to record electronic information such as the serial number information of the processing cartridge 10, the toner attribute information (such as material information and color information, etc., the physical information about the toner itself), the toner storage capacity information, and the toner remaining amount information. The storage unit may include a circuit board 2. Specifically, the circuit board 2 may be a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board. Please refer to Figure 3As shown, the circuit board 2 may include an electrically connected substrate 21 and conductive contacts. The substrate 21 may store the electronic information described above, and the conductive contacts may include an electrical input portion 22 (also known as a VCC contact) and an electrical output portion 23 (also known as a GND contact). The electrical input portion 22 is used to be electrically connected to an external circuit (a substance with conductive properties) so that the electrical input portion 22 can be used to input current. The electrical output portion 23 is used to be electrically connected to another external circuit (a substance with conductive properties) so that the electrical output portion 23 can be used to output current. Inside the substrate 21, the electrical input portion 22 and the electrical output portion 23 may be conductively connected. Under the condition that the electrical input portion 22 and the electrical output portion 23 are respectively electrically connected to their corresponding external circuits, the circuit board 2 can obtain a working current and a working voltage, that is, the circuit board 2 can complete the processing of the above-mentioned electronic information, such as information processing operations such as reading electronic information and writing electronic information.

[0080] Please refer to FIG. 1. The apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be installed with at least two processing cartridges 10. The color types of the toner stored in each processing cartridge 10 are different. The image forming apparatus 100 can mix at least two colors of toner in a certain proportion and can develop the mixed toner to form an imprint of a specific color on a printing medium. Among them, the printing medium may be plain paper or photo paper.

[0081] The following content of this article mainly describes by taking the example that the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 can be installed with four processing cartridges 10, such as a processing cartridge 10 storing black toner, a processing cartridge 10 storing blue toner, a processing cartridge 10 storing red toner, and a processing cartridge 10 storing yellow toner. In this setting, the usage requirements of the user for printing black imprints and / or color imprints can be met.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 may include a first conductive terminal 201 as a positive electrode and a second conductive terminal 202 as a negative electrode. Specifically, the first conductive terminal 201 and the second conductive terminal 202 can be used to be electrically connected to the storage units of the respective processing cartridges 10 to form a conductive loop. The following content of this article details the content of the conductive loop of the four processing cartridges 10.

[0083] The storage unit of each processing cartridge 10 further includes as Figure 5a shown a conductive member 3 and / or as Figure 5bThe conductive member 3 shown is connected to the cartridge body 1. The conductive member 3 includes a first electrical connection portion 31, a second electrical connection portion 32, a third electrical connection portion 33, and a fourth electrical connection portion 34. The fourth electrical connection portion 34 is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 31, the second electrical connection portion 32, and the third electrical connection portion 33 respectively. The first electrical connection portion 31 is used to receive electricity, the third electrical connection portion 33 is used to output electricity, and the fourth electrical connection portion 34 is used for conducting electricity.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 6a As shown, if the second electrical connection portion 32 is used to be electrically connected to the electrical input portion 22 of the storage unit of the processing cartridge 10, the second electrical connection portion 32 is used to output electricity. When the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of one of the processing cartridges 10 (for example, the first processing cartridge 10) is electrically connected to the first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201, the first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201 can be electrically connected through the first electrical connection portion 31, the second electrical connection portion 32, and the electrical input portion 22. Since the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 also needs to install the second processing cartridge 10, the third processing cartridge 10, and the fourth processing cartridge 10, the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of the second processing cartridge 10 can be electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of the first processing cartridge 10. Similarly, the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of the third processing cartridge 10 can be electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of the second processing cartridge 10. Similarly again, the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of the fourth processing cartridge 10 can be electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of the third processing cartridge 10. The above settings can form a connection structure as Figure 6b shown and a circuit as Figure 6c shown. The same first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201 is used to transmit current to the four conductive members 3, so as to transmit current to the four electrical input portions 22.

[0085] In the prior art, the conductive loop setting of the storage unit of the processing cartridge is as Figure 7 shown, and the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus that needs to be adapted needs to include four first conductive terminals (positive electrodes) and four second conductive terminals (negative electrodes).

