Processing box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a processing box which comprises a developing box and a drum assembly, the developing box comprises a box body, a developing roller and a box driving head, the box body is provided with a first end and a second end in a first direction and a third end and a fourth end in a second direction, the developing roller can rotate around a first axis extending along the first direction, and the box driving head is arranged at the first end; a developing gear is arranged at the first end of the developing roller; the box driving head comprises a box power receiving part and a box driving gear; the drum assembly comprises a drum frame used for accommodating the developing box, a photosensitive drum rotating along a second axis extending along a first direction and a drum chip arranged on the outer surface of a first side wall of the drum assembly, the drum frame is provided with a first side wall and a second side wall in the first direction, and the photosensitive drum is provided with a drum gear at a first end and a drum gear at a second end; the drum chip comprises a drum electric contact surface arranged towards a first direction; the drum gear can receive the driving force transmitted by the cartridge driving head to rotate together with the photosensitive drum, and the drum electric contact surface is farther from the photosensitive drum relative to the drum gear in the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of image forming device, especially a processing box. BACKGROUND

[0002] Image forming devices form images on recording materials by using electrophotographic imaging types. Image forming devices include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), facsimile machines, etc. Generally, image forming devices have detachable processing boxes for providing printing consumables (toner) to the image forming devices to complete the imaging process.

[0003] The processing box is usually composed of a drum assembly and a developing box mounted on the drum assembly. The drum assembly contains a photosensitive drum, which is the core component in the image forming process, responsible for receiving image information and converting it into a visible image. The developing box contains toner (usually carbon powder) for converting the latent electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum into a visible toner image.

[0004] However, the drum assembly of the conventional processing box is usually provided with a drum drive head for receiving the driving of the photosensitive drum by the image forming device, which has some inherent problems and limitations in design. First, the introduction of the drum drive head increases the complexity and manufacturing cost of the drum assembly; second, the presence of the drum drive head also increases the overall weight and volume of the device, which is not conducive to the lightweight and miniaturization design of the device.

[0005] Therefore, a technical solution is needed to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0006] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a processing box to solve the above technical problems.

[0007] In order to achieve its purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical scheme:

[0008] A processing box, comprising a developing box and a drum assembly, the processing box being detachably mounted in an image forming device, the developing box comprising:

[0009] a box body having a first end and a second end in a first direction, and a third end and a fourth end in a second direction;

[0010] a developing roller capable of rotating around a first axis extending in the first direction, provided with a developing gear at the first end;

[0011] a box drive head provided at the first end, comprising a box power receiving part and a box drive gear;

[0012] The drum assembly comprises:

[0013] A drum frame for detachably accommodating the developing cartridge, having a first side wall and a second side wall in a first direction;

[0014] A drum gear wheel rotatable along a second axis extending in the first direction, at a position close to the first side wall;

[0015] A drum chip disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall, the drum chip comprising a drum electrical contact surface facing the first direction;

[0016] The drum gear wheel is capable of receiving a driving force transmitted by the cartridge driving head and rotating together with the photosensitive drum, the drum electrical contact surface being farther away from the photosensitive drum than the drum gear wheel in the first direction.

[0017] Preferably, the developing gear wheel is capable of receiving a driving force transmitted by the cartridge driving gear wheel and driving the developing roller to rotate, the developing gear wheel being capable of engaging with the drum gear wheel.

[0018] Preferably, the drum gear wheel engaging with the developing gear wheel has a diameter greater than that of the photosensitive drum, and the developing gear wheel has a diameter smaller than that of the developing roller.

[0019] Preferably, the drum gear wheel is a two-stage gear wheel comprising a first drum gear wheel and a second drum gear wheel, the drum assembly further comprising a cleaning roller, the cleaning roller engaging with the first drum gear wheel through a cleaning gear wheel, and the developing gear wheel engaging with the second drum gear wheel.

[0020] Preferably, the drum assembly has a force applying assembly, and the developing cartridge has a pushing assembly capable of abutting against the force applying assembly, when the developing cartridge is installed on the drum assembly, the force applying assembly applies a pushing force to the developing cartridge in a second direction towards the photosensitive drum through the pushing assembly, so that the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum;

[0021] The cartridge driving head drives the developing roller to rotate through the cartridge driving gear wheel, and drives the photosensitive drum to rotate together through the friction force between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0022] The drum assembly further comprises a cleaning roller for cleaning the photosensitive drum, the drum gear wheel is a one-stage gear wheel, and when the developing roller drives the photosensitive drum through the friction force, the drum gear wheel rotates together with the photosensitive drum and drives the cleaning roller.

[0023] Preferably, the photosensitive drum further has a drum driving head at the first end, and the drum gear wheel is disposed between the drum driving head and the photosensitive drum in the first direction.

[0024] The drum driving head has a drum driving gear wheel, and the drum driving head is capable of receiving a driving force of the image forming apparatus and rotating relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0025] Preferably, the developing gear is capable of receiving the driving force transmitted by the drum driving gear, and in turn driving the developing roller to rotate.

