Adapter, imaging unit, processing cartridge, processing cartridge set and imaging device

Abstract

FIELD: image formation technology.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an adapter, an image creation unit, a processing cartridge, a set of processing cartridges and an image formation device. The adapter (1) comprises a power transmission component (11) and a connecting component (12), wherein the power transmission component (11) comprises an input contact (111) and an output contact (112). The output contact (112) is used to supply power to the image creation element; the connecting component (12) comprises a first end portion (121) and a second end portion (122); the first end portion (121) is electrically connected to the second end portion (122); the second end portion (122) is used to supply power from a power source; and at least one of the first end portion (121) and the input contact (111) is used to receive power from an external power source. The processing cartridges (100) are electrically connected to each other by means of an adapter (1), so that the number of conductive contacts that must be provided on the side where the main part (200) of the image forming device is located is reduced, thereby reducing the acting force between said side and each processing cartridge (100), reducing the strength requirements on said side.EFFECT: improved performance.20 cl, 14 dwg

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Administration of China on November 23, 2022, under application number 202211470361.3 and the invention title "Adapter, Image Forming Unit, Processing Cartridge, Processing Cartridge Group, and Image Forming Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of image forming technology, and more particularly relates to an adapter, an image forming unit, a processing cartridge, a set of processing cartridges, and an image forming device.Background of the invention

[0003] Image-forming devices typically use image-forming processing cartridges. According to the imaging principle of a process cartridge, during the image-forming process, the process cartridge must apply different voltages to the charging roller, photosensitive drum, developing roller, and other components within the process cartridge. Therefore, during the operation of the image-forming device, each process cartridge must be electrically connected to the main part of the image-forming device.

[0004] Existing solutions for electrically connecting a process cartridge to the main body side of an image-forming device are such that each process cartridge independently contacts and conducts electricity to the main body side of the image-forming device. This example takes the electrical connection diagram of a common process cartridge (e.g., a waste toner container of a toner cartridge). Each process cartridge comprises a conductive end cap of the waste toner container, a charging roller, a photosensitive drum (e.g., an OPC photosensitive drum), a conductive sheet of the photosensitive drum, and a conductive sheet of the charging roller.The conductive sheet of the photosensitive drum and the conductive sheet of the charging roller are elastic thin steel sheets, respectively mounted on the conductive end cap of the waste toner container and in contact with corresponding conductive contacts on the main portion of the image-forming device. The charging roller is equipped with a steel shaft of the charging roller. The steel shaft of the charging roller is in contact with the conductive sheet of the charging roller to implement an electrical connection between the main portion of the image-forming device and the charging roller. The photosensitive drum is in contact with the conductive sheet of the photosensitive drum to implement an electrical connection between the main portion of the image-forming device and the photosensitive drum.

[0005] Therefore, the photosensitive drum and charge roller of each processing cartridge are provided with corresponding conductive contacts on the main body of the imaging device. Image-forming devices, such as color laser printers, typically contain four processing cartridges. Therefore, a color laser printer requires at least eight contacts on its main body to conduct electricity to the photosensitive drum and charge roller, respectively.

[0006] The above-mentioned existing electrical connection scheme between the processing cartridge and the main body side of the image forming device can ensure good electrical conductivity. However, many conductive contacts must be provided on the main body side of the image forming device, resulting in a complex structure and high costs. In addition, each conductive contact may be subject to elastic contact force from the conductive sheet of the processing cartridge. As a result, a large force will act on the main body side of the image forming device. This necessitates the requirement for good strength on the main body side of the image forming device, which also increases costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In order to overcome the above problems in the prior art, the main object of the present invention is to provide an adapter that can reduce the cost of image forming devices.

[0008] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically employs the following technical solutions.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, an adapter for a processing cartridge is provided, characterized in that the adapter is detachably installed in the processing cartridge and is used for electrical connection with an image creating element of the processing cartridge, wherein the adapter comprises:

[0010] A power transmission component that includes an input terminal and an output terminal; the input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal, and the output terminal is used to supply power to the image generating element;

[0011] A power transmission component that includes an input terminal and an output terminal; the input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal, and the output terminal is used to supply power to the image generating element;

[0012] at least one of the first end portion and the input contact is used for connecting with an external power source;

[0013] the input terminal of the power transmission component is electrically connected to at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion when using the adapter for transmitting power to the image creating element of the processing cartridge.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, when the adapter is installed in the processing cartridge, the shortest connection line between the first end portion and the second end portion is parallel to the direction of travel across the width of the processing cartridge.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment, the direction of passage along the length of the power transmission component is perpendicular to the direction of passage along the length of the connecting component.

[0016] In one preferred embodiment, said adapter further comprises:

[0017] a fixing portion, and the power transmission component is detachably connected to the connecting component via the fixing portion.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment, the power transmission component and the connecting component are formed integrally.