[0086] According to the electrical connection settings of the conductive members 3 of each processing cartridge 10 as Figure 6b and as Figure 6c shown, the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be adapted can include only one first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201, that is, the complexity of the electrical connection structure of the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be adapted is relatively low and the working reliability is relatively high.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 8aAs shown, if the second electrical connection portion 32 is used to electrically connect to the electrical output portion 23 of the storage unit of the processing cartridge 10, the second electrical connection portion 32 is used to receive electricity. When the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of the processing cartridge 10 (for example, the first processing cartridge 10) is electrically connected to the second conductive terminal (negative electrode) 202, the electrical output portion 23 can be electrically connected through the second electrical connection portion 32, the third electrical connection portion 33, and the second conductive terminal (negative electrode) 202. Since the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 also needs to install the second processing cartridge 10, the third processing cartridge 10, and the fourth processing cartridge 10, the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of the second processing cartridge 10 can be electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of the first processing cartridge 10. Similarly, the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of the third processing cartridge 10 can be electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of the second processing cartridge 10. Similarly again, the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of the fourth processing cartridge 10 can be electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of the third processing cartridge 10. The above settings can form a connection structure as shown in Figure 8b and a circuit as shown in Figure 8c . The same second conductive terminal (negative electrode) 202 is used to receive the current of the four conductive members 3, thereby receiving the current output by the four electrical output portions 23.

[0088] In the prior art, the conductive circuit setting of the storage unit of the processing cartridge and the conductive terminal (electrode) is as shown in Figure 7 . The apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus that needs to be adapted needs to include four first conductive terminals (positive electrodes) and four second conductive terminals (negative electrodes).

[0089] According to the electrical connection settings of the conductive members 3 of each processing cartridge 10 as shown in Figure 8b and as shown in Figure 8c , the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be adapted can include only one second conductive terminal (negative electrode) 202, that is, the complexity of the electrical connection structure of the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be adapted is relatively low and the working reliability is relatively high.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 9a As shown, if each processing cartridge 10 includes two conductive members 3, the second electrical connection portion 32 of one of the conductive members 3 is electrically connected to the electrical input portion 22, and the second electrical connection portion 32 of the other conductive member 3 is electrically connected to the electrical output portion 23. According to the above content about the electrical connection settings of the conductive member 3, it can be deduced that a connection structure as shown in Figure 9b and a circuit as shown in Figure 9c . The same first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201 is used to transmit current to the four conductive members 3, and the same second conductive terminal (negative electrode) 202 is used to receive the current of the four conductive members 3.

[0091] In the prior art, the conductive circuit setting of the storage unit and the conductive terminal (electrode) of the processing cartridge is as Figure 7 shown. The device body of the image forming apparatus that needs to be adapted needs to include four first conductive terminals (positive electrodes) and four second conductive terminals (negative electrodes).

[0092] According to the electrical connection settings of the conductive member 3 of each processing cartridge 10 as Figure 9b and as Figure 9c shown, the device body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be adapted may only include one first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201 and one second conductive terminal (negative electrode) 202. That is, the structural complexity of the electrical connection structure of the device body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 that needs to be adapted is relatively low and the working reliability degree is relatively high.

[0093] Optionally, at least a part of the structure of at least one of the first electrical connection portion 31, the second electrical connection portion 32, the third electrical connection portion 33, and the fourth electrical connection portion 34 is arc-shaped, U-shaped, C-shaped, Ω-shaped, or straight-shaped.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b shown. If the first electrical connection portion 31, the second electrical connection portion 32, and the third electrical connection portion 33 are U-shaped, the U-shaped structure setting enables the electrical connection portion to have the performance of elastic deformation. The electrical connection portion undergoes elastic deformation due to the extrusion force during the connection process. Under the action of the elastic force, the electrical connection portion can reliably abut against the conductive substance to be connected, so that the electrical connection reliability degree is relatively high. Of course, the arc-shaped, C-shaped, or Ω-shaped structure settings also have the effect of improving the electrical connection reliability degree.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b shown. Optionally, the fourth electrical connection portion 34 includes a first section 341, a second section 342, a third section 343, and a fourth section 344. The first electrical connection portion 31 is connected to the second section 342 through the first section 341. The second electrical connection portion 32 is connected to the second section 342 through the third section 343. The third electrical connection portion 33 is connected to the second section 342 through the fourth section 344. The length extension directions of the first section 341, the third section 343, and the fourth section 344 intersect the length extension direction of the second section 342 respectively.

