Processing box

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electrophotographic imaging, and provides a processing box. The processing box is used for being detachably installed on a main assembly of the imaging equipment, the imaging equipment comprises a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism comprises a driving main body and a damping device located in the driving main body, the processing box comprises a shell, a photosensitive drum, a coupler and a resistance mechanism, and the photosensitive drum is rotatably arranged on the shell; the coupler is used for connecting the driving main body and is connected with one end of the photosensitive drum; the resistance mechanism is configured to act on the photosensitive drum so as to adjust the rotating torque of the photosensitive drum under the condition that the photosensitive drum rotates relative to the shell. According to the processing box provided by the embodiment of the invention, the resistance mechanism can directly act on the photosensitive drum, consumes part of motion energy, weakens the vibration amplitude when the photosensitive drum rotates, improves the rotation stability of the photosensitive drum, improves the rotation synchronism of the photosensitive drum and the driving mechanism of the imaging equipment, and further improves the imaging quality and the printing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic photographic imaging technology, and in particular to a processing box. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a brake component is provided on the coupling of the process cartridge, connecting to an energy-dissipating structure within the imaging device, such as a damping device. This allows the imaging device's drive mechanism to simultaneously rotate the energy-dissipating structure while driving the coupling. However, the brake component's complex structure increases manufacturing difficulties, and it is susceptible to deformation and damage during printing, increasing maintenance costs. Eliminating the brake component can lead to unstable rotation of the photosensitive drum and poor synchronization with the drive mechanism. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present application contemplate a process cartridge having a resistance mechanism that can directly act on a photosensitive drum to provide a damping effect, thereby adjusting the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum when it rotates relative to a housing. The process cartridge is configured to be detachably mounted on a main assembly of an imaging device, wherein the imaging device includes a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism including a drive body and a damping device located within the drive body. The process cartridge includes:

[0004] case;

[0005] a photosensitive drum rotatably disposed on the housing;

[0006] a coupling, used for connecting the driving body, the coupling being connected to one end of the photosensitive drum;

[0007] The resistance mechanism is configured to act on the photosensitive drum to adjust a rotational torque when the photosensitive drum rotates relative to the housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism includes:

[0009] The pressing block assembly comprises a fixed portion and an abutting portion which are fixedly connected. The fixed portion is arranged on the shell, and the abutting portion abuts against at least one end of the photosensitive drum.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connection between the fixing portion and the housing is a snap connection, a fastener connection, an adhesive connection, or an integrally formed connection.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fixing portion and the abutting portion are an integrally formed part, and the pressing block assembly is made of an elastic material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fixing portion and the abutting portion are separate parts, and the abutting portion is made of a wear-resistant material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the abutting surface of the abutting portion facing the photosensitive drum is a rough surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism includes:

[0015] The damping gasket is arranged at at least one end of the photosensitive drum and is sandwiched between the end of the photosensitive drum and the shell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the damping gasket is made of elastic material.

[0017] In some embodiments, the damping gasket is made of a wear-resistant material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the damping gasket includes a gasket body and a wear-resistant layer, the wear-resistant layer faces the photosensitive drum, and the wear-resistant layer is made of a wear-resistant material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the contact surface of the damping gasket facing the photosensitive drum is a rough surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, an insertion port is formed at the end of the photosensitive drum, and the resistance mechanism includes:

[0021] A damper is provided at at least one end of the photosensitive drum, and at least a portion of the damper is located in the insertion port.

[0022] In some embodiments, one end of the photosensitive drum is connected to the coupling via the damper; or one end of the photosensitive drum is connected to the housing via the damper.

[0023] In some embodiments, one of the coupling and the damper has a limiting groove, and the other of the coupling and the damper has a limiting block, and the limiting block is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0024] In some embodiments, the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum is 0.5-1.5 kgf.cm.

