Detector unit, process cartridge and process kit

Abstract

FIELD: imaging.SUBSTANCE: solution relates to a detector unit, a process cartridge and a process kit. The detector unit comprises a measuring element; the measuring element is located on the main body of the process cartridge and is designed in such a way that, when the rotating element of the process cartridge has a detector and the detector rotates together with the rotating element, the measuring element can receive a first detector signal based on the detector data, wherein the first detector signal can be used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters. The measuring element can detect in real time whether the rotating element of the process cartridge is normal, and if the rotation of the rotating element is detected to be abnormal, the process cartridge can be stopped in a timely manner, thereby avoiding image distortion and equipment damage caused by the rotation stop or abnormal rotation of the rotating element.EFFECT: preventing image distortion and equipment damage caused by a stop or abnormal rotation of a rotating element in a process cartridge.15 cl, 11 dwg

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from the filing date of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310843689.3 filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on July 10, 2023, entitled "Detector Assembly, Process Cartridge, and Process Kit," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of imaging, namely, to a detector unit, a process cartridge and a process kit.BACKGROUND

[0003] Imaging devices such as laser printers and copiers are equipped with internal image-forming components, which are important components of these devices.

[0004] Existing imaging system components typically include a photosensitive drum (OPD), a charging roller, a developing roller, a cleaning blade, a doctor blade, and so on. The operating principle of existing devices is that the charging roller charges the surface of the photosensitive drum, imbuing it with negative charges. A laser scanning unit (LSU) then exposes the photosensitive drum, creating an electrostatic latent image on its surface. Simultaneously, under the control of the doctor blade, toner is uniformly deposited onto the surface of the developing roller. The toner is then transferred from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum by an electric field.At this point, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum is converted into a visible toner image, which is then transferred to the paper under the action of an electric field, and finally the entire image formation process is completed by fixation and discharge.

[0005] However, the known technical solutions lack a device capable of determining whether the rotating element (for example, the photosensitive drum) of the process cartridge is rotating normally, which does not allow to avoid image distortion and equipment damage caused by the stoppage or abnormal rotation of the rotating element. ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In order to overcome the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the main object of the present invention is to provide a detector unit, a process cartridge and a process kit that can avoid image distortion and equipment damage caused by a stop or abnormal rotation of a rotating element in a process cartridge.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention specifically uses the following technical solutions.

[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention, a detector unit is provided that can be mounted on a process cartridge. The process cartridge comprises a main body and a rotating element, wherein the rotating element is rotatably mounted in the main body, and the process cartridge can be removably mounted on an image forming device. The detector unit comprises: a measuring element, which is configured to be positioned on the main body and is designed such that, when a detector is positioned on the rotating element and this detector rotates together with the rotating element, the measuring element can receive a first detection signal, which is used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, a process kit is also provided, which is detachably mounted on an imaging device and comprises a main body having a first location for accommodating a measuring element; a rotating element rotatably located on the main body and having a second location for accommodating a detector;and the above-described detector assembly, wherein the process cartridge comprises a detector located on the rotating element, wherein the detector is located at a second location, wherein when the measuring element is installed at the first location, the detector is located at the second location, wherein the detector rotates together with the rotating element, the measuring element can receive a first detector signal based on the detector data, and this first detector signal is used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters, wherein the above-described process cartridge and the above-described detector assembly, wherein the measuring element is installed at the first location, and the detector is located at the second location.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, a process cartridge is also provided that is removably mounted on an imaging device and that comprises a main body, a rotating element and the above-described detector assembly, wherein the rotating element is rotatably located on the main body, a detector is mounted on the rotating element, a measuring element is located on the main body, and the measuring element is designed in such a way that when the detector rotates together with the rotating element, the measuring element can receive a first detection signal based on the detector data, and this first detection signal is used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the measuring element in the present invention is configured such that when a detector is provided on the rotating element of the process cartridge and the detector rotates together with the rotating element, the measuring element can receive a first detection signal based on this detector, and this first detection signal can be used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters. In this way, the measuring element can monitor the normal rotation of the rotating element of the process cartridge in real time. If an abnormal rotation of the rotating element is detected, the operation of the process cartridge can be stopped in a timely manner, thereby avoiding image distortion and equipment damage caused by the stop or abnormal rotation of the rotating element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a process cartridge proposed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a process cartridge proposed in one embodiment of the present invention, from another angle.

[0014] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a portion of a process cartridge proposed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 4(a) schematically illustrates a first view of a detector unit located outside the rotating member proposed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 4(b) schematically illustrates a second view of a detector unit located outside the rotating member proposed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 5 schematically shows a detector unit located outside the rotating element proposed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a detector assembly located outside the rotating element shown in Fig. 5.