[0096] Among them, please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5bAs shown, the length extension direction of the first section 341, the length extension direction of the third section 343, and the length extension direction of the fourth section 344 can be perpendicular to the length extension direction of the second section 342 respectively, that is, at least part of the structure of the fourth electrical connection part 34 is in a mountain shape.

[0097] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the first section 341, the second section 342, the third section 343, and the fourth section 344 are integrally formed, welded, or detachably connected. If the first section 341, the second section 342, the third section 343, and the fourth section 344 are integrally formed, the structural strength of the fourth electrical connection part 34 is relatively high and the conductivity is good.

[0098] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the third section 343 is provided with a first connection hole 343a, and the first connection hole 343a is used for a first connecting member (not shown in the figure) of the processing cartridge 10 to pass through, so that the third section 343 is connected to the cartridge body 1 of the processing cartridge 10 through the first connecting member. In this setting, the conductive member 3 can be reliably fixed to the cartridge body 1.

[0099] Among them, the first connecting member can be a screw or a pin.

[0100] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the fourth electrical connection part 34 further includes a fifth section 345, and the fifth section 345 is provided with a second connection hole 345a, and the second connection hole 345a is used for a second connecting member (not shown in the figure) of the processing cartridge 10 to pass through, so that the fifth section 345 is connected to the cartridge body 1 of the processing cartridge 10 through the second connecting member 345a. In this setting, the conductive member 3 can be reliably fixed to the cartridge body 1.

[0101] Among them, the second connecting member can be a screw or a pin.

[0102] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the fifth section 345 is integrally formed, welded, or detachably connected to the second section 342. If the fifth section 345 is integrally formed with the second section 342, the structural strength of the fourth electrical connection part 34 is relatively high.

[0103] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the area of the first electrical connection part 31 is larger than the area of the third electrical connection part 33. This setting enables the conductive member 3 to have an anti-fooling function and reduces the possibility that the user installs the first electrical connection part 31 and the third electrical connection part 33 at the wrong positions.

[0104] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5a andFigure 5b As shown, the area of the first electrical connection portion 31 is smaller than the area of the third electrical connection portion 33. This embodiment is configured such that the conductive member 3 also has an anti-misassembly function.

[0105] Optionally, the area of the first electrical connection portion 31 is equal to the area of the third electrical connection portion 33.

[0106] Optionally, the material of the conductive member 3 is metal or conductive plastic.

[0107] In a second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a storage unit of a processing cartridge is provided. The storage unit includes a substrate 21 as Figure 3 shown, an electrical input portion 22 as Figure 3 shown, an electrical output portion 23 as Figure 3 shown, and the conductive member 3 described above. The respective connection structures, functions, and effects of the substrate 21, the electrical input portion 22, the electrical output portion 23, and the conductive member 3 have been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0108] Optionally, referring to Figure 6a and Figure 8a shown, if the storage unit includes one conductive member 3, the second electrical connection portion 32 of the conductive member 3 is electrically connected to the electrical input portion 22, or the second electrical connection portion 32 of the conductive member 3 is electrically connected to the electrical output portion 23. The related effects have been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0109] Optionally, referring to Figure 9a shown, if the storage unit includes two conductive members 3, the second electrical connection portion 32 of one conductive member 3 is electrically connected to the electrical input portion 22, and the second electrical connection portion 32 of the other conductive member 3 is electrically connected to the electrical output portion 23. The related effects have been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0110] Optionally, referring to Figure 3 shown, the storage unit may further include a first data communication electrical connection portion 24 (also known as an SDA contact or a data communication contact) and a first clock signal electrical connection portion 25 (also known as an SCL contact or a clock signal contact). The first data communication electrical connection portion 24 is used to be electrically connected to an external circuit to implement a data communication function, and the first clock signal electrical connection portion 25 is used to be electrically connected to another external circuit to implement a time recording function.

[0111] Optionally, referring to Figure 3 shown, the first data communication electrical connection portion 24 and the first clock signal electrical connection portion 25 may be located on one side of the substrate 21 where the electrical input portion 22 and the electrical output portion 23 are both provided.

[0112] Optionally, referring to Figure 10As shown, the first data communication electrical connection portion 24 and the first clock signal electrical connection portion 25 may be located on the side of the substrate 21 where only the electrical input portion 22 is provided.