[0026] Preferably, the developing cartridge further comprises a powder feeding roller having a powder feeding gear at a first end, the developing gear is a two-stage gear comprising a large-diameter developing gear and a small-diameter developing gear, in a first direction, the large-diameter developing gear is farther away from the developing roller than the small-diameter developing gear, the large-diameter developing gear is engaged with the drum driving gear, and the small-diameter developing gear transmits the driving force to the powder feeding gear.

[0027] Preferably, the developing cartridge comprises a first transmission gear and a second transmission gear disposed at the first end and engaged with each other, the first transmission gear is engaged with the drum gear, and the second transmission gear is engaged with the cartridge driving head.

[0028] The cartridge driving head drives the photosensitive drum to rotate through the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear.

[0029] Preferably, in a second direction, the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear are located between the drum electrical contact surface and the cartridge driving head.

[0030] In a first direction, a projection of the first transmission gear at least partially overlaps the developing gear.

[0031] The processing cartridge in the present application effectively reduces the number of components of the drum assembly by canceling the drum driving head, simplifies the assembly process, and thus significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of the drum assembly. At the same time, it also reduces the maintenance and replacement cost caused by the failure of the drum driving head.

[0032] In addition, since the drum driving head, which is a relatively large component in terms of weight and volume, is canceled, the present application provides more possibilities for lightweight and small design of the equipment, which is conducive to meeting the demand for space occupation and portability of office equipment in modern office environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical scheme of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drum assembly in the prior art;

[0035] Figure 2is a partial perspective view of a first side wall of a drum assembly in the prior art;

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge in the prior art;

[0037] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a first end of a developer cartridge in the prior art;

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second end of a developer cartridge in the prior art;

[0039] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first end of a developer cartridge and drum assembly in embodiment one;

[0040] Figure 7 is a partial view of a developer cartridge driving a drum assembly in embodiment one; Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 8 is a partial view of a developer cartridge driving a drum assembly in embodiment one; Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a first end of a developer cartridge and drum assembly in embodiment two;

[0043] Figure 10 is a partial view of a developer cartridge driving a drum assembly in embodiment two; Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 11 is a partial view of a developer cartridge driving a drum assembly in embodiment two; Figure 2 ;

[0045] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a first end of a developer cartridge in embodiment three;

[0046] Figure 13 is a schematic view of a gear arrangement at a first end of a developer cartridge in embodiment three;

[0047] Figure 14 is a partial view of a photosensitive drum in embodiment three; Figure 1 ;

[0048] Figure 15 is a partial view of a photosensitive drum in embodiment three; Figure 2 ;

[0049] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge and drum assembly in embodiment three;

[0050] Figure 17 is a partial view of a gear arrangement of a drive head of a drive drum driving a developer cartridge in embodiment three;

[0051] Figure 18 is a partial view of the drum assembly driven by the cartridge power receiving portion in this embodiment three;

[0052] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge in this embodiment four;

[0053] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the drum assembly in this embodiment four;

[0054] Figure 21 is a partial view of the developing cartridge cooperating with the drum assembly in this embodiment four.

[0055] In the figure: 1, developing cartridge; 11, first end; 12, second end; 13, third end; 14, fourth end; 15, fifth end; 16, sixth end; 17, stirring frame; 18, first chip; 181, first electrical contact surface; 19, second chip; 191, second electrical contact surface; 111, first cover; 112, assembly; 1121, first guided portion; 1122, first push portion; 131, developing roller; 132, powder outlet knife; 133, powder feeding roller; 121, second guided portion; 122, second push portion; 123, powder filling port; 151, friction portion; 2, drum assembly; 21, first side wall; 22, second side wall; 211, first guide rail; 212, first force applying member; 24, drum chip; 241, drum electrical contact surface; 25, photosensitive drum; 251, first drum gear; 252, second drum gear; 26, cleaning roller; 261, cleaning gear; 27, drum driving head; 271, drum driving gear; 30, first support; 31, second support; 32, cartridge chip; 321, cartridge electrical contact surface; 40, cartridge driving head; 401, cartridge power receiving portion; 402, cartridge driving gear; 41, developing gear; 42, powder feeding gear; 43, third transmission gear; 44, stirring gear; 45, first transmission gear; 46, second transmission gear; 47, fourth transmission gear; 48, idler. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The utility model will be described in further detail below in connection with the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the utility model, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of the utility model.

