Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
By setting a second support column and an elastic contact piece on the processing box housing, the problem of unstable contact between the conductive sheet and the electrical components is solved, the service life of the conductive sheet is extended, and the stability of the imaging device is improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU ZHONO ELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing processing box has a simple conductive sheet design, which leads to unstable contact with electrical components and affects the imaging effect.
A second support column is set on the casing of the processing box to add support points for the conductive sheet, reduce the distance between adjacent support points, reduce the torque when the end of the conductive sheet is subjected to force, and adopt elastic contact and bend design to enhance stability.
This improves the contact stability between the conductive sheet and the electrical components, extends the service life of the conductive sheet, and ensures the stability of the imaging effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN224163900U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming equipment technology, and more particularly to a processing box and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology
[0002] Image forming equipment (such as printers) is a common type of modern office equipment, and processing cartridges are common consumables used in image forming equipment.
[0003] In existing processing boxes, the conductive sheet is designed in a relatively simple and rigid manner, resulting in unstable contact between the conductive sheet and the electrical components. This makes it difficult for the electrical components to be stably charged, thus affecting their normal operation and ultimately impacting the imaging effect. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a processing box and an image forming apparatus that can solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] One aspect provides a processing box, including:
[0007] A processing box housing, wherein at least one electrical component is disposed within the processing box housing;
[0008] The second support column is disposed on the outer wall of the processing box housing;
[0009] A processing box end cap is installed outside the processing box housing; at least one positioning slot is formed on the processing box end cap;
[0010] At least one conductive sheet is located between the end cap of the processing box and the housing of the processing box; a first end of the conductive sheet is installed in the positioning slot; a second end of the conductive sheet is connected to the electrical component; and a second support column abuts against the conductive sheet located outside the positioning slot.
[0011] Optionally, the processing box further includes:
[0012] A first support column is disposed on the outer wall of the processing box housing, and the first support column abuts against the conductive sheet located in the positioning slot.
[0013] Optionally, the conductive sheet includes:
[0014] A conductive head, wherein the conductive head clamp is installed in the positioning slot, and the first support column abuts against the conductive head in the positioning slot;
[0015] At least one elastic contact piece, one end of which is connected to the conductive head, and the other end of which is connected to the electrical component away from the conductive head; the second support post abuts against the elastic contact piece.
[0016] Optionally, the elastic contact piece is provided with a bend; the bend is close to the end of the elastic contact piece away from the conductive head; the bend is bent towards the electrical component.
[0017] Optionally, the area where the second support post abuts against the elastic contact is located between the end of the elastic contact near the conductive head and the bend.
[0018] Optionally, the conductive head is connected to at least one elastic contact.
[0019] Optionally, the conductive head is a convex structure protruding from the elastic contact piece, and the shape of the convex structure matches the shape of the positioning slot; the conductive head and the elastic contact piece are integrally formed.
[0020] Optionally, the conductive sheet further includes:
[0021] At least one conductive bump is disposed at the end of the elastic contact away from the conductive head and protrudes from the elastic contact.
[0022] Optionally, a guide groove is also provided on the inner wall of the processing box end cover, and the conductive sheet located outside the positioning slot hole is installed in the guide groove.
[0023] Optionally, at least one of the second support columns is provided.
[0024] On the other hand, an image forming apparatus is also provided, including a processing box as described above, the image forming apparatus being electrically connected to a first end of the conductive sheet.
[0025] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:
[0026] The processing box provided by this utility model adds a support point to the conductive sheet located outside the positioning slot by setting a second support column on the processing box shell, reducing the distance between adjacent support points. The torque generated when the end of the conductive sheet is subjected to force is also relatively small, making the conductive sheet less prone to damage and helping to extend the service life of the conductive sheet. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the processing box provided by this utility model;
[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the end caps of the processing box;
[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged cross-sectional view of region A in the middle;
[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle;
[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the conductive sheet structure in the end cap of the processing box;
[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive sheet in the middle;
[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the middle end cap.