[0019] Fig. 7 schematically shows a detector unit located outside the rotating element proposed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 8(a) schematically illustrates a first view of a detector unit located inside a rotating member proposed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 8(b) schematically illustrates a second view of a detector unit located inside a rotating member proposed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 8(c) schematically illustrates a third view of a detector unit located inside a rotating member proposed in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Item numbers:

[0024] 1: Main body; 2: Rotating member; 21: Cylinder; 22: Shaft; 3: Detector unit; 31: Measuring element; 311: Light emitting part; 312: Light receiving part; 313: Light blocking component; 32: Detector; 321: Reflecting part; 322: Light absorbing part; 33: Chip; 34: Sleeve; 35: Limiting member; 100: Process cartridge.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION OPTIONS

[0025] In order to make the objective, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are used only for illustrating the present invention and do not limit its application.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating relative importance; unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" refers to two or more, and the term "multiple types" refers to two or more types; the terms "connected" and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, "connected" may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; the element may be connected directly or indirectly through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood depending on the specific situation.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that directional terms such as "on" and "under" described in the embodiments of the present invention are described from the perspective shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, in this context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that one element is attached "on" or "under" another element, it can be attached not only directly "on" or "under" the other element, but also indirectly "on" or "under" the other element through an intermediate element.

[0028] Execution option 1

[0029] Referring to Fig. 1 and 2, Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a process cartridge provided in one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a process cartridge provided in one embodiment of the present invention from another angle. The embodiment of the present invention describes a process cartridge 100 that is detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus and comprises a main body 1, a rotating member 2, and a detector unit 3. The rotating member 2 is disposed on the main body 1 so as to rotate to perform image forming operations. The detector unit 3 is disposed on the main body 1 for detecting whether the rotating member of the process cartridge rotates normally.

[0030] In this embodiment, the rotating member 2 is a photosensitive drum or a developing roller. In other embodiments, the process cartridge further comprises a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, and the rotating member 2 may also be an element rotating together with the rotation of the photosensitive drum or the developing roller. When the rotating member 2 is an element rotating together with the rotation of the photosensitive drum or the developing roller, the rotating member 2 further comprises a drive gear on which the detector 32 can be located, and the light-emitting and light-receiving portions can be located at the driving end of the main body 1.

[0031] Specifically, the detector unit 3 comprises a detector 32 and a measuring element 31. The detector 32 is configured to be placed on the rotating element 2 and can output a first detection signal. The measuring element 31 is configured to be placed on the main body 1 and is designed such that, when the detector 32 rotates to a predetermined position together with the rotating element 2, the measuring element 31 can receive the first detection signal output by the detector 32, and this first detection signal can be used to determine whether the rotating element 2 meets the expected parameters (for example, whether the rotation cycle and rotation speed of the rotating element meet the predetermined values), thereby preventing image distortion and equipment damage caused by a stop or abnormal rotation of the rotating element 2.

[0032] Fig. 3 schematically depicts a process cartridge proposed in one embodiment of the present invention. The measuring element 31 comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to send a second detection signal, and the receiving unit is used to receive a first detection signal corresponding to the second detection signal, based on the data of the detector 32, in order to determine whether the rotating element 2 complies with the expected parameters using the first detection signal.

[0033] In this embodiment, the transmitting unit is a light-emitting portion 311, and the receiving unit is a light-receiving portion 312. The second detection signal and the first detection signal are signals of the same type, wherein the first detection signal is a signal obtained by amplifying or attenuating the second detection signal. For example, the second detection signal is a first optical signal, and the first detection signal is a second optical signal obtained by amplifying or attenuating the first optical signal. The detector 32 includes a reflective portion 321 located on the outer surface of the rotating element 2.When the rotating element 2 rotates to a predetermined position, the reflecting portion 321 can reflect the first optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311, forming a second optical signal and transmitting it to the light-receiving portion 312, that is, allowing the detector 32 to transmit the second optical signal to the light-receiving portion 312 based on the first optical signal, so that the light-receiving portion 312 can determine whether the rotating element 2 operates normally, based on the cycle of the received second optical signal. Alternatively, the detector 32 can comprise a signal conversion unit that can process the aforementioned second detection signal to obtain the aforementioned first detection signal. For example, the signal conversion unit can process the aforementioned first optical signal to obtain the second optical signal.In addition, the measuring element 31 may also comprise the above-mentioned signal conversion unit, that is, when the rotating element 2 rotates to a predetermined position, the reflecting portion 321 may reflect the second detection signal sent by the light-emitting portion 311 to the measuring element 31, and the signal conversion unit of the measuring element 31 may generate a first detection signal based on the received second detection signal. For example, the signal conversion unit may process the above-mentioned first optical signal to obtain a second optical signal.