[0057] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second" and the like in the description and in the claims are used for descriptive purposes only and do not necessarily connote an ordering, or imply a relative importance of, the described features. Thus, a feature described as "first" can imply that the feature is either the first in a sequence or that the feature is the first of one or more such features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0058] In the present application, unless specifically defined and limited otherwise, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "fixed" and the like should be interpreted broadly, for example, can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integrated; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection or communication with each other; can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through intermediate medium, can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless specifically defined otherwise. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0059] In the present application, unless specifically defined and limited otherwise, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature. The first and second features can be in direct contact, or the first and second features can be in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "above" and "above" the second feature can be directly above or obliquely above the first feature, or only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "below" and "below" the second feature can be directly below or obliquely below the first feature, or only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0060] In the above description, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" 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 present application. In the description, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or features of different embodiments or examples described in the specification without contradiction.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 5 A processing cartridge, which stores a developer therein, is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is capable of performing an image forming operation using the developer in the processing cartridge.

[0062] In the present specification, in order to better describe the various components of the process cartridge, the left-right direction of the process cartridge is defined as the first direction, the front-rear direction of the process cartridge is defined as the second direction, and the up-down direction of the process cartridge is defined as the third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0063] The process cartridge includes a developing cartridge 1 and a drum assembly 2 for carrying the developing cartridge 1, and the developing cartridge 1 is detachably installed in the drum assembly 2.

[0064] The drum assembly 2 includes a drum frame and a photosensitive drum 25, the drum frame is in the same direction as the process cartridge, the drum frame has a first side wall 21 and a second side wall 22 in the first direction, and the photosensitive drum 25 is rotatably supported by the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22. The photosensitive drum 25 receives the developer provided by the developing cartridge 1 to form an electrostatic latent image.

[0065] The drum assembly 2 also uses guide rails for guiding the correct installation of the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, a first guide rail 211 is provided at the first side wall 21, and a second guide rail is provided at the second side wall 22. Both the first guide rail 211 and the second guide rail are arc-shaped openings for guiding the smooth installation of the developing cartridge 1 to the drum assembly 2.

[0066] The drum assembly 2 also includes a force applying assembly for applying a pushing force to the developing cartridge 1 when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, so that the photosensitive drum 25 is in contact with the developing roller 131 of the developing cartridge 1 and more stably receives the developer. Specifically, the force applying assembly includes a first force applying member 212 disposed near the first side wall 21 and a second force applying member disposed near the second side wall 22. Both the first force applying member 212 and the second force applying member are connected to an elastic member and are movable relative to the photosensitive drum 25. The first force applying member 212 and the second force applying member can apply a pushing force to the developing cartridge 1 along the second direction towards the photosensitive drum 25, so that the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 25 are in contact.

[0067] The drum assembly 2 is also provided with a drum chip 24, and the drum chip 24 stores corresponding information of the drum assembly 2, such as the new / old / model information of the drum assembly 2. When the process cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the drum chip 24 can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus through a drum electrical contact surface 241, and then the information of the drum assembly is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the drum chip 21 is disposed on the outer surface of the first side wall 21 in the first direction, and the drum electrical contact surface 241 is disposed towards the first direction, i.e. the axis passing through the drum electrical contact surface 241 is parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 25.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 - Figure 5 The developing cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 10, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, and an identification assembly.

[0069] The cartridge 10 has a containing cavity for containing the developer, the direction of the cartridge 10 is consistent with the direction of the process cartridge, the cartridge 10 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 oppositely arranged in the first direction; a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 oppositely arranged in the second direction; a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 oppositely arranged in the third direction.

[0070] The cartridge 10 is provided with a friction part 151 on the fifth end 15, the friction part 151 is a plurality of rib strips arranged on the fifth end 15 and extending along the first direction, the friction part 151 facilitates the user to pick up the developing cartridge 1.

[0071] The developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a powder feeding roller 133 (see Figure 17 ) and a stirring frame, the developing roller 131, the stirring frame and the powder feeding roller 133 are rotatably installed in the containing cavity between the first end 11 and the second end 12, and the rotation axes of the developing roller 131, the stirring frame and the powder feeding roller 133 all extend along the first direction. The developing roller 131 is partially located outside the containing cavity and is used to send the developer out of the cartridge 10 to contact the photosensitive drum 25; the powder feeding roller 133 is arranged adjacent to the developing roller 131, and in the second direction, the developing roller 131 is closer to the third end 13 of the cartridge 1 than the powder feeding roller 133, the powder feeding roller 133 is used to deliver the developer to the developing roller 131 to complete the developing work of the developing cartridge 1; the stirring frame is used to stir the developer in the developing cavity to prevent the developer from caking, and at the same time, the stirring frame is used to deliver the developer in the developing cavity to the powder feeding roller 133, so that the powder feeding roller 133 can better provide the developer for the developing roller 131.

[0072] The developing assembly further includes a powder outlet blade 132 extending along the first direction, the powder outlet blade 132 is used to contact the developing roller 131 to control the thickness of the developer layer on the developing roller 131.

[0073] The transmission assembly is located at the first end 11 of the cartridge 10, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming device, the transmission assembly is used to receive the power output by the image forming device, so that the developing assembly in the developing cartridge 1 is driven.