[0035] In the picture:
[0036] 100, First support column; 200, Second support column; 300, Processing box housing; 400, Processing box end cap; 401, Positioning slot; 402, Guide groove; 403, Support block; 500, Conductive sheet; 501, Conductive head; 502, Elastic contact sheet; 503, Fold; 600, Powder feeding roller; 700, Developing roller; F, Section. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0038] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0039] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0040] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.
[0041] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.
[0042] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0043] In one embodiment of this utility model, a processing box and an image forming apparatus are provided. The processing box includes: a processing box housing, a second support column, a processing box end cap, and at least one conductive sheet. At least one electrical component is disposed inside the processing box housing. The second support column is disposed on the outer wall of the processing box housing. The processing box end cap is installed outside the processing box housing. At least one positioning slot is formed on the processing box end cap. The conductive sheet is located between the processing box end cap and the processing box housing. A first end of the conductive sheet is installed in the positioning slot. A second end of the conductive sheet is connected to the electrical component. The second support column abuts against the conductive sheet located outside the positioning slot.
[0044] The processing box provided by this utility model adds a support point to the conductive sheet located outside the positioning slot by setting a second support column on the processing box shell, reducing the distance between adjacent support points. The torque generated when the end of the conductive sheet is subjected to force is also relatively small, making the conductive sheet less prone to damage and helping to extend the service life of the conductive sheet.
[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box provided by this utility model, for reference only. Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, a processing box is provided. A processing box end cap 400 is located outside the processing box housing 300 and is mounted on the side wall of the processing box housing 300. A conductive sheet 500 is located between the processing box end cap 400 and the processing box housing 300. The conductive sheet 500 is mounted on the processing box end cap 400 and can be led out from the interior of the processing box end cap 400 through a positioning slot 401 formed on the processing box end cap 400.
[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the end caps of the processing box. Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged cross-sectional view of region A in the middle. Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle. Among them, Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A. Figure 3 Section F is shown in the figure. (Reference) Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, two sets of support structures are provided on the outer wall of the processing box housing 300 to provide support for different positions of the conductive sheet 500. Specifically, the first support column 100 and the second support column 200 are respectively disposed on the outer wall of the processing box housing 300. The first support column 100 abuts against the conductive sheet 500 located in the positioning slot 401; the second support column 200 abuts against the conductive sheet 500 located outside the positioning slot 401.
[0047] In this embodiment, the first support column 100 ensures a more stable assembly between the conductive sheet 500 and the cover plate. It also allows for positioning of the conductive sheet 500 when its first end is connected to the power supply, preventing the conductive effect from being affected by the movement or misalignment of the conductive sheet 500.
[0048] In this embodiment, by setting the second support column 200, at least one support point is added to the part of the conductive sheet 500 located outside the positioning slot 401, which can reduce the distance between adjacent support points on the conductive sheet 500. At this time, the conductive sheet 500 is no longer subjected to force only at its end, so the torque generated when subjected to force will be relatively small, and the conductive sheet 500 is not easily damaged, which helps to extend the service life of the conductive sheet 500.
[0049] In an optional embodiment, multiple second support columns 200 can be provided. In this embodiment, multiple support points are added to the portion of the conductive sheet 500 located outside the positioning slot 401, further reducing the distance between adjacent support points. This results in a smaller torque generated when the first or second end of the conductive sheet 500 is subjected to force, thus providing better protection for the conductive sheet 500. The arrangement of the multiple second support columns 200 only needs to meet the requirement of reducing the distance between adjacent support points; no specific limitations are imposed.