[0019] In one preferred embodiment, the connecting component further comprises a connecting portion; two ends of the connecting portion are connected to a first end portion and a second end portion, respectively; the direction of passage along the length of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is perpendicular to the direction of passage along the length of the connecting portion; and, when the adapter is installed in the processing cartridge, at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of passage along the width of the processing cartridge.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the output contact is provided with a housing portion; the housing portion is used to accommodate the image generating element so that the power transmission component is electrically connected to the image generating element.

[0021] In one preferred embodiment, the receiving portion is formed as a through hole, and the through hole is used to insert an image-forming element therein.

[0022] In one preferred embodiment, the processing cartridge comprises a conductive sheet connected to an end portion of the image creating element, and an output terminal of the power transmission component is used for electrical connection with the conductive sheet for electrically connecting the end portion of the image creating element;

[0023] when using an adapter for transmitting power to the image forming element of the processing cartridge and for electrically connecting the part for electrically connecting on the side of the main part of the image forming device via the input terminal of the power transmission component for accessing the external power source, the first end portion and the second end portion are respectively in contact with the opposite side walls of the processing cartridge; or,

[0024] when using an adapter for transmitting power to an image forming element of a processing cartridge and for electrically connecting a part for an electrical contact on the side of the main part of the image forming device via a first end part of the connecting component for accessing an external power source, at least a part of the first end part is in contact with the end surface of the processing cartridge, and the second end part is in contact with the side wall of the processing cartridge.

[0025] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image creating unit for a processing cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: an image creating element and said adapter for the processing cartridge, which is electrically connected to the image creating element;

[0026] The image forming element comprises one of a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a charging roller of the processing cartridge, and the axes of the photosensitive drum, the developing roller, and the charging roller are parallel to each other.

[0027] In a third aspect of the present invention, a processing cartridge is provided, characterized in that the processing cartridge comprises a casing and an image-creating element located in the casing; the image-creating element is installed between two oppositely located end surfaces of the casing in a direction of passage along the length of the casing; the casing comprises a mounting area, and the mounting area is used to mount said adapter.

[0028] In one preferred embodiment, said processing cartridge further comprises a conductive sheet; the conductive sheet is connected to an end portion of the image-creating element; the conductive sheet is used for electrical connection with an output terminal of the power transmission component for receiving power supplied to the image-creating element.

[0029] In one preferred embodiment, the end portion of the image creating element protrudes beyond the outer surface of the casing, and when the adapter is installed in the installation region of the casing, the end portion of the image creating element is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power transmission component;

[0030] The output terminal of the power transmission component is provided with a housing portion, and when the adapter is installed in the installation area, the end portion of the image creating element is electrically connected to the housing portion;

[0031] The output terminal of the power transmission component is provided with a housing portion, and when the adapter is installed in the installation area, the end portion of the image creating element is electrically connected to the housing portion;

[0032] or,

[0033] when the adapter is installed in the installation area, the image forming element of the processing cartridge receives power transmitted from the main part side of the image forming device via the first end portion of the connecting component; at least a part of the first end portion is in contact with the end surface of the processing cartridge, and the second end portion is in contact with the side wall of the processing cartridge.

[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the receiving portion is formed as a through hole, and when the adapter is installed in the installation area, the end portion of the image creating element passes through the through hole.

[0035] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a processing cartridge is provided, characterized in that the processing cartridge comprises a casing and an image-creating element located in the casing; the image-creating element is installed between two oppositely located end surfaces of the casing in the direction of passage along the length of the casing; and the end portion of the image-creating element is electrically connected to the output contact of said adapter.

[0036] In one preferred embodiment, the processing cartridge further comprises a conductive sheet, and the two ends of the conductive sheet are electrically connected to the output terminal of the adapter and the end portion of the image creating element.

[0037] In one preferred embodiment, the end portion of the image creating element protrudes beyond the outer surface of the casing, and the end portion of the image creating element is electrically connected to the output terminal of the adapter;

[0038] the output contact is provided with a containing portion, and the end portion of the image creating element is electrically connected to the containing portion;

[0039] when using the input terminal of the power transmission component to receive the power transmitted from the main part side of the image forming device, the first end portion and the second end portion of the adapter are respectively provided on the opposite side walls of the processing cartridge;

[0040] or,

[0041] when using the first end portion of the connecting component to receive power transmitted from the side of the main portion of the image forming device, at least a part of the first end portion is located on the end surface of the processing cartridge, and the second end portion is located on the side wall of the processing cartridge.

[0042] In one preferred embodiment, the receiving portion is a through hole, and the end portion of the image creating element passes through the through hole.

[0043] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set of processing cartridges, characterized in that it comprises a first processing cartridge and a second processing cartridge,

[0044] multiple specified processing cartridges;

[0045] When a set of processing cartridges is installed in an image forming device, multiple processing cartridges are arranged in a row; each of the processing cartridges is provided with an adapter; and the image forming elements of the multiple processing cartridges are connected by means of corresponding adapters.