[0074] The transmission assembly includes a cartridge driving head 40, the cartridge driving head 40 includes a cartridge power receiving part 401 and a cartridge driving gear 402 for receiving the power output by the image forming device, the two can be integrally formed or combined, in the first direction, the cartridge driving gear 402 is closer to the cartridge 10 than the cartridge power receiving part 401, and the cartridge power receiving part 401 can drive the cartridge driving gear 402 to rotate together.

[0075] The transmission assembly further comprises a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, a third transmission gear 43, a stirring gear 44 and a first transmission gear 45. The developing gear 41 is installed at one end of the developing roller 131 at the first end 11 and can drive the developing roller 131 to rotate. The powder feeding gear 42 is installed at one end of the powder feeding roller 133 at the first end 11 and can drive the powder feeding roller 133 to rotate. The stirring gear 44 is installed at one end of the stirring frame at the first end 11 and can drive the stirring frame to rotate.

[0076] The powder feeding gear 42 is engaged with the cartridge driving gear 402 to receive power and rotate. The first transmission gear 45 is engaged with the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42 at the same time. The powder feeding gear 42 transmits driving force to the developing gear 41 through the first transmission gear 45. The third transmission gear 43 is a two-stage gear, which is engaged with the cartridge driving gear 402 and the stirring gear 44, respectively. The cartridge driving head 40 transmits driving force to the stirring gear through the third transmission gear 43.

[0077] In other embodiments, the developing cartridge 1 can also not be provided with a stirring frame, i.e., without the stirring gear 44 and the third transmission gear 43 connecting the cartridge driving gear 402 and the stirring gear 44. The cartridge driving gear 402 only needs to drive the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42. As to how to drive and how to set the position and number of transmission gears, no further limitation is made herein.

[0078] The developing cartridge further comprises a first protective cover 111, which is arranged outside the transmission assembly and is used for protecting the transmission assembly. Specifically, the first protective cover 111 is detachably fixedly installed on the first end 11 of the cartridge body 10 by screwing / buckling. The first protective cover 111 covers at least part of the transmission assembly, and is used for protecting the transmission assembly.

[0079] The identification assembly is located at the first end 11 of the cartridge body 10 and is used for storing information of the developing cartridge 1. In the state that the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus, the information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, so that the developing cartridge 1 is recognized by the image forming apparatus.

[0080] Specifically, the identification assembly is specifically a cartridge chip 32, which comprises a cartridge electrical contact surface 321 formed integrally or combined separately. The cartridge electrical contact surface 321 can be electrically connected with the image forming apparatus, so that the information of the developing cartridge in the cartridge chip 32 is recognized by the image forming apparatus. The cartridge electrical contact surface 321 is arranged towards the third direction, i.e., the axis penetrating the cartridge electrical contact surface 321 is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0081] The recognition assembly further comprises a first bracket 30 and a second bracket 31, the first bracket 30 is detachably mounted on the first cover 111, and the second bracket 31 is provided with a cartridge chip 32 on the end face in the third direction. When the first bracket 30 is mounted on the first cover 111, a cavity can be formed between the first bracket 30 and the first cover 111 in the first direction, and the second bracket 31 can be movably mounted in the cavity.

[0082] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the second bracket 31 can be directly fixed on the cartridge body 10 or the first cover 111 by welding, screwing or the like, and then the first bracket 30 is not provided. That is, the cartridge chip 32 and the second bracket 31 are both fixedly arranged relative to the cartridge body 10.

[0083] The developing cartridge 1 further comprises a guiding assembly and a pushing assembly. The guiding assembly enables the developing cartridge 1 to be smoothly mounted on the drum assembly 2, and when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2, the pushing assembly is abutted by the force applying assembly to enable the developing cartridge 1 to receive the pushing force applied by the drum assembly 2 in the second direction towards the photosensitive drum 25, so that the developing roller 131 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 25.

[0084] Specifically, the guiding assembly comprises a first guiding part 1121 at the first end 11 and a second guiding part 121 at the second end 12. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2, the first guiding part 1121 of the developing cartridge 1 is guided by the first guide rail 211, and the second guiding part 121 of the developing cartridge 1 is guided by the second guide rail, so as to facilitate the mounting of the developing cartridge 1.

[0085] The pushing assembly comprises a first pushing part 1122 at the first end 11 and a second pushing part 122 at the second end 12. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2, the first pushing part 1122 is abutted by the first force applying member 212 to receive the pushing force, and the second pushing part 122 is abutted by the second force applying member to receive the pushing force, so that the developing roller 131 can be in contact with the photosensitive drum 25 to perform the developing work.

[0086] Preferably, the first pushing part 1122 and the first guiding part 1121 are integrally formed to simplify the structure of the developing cartridge 1, that is, the first pushing part 1122 and the first guiding part 1121 are integrally formed as a set piece 112. And the set piece 112 is separately provided with the first cover 111.

[0087] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the set piece 112 can also be integrally provided with the first cover 111, which is not limited in detail.

[0088] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first pushing part 1122 and the first guiding part 1121 can also be separately provided.