[0050] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrical components can be one or both of the toner delivery roller 600 and the developing roller 700. It should be noted that other electrical components within the processing box can also be used; they will not be listed here individually, nor should the use of the developing roller 700 and the toner delivery roller 600 be considered as limitations. Continuing with a detailed description of the processing box, this embodiment primarily shows the processing box of a laser printer. It should be noted that the application of the processing box in other image forming equipment will not be listed here individually, nor should it be considered as a limitation. Generally, the processing box includes rotatable components such as the developing roller 700, the toner delivery roller 600, and the drum unit (e.g., an OPC drum). The function of the developing roller 700 is that, when the developing roller 700 is working, its surface carries an electric charge (this charge may be positive or negative, and the settings may vary between different brands of machines), attracting toner (acting similarly to a magnetic roller). When the input print data is processed, it is converted into a corresponding laser signal, which is refracted onto the surface of the drum unit through a set of prisms, thereby forming a charge latent image. This charge latent image is the specific "image" or "text" information composed of charges. It is evident that both the developing roller 700 and the powder feeding roller 600 require power during operation. However, considering that the processing cartridge itself is not powered and does not have its own power source, the power for the electrical components inside the processing cartridge housing 300 needs to be introduced from external devices to the electrical components via the conductive sheet 500, specifically the developing roller 700 and / or the powder feeding roller 600 in this embodiment.
[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the conductive sheet structure in the end cap of the processing box. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive sheet. Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the middle end cap is provided for reference. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the structure of the conductive sheet 500 is described. The conductive sheet 500 includes a conductive head 501 and at least one elastic contact 502. The conductive head 501 is clamped and installed in the positioning slot 401, and the first support post 100 abuts against the conductive head 501 in the positioning slot 401; one end of the elastic contact 502 is connected to the conductive head 501, and the end of the elastic contact 502 away from the conductive head 501 is connected to the electrical component; the second support post 200 abuts against the elastic contact 502.
[0052] In this embodiment, the elastic contact 502, as the portion of the conductive sheet 500 located outside the positioning slot 401, may, without the second support post 200, result in either the first or second end of the conductive sheet 500 becoming the primary force-bearing and support end. This could lead to a large torque generated when the first or second end of the conductive sheet 500 is subjected to force, potentially damaging the conductive sheet 500. The second support post 200 provided in this embodiment adds a support point to the elastic contact 502. This means that conductivity no longer relies solely on the end as the primary force-bearing end. Consequently, the torque generated when the first or second end of the conductive sheet 500 is subjected to force is smaller, making the conductive sheet 500 less prone to damage and extending its service life.
[0053] Further reference Figure 6 As shown, the elastic contact 502 is provided with a bend 503; the bend 503 is located near the end of the elastic contact 502 away from the conductive head 501; the bend 503 bends towards the electrical component. This bend 503 allows the conductive sheet 500 to abut against the electrical component (developing roller 700 and powder feeding roller 600 shown in the figure), so that a certain interaction force is formed between the conductive sheet 500 and them, thereby enabling stable contact between the conductive sheet 500 and the electrical component (developing roller 700 and powder feeding roller 600 shown in the figure).
[0054] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the angle 503 is positioned relatively low on the elastic contact 502, meaning that the angle 503 is positioned closer to the electrical component. This increases the interaction between the area below the angle 503 of the elastic contact 502 and the electrical component, which is more conducive to stable contact between the conductive sheet 500 and the electrical component (the developing roller 700 and the powder feeding roller 600 shown in the figure).
[0055] refer to Figure 6As can be seen from the diagram, in this embodiment, the angle 503 is positioned relatively low on the elastic contact 502, and correspondingly, the area above the angle 503 on the elastic contact 502 is expanded. In this embodiment, the area where the second support post 200 abuts against the elastic contact 502 is located between the end of the elastic contact 502 near the conductive head 501 and the angle 503. This provides better support for the area where the second support post 200 abuts against the elastic contact 502 (i.e., the area above the angle 503 on the elastic contact 502 in the diagram), effectively reducing the torque on the conductive sheet 500 when it is under stress, thus providing better protection for the conductive sheet 500.
[0056] In one embodiment of this application, a conductive sheet 500 includes a conductive head 501 and an elastic contact 502 connected to the conductive head 501. Referring to the figures, the elastic contact 502 of the conductive sheet 500 can be connected to an electrical component (the developing roller 700 or the powder feeding roller 600 shown in the figures). That is, the conductive sheet 500 and the electrical component are configured one-to-one, with each electrical component independently connected to one conductive sheet 500. Referring to the figures, the developing roller 700 and the powder feeding roller 600 are each connected to one conductive sheet 500. With this arrangement, if a single conductive sheet 500 fails, the operation of the other conductive sheets 500 will not be affected. Once a faulty conductive sheet 500 is detected, it can be directly replaced, facilitating subsequent inspection and maintenance.