[0034] Furthermore, the reflective portion 321 can be attached to the rotating member 2, and the reflectivity of the reflective portion 321 can be higher or lower than that of the surface of the rotating member located near the reflective portion 321. For example, the reflective portion 321 is a reflective adhesive tape. Attaching the reflective portion 321 to the rotating member 2 ensures that the reflectivity of the reflective portion 321 is higher than that of the surface of the rotating member 2, which allows the light-receiving portion 312 to determine whether the rotating member 2 operates normally based on the reception cycle of the second optical signal.

[0035] Furthermore, the reflective portion 321 may also be a part of the surface of the rotating member 2, and the reflectivity of the reflective portion 321 may be higher or lower than that of the surface of the rotating member 2 located near the reflective portion 321. For example, the reflective portion 321 may be a layer of reflective material applied to the surface of the rotating member 2. In this embodiment, the reflective portion is formed by directly applying a layer of reflective material to the surface of the rotating member 2, which ensures a simple process, reduces the number of components and reduces the cost.

[0036] To improve the measurement accuracy, the detector 32 additionally includes a light-absorbing part 322 located along the circumferential direction of the rotating element 2 and adjacent to the reflective part 321. The light-absorbing part 322 can be a layer of light-absorbing material applied to

[0037] surface of rotating element 2. By placing a light-absorbing material on the surface of the rotating element, it can prevent light from being reflected from other parts of the rotating element, except for the part covered with the reflective material, to the light-receiving part 312, reduce detection errors and improve the measurement accuracy.

[0038] Specifically, if a portion of the outer surface of the rotating member 2 located near the reflective portion 321 is a contrast portion, the reflectivity of the contrast portion is a, the reflectivity of the reflective portion 321 is b, and the reflectivity of the light-absorbing portion 322 is c, then b>a>c.

[0039] Specifically, when the rotating member 2 rotates, the light-absorbing portions 322 are arranged on both sides of the reflecting portion 321. Of course, in other embodiments, the reflecting portion 321 and the light-absorbing portion 322 may also be sequentially arranged along the forward or backward direction of rotation of the rotating member 2.

[0040] Alternatively, the first and second detection signals may also be signals of different types. For example, the first detection signal is a signal obtained as a result of preprocessing the second detection signal. For example, the first detection signal is a third optical signal, the second detection signal is a second electrical signal, and the detector 32 is used to receive the second electrical signal, convert the second electrical signal into a third optical signal, and then transmit the third optical signal to the receiving unit; or the first detection signal is a third electrical signal, the second detection signal is a fourth optical signal, and the detector 32 is used to receive the fourth optical signal, convert the fourth optical signal into a third electrical signal, and transmit the third electrical signal to the receiving unit.

[0041] As also shown in Fig. 3, the rotating member 2 includes a shaft 22 and a cylinder 21. The shaft 22 is rotatably disposed on the main body 1, and the cylinder 21 is mounted on the shaft 22 in the form of a sleeve, so that the cylinder 21 and the shaft 22 are connected and can rotate coaxially. The reflective portion 321 is formed in such a way that it is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft, and the reflectivity of the surface of the reflective portion 321 away from the shaft 22 is higher or lower than that of other portions of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 22.

[0042] Alternatively, the reflecting portion 321 may be located on the surface of the rotating member 2 in a protruding manner. Specifically, the reflecting portion 321 may be mounted on the shaft 22, and when mounted on the shaft 22, it is located on the shaft 22 in a protruding manner; or the reflecting portion 321 may be mounted on the cylinder 21, and when mounted on the cylinder 21, it will be located on the end surface of the cylinder 21 in a protruding manner.

[0043] In the detection process, light is emitted from the light-emitting element 311. When the shaft 22 rotates to a predetermined position so that the detector 32 is in the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting portion 311, the first optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 is reflected by the detector 32, generating a second optical signal, which is supplied to the light-receiving portion 312. The light-receiving portion 312 determines whether the rotating member 2 rotates normally based on the cycle of the received second optical signal, thereby preventing image distortion and equipment damage caused by the stop or abnormal rotation of the rotating member 2. In addition, the printer requires fewer components, which ensures a low cost and a simple structure.

[0044] In this embodiment, the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 are two independent components, with the light-receiving portion being a phototransistor. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the light-emitting and light-receiving portions may also be combined into a single component.

[0045] Alternatively, the detector unit 3 also comprises a chip 33, which is mounted on the main body 1. A measuring element 31 is located on the chip 33. The chip 33 comprises a substrate and terminals electrically connected to the substrate, wherein the terminals are used for contact and electrical connection with terminals located on the side of the main body of the image forming device when the process cartridge 100 is installed on the image forming device. In addition, the chip 33 may comprise a memory device used to store information about the characteristics of the process cartridge 100 and information about the consumption of the developer contained in the process cartridge 100.In this embodiment, the detector unit 3 also comprises a chip 33, wherein the chip 33 is mounted on the main body 1, the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 are respectively located on the chip 33, wherein the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 are respectively electrically connected to the chip 33, so that they can be electrically connected to the imaging device through the terminals of the chip 33 and then directly transmit signals to the imaging device without adding new components and wiring. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 can also be respectively located on the housing 1 or on the main body of the imaging device.