[0089] The second end 12 is further provided with a powder filling port 123 for supplementing the developer in the accommodating cavity of the cartridge 10, and a cover is arranged on the powder filling port 123 to prevent the developer in the accommodating cavity from leaking through the powder filling port 123.

[0090] The specific structure of the image forming apparatus (not shown) and the working mode thereof are prior art and will not be described herein. In the present application, only the structure of the cartridge is improved.

[0091] Embodiment I

[0092] Reference Figures 6 to 8 In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 25 in the drum assembly 2 does not directly receive the driving of the image forming apparatus, but is driven by the transmission connection with the developing cartridge 1. When the developing cartridge 1 receives the power of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 25 is driven to rotate and cooperate with the developing roller 131 to perform the developing work.

[0093] When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the photosensitive drum 25 and the developing cartridge 1 are transmission connected through the gear engagement.

[0094] Reference Figure 7 The one end of the photosensitive drum 25 (the one end of the photosensitive drum 25 close to the first side wall 21) is provided with a drum gear. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the drum gear is engaged with the transmission assembly of the developing cartridge 1 to be transmission connected. When the transmission assembly receives the power of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 25 can be driven to rotate through the drum gear to perform the developing work.

[0095] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the drum gear is a two-stage gear, which includes a first drum gear 251 and a second drum gear 252. The second drum gear 252 is coaxially fixed with the photosensitive drum 25, that is, the second drum gear 252 can drive the photosensitive drum 25 to rotate. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the second drum gear 252 is used to be engaged with the transmission assembly to be driven to rotate by the transmission assembly.

[0096] Preferably, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the second drum gear 252 is engaged with the developing gear 41. When the image forming apparatus drives the developing roller 131 to rotate through the driving part, the photosensitive drum 25 is driven to rotate through the engagement between the developing gear 41 and the second drum gear 252, so that the photosensitive drum 25 can rotate to perform the developing work.

[0097] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the photosensitive drum 25 can also be transmission connected through the engagement with other gears arranged on the transmission assembly. For example, the transmission assembly can further be provided with an additional transmission gear. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the additional transmission gear can transmit the driving force of the developing cartridge 1 to the photosensitive drum 25 through the second drum gear 252.

[0098] Preferably, when the first cover 111 is mounted on the cartridge body 10, the developing gear 41 or an additional transmission gear is at least partially not covered by the first cover 111, for engaging with the second drum gear 252 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2.

[0099] Preferably, the diameter of the second drum gear 252 is greater than the diameter of the photosensitive drum 25, so that the photosensitive drum 25 is more protruding in the drum frame than the photosensitive drum 25, facilitating engagement of the second drum gear 252 and the developing gear 41, and convenient installation.

[0100] Preferably, the diameter of the developing gear 41 is less than the diameter of the developing roller 131.

[0101] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the diameter of the developing gear 41 can also be made larger, which also facilitates engagement of the developing gear 41 and the second drum gear 252.

[0102] The drum assembly 2 is also provided with a cleaning roller 26, which can be driven to clean the photosensitive drum 25.

[0103] Preferably, the cleaning roller 26 is arranged on the side of the photosensitive drum 25 away from the developing roller 131 in the second direction, and the cleaning roller 26 can rotate with the photosensitive drum 25, and the rotation axis of the cleaning roller 26 is parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 25, and when the cleaning roller 26 rotates, it can clean the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 25.

[0104] The first drum gear 251 is coaxially fixed with the photosensitive drum 25, and the cleaning roller 26 has a cleaning gear 261 on the side in the first direction, so that when the photosensitive drum 25 rotates, the cleaning roller 26 can be driven to rotate by engagement of the first drum gear 251 and the cleaning gear 261 for cleaning the photosensitive drum 25.

[0105] Preferably, in the first direction, the first drum gear 251 is located outside the second drum gear 252.

[0106] In the present application, the drum chip 24 is also arranged on the outer surface of the first side wall 21 of the drum frame, and in the second direction, the drum chip 24 is closer to the component of the developing cartridge that receives external driving force relative to the drum assembly 2, and in the first direction, the drum chip 24 is farther away from the photosensitive drum 25 relative to the component of the developing cartridge that receives external driving force.

[0107] The use process of the processing cartridge in the present embodiment is as follows:

[0108] When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2, the developing gear 41 can engage with the second drum gear 252, and the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 form a processing cartridge.

[0109] When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the cartridge power receiving unit 401 of the cartridge drive head 40 receives the driving force from the image forming apparatus and transmits the driving force to the other gears through the cartridge drive gear 402, thereby causing the developing cartridge 1 to start working.

[0110] Furthermore, the developing gear 41 also meshes with the second drum gear 252, which can drive the photosensitive drum 25 to rotate, thereby enabling the photosensitive drum 25 to receive developer from the developing roller 131 for development.

[0111] Furthermore, when the photosensitive drum 25 rotates, the cleaning roller 26 is driven to rotate through the first drum gear 251 and the cleaning gear 261 to clean the photosensitive drum 25.