[0025] In the process cartridge provided by the embodiments of the present application, when the photosensitive drum vibrates significantly after receiving a driving force, thereby affecting image quality, for example, when the coupling lacks a braking portion to connect to the energy-consuming structure of the imaging device, or when other circumstances render the imaging device's damping device incapable of performing its damping function, the resistance device can provide a damping effect on the photosensitive drum. The resistance mechanism can directly act on the photosensitive drum, consuming some of the kinetic energy, reducing the vibration amplitude of the photosensitive drum during rotation, improving the rotational stability of the photosensitive drum, and enhancing the synchronization of the rotation of the photosensitive drum with the driving mechanism of the imaging device, thereby improving image quality and printing quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the structure of a processing box in one embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the process box shown;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of point A;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the resistance mechanism, photosensitive drum and coupling in one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of point B;

[0031] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the resistance mechanism, photosensitive drum and coupling in another embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of point C.

[0033] Description of Reference Numerals

[0034] 100, processing box; 10, shell; 10a, bayonet; 10b, mounting groove; 20, coupling; 20a, limit groove; 30, photosensitive drum; 30a, plug interface; 31, plug; 40, resistance mechanism; 41, pressure block assembly; 411, fixing portion; 4111, buckle; 412, abutment portion; 4121, abutment surface; 42, gasket; 42a, socket; 43, damper; 431, limit block; 432, plug-in portion; 50, charging roller; X, axial direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, orientations or positional relationships such as "axial" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these orientation terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this application and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. The application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood in specific circumstances.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature “on” a second feature may mean that the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact via an intermediate medium.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "some embodiments", "exemplarily", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in this application and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0040] In the prior art, a brake component is provided on the coupling of the process cartridge, connecting to an energy-dissipating structure within the imaging device, such as a damping device. This allows the imaging device's drive mechanism to simultaneously rotate the coupling and the energy-dissipating structure. During rotation, the energy-dissipating structure acts as a damper on the photosensitive drum via the coupling. However, the brake component is complex and difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, it is susceptible to deformation and damage during printing, increasing maintenance costs. Eliminating the brake component can lead to unstable rotation of the photosensitive drum and poor synchronization with the drive mechanism.

[0041] In view of this, please see Figure 1-Figure 3An embodiment of the present application provides a process cartridge 100 for removably mounting on a main assembly of an imaging device. The imaging device includes a drive mechanism, which includes a drive body and a damping device located within the drive body. The process cartridge 100 includes a housing 10, a photosensitive drum 30, a coupling 20, and a resistance mechanism 40. The photosensitive drum 30 is rotatably mounted on the housing 10; the coupling 20 is used to connect to the drive mechanism of the imaging device and is connected to one end of the photosensitive drum 30. The resistance mechanism 40 is configured to act on the photosensitive drum 30 to adjust the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30 when the photosensitive drum 30 rotates relative to the housing 10. It is understood that the coupling 20 is connected to the drive body and is not connected to the damping device, and therefore does not receive the damping effect of the damping device in the drive mechanism. It is also understood that the damping device is a damping device in the drive mechanism and is different from the damper 43 included in the process cartridge 100 described below.

[0042] The imaging device can be any type of imaging device such as a printer, a copier, or a fax machine. The embodiment of the present application is described by taking the imaging device as a printer as an example. The coupling 20 is used to connect the driving mechanism of the imaging device and the photosensitive drum 30, so that the driving mechanism can rotate by driving the coupling 20, thereby driving the photosensitive drum 30 to rotate. The housing 10 can provide installation space for the coupling 20, the photosensitive drum 30 and the resistance mechanism 40. The housing 10 can be detachably connected to the imaging device. For example, the housing 10 can be snap-connected to the imaging device to achieve installation and disassembly. The housing 10 has two mounting grooves 10b, and the two ends of the photosensitive drum 30 are rotatably arranged in the mounting grooves 10b. The photosensitive drum 30 has a cylindrical body extending in a straight line, and the photosensitive drum 30 can provide toner for printing to the printing paper to form an image. Illustratively, the processing box 100 also includes a charging roller 50 for charging the photosensitive drum 30 so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is uniformly charged with positive or negative charge, forming an electrostatic latent image through exposure, and forming a high-resolution image on the paper after development, transfer, fixing, and cleaning.