[0046] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a main part and a processing cartridge according to a fourth aspect, or a main part and a processing cartridge according to a fifth aspect, or a main part and a set of processing cartridges according to a sixth aspect; the processing cartridge or the set of processing cartridges are detachably installed in the main part. Brief description of the drawings

[0047] To more clearly explain the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions known from the prior art, the following will briefly present graphical materials that should be used in describing the embodiments or the prior art. Naturally, the graphical materials in the following description represent some embodiments of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can also obtain other graphical materials based on these graphical materials without creative efforts.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of an adapter provided for embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] Fig. 2 is a schematic structural illustration of the adapter shown in Fig. 1, which is installed in the processing cartridge;

[0050] Fig. 3 is a schematic structural view of an adapter provided for another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 4 is a schematic structural illustration of the adapter shown in Fig. 3, which is installed in the processing cartridge;

[0052] Fig. 5 is a schematic structural illustration of a set of processing cartridges provided for embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Fig. 6 is a schematic structural view of a set of processing cartridges provided for another embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Fig. 7 is a schematic structural view of a set of processing cartridges provided for another embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of an adapter installed in a processing cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Fig. 9 is a schematic structural view of a set of processing cartridges provided for another embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Fig. 10 is a schematic structural view of a set of processing cartridges provided for another embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Fig. 11 is a schematic structural view of an image forming apparatus provided for embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] Fig. 12 shows a schematic structural image of conductive contacts provided on the main part shown in Fig. 11;

[0060] Fig. 13 is a schematic structural view of the set of processing cartridges shown in Fig. 11;

[0061] Fig. 14 is a schematic structural view of an image forming apparatus provided for another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0062] In order to make the objective, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention will be further described in detail below in connection with drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are used solely for explaining the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 1 and 2, an adapter 1 is detachably mounted on the processing cartridge 100 and is used to electrically connect the image-forming elements of two adjacent processing cartridges 100. The adapter 1 includes a power transmission component 11 and a connecting component 12. The power transmission component 11 is electrically connected to the image-forming element to supply power to the image-forming element. The connecting component 12 is used to transmit power outward relative to the current processing cartridge 100.

[0064] In particular, the electric power transmission component 11 includes an input terminal 111 and an output terminal 112. The input terminal 111 and the output terminal 112 are electrically connected. The connecting component 12 includes a first end portion 121 and a second end portion 122. The input terminal 111 can be used for connecting to an external power source. The output terminal 112 is electrically connected to the image generating element and is used to transmit the power received via the input terminal 111 to the image generating element to provide power for the image generating element. The first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 are electrically connected, and at least one of the first and second end portions 121 and 122 is electrically connected to the input terminal 111.The first end portion 121 can be used for connection to an external power source, while the second end portion 122 can be used to output power externally relative to the current processing cartridge. The external power source can be a power source provided by other processing cartridges or a power source provided by the imaging device.

[0065] Furthermore, the connecting component 12 also includes a connecting portion 123. The two ends of the connecting portion 123 are connected to the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122, respectively, and the lengthwise extending direction of at least one of the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 is perpendicular to the lengthwise extending direction of the connecting portion 123 (i.e., the Y direction in Fig. 1). In this embodiment, the lengthwise extending directions of the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 are both perpendicular to the lengthwise extending direction of the connecting portion 123. The input terminal 111 of the electric power transmission component 11 is connected to the connecting portion 123. When the adapter 1 is installed in the processing cartridge 100, the output terminal 112 of the electric power transmission component 11 is electrically connected to the image creating element.Both the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of passage along the width of the processing cartridge. The shortest connection line between the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 is parallel to the direction of passage along the width of the processing cartridge (i.e., the Y direction in Fig. 2). This facilitates an electrical connection between two adapters 1 provided in two adjacent processing cartridges 100, thereby ensuring an electrical connection between the image creating elements of two adjacent processing cartridges 100. In addition, the shortest connection line between the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 is perpendicular to the direction of passage along the length of the first end portion 121 and the direction of passage along the length of the second end portion 122, respectively.

[0066] In this embodiment, the adapter 1 further comprises a locking portion. The power transmission component 11 is detachably connected to the connecting component 12 via the locking portion. The direction of passage along the length of the power transmission component 11 (i.e., the Z direction in Fig. 1) is perpendicular to the direction of passage along the length of the connecting component 12 (i.e., the Y direction in Fig. 1). It can be understood that in other embodiments, the power transmission component 11 may also be formed integrally with the connecting component 12.

[0067] To facilitate the connection between the output terminal 112 and the image-generating element, the output terminal 112 is also provided with a receiving portion. The receiving portion is formed as a through hole 112a. During assembly, each adapter 1 is installed in the processing cartridge 100 respectively. The image-generating element is inserted into the through hole 112a, so that the output terminal 112 is electrically connected to the image-generating element of the processing cartridge 100.

[0068] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge 100 further comprises a conductive sheet. The conductive sheet is connected to the end portion of the image-generating element. The output terminal 112 of the power transmission component 11 is used for electrical connection with the conductive sheet, thereby providing an electrical connection between the power transmission component 11 and the image-generating element.