[0113] Optionally, please refer to Figure 11 As shown, the first data communication electrical connection portion 24 and the first clock signal electrical connection portion 25 may be located on the side of the substrate 21 where neither the electrical input portion 22 nor the electrical output portion 23 is provided.

[0114] In the third aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a processing cartridge is provided. The processing cartridge 10 includes a cartridge body 1 and a storage unit. The substrate 21 of the storage unit and the conductive member 3 of the storage unit are both connected to the cartridge body 1. The processing cartridge 10 of the embodiments of the present application has the above technical effects regarding the conductive member 3, which will not be elaborated here.

[0115] Among them, the storage unit included in the processing cartridge 10 may include two conductive members 3 or only include one conductive member 3. The relevant connection structures have been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0116] Optionally, at least part of the structure of the first electrical connection portion 31 and at least part of the structure of the third electrical connection portion 33 are installed outside the cartridge body 1 of the processing cartridge 10. The second electrical connection portion 32 and the fourth electrical connection portion 34 are provided inside the cartridge body 1 of the processing cartridge 10. Correspondingly, the substrate 21, the electrical input portion 22, and the electrical output portion 23 are also inside the cartridge body 1. The circuit between the second electrical connection portion 32, the substrate 21, the electrical input portion 22, and the electrical output portion 23 is protected by the cartridge body 1, and the electrical connection reliability is relatively high.

[0117] Optionally, the first electrical connection portion 31, the second electrical connection portion 32, and the third electrical connection portion 33 include elastic portions, and the elastic portions are provided with protrusions. This setting enables the electrical connection portions to have the performance of elastic deformation. During the connection process, the electrical connection portions undergo elastic deformation due to the applied extrusion force. Under the action of the elastic force, the electrical connection portions can reliably abut against the conductive substances to be connected, so that the electrical connection reliability is relatively high.

[0118] Optionally, the first electrical connection portion 31 is used to electrically connect to the first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201 of the device main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100. The first electrical connection portion 31 is provided on the end face of the cartridge body 1 of the processing cartridge 10. The second electrical connection portion 32 is provided on the electrical input portion 22 of the storage unit. The third electrical connection portion 33 is provided on the side wall of the cartridge body 1 of the processing cartridge 10.

[0119] Optionally, the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 provided in the current processing cartridge 10 is used to be electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 provided in another processing cartridge 10. The first electrical connection portion 31 and the third electrical connection portion 33 are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the cartridge body 1 of the processing cartridge 10, and the same second electrical connection portion 32 is disposed on the electrical input portion 22 or the electrical output portion 23 of the storage unit.

[0120] In a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a first type of processing cartridge group is provided, including the processing cartridge 10 described above. The third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of some of the processing cartridges 10 is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of another part of the processing cartridges 10. The first electrical connection portion 31 of the conductive member 3 of one of the processing cartridges 10 that is electrically connected to the electrical input portion 22 of the storage unit is used to be electrically connected to the first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201 of the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100, and / or, the third electrical connection portion 33 of the conductive member 3 of one of the processing cartridges 10 that is electrically connected to the electrical output portion 23 of the storage unit is used to be electrically connected to the second conductive terminal (negative electrode) 202 of the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100. The related effects have been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0121] In a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a second type of processing cartridge group is provided. The processing cartridge group includes a first processing cartridge and a second processing cartridge. Both the first processing cartridge and the second processing cartridge are the processing cartridges 10 described above.

[0122] The first processing cartridge includes a first storage unit (the storage unit described above). The first storage unit includes a first substrate (the substrate 21 described above), a first electrical input portion (the electrical input portion 22 described above), a first electrical output portion (the electrical output portion 23 described above), and a first conductive member (the conductive member 3 described above). The first electrical input portion and the first electrical output portion are disposed on the first substrate. The first conductive member includes a first electrical connection portion 31, a second electrical connection portion 32, a third electrical connection portion 33, and a fourth electrical connection portion 34. The fourth electrical connection portion 34 is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 31, the second electrical connection portion 32, and the third electrical connection portion 33 respectively. The same second electrical connection portion 32 is electrically connected to the first electrical input portion 31, or the same second electrical connection portion 32 is electrically connected to the first electrical output portion 33. The related effects have been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0123] The second processing cartridge includes a second storage unit (the storage unit described above), and the second storage unit includes a second substrate (substrate 21 described above), a second electrical input portion (electrical input portion 22 described above), a second electrical output portion (electrical output portion 23 described above), and a second conductive member (conductive member 3 described above). The second electrical input portion and the second electrical output portion are disposed on the second substrate. The second conductive member includes a fifth electrical connection portion (similar to the first electrical connection portion 31 for receiving electricity), a sixth electrical connection portion (similar to the second electrical connection portion 32), a seventh electrical connection portion 33 (similar to the third electrical connection portion 33 for outputting electricity), and an eighth electrical connection portion (similar to the fourth electrical connection portion 34 for conducting electricity). The eighth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion, the sixth electrical connection portion, and the seventh electrical connection portion respectively. The same sixth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the second electrical input portion, or the same sixth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the second electrical output portion. The first electrical connection portion 31 is used to be electrically connected to the first conductive terminal (positive electrode) 201 of the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the third electrical connection portion 33 is used to be electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion. The related effects have been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0124] Optionally, the third electrical connection portion 33 is used to be directly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion 35, or the third electrical connection portion 33 is used to be indirectly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion 35.