[0043] The resistance mechanism 40 can achieve damping on the photosensitive drum 30 in any manner. For example, it can abut against or press against the photosensitive drum 30 to reduce the vibration amplitude of the photosensitive drum 30, improve the rotational stability of the photosensitive drum 30, and control the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30. The resistance mechanism can act on the photosensitive drum 30 at any location, as long as it can provide damping and avoid the imaging position of the photosensitive drum 30 to avoid affecting the imaging effect. For example, it can act on the ends of the cylindrical body of the photosensitive drum 30 along the axial direction X, or on the outer peripheral surface along the radial direction, avoiding the imaging position of the photosensitive drum 30. It is understood that the resistance effect of the resistance mechanism 40 on the photosensitive drum 30 is controlled to provide damping and improve the rotational stability of the photosensitive drum 30, while also ensuring that the resistance provided is not excessive enough to prevent the photosensitive drum 30 from rotating normally.

[0044] The rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30 is controlled by controlling the force provided by the resistance mechanism. For example, the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30 is 0.5-1.5 kgf.cm (kilogram-force centimeters). For example, the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30 can be 0.5 kgf.cm, 0.6 kgf.cm, 0.7 kgf.cm, 0.8 kgf.cm, 0.9 kgf.cm, 1.0 kgf.cm, 1.1 kgf.cm, 1.2 kgf.cm, 1.3 kgf.cm, 1.4 kgf.cm, or 1.5 kgf.cm, etc. This prevents excessive rotational torque from affecting the normal rotation of the photosensitive drum 30 and the imaging quality. It also reduces the possibility of excessive rotational torque causing poor rotational stability of the photosensitive drum 30 and poor synchronization with the driving mechanism in the imaging device, which can affect the imaging quality.

[0045] In the process cartridge 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application, when the photosensitive drum 30 vibrates significantly after receiving a driving force, thereby affecting the image quality, for example, when the coupling 20 lacks a braking portion to connect to the energy-consuming structure of the imaging device, or when other circumstances render the imaging device's damping device incapable of performing its damping function, the resistance device can provide a damping effect on the photosensitive drum 30. The resistance mechanism 40 can directly act on the photosensitive drum 30, consuming some of the kinetic energy, reducing the vibration amplitude of the photosensitive drum 30 during rotation, improving the rotational stability of the photosensitive drum 30, and enhancing the synchronization of the rotation of the photosensitive drum 30 with the driving mechanism of the imaging device, thereby improving the image quality and printing quality.

[0046] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism 40 includes a pressure block assembly 41, which includes a fixed portion 411 and an abutting portion 412 that are fixedly connected. The fixed portion 411 is provided on the housing 10, and the abutting portion 412 abuts at least one end of the photosensitive drum 30. In this way, the abutting portion 412 can provide resistance to the photosensitive drum 30, consume the kinetic energy of the photosensitive drum 30, reduce the vibration amplitude of the photosensitive drum 30, improve the rotational stability of the photosensitive drum 30, control the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30, and improve the rotational synchronization between the photosensitive drum 30 and the drive mechanism, thereby improving imaging quality and printing quality.

[0047] In some embodiments, the connection between the fixing portion 411 and the housing 10 is a snap connection, a fastener connection, an adhesive connection, or an integrally formed connection, so as to achieve a stable connection between the fixing portion 411 and the housing.

[0048] Exemplarily, the fixing portion 411 is attached to the housing 10 by means of fixing glue, which facilitates installation and removal and has low cost.

[0049] Illustratively, the fixing portion 411 and the housing 10 are integrally formed, which can improve the connection strength between the fixing portion 411 and the housing 10 and reduce the possibility of the fixing portion 411 being disconnected from the housing 10 due to jamming during the rotation of the photosensitive drum 30 .

[0050] Exemplarily, the fixing portion 411 is fixedly mounted on the housing 10 by a fastener. For example, the fastener is a bolt, and both the housing 10 and the fixing portion 411 have mounting openings for the bolts, which are connected by screwing to improve installation convenience and facilitate subsequent maintenance and replacement.

[0051] For example, the housing 10 and the fixing portion 411 are connected by snapping, one of the housing 10 and the fixing portion 411 has a snap 10a, and the other of the housing 10 and the fixing portion 411 has a buckle 4111, and the buckle 4111 and the snap 10a can be snapped together. Figure 3 The housing 10 has a bayonet 10 a and the fixing portion 411 has a buckle 4111 .