[0069] When each processing cartridge 100 is electrically connected, the adapters 1 are installed in the processing cartridges 100, the output terminals 112 of the power transmission components 11 are connected to the image forming elements of the corresponding processing cartridges 100, and the first end portions 121 and the second end portions 122 are respectively in contact with the opposite side walls of the corresponding processing cartridges 100. When the adapters are used to transmit power to the image forming elements of the processing cartridges 100, one of the processing cartridges 100 can be electrically connected to the electrical connection portion on the side of the main part of the image forming device via the input terminal 111 of the power transmission component 11 of the corresponding adapter 1 to receive external power.At the same time, between two adjacent processing cartridges 100, the second end portion 122 of the adapter 1 corresponding to one of the processing cartridges 100 is connected to the first end portion 121 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the other processing cartridge 100, thereby providing an electrical connection between the two adjacent processing cartridges 100. Thus, the number of conductive contacts that must be provided on the side of the main portion of the image forming device can be reduced. Furthermore, this reduces the force between the side of the main portion of the image forming device and the processing cartridge 100, reduces the strength requirements on the side of the main portion of the image forming device, improves the structural reliability of the image forming device, and also reduces costs.

[0070] In some embodiments, the input terminal 111 of the electric power transmission component 11 is connected to the first end portion 121 of the connecting component 12, and only the direction of passage along the length of the second end portion 122 is perpendicular to the direction of passage along the length of the connecting portion 123, as shown in Fig. 3 and 4. When the adapter 1 is installed in the processing cartridge 100, the output terminal 112 of the electric power transmission component 11 is connected to the image forming element of the corresponding processing cartridge 100. At least a part of the first end portion 121 is located on the end surface of the corresponding processing cartridge 100 with the provision of an electrical connection with a part for an electrical contact on the side of the main part of the image forming device via the first end portion 121 to provide access to an external power source.The second end portion 122 is in contact with the side wall of the processing cartridge 100 for transmitting power to processing cartridges other than the current processing cartridge 100 via the second end portion 122.

[0071] Based on the embodiments discussed above, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose an image-forming unit. The image-forming unit is used in a processing cartridge and comprises an image-forming element and an adapter described in any of the above embodiments, which is electrically connected to the image-forming element. The image-forming element may be one of a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a charging roller in the processing cartridge. The axes of the photosensitive drum, developing roller, and charging roller are parallel to each other.

[0072] Based on the embodiments discussed above, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose a processing cartridge. The processing cartridge 100 comprises a casing and an image-creating element. The image-creating element is installed between two opposite end surfaces of the casing in the direction extending along the length of the casing (i.e., in the X direction in Fig. 2). The casing comprises a mounting area, and the mounting area is used to mount an adapter, as described in the above embodiments.

[0073] In this embodiment, the processing cartridge 100 further comprises a conductive sheet. The conductive sheet is electrically connected to the end portion of the image-forming element. The conductive sheet is used for electrical connection with the output terminal 112 of the power transmission component 11 to receive power transmitted via the adapter 1 to the image-forming element via the conductive sheet. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the end portion of the image-forming element protrudes beyond the outer surface of the housing. When the adapter is installed in the housing installation area, the end portion of the image-forming element can be directly electrically connected to the output terminal of the power transmission component.

[0074] To facilitate the connection between the output terminal 112 of the power transmission component 11 and the image generating element, the output terminal 112 of the power transmission component 11 is also provided with a receiving portion. The receiving portion is formed as a through hole 112a. When the adapter 1 is installed in the installation region of the processing cartridge 100, the end portion of the image generating element passes through the through hole 112a, so that the output terminal 112 of the adapter 1 is electrically connected to the image generating element of the processing cartridge 100.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the adapter 1 is installed in the installation area of ​​the processing cartridge, the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 of the adapter 1 are respectively in contact with the opposite side walls of the processing cartridge 100. At the same time, the image forming element of the processing cartridge can receive power transmitted from the side of the main part of the image forming device via the input terminal 111 of the power transmission component 11. The image forming elements of two adjacent processing cartridges can be electrically connected via the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the adapter 1 is installed in the area of ​​​​the processing cartridge installation, at least a part of the first end portion 121 is in contact with the end surface of the processing cartridge 100, and the second end portion 122 is in contact with the side wall of the processing cartridge 100. At the same time, the image forming element of the processing cartridge can receive power transmitted from the side of the main part of the image forming device through the first end portion 121 of the connecting component 12, and the second end portion 122 can transmit power outward relative to the current processing cartridge.

[0077] Based on the embodiments discussed above, embodiments of the present invention also disclose a processing cartridge. Processing cartridge 100 comprises a housing and an image-creating element. The image-creating element is mounted between two opposite end surfaces of the housing in a direction extending along the length of the housing. The end portion of the image-creating element is electrically connected to the output terminal of the adapter, as described in the above embodiments.