[0112] In this embodiment, by meshing the developing gear 41 on the developing cartridge 1 with the second drum gear 252 on the photosensitive drum 25, the developing cartridge 1 drives the drum assembly 2 through the developing gear 41. This eliminates the need for a drum drive head in the drum assembly 2, reducing the number of components in the drum assembly 2 and lowering the manufacturing cost of the drum assembly 2.

[0113] Example 2

[0114] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, this embodiment provides another processing box. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that in this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 25 is not directly connected to the transmission assembly, but is driven to rotate by the developing roller 131.

[0115] refer to Figure 9 In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 25 is driven by the developing roller 131 to rotate, thereby achieving development.

[0116] Specifically, in this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 25 does not have a second drum gear 252 at its first end in the first direction, that is, the drum gear is a single-stage gear. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the developing cartridge 1 is pushed by the drum assembly 2 in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 25, so the developing roller 131 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 25. When the developing cartridge 1 receives the driving force from the image forming apparatus, the developing gear 41 drives the developing roller 131 to rotate. The developing roller 131 drives the photosensitive drum 25 to rotate through friction. Other components are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0117] It can be understood that, in some other embodiments, in order to drive the photosensitive drum 25 by the developing roller 131, a third drum gear can also be arranged at the second end of the photosensitive drum 25, and a second developing gear is arranged at the second end of the developing roller 131, the second developing gear and the third drum gear are engaged, the driving part of the transmission assembly receives the power of the image forming device, and when the developing roller 131 is driven to rotate by the developing gear 41, the second developing gear rotates coaxially with the developing roller 131, and the photosensitive drum 25 is driven to rotate by the second drum gear.

[0118] In the embodiment, the driving force on the developing cartridge 1 is transmitted to the drum assembly 2 through the friction between the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 25, so that the drum assembly 2 does not need to be provided with a drum driving head, and the second drum gear 252 can also be omitted, thereby further reducing the number of components of the drum assembly 2 and reducing the manufacturing cost of the drum assembly 2.

[0119] In the embodiment, other structures of the processing cartridge are the same as those in the first embodiment, which will not be described here.

[0120] Embodiment Three

[0121] As shown in Figures 12 to 18 , another processing cartridge is provided in the embodiment, and the difference between the embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the embodiment, the transmission assembly of the developing cartridge 1 is different, and the drum assembly 2 is provided with a drum driving head 27, the driving part of the transmission assembly receives the power of the image forming device to drive the photosensitive drum to rotate and work, and the drum driving head receives the power of the image forming device to drive the developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller 133 and the stirring frame to work.

[0122] As shown in Figures 14 to 16 , when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the drum driving head 27 is in transmission connection with the developing roller, and the driving part is in transmission connection with the photosensitive drum.

[0123] Specifically, in the embodiment, the transmission assembly on the developing cartridge 1 further includes a second transmission gear 46 and a fourth transmission gear 47, the fourth transmission gear 47 is coaxially arranged on the cartridge driving head 40, and the fourth transmission gear 47 can rotate relative to the cartridge driving head 40, and there is no power transmission between the cartridge driving head 40.

[0124] The developing gear 41 is a two-stage gear, which includes a large-diameter developing gear and a small-diameter developing gear, and in the first direction, the large-diameter developing gear is farther away from the first end 11 of the cartridge body 10 than the small-diameter developing gear.

[0125] As shown in Figure 14 , 15As shown, the drum drive head 27 is sleeved on one end of the photosensitive drum 25 and can rotate relative to the photosensitive drum 25, that is, there is no driving force transmission between the drum drive head 27 and the photosensitive drum 25. The drum drive head 27 includes a drum power receiving part and a drum drive gear 271. The drum power receiving part is used to receive the driving force of the image forming apparatus, and the drum drive gear 271 is used to transmit the driving force. The photosensitive drum 25 has a first drum gear 251 and a second drum gear 252. The first drum gear 251 is located between the drum drive gear 271 and the second drum gear 252 in a first direction. The first drum gear 251 meshes with the cleaning gear 261.

[0126] like Figure 16 As shown, the box drive gear 402 meshes with the second transmission gear 46, and the second transmission gear 46 meshes with the first transmission gear 45. Both the second transmission gear 46 and the first transmission gear 45 are fixedly disposed at the first end 11 of the box body 10 and can rotate around an axis extending in the first direction.