[0052] For example, the fixing portion 411 and the contact portion 412 may be integrally formed, which can improve the overall structural strength of the fixing portion 411 and the contact portion 412 and reduce the possibility of the contact portion 412 becoming stuck and disconnected from the fixing portion 411 during rotation of the photosensitive drum 30. The pressure block assembly 41 is made of an elastic material that can elastically deform to be clamped between the housing 10 and the photosensitive drum 30. The pressure block assembly 41 can be made of rubber, PU (polyurethane), or silicone, etc., which can reduce damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 and also provide a cushioning and shock-absorbing effect.

[0053] Exemplarily, the fixing portion 411 and the abutting portion 412 can be manufactured as separate parts, and the fixing portion 411 and the abutting portion 412 are separate parts. When wear occurs after long-term use, there is no need to replace the entire pressure block assembly 41, only the abutting portion 412 needs to be replaced, which can reduce maintenance costs. The fixing portion 411 and the abutting portion 412 can be set to different materials as needed. The material of the fixing portion 411 can be selected from hard plastic or metal, alloy, etc. with high structural strength; the material of the abutting portion 412 is a wear-resistant material, for example, PET or felt can be used to increase friction resistance, reduce damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, and reduce the possibility of damage to the photosensitive drum 30.

[0054] For some examples, see Figure 3 The contact portion 412 has a contact surface 4121 that contacts the photosensitive drum 30. The contact surface 4121 is made of a wear-resistant material, such as PET or felt, to increase friction resistance, reduce damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, and reduce the possibility of damage to the photosensitive drum 30.

[0055] In some embodiments, the abutting surface of the abutting portion facing the photosensitive drum is a rough surface, which is processed with sandpaper or other rough materials to become rougher, thereby increasing friction resistance.

[0056] For some examples, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The resistance mechanism 40 includes a damping pad 42, which is disposed at at least one end of the photosensitive drum 30 and sandwiched between the end of the photosensitive drum 30 and the housing 10. For example, the damping pad 42 can be attached to the end of the photosensitive drum 30 by fixing glue, or attached to the housing 10 corresponding to the end of the photosensitive drum 30.

[0057] Exemplarily, the damping gasket 42 is disposed at one end of the photosensitive drum 30 away from the coupling 20 . The photosensitive drum 30 has an end surface away from the coupling 20 along the axial direction X, and the gasket 42 is sandwiched between the end surface and the housing 10 .

[0058] For example, see Figure 5 The damping gasket 42 is arranged at the end of the photosensitive drum 30 away from the coupling 20. The gasket 42 has a socket 42a. The end surface of the photosensitive drum 30 away from the coupling 20 along the axial direction X has a plug 31. The plug 31 can pass through the socket 42a and be installed in the installation groove 10b.

[0059] In some embodiments, the damping gasket 42 is made of an elastic material that can elastically deform to provide a damping effect between the housing 10 and the end of the photosensitive drum 30, absorbing some of the energy of the photosensitive drum 30's movement, improving the rotational stability of the photosensitive drum 30 and thereby enhancing imaging quality. The damping gasket 42 can be made of rubber, polyurethane (PU), or silicone, etc., and can reduce damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 while also providing a cushioning and shock-absorbing effect.

[0060] In some embodiments, the damping pad 42 is made of a wear-resistant material. This facilitates controlling the resistance provided by the pad 42 to the photosensitive drum 30, thereby controlling the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30 and improving the synchronization between the photosensitive drum 30 and the drive mechanism. For example, the damping pad 42 can be made of PET or felt to increase frictional resistance and reduce the possibility of damage to the photosensitive drum 30.

[0061] In other embodiments, the damping gasket 42 includes a gasket body and a wear-resistant layer. The wear-resistant layer faces the photosensitive drum 30. The wear-resistant layer is made of a wear-resistant material, such as PET or felt, to increase friction resistance and reduce the possibility of damage to the photosensitive drum 30.

[0062] In other embodiments, the contact surface of the damping gasket facing the photosensitive drum is a rough surface, which is processed with sandpaper or other rough materials to become rougher to increase friction resistance.