[0078] In this embodiment, the processing cartridge 100 further comprises a conductive sheet. The two ends of the conductive sheet are electrically connected to the output terminal 112 of the adapter 1 and the end portion of the image-generating element, respectively, to receive power transmitted via the adapter 1 to the image-generating element via the conductive sheet. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the end portion of the image-generating element protrudes from the outer surface of the casing, so that the end portion of the image-generating element can be directly electrically connected to the output terminal of the power transmission component.

[0079] To facilitate the connection between the output terminal 112 of the power transmission component 11 and the image generating element, the output terminal 112 of the power transmission component 11 is provided with a housing portion. The housing portion is formed as a through hole 112a. The end portion of the image generating element passes through the through hole, so that the end portion of the image generating element is electrically connected to the output terminal 112 of the adapter 1.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 of the adapter 1 are respectively provided on the opposite side walls of the processing cartridge 100. At the same time, the power transmitted from the side of the main part of the image forming device can be received through the input terminal 111 of the power transmission component 11, and the image forming elements in two adjacent processing cartridges 100 can be electrically connected through the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122. Alternatively, at least a part of the first end portion 121 is provided on the end surface of the processing cartridge 100, and the second end portion 122 is provided on the side wall of the processing cartridge 100.At the same time, the power transmitted from the main part side of the image forming device can be received through the first end portion 121 of the connecting component 12, and the power can be transmitted outward with respect to the current processing cartridge through the second end portion 122.

[0081] Based on the embodiments discussed above, a set of processing cartridges is also disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, the set of processing cartridges provides processing cartridges 100 as described in the above embodiments. The processing cartridges 100 are distributed in a row, and each processing cartridge 100 is provided with an adapter 1. An image creating element of each processing cartridge 100 is connected to an output terminal 112 of the corresponding adapter 1. Each processing cartridge 100 is provided with a first end portion 121 and a second end portion 122 on opposite side walls, respectively. Between two adjacent processing cartridges 100, the first end portion 121 of the adapter 1 corresponding to one of the processing cartridges 100 is connected to the second end portion 122 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the other processing cartridge 100.The image-forming elements of two adjacent processing cartridges 100 are electrically connected by means of an adapter 1. The image-forming elements of at least some of the processing cartridges 100 among the processing cartridges 100 are electrically connected by means of adapters 1. At the same time, the input contact 111 of the power transmission component 11 of the adapter 1 corresponding to one of the processing cartridges 100 is used for electrical connection with the image-forming device. The electrical connection with the image-forming device is used for receiving the output voltage from the image-forming device, transmitting the output voltage to the image-forming element of the corresponding processing cartridge 100 and another adapter 1, and then transmitting the output voltage to the image-forming elements of the other processing cartridges 100.

[0082] Specifically, the toner colors in multiple process cartridges 100 may be the same or different. For example, the process cartridges 100 may include a first process cartridge 100 (K), a second process cartridge 100 (M), a third process cartridge 100 (C), and a fourth process cartridge 100 (Y). K, M, C, Y may represent a toner color. As an example, each process cartridge 100 may store a toner of a different color. Thus, the image forming device can form either a black image or a color image on paper.

[0083] Each processing cartridge 100 comprises a casing 101, a photosensitive drum 102, a charging roller 103, a developing roller 104, and other components. The photosensitive drum 102, the charging roller 103, and the developing roller 104 are respectively installed in the casing 101. The axial directions of the photosensitive drum 102, the charging roller 103, and the developing roller 104 are parallel to the direction of travel along the length of the casing 101. The photosensitive drum 102, the charging roller 103, and the developing roller 104 can be called image forming elements. A detailed description will be given below, where the image forming element is the photosensitive drum 102 as an example.

[0084] To facilitate the simultaneous disassembly and assembly of multiple processing cartridges 100, such as the first processing cartridge 100 (K), the second processing cartridge 100 (M), the third processing cartridge 100 (C) and the fourth processing cartridge 100 (Y), in some embodiments, the set of processing cartridges also includes a movable component 42. The movable component 42 can be movably mounted in the main portion of the image forming device and is used to accommodate the first processing cartridge 100 (K), the second processing cartridge 100 (M), the third processing cartridge 100 (C) and the fourth processing cartridge. When the movable component 42 is located outside the main portion of the image forming device, the processing cartridges 100 can be removed from the movable component 42. That is, the user can push and pull the movable component 42 while simultaneously moving multiple processing cartridges 100, which makes disassembly and assembly more convenient.

[0085] The movable component 42 may be a rod-shaped or plate-shaped structural element. In some embodiments, the movable component 42 comprises a bottom plate 421 and a side plate 422. The bottom plate 421 and the side plate 422 are connected to form a cavity with an opening. The bottom plate 421 is used to provide support for processing cartridges, such as the first processing cartridge 100 (K), the second processing cartridge 100 (M), the third processing cartridge 100 (C), and the fourth processing cartridge 100 (Y). The side plate 422 is located around the outer sides of the processing cartridges 100 and is used to limit the positions of each processing cartridge 100, so that each processing cartridge 100 can be stably mounted on the movable component 42.