[0057] It should also be noted that the length and shape of the elastic contact 502 of the conductive sheet 500 can be adaptively adjusted according to the position of the electrical component. As shown in the figure, the developing roller 700 is relatively high relative to the powder feeding roller 600, so the length of the elastic contact 502 connected to the developing roller 700 is shorter than the length of the elastic contact 502 connected to the powder feeding roller 600.
[0058] In one embodiment of this utility model, a conductive sheet 500 includes a conductive head 501 and a plurality of elastic contacts 502 connected to the conductive head 501 (not shown in the figure). The elastic contacts 502 of the conductive sheet 500 can be connected to multiple electrical components simultaneously, that is, the conductive sheet 500 and the electrical components are configured in a one-to-many manner, with multiple electrical components being conductive by one conductive sheet 500. This arrangement has high component integration, facilitates area maintenance, and has good application prospects.
[0059] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 7As shown, a guide groove 402 is also provided on the inner wall of the processing box end cover 400. The conductive sheet 500, located outside the positioning slot 401, is installed in the guide groove 402. In this embodiment, the guide groove 402 is used to position the elastic contact 502 of the conductive sheet 500, so that the elongated elastic contact 502 is well and effectively guided and constrained within the guide groove 402. At the same time, the second support column 200 provides support force, forming effective constraints on both the inner contact surface (the contact surface opposite to the processing box housing) and the outer contact surface (the contact surface opposite to the processing box end cover 400) of the conductive sheet 500. The conductive sheet 500 is less likely to shift relative to the processing box end cover 400, making the installation of the conductive sheet 500 more stable and providing good protection for the conductive sheet 500. This not only extends the service life of the conductive sheet 500 but also extends the service life of the processing box.
[0060] Optionally, the guide groove 402 is positioned to correspond primarily to the area above the bend 503 on the elastic contact 502 of the conductive sheet 500. This arrangement makes the guide groove 402 more targeted, solving the problem that the elastic contact 502 is prone to shifting relative to the end cover 400 of the processing box due to the increased area above the bend 503 on the elastic contact 502, thus ensuring effectiveness while also simplifying the structure.
[0061] In one embodiment of this utility model, a support block 403 is also provided on the inner wall of the processing box end cover 400. The support block 403 is disposed in the guide groove 402 and provides a support point for the outer contact surface of the conductive sheet 500 (the contact surface opposite to the processing box end cover 400). When the conductive sheet 500 is subjected to force, the torque it is subjected to can be effectively reduced, and better protection can be provided for the conductive sheet 500.
[0062] Optionally, the position of the second support column 200 arranged on the inner contact surface (the contact surface opposite to the processing box housing) of the conductive sheet 500 and the position of the support block 403 arranged on the outer contact surface (the contact surface opposite to the processing box end cover 400) of the conductive sheet 500 can be staggered. This arrangement can provide more support points on the conductive sheet 500, effectively disperse the torque on the conductive sheet 500 when it is under force, and provide better protection for the conductive sheet 500.
[0063] Furthermore, the position of the second support column 200 arranged on the inner contact surface (the contact surface opposite to the processing box housing) of the conductive sheet 500 can be opposite to the position of the support block 403 arranged on the outer contact surface (the contact surface opposite to the processing box end cover 400) of the conductive sheet 500. This arrangement allows the inner and outer contact surfaces of the conductive sheet 500 to abut simultaneously, so as to fix the conductive sheet 500 more firmly.