[0127] After the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the drum drive gear 271 meshes with the large-diameter developing gear, and the small-diameter developing gear transmits the driving force to the powder feeding gear 42. Specifically, the small-diameter developing gear transmits the driving force to the powder feeding gear 42 through an idler gear 48. The powder feeding gear 42 meshes with the fourth transmission gear 47, the fourth transmission gear 47 meshes with the third transmission gear 43, and the third transmission gear 43 meshes with the stirring gear 44. The cartridge drive gear 402 meshes with the second transmission gear 46, the second transmission gear 46 meshes with the first transmission gear 45, the first transmission gear 45 meshes with the second drum gear 252, the second drum gear 252 and the first drum gear 251 are fixedly coaxially arranged, and the first drum gear 251 meshes with the cleaning gear 261.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first transmission gear 45 and the second transmission gear 46 are located between the drum contact surface 241 and the cartridge drive head 40 in the second direction, and in the first direction, the projection portion of the first transmission gear 45 and the large-diameter developing gear coincide.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stirring rack 17 can be omitted, and similarly, the stirring gear 44, the fourth transmission gear 47, and the third transmission gear 43 are also unnecessary, further reducing the number of gear sets and lowering the cost of the developing cartridge.

[0130] like Figure 17As shown, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the drum driving head 27 receives the driving force from the image forming device, drives the drum driving gear 271 to rotate, the drum driving gear 271 transmits the driving force to the large developing gear, drives the developing roller 131 to rotate, the small developing gear transmits the driving force to the powder feeding gear 42, drives the powder feeding roller 133 to rotate, the powder feeding gear 42 transmits the driving force to the stirring gear 44 through the fourth transmission gear 47 and the third transmission gear 43, drives the stirring frame 17 to rotate, that is, the drum driving gear 271 is engaged with the components on the developing cartridge 1, after the drum driving head 27 receives the driving force, the developing cartridge 1 is driven to start operation.

[0131] As shown, Figure 18 As shown, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the drum driving head 27 receives the driving force from the image forming device, drives the drum driving gear 271 to rotate, the drum driving gear 271 transmits the driving force to the large developing gear, drives the developing roller 131 to rotate, the small developing gear transmits the driving force to the powder feeding gear 42, drives the powder feeding roller 133 to rotate, the powder feeding gear 42 transmits the driving force to the stirring gear 44 through the fourth transmission gear 47 and the third transmission gear 43, drives the stirring frame 17 to rotate, that is, the drum driving gear 271 is engaged with the components on the developing cartridge 1, after the drum driving head 27 receives the driving force, the developing cartridge 1 is driven to start operation.

[0132] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the arrangement of gears, the position and number of transmission gears are not specifically limited, and the size, number and position of gears can be specifically set according to the specific structure / space / usage environment of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2, which will not be limited too much in the present embodiment.

[0133] It can be understood that the first drum gear 251 and the second drum gear 252 on the photosensitive drum can be formed coaxially in one body or can be set in a split type, but the first drum gear 251 and the second drum gear 252 need to rotate with the photosensitive drum 25.

[0134] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the developing gear 41 is a two-stage gear, the large-diameter developing gear is directly engaged with the drum driving gear 271, and the small-diameter developing gear is engaged with the powder feeding gear 42, so as to change the transmission ratio. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the developing gear 41 can still be set as a single gear, and a transmission gear is arranged between the developing gear 41 and the drum driving gear 271, so as to change the transmission ratio.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the other structures of the process cartridge are consistent with those in the first embodiment, which will not be described here.

[0136] Embodiment Four

[0137] As shown, Figures 19 to 21As shown, another processing cartridge is provided in the present embodiment, which is different from the third embodiment in that, in the present embodiment, the drum chip and the cartridge chip are both arranged on the developing cartridge 1.

[0138] As shown, the developing cartridge 1 is provided with a first chip 18 and a second chip 19 at one end 11 in the first direction, which are arranged on the sixth end 16 of the cartridge body 10, and the first chip 18 and the second chip 19 are aligned in the second direction, i.e., in the second direction, the projections of the first chip 18 and the second chip 19 at least partially overlap. Figure 19

[0139] Specifically, the first chip 18 has a first electrical contact surface 181, and the second chip 19 has a second electrical contact surface 191, both of which are in the third direction away from the sixth end 16 of the developing cartridge 1, i.e., downward in the third direction, the first chip 18 stores information of the developing cartridge 1, i.e., the cartridge chip, and the second chip 19 stores information of the drum assembly 2, i.e., the drum chip. The first chip 18 and the second chip 19 can be electrically connected to the image forming device through the first electrical contact surface 181 and the second electrical contact surface 191, respectively, to transmit the information of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 to the image forming device.

[0140] Preferably, in the second direction, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the second chip 19 is located between the first chip 18 and the photosensitive drum 25.

[0141] Preferably, when the developing cartridge is installed in the drum assembly, both the drum chip and the cartridge chip can be exposed on the drum assembly 2 and electrically connected to the image forming device.

[0142] Specifically, as shown in Figure 20 , Figure 21 The drum assembly 2 is provided with an opening 213 at the first side wall 21, which penetrates the drum assembly 2, and when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the first chip 18 and the second chip 19 can be exposed through the opening 213, in the second direction, the distance between the end of the opening 213 close to the photosensitive drum 25 and the other end away from the photosensitive drum 25 is slightly greater than the distance between the end of the first chip 18 close to the fourth end 14 and the end of the second chip 19 close to the developing roller 131, and in the first direction, the width of the opening 213 is slightly greater than the maximum width of the first chip 18 or the second chip 19, which can ensure that when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum assembly 2, the first chip 18 and the second chip 19 can be exposed through the opening 213 at the same time, without being blocked by the drum assembly 2 or not being exposed.