[0086] In some embodiments, a fixing groove may be provided on the side plate 422 for fixing each processing cartridge 100. In this way, each processing cartridge 100 is relatively fixed on the movable component, and displacement of each processing cartridge 100 relative to the movable component 42 is prevented.

[0087] In this embodiment, the number of adapters 1 is set to correspond to the number of processing cartridges 100, and each adapter 1 is respectively located in each processing cartridge 100. The adapters 1 are connected end-to-end (for example, connected in series one after another), so that the image-creating elements of each processing cartridge 100 are electrically connected via adapter 1.

[0088] In actual application scenarios, when the entire set of processing cartridges is inserted into the image forming device, the input terminal 111 of the power transmission component 11 of the adapter 1 corresponding to one of the processing cartridges 100 is in contact with the high-voltage terminal on the main body side of the image forming device to conduct voltage. At the same time, under the action of the adapter 1, the high voltage on the main body of the image forming device is transmitted to the image forming element inside the processing cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction, and the high voltage on the main body of the image forming device is transmitted to the remaining three sequentially connected processing cartridges 100 in the lateral direction.The image-forming elements on each processing cartridge 100 do not necessarily have to be in direct contact with the high-voltage contacts on the main portion of the image-forming device. This reduces the number of high-voltage contacts provided on the main portion of the image-forming device and enables the simultaneous operation of the image-forming elements of four processing cartridges 100 via a single high-voltage contact provided on the main portion of the image-forming device.

[0089] In this embodiment, four processing cartridges 100 with identical structures are connected via an adapter 1 to realize mutual electrical connection between the four processing cartridges 100. There is no need to design a separate structure for each color processing cartridge 100, which reduces the design complexity and also reduces the development and production costs of the product.

[0090] In this embodiment, the image forming element is a photosensitive drum. It is understood that in other embodiments, the image forming element may also be a developing roller or a charging roller, etc. Of course, the number of image forming elements is not limited to one and may also be two or more. In particular, different image forming elements must be provided with corresponding adapters. For example, if the number of image forming elements is two, which are a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, then two adapters must be provided, which are a first adapter and a second adapter. The photosensitive drum of each processing cartridge is electrically connected to the first adapter, and the charging roller of each processing cartridge is electrically connected to the second adapter.

[0091] Based on the embodiments discussed above, another specific implementation of a set of processing cartridges is also disclosed in the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment is that, as shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, in the direction of arrangement of the processing cartridges 100 (i.e., the Y direction in Fig. 6), the first end portion 121 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the first processing cartridge 100 does not extend in the direction of passing along the height of the processing cartridges (i.e., the Z direction in Fig. 6).

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 7, in the direction of arrangement of the processing cartridges 100, the first end portion 121 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the first processing cartridge 100 does not extend in the direction of passing along the height of the processing cartridge, and the second end portion of the adapter 1 corresponding to the fourth processing cartridge 100 does not extend in the direction of passing along the height of the processing cartridge.

[0093] When receiving power, the first end portion 121 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the first processing cartridge 100 is electrically connected to the image forming device. In addition, the processing cartridges 100 are also electrically connected to each other via the first end portions 121 and second end portions 122 of the adapters 1. Thus, the output voltage from the image forming device is received via the adapter 1 corresponding to the first processing cartridge 100. The received voltage is transmitted to the image forming element of the first processing cartridge 100 and the image forming elements of the other processing cartridges 100.

[0094] Based on the embodiments discussed above, another specific implementation of a set of processing cartridges is also disclosed in the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiments is that, as shown in Fig. 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the electric power transmission component 11 and the connecting component 12 are not directly electrically connected. The input terminal 111 of the electric power transmission component 11 is located at a distance from the second end portion 122 of the connecting component 12. For example, the input terminal 111 of the electric power transmission component 11 and the second end portion 122 of the connecting component 12 are located in parallel. When the adapter is used to transmit power to the image creating element of the processing cartridge, the input terminal 111 of the electric power transmission component 11 is electrically connected to at least one of the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122.When several processing cartridges 100 are installed in the image forming device, two adjacent processing cartridges 100 are electrically connected. At the same time, the second end portion 122 and the input contact 111 of the adapter 1 corresponding to one of the processing cartridges 100 are electrically connected to the first end portion 121 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the other processing cartridge 100 simultaneously. This ensures an electrical connection between the image forming elements of each processing cartridge 100.

[0095] In some embodiments, the movable component 2 is provided with a conductive connector 3. When each processing cartridge 100 is mounted on the movable component 2, the second end portion 122 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the processing cartridge 100 located on the edge is electrically connected to the input contact 111 of the corresponding adapter 1 via the conductive connector 3. Thus, the image creating elements of each processing cartridge can receive voltage.

[0096] In this embodiment, the connecting component 12 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the first processing cartridge 100 is electrically connected to the image forming device. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the power transmission component 11 of the adapter 1 corresponding to the first processing cartridge 100 may be electrically connected to the image forming device, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0097] Based on the embodiments discussed above, this embodiment also discloses an image forming device 10. The image forming device 10 may be a laser printer, a laser copier, etc. As shown in Fig. 11, the image forming device comprises a main part 200 and a set of processing cartridges described in any of the above embodiments. The set of processing cartridges is detachably installed in the main part 200 of the image forming device.