[0125] Optionally, at least two second processing cartridges are provided, and the first processing cartridge and each second processing cartridge are arranged in a row. In each second processing cartridge, the third electrical connection portion 33 is used to be directly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion of the second conductive member corresponding to the second processing cartridge adjacent to the first processing cartridge, and the third electrical connection portion 33 is also used to be indirectly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion of the second conductive member corresponding to the second processing cartridge far from the first processing cartridge.

[0126] The sixth aspect of the present application provides an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body 20, and the image forming apparatus 100 further includes the processing cartridge group or the processing cartridge 10 described above. The processing cartridge 10 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 20. The image forming apparatus 100 of the embodiment of the present application has the technical effects described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0127] Wherein, the apparatus main body 20 includes a second data communication electrical connection portion 203 and a second clock signal electrical connection portion 204. The second data communication electrical connection portion 203 is used to be electrically connected to the first data communication electrical connection portion 24, and the second clock signal electrical connection portion 204 is used to be electrically connected to the first clock signal electrical connection portion 25.

Claims

1. A conductive member of a process box, characterized in that: include: a first electrical connection portion, a second electrical connection portion, a third electrical connection portion, and a fourth electrical connection portion; The fourth electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion and the third electrical connection portion respectively; The first electrical connection portion is used to receive electricity, the third electrical connection portion is used to output electricity, and the fourth electrical connection portion is used to conduct electricity; If the second electrical connection portion is used to electrically connect to the electrical input portion of the storage unit of the processing box, the second electrical connection portion is used to output electricity, or, if the second electrical connection portion is used to electrically connect to the electrical output portion of the storage unit of the processing box, the second electrical connection portion is used to receive electricity.

2. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of at least one of the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, the third electrical connection portion, and the fourth electrical connection portion is in an arc shape, a U shape, a C shape, an Ω shape, or a straight shape.

3. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The fourth electrical connection portion includes a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section, the first electrical connection portion is connected to the second section through the first section, the second electrical connection portion is connected to the second section through the third section, and the third electrical connection portion is connected to the second section through the fourth section; The length extension direction of the first segment, the length extension direction of the third segment, and the length extension direction of the fourth segment respectively intersect with the length extension direction of the second segment.

4. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The first section, the second section, the third section and the fourth section are integrally formed, welded or detachably connected.

5. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The third section is provided with a first connecting hole, and the first connecting hole is used to be penetrated by the first connecting piece of the processing box, so that the third section is connected to the box body of the processing box through the first connecting piece.

6. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The fourth electrical connection portion further includes a fifth section, the fifth section is provided with a second connection hole, and the second connection hole is used to be penetrated by the second connection member of the processing box, so that the fifth section is connected to the box body of the processing box through the second connection member.

7. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The fifth section is integrally formed with the second section, welded, or detachably connected.

8. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The fourth electrical connection portion is in a mountain-shaped structure.

9. The conductive member of the process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The area of ​​the first electrical connection portion is greater than that of the third electrical connection portion, or the area of ​​the first electrical connection portion is smaller than that of the third electrical connection portion, or the area of ​​the first electrical connection portion is equal to that of the third electrical connection portion.

10. The conductive member of a process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The conductive element is made of metal or conductive plastic.

11. A storage unit for a processing box, characterized in that: The storage unit comprises a substrate, an electrical input portion, an electrical output portion and a conductive member as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The electric input part and the electric output part are arranged on the substrate.