[0064] In one embodiment, the conductive head 501 is a convex structure protruding from the elastic contact piece 502. The shape of the convex structure matches the shape of the positioning slot 401, allowing the conductive head 501 to pass through and fit precisely into the positioning slot 401. This eliminates the need for fasteners to fix the conductive piece 500 to the cover plate, and also prevents relative displacement between the conductive piece 500 and the cover plate. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the convex structure is cubic, and correspondingly, the shape of the positioning slot 401 is also set to be rectangular to match the shape of the conductive head 501. It should be noted that the shape of the conductive head 501 can be adjusted according to actual production needs. The shape of the positioning slot 401 only needs to match the shape of the conductive head 501 and is not limited to the structure shown in the figures. Further examples will not be listed here.
[0065] In one embodiment, the conductive head 501 and the elastic contact 502 are integrally formed. Optionally, the conductive sheet 500 is a sheet metal part.
[0066] In one embodiment, the conductive sheet 500 further includes at least one conductive bump, which is disposed at the end of the elastic contact 502 away from the conductive head 501 and protrudes from the elastic contact 502. Specifically, the conductive bump is provided at the position where the elastic contact 502 connects to the electrical component. The conductive bump can significantly increase the contact force between the conductive sheet 500 and the electrical component, ensuring stable operation of both the conductive sheet 500 and the electrical component.
[0067] This invention also provides an image forming apparatus, including a processing box as described above, wherein the image forming apparatus is electrically connected to the first end of the conductive sheet 500. Specifically, the conductive head 501 of the conductive sheet 500 is electrically connected to a power source in the image forming apparatus, and the end of the elastic contact 502 of the conductive sheet 500 away from the conductive head 501 is connected to a conductive part (the shaft end of the developing roller 700 and the toner roller 600 shown in the figure) of the power-consuming components (the developing roller 700 and the toner roller 600 shown in the figure), so that the power-consuming components (the developing roller 700 and the toner roller 600 shown in the figure) are energized. The toner roller 600 attracts toner by being charged and delivers the toner to the developing roller 700, whose surface is charged. When the input print data is processed, it is converted into a corresponding laser signal, which is refracted onto the surface of the drum through a set of prisms, thereby forming a charge latent image (a specific "image" or "text" information composed of charges).
[0068] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A process cartridge, characterized by, include: A processing box housing, wherein at least one electrical component is disposed within the processing box housing; The second support column is disposed on the outer wall of the processing box housing; A processing box end cap is installed outside the processing box housing; at least one positioning slot is formed on the processing box end cap; At least one conductive sheet is located between the end cap of the processing box and the housing of the processing box; a first end of the conductive sheet is installed in the positioning slot; a second end of the conductive sheet is connected to the electrical component; and a second support column abuts against the conductive sheet located outside the positioning slot.
2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The processing box also includes: A first support column is disposed on the outer wall of the processing box housing, and the first support column abuts against the conductive sheet located in the positioning slot.
3. The process cartridge of claim 2 wherein, The conductive sheet includes: A conductive head, wherein the conductive head clamp is installed in the positioning slot, and the first support column abuts against the conductive head in the positioning slot; At least one elastic contact piece, one end of which is connected to the conductive head, and the other end of which is connected to the electrical component away from the conductive head; the second support post abuts against the elastic contact piece.
4. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, The elastic contact piece is provided with a bend; the bend is close to the end of the elastic contact piece away from the conductive head; the bend is bent towards the electrical component.
5. The process cartridge of claim 4 wherein, The area where the second support post abuts against the elastic contact is located between the end of the elastic contact near the conductive head and the bend.
6. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, The conductive head is connected to at least one elastic contact piece.
7. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, The conductive head is a convex structure that protrudes from the elastic contact piece, and the shape of the convex structure matches the shape of the positioning slot; the conductive head and the elastic contact piece are integrally formed.
8. The processing box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conductive sheet further includes: At least one conductive bump is disposed at the end of the elastic contact away from the conductive head and protrudes from the elastic contact.
9. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The inner wall of the processing box end cover is also provided with a guide groove, and the conductive sheet located outside the positioning slot hole is installed in the guide groove; wherein, at least one of the second support columns is provided.
10. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the processing box as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is electrically connected to a first end of the conductive sheet.