[0098] Specifically, the image forming device 10 also includes an optical scanning unit (not shown), a paper feeding unit (not shown), a fixing unit (not shown), a set of processing cartridges described below, and the like, which are provided on the main part 200. The operating principle and process of the image forming device 10 are as follows: the optical scanning unit performs exposure in the processing cartridge to convert image information into an electrostatic latent image; the processing cartridge converts the electrostatic latent image into a toner image; the paper feeding unit moves the paper to the position of the processing cartridge, so that the toner image is transferred to the paper. Then, the paper feeding unit moves the paper to the fixing unit, which fixes the toner image on the paper using heat and pressure.The paper feed unit then feeds the paper outward relative to the image forming device 10.

[0099] As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the main portion 200 is provided with a first conductive contact 210 and a second conductive contact 210'. The first conductive contact 210 is used for electrical connection with the storage device of the processing cartridge. The second conductive contact 210' is used for connection with the conductive components of the processing cartridge for electrically connecting the image forming element with the external conductive elements. The second conductive contact 210' on the main portion side can be called an external conductive element. It can be understood that the second conductive contact 210' on the main portion side can be considered as an electrical connection structure connected to the conductive component, and is not limited to the contact position with the conductive component.

[0100] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention also discloses another image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is a color laser printer. As shown in Fig. 14, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises a set of processing cartridges described in any of the above embodiments, a transfer belt 105, an auxiliary transfer roller 106, a paper loading box 107, a manual paper feed tray 108, a paper feed roller 109, a transfer roller 110, a laser scanning unit (LSU) 116, a heating roller 117, a pressure roller 113, an output roller 114, a paper discharge box 115, etc. The set of processing cartridges comprises four processing cartridges. Each process cartridge contains photosensitive drums 101Y–101K, charging rollers 102Y–102K, developing rollers 103Y–103K, and toner containers 104Y–104K that contain toner.

[0101] The laser scanning unit (LSU) 116 is configured as a single LSU and comprises four optical beam paths. Four charging rollers 102Y–102K are used to deposit a charge on the surface of four photosensitive drums 101Y–101K, respectively. Laser beams are emitted along the four optical paths of the laser scanning unit, respectively, to form latent electrostatic images on the surface of the photosensitive drums 101Y–101K. Four developing rollers 103Y–103K are used to develop toner images of one color on the surface of the photosensitive drums 101Y–101K, respectively. The image forming device 10 employs an auxiliary transfer method.That is, four photosensitive drums 101Y–101K sequentially transfer toner images to transfer belt 105, and then the color toner image formed on transfer belt 105 is again transferred to paper via auxiliary transfer roller 106. The paper enters paper tray 107 for storing paper. Paper feed roller 109 is used to transfer the stored paper to the transfer path. Transfer roller 110 is used to transfer the paper to auxiliary transfer roller 106.

[0102] The auxiliary transfer roller 106 transfers the paper with the image to the contact strip between the heating roller 117 and the pressure roller 113. The heating roller 117 and the pressure roller 113 are used to fix the toner image on the paper. The heating roller 117 may use a heating method using a ceramic heater. The heating roller 117 and the pressure roller 113 transfer the fixed paper to the discharge roller 114, and the discharge roller 114 discharges the paper into the paper discharge box 115 and stacks it.

[0103] The above are only preferred specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall correspond to the scope of protection in the claims.

[0104] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are used solely for illustrating the technical solution according to the present invention, but are not intended to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that it is still possible to modify the technical solutions set forth in the above embodiments or make equivalent substitutions with respect to some or all of the technical features; however, these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solution to deviate from the scope of the technical solution of each embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adapter for a processing cartridge, characterized in that the adapter is detachably installed in the processing cartridge and is used for electrical connection with an image-creating element of the processing cartridge, wherein the adapter comprises: a power transmission component that includes an input terminal and an output terminal; the input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal; and the output terminal is used to supply power to an image generating element; a connecting component that includes a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion is electrically connected to the second end portion, the second end portion is used to output power; at least one of the first end portion and the input contact is used for connecting to an external power source; the input contact of the power transmission component is electrically connected to at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion when using the adapter for transmitting power to the image creation element of the processing cartridge.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the adapter is installed in the processing cartridge, the shortest connection line between the first end portion and the second end portion is parallel to the direction of passage along the width of the processing cartridge.

3. An adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the direction of passage along the length of the power transmission component is perpendicular to the direction of passage along the length of the connecting component.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the adapter additionally comprises a locking part and the power transmission component is detachably connected to the connecting component by means of the locking part.

5. The adapter according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the power transmission component and the connecting component are made as a single unit.