[0143] ​Or, in some other embodiments, the opening 213 can also be a small hole corresponding to the electrical contact surface, and when the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, as long as the electrical contact pin on the image forming device can pass through the small hole to complete the electrical connection with the electrical contact surface, which is not limited here.

[0144] In the embodiment, the drum chip is arranged on the developing cartridge 1, so that when the developing cartridge 1 is used up, the drum chip can be replaced together, and the drum chip does not need to be replaced separately, and the drum chip mounting position does not need to be arranged on the drum assembly 2, and only the opening needs to be arranged, so that the manufacturing cost of the drum assembly is reduced, the structure of the drum assembly is simplified, and the replacement efficiency during use is improved.

[0145] In the embodiment, the other structures of the processing cartridge are the same as those in the first embodiment, which will not be described here.

[0146] The above only describes some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, without departing from the inventive concept of the present application, a number of modifications and improvements can be made, which are all within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A process cartridge including a developing cartridge and a drum assembly, the process cartridge being removably installed in an image forming apparatus, characterized by, The developing cartridge comprises: a cartridge body having a first end and a second end in a first direction, and a third end and a fourth end in a second direction; a developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, and provided with a developing gear at the first end; a cartridge drive head provided at the first end, and comprising a cartridge power receiving portion and a cartridge drive gear; the drum assembly comprises: a drum frame for detachably accommodating the developing cartridge, and having a first sidewall and a second sidewall in the first direction; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, and provided with a drum gear near the first sidewall; a drum chip provided on an outer surface of the first sidewall, and comprising a drum electrical contact surface facing the first direction; the drum gear is capable of receiving a driving force transmitted by the cartridge drive head and rotating together with the photosensitive drum, and in the first direction, the drum electrical contact surface is farther away from the photosensitive drum relative to the drum gear.

2. A process cartridge according to Claim 1 wherein, the developing gear is capable of receiving a driving force transmitted by the cartridge drive gear and driving the developing roller to rotate, and the developing gear is capable of engaging with the drum gear.

3. A process cartridge according to claim 2 wherein, a diameter of the drum gear engaging with the developing gear is greater than a diameter of the photosensitive drum, and a diameter of the developing gear is smaller than a diameter of the developing roller.

4. A process cartridge according to claim 3 wherein, the drum gear is a two-stage gear, comprising a first drum gear and a second drum gear, the drum assembly further comprises a cleaning roller, the cleaning roller engages with the first drum gear through a cleaning gear, and the developing gear engages with the second drum gear.

5. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drum assembly is provided with a force applying assembly, and the developing cartridge is provided with a pushing assembly capable of abutting against the force applying assembly, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum assembly, the force applying assembly applies a pushing force to the developing cartridge in the second direction towards the photosensitive drum through the pushing assembly, so that the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum; the cartridge drive head drives the developing roller to rotate through the cartridge drive gear, and drives the photosensitive drum to rotate together through a friction force between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum; the drum assembly further comprises a cleaning roller for cleaning the photosensitive drum, the drum gear is a one-stage gear, and when the developing roller drives the photosensitive drum through the friction force, the drum gear rotates together with the photosensitive drum and drives the cleaning roller.

6. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitive drum is further provided with a drum drive head at the first end, and in the first direction, the drum gear is arranged between the drum drive head and the photosensitive drum; the drum drive head is provided with a drum drive gear, and the drum drive head is capable of receiving a driving force of the image forming apparatus and rotating relative to the photosensitive drum.

7. A process cartridge according to claim 6 wherein, the developing gear is capable of receiving a driving force transmitted by the drum drive gear and driving the developing roller to rotate.

8. A process cartridge according to claim 7 wherein, the developing cartridge further comprises a powder feeding roller, the powder feeding roller is provided with a powder feeding gear at the first end, the developing gear is a two-stage gear, comprising a large-diameter developing gear and a small-diameter developing gear, in the first direction, the large-diameter developing gear is farther away from the developing roller relative to the small-diameter developing gear, the large-diameter developing gear engages with the drum drive gear, and the small-diameter developing gear transmits a driving force to the powder feeding gear.

9. A process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein The developing cartridge includes a first drive gear and a second drive gear disposed at the first end and intermeshed, the first drive gear intermeshed with the drum gear, the second drive gear intermeshed with the cartridge drive gear; The cartridge drive head drives the photosensitive drum to rotate through the first drive gear and the second drive gear.

10. A process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein, In the second direction, the first drive gear and the second drive gear are located between the drum electrical contact face and the cartridge drive head; In the first direction, a projection of the first drive gear and the developing gear at least partially coincide.

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