[0063] For some examples, see Figure 6-Figure 7The photosensitive drum 30 has an insertion port 30a formed at its end. The resistance mechanism 40 includes a damper 43, which is disposed at at least one end of the photosensitive drum 30, with at least a portion of the damper 43 located within the insertion port 30a. This allows the photosensitive drum 30 and the damper 43 to rotate synchronously, improving the stability of the connection between the damper 43 and the photosensitive drum 30. For example, the specifications and parameters of the damper 43 can be adaptively selected based on the resistance required to control the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 30 within a range of 0.5 to 1.5 kgf.cm.

[0064] For some examples, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The resistance mechanism 40 includes a damper 43, which is provided at either end of the photosensitive drum 30. The end of the photosensitive drum 30 connected to the damper 43 is provided on the housing 10 or the coupling 20 through the damper 43. For example, one end of the photosensitive drum 30 is connected to the coupling 20 through the damper 43. The damper 43 acts as a damper between the coupling 20 and the photosensitive drum 30, and the coupling 20 drives the photosensitive drum 30 to rotate through the damper 43. In other embodiments, one end of the photosensitive drum 30 is connected to the housing 10 through the damper 43. A damper refers to a device that can provide resistance to movement and dissipate movement energy.

[0065] In some embodiments, one of the coupling 20 and the damper 43 has a limiting groove 20a, and the other of the coupling 20 and the damper 43 has a limiting block 431, which is inserted into the limiting groove 20a. For example, see Figure 1-Figure 2 as well as Figure 6-Figure 7 The coupling 20 has a limiting groove 20a, and the damper 43 includes a limiting block 431, which is inserted into the limiting groove 20a. In this way, the coupling 20 and the damper 43 can rotate synchronously, further improving the stability of the connection between the damper 43 and the coupling 20.

[0066] The embodiment of the present application further provides an imaging device, comprising a main assembly and any of the above-mentioned process cartridges 100, wherein the process cartridge 100 is detachably mounted on the main assembly. The imaging device provided by the present application has the same advantageous effects as the above-mentioned process cartridges 100.

[0067] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A process cartridge for detachably mounting on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, characterized in that: The imaging device includes a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism includes a driving body and a damping device located in the driving body, and the process cartridge includes: case; a photosensitive drum rotatably disposed on the housing; a coupling, used for connecting the driving body, the coupling being connected to one end of the photosensitive drum; The resistance mechanism is configured to act on the photosensitive drum to adjust a rotational torque when the photosensitive drum rotates relative to the housing.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The resistance mechanism comprises: The pressing block assembly comprises a fixed portion and an abutting portion which are fixedly connected. The fixed portion is arranged on the shell, and the abutting portion abuts against at least one end of the photosensitive drum.

3. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The connection between the fixing portion and the housing is a snap connection, a fastener connection, an adhesive connection or an integrally formed connection.

4. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing portion and the abutting portion are integrally formed, and the pressing block assembly is made of elastic material; or, The contact surface of the contact portion facing the photosensitive drum is a rough surface; or The fixing portion and the abutting portion are separate parts, and the abutting portion is made of a wear-resistant material.

5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The resistance mechanism comprises: The damping gasket is arranged at at least one end of the photosensitive drum and is sandwiched between the end of the photosensitive drum and the shell.

6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: The material of the damping gasket is elastic material; or, The material of the damping gasket is wear-resistant material; or, The damping gasket includes a gasket body and a wear-resistant layer, the wear-resistant layer faces the photosensitive drum, and the material of the wear-resistant layer is a wear-resistant material; or, The contact surface of the damping pad facing the photosensitive drum is a rough surface.

7. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein An insertion port is formed at the end of the photosensitive drum, and the resistance mechanism includes: A damper is provided at at least one end of the photosensitive drum, and at least a portion of the damper is located in the insertion port.

8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: One end of the photosensitive drum is connected to the coupling through the damper; or one end of the photosensitive drum is connected to the housing through the damper.

9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein One of the coupling and the damper has a limiting groove, and the other of the coupling and the damper has a limiting block, and the limiting block is inserted into the limiting groove.

10. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The rotation torque of the photosensitive drum is 0.5 to 1.5 kgf.cm.

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