6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the connecting component further comprises a connecting portion; two ends of the connecting portion are connected to the first end portion and the second end portion, respectively; a direction of extension along the length of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is perpendicular to the direction of extension along the length of the connecting portion; and, when the adapter is installed in the processing cartridge, at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension along the width of the processing cartridge.

7. An adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the output contact is provided with a containing portion; the containing portion is used to accommodate the image-creating element so that the power transmission component is electrically connected to the image-creating element.

8. An adapter according to paragraph 7, characterized in that the containing part is made in the form of a through hole and the through hole is used to insert an image-creating element into it.

9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the processing cartridge comprises a conductive sheet connected to the end portion of the image-creating element, and the output contact of the power transmission component is used for electrical connection with the conductive sheet for electrically connecting the end portion of the image-creating element; when using an adapter for transmitting power to the image forming element of the processing cartridge and for electrically connecting a portion for electrically connecting on the side of the main portion of the image forming device via an input contact of the power transmission component for accessing an external power source, the first end portion and the second end portion are respectively in contact with the opposite side walls of the processing cartridge; or when using an adapter for transmitting power to an image-forming element of a processing cartridge and for electrically connecting a part for an electrical contact on the side of the main part of the image-forming device via a first end part of the connecting component for access to an external power source, at least a part of the first end part is in contact with the end surface of the processing cartridge and the second end part is in contact with the side wall of the processing cartridge.

10. An image creation unit for a processing cartridge, characterized in that it comprises an image creation element and an adapter for the processing cartridge according to any of paragraphs 1-9, which is electrically connected to the image creation element; the image creating element comprises one of a photosensitive drum, a developing roller and a charging roller of the processing cartridge, and the axes of the photosensitive drum, the developing roller and the charging roller are parallel to each other.

11. A processing cartridge, characterized in that the processing cartridge comprises a casing and an image-creating element located in the casing; the image-creating element is installed between two oppositely located end surfaces of the casing in the direction of passage along the length of the casing; the casing comprises a mounting area; and the mounting area is used to mount an adapter according to any of paragraphs 1-9.

12. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the processing cartridge further comprises a conductive sheet; the conductive sheet is connected to an end portion of the image-creating element; the conductive sheet is used for electrical connection to an output contact of the power transmission component for receiving power supplied to the image-creating element.

13. The cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that the end portion of the image-creating element projects beyond the outer surface of the casing and, when the adapter is installed in the installation area of ​​the casing, the end portion of the image-creating element is electrically connected to the output contact of the power transmission component; the output contact of the power transmission component is provided with a containing portion and, when the adapter is installed in the installation area, the end portion of the image creating element is electrically connected to the containing portion; when the adapter is installed in the installation area, the image creating element of the processing cartridge is powered by the adapter and the first end portion and the second end portion of the adapter are respectively in contact with the opposite side walls of the processing cartridge; or, When the adapter is installed in the installation area, the image forming element of the processing cartridge receives power transmitted from the main part side of the image forming device via the first end portion of the connecting component, at least a part of the first end portion is in contact with the end surface of the processing cartridge and the second end portion is in contact with the side wall of the processing cartridge.

14. The cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that the containing part is made in the form of a through hole and, when the adapter is installed in the installation area, the end part of the image-creating element passes through the through hole.

15. A processing cartridge, characterized in that the processing cartridge comprises a casing and an image-creating element located in the casing; the image-creating element is installed between two oppositely located end surfaces of the casing in the direction of passage along the length of the casing; and the end portion of the image-creating element is electrically connected to the output contact of the adapter according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9.

16. The cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that the processing cartridge additionally comprises a conductive sheet and the two ends of the conductive sheet are electrically connected to the output contact of the adapter and the end portion of the image creation element.

17. The cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that the end portion of the image-creating element protrudes beyond the outer surface of the casing and the end portion of the image-creating element is electrically connected to the output contact of the adapter; the output contact is provided with a containing portion and the end portion of the image creating element is electrically connected to the containing portion; when using the input contact of the power transmission component to receive power transmitted from the side of the main part of the image forming device, the first end portion and the second end portion of the adapter are respectively provided on the opposite side walls of the processing cartridge; or when using the first end portion of the connecting component to receive power transmitted from the side of the main portion of the image forming device, at least a part of the first end portion is located on the end surface of the processing cartridge and the second end portion is located on the side wall of the processing cartridge.

18. The cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the containing part is a through hole and the end part of the image-creating element passes through the through hole.

19. A set of processing cartridges, characterized in that it contains a first processing cartridge and a second processing cartridge, several processing cartridges according to any of paragraphs 10-14; When a set of processing cartridges is installed in the image forming device, a plurality of processing cartridges are distributed in a row; each of the processing cartridges is provided with an adapter; and the image forming elements of the plurality of processing cartridges are connected by means of corresponding adapters.

20. An image forming device characterized in that it comprises a main part and a processing cartridge according to any of paragraphs 11-14, or a main part and a processing cartridge according to any of paragraphs 15-18, or a main part and a set of processing cartridges according to paragraph 19; the processing cartridge or the set of processing cartridges are detachably installed in the main part.

Images