[0046] Alternatively, the detector unit 3 further comprises a substrate and a near-field communication (NFC) transmitting unit. An emitting portion, a receiving portion, and an NFC transmitting unit are respectively disposed on the substrate, wherein the receiving portion is electrically connected to the NFC transmitting unit, so that rotation information of the rotating element measured by the detector unit is transmitted to the NFC transmitting unit. At the same time, a corresponding receiving unit is disposed on the main control chip of the imaging device or on the main body of the imaging device, and the information is then transmitted back to the imaging device using this radio frequency method, which is more convenient for installation and ensures more stable and secure signal transmission.

[0047] In order to improve the detection accuracy of the rotating member 2, a light-blocking element 313 is additionally included in the measuring element 31. The light-blocking element 313 is located on the main body 1 between the light-emitting part 311 and the light-receiving part 312, and protrudes from the light-emitting part 311 and the light-receiving part 312 in the direction of the rotating member 2, so that the light-blocking element 313 prevents the first optical signal emitted by the light-emitting part 311 from being directly transmitted to the light-receiving part 312 and its influence on determining whether the rotating member 2 rotates normally.

[0048] Specifically, light-blocking element 313 is located on main body 1, and chip 33 has a recess. When chip 33 is mounted on main body 1, the recess of chip 33 will interact with light-blocking element 313 to limit the size of chip 33, thereby preventing the manufacturing tolerances of chip 33 from affecting detection results.

[0049] Alternatively, the distance between the light-blocking member 313 and the rotating member 2 is greater than or equal to 1 mm, preferably, the distance between the light-blocking member 313 and the rotating member is 1.3 mm, in order to avoid interference between the light-blocking member and the rotating member.

[0050] Alternatively, the detector unit 3 further comprises a sleeve 34 which is fitted onto the shaft 22, and a detector 32 is arranged on the sleeve 34. In particular, the detector unit 3 further comprises a limiting element 35 which is fitted onto the shaft 22 to limit the movement of the sleeve 34, see Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b).

[0051] The detector 32 is mounted on the sleeve 34, for example, the installation method may be removable or fixed; or the detector 32 is a recess, a protrusion, a through hole, or a reflective layer on the sleeve 34.

[0052] During the detection process, a first optical signal is emitted from the light-emitting portion 311. When the rotating member 2 rotates to a predetermined position so that the reflecting portion 321 is in the path of the first optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311, the first optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 hits the reflecting portion 321, which converts the first optical signal into a second signal and transmits it to the phototransistor. The phototransistor conducts current when there is sufficient illumination, lowering the collector potential, and does not conduct current when there is no light, raising the potential through the pull-up resistor. Thus, the rotation cycle of the photosensitive drum can be determined according to the characteristics of the phototransistor, and therefore, whether the photosensitive drum rotates normally can be determined.

[0053] Alternatively, the detector 32 further comprises a photoelectric conversion unit and an electro-optical conversion unit, both of which are located on the rotating member. The photoelectric conversion unit is used to receive the first optical signal and generate the first electrical signal from the first optical signal, and the electro-optical conversion unit is used to receive the first electrical signal and generate the second optical signal from the first electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the light-receiving portion to amplify or attenuate the optical signal through the photoelectric conversion unit and the electro-optical conversion unit.

[0054] If desired, the detector may output a first detection signal; when the rotating member rotates to a predetermined position, the measuring element may receive the first detection signal output by the detector. For example, the detector may be a light source, and the measuring element may be a light sensor; or the detector may be a magnetic element, and the measuring element may be a Hall sensor or a proximity switch; or the detector may be an NFC tag for sending information to the measuring element, and the measuring element may be an NFC receiver; or the detector may be a sound source, and the measuring element may be a sound sensor; or the detector may be an inductive coil, and the measuring element may be an inductive element.In the methods described above, the detector can directly transmit a signal, and the measuring element can receive it. Thus, when the detector rotates to a predetermined position along with the rotating element, the measuring element can receive the signal transmitted by the detector to determine whether the rotating element's rotation is within the expected parameters.

[0055] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 8(a), Fig. 8(b) and Fig. 8(c), the rotating member 2 comprises a shaft 22 and a cylinder 21, wherein the cylinder 21 rotates on the shaft 22, so that the cylinder 21 can rotate relative to the shaft 22. That is, during operation, the shaft does not rotate and performs only a supporting function, while the cylinder can rotate relative to the