12. The storage unit according to claim 11, characterized in that The number of the conductive member is one, and the second electrical connection portion of the conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical input portion, or the second electrical connection portion of the conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical output portion.

13. The storage unit according to claim 11, characterized in that There are two conductive members, wherein the second electrical connection portion of one conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical input portion, and the second electrical connection portion of the other conductive member is electrically connected to the electrical output portion.

14. A processing box, characterized in that: It comprises a box body and the storage unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the substrate of the storage unit and the conductive member of the storage unit are both connected to the box body.

15. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein: At least a portion of the first electrical connection portion and at least a portion of the third electrical connection portion are mounted on the outside of the box body, and the second electrical connection portion and the fourth electrical connection portion are disposed within the box body of the processing box.

16. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein: The first electrical connection portion is used to electrically connect to a first conductive terminal of a device body of the image forming device; The first electrical connection portion is disposed on an end surface of the body of the process box, the second electrical connection portion is disposed on an electrical input portion of the storage unit, and the third electrical connection portion is disposed on a side wall of the body of the process box.

17. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein: The first electrical connection portion of the conductive member provided on the current process cartridge is used to be electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion of the conductive member provided on another process cartridge; The first electrical connection portion and the third electrical connection portion are respectively arranged on two opposite side walls of the box body of the processing box; The same second electrical connection is arranged at the electrical input or output of the storage unit.

18. A processing cartridge assembly, characterized in that: A process cartridge comprising at least two of claims 14 to 17, wherein the third electrical connection portion of the conductive member of some of the process cartridges is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion of the conductive member of another part of the process cartridges; The first electrical connection portion of the conductive member of one of the processing boxes electrically connected to the electrical input portion of the storage unit is used to be electrically connected to the first conductive terminal of the device body of the image forming device, and / or the third electrical connection portion of the conductive member of one of the processing boxes electrically connected to the electrical output portion of the storage unit is used to be electrically connected to the second conductive terminal of the device body of the image forming device.

19. A processing cartridge assembly, characterized in that: include: A first process cartridge, the first process cartridge comprising a first storage unit, the first storage unit comprising a first substrate, a first electrical input portion, a first electrical output portion and a first conductive member, the first electrical input portion and the first electrical output portion being arranged on the first substrate, the first conductive member comprising a first electrical connection portion, a second electrical connection portion, a third electrical connection portion and a fourth electrical connection portion, the fourth electrical connection portion being electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion and the third electrical connection portion, respectively, the same second electrical connection portion being electrically connected to the first electrical input portion, or the same second electrical connection portion being electrically connected to the first electrical output portion; A second process cartridge, the second process cartridge comprising a second storage unit, the second storage unit comprising a second substrate, a second electrical input portion, a second electrical output portion, and a second conductive member, the second electrical input portion and the second electrical output portion being disposed on the second substrate, the second conductive member comprising a fifth electrical connection portion, a sixth electrical connection portion, a seventh electrical connection portion, and an eighth electrical connection portion, the eighth electrical connection portion being electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion, the sixth electrical connection portion, and the seventh electrical connection portion, respectively, the same sixth electrical connection portion being electrically connected to the second electrical input portion, or the same sixth electrical connection portion being electrically connected to the second electrical output portion; The first electrical connection portion is used to be electrically connected to a first conductive terminal of a device body of the image forming device, and the third electrical connection portion is used to be electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion.

20. The process cartridge assembly according to claim 19, wherein: The third electrical connection portion is used to be directly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion, or the third electrical connection portion is used to be indirectly electrically connected to the fifth electrical connection portion.

21. The process cartridge assembly according to claim 19, wherein: At least two second process boxes are provided, and the first process box and each of the second process boxes are arranged in a row, and in each of the second process boxes, the third electrical connection portion is used to directly electrically connect with the fifth electrical connection portion of the second conductive member corresponding to the second process box adjacent to the first process box; The third electrical connection portion is also used to indirectly electrically connect to a fifth electrical connection portion of a second conductive member corresponding to the second process box away from the first process box.

22. An image forming device, characterized in that: The image forming device includes a device body, and the image forming device also includes a process cartridge set as described in any one of claims 18 to 21 or includes a process cartridge as described in any one of claims 14 to 17; The processing box is detachably connected to the device main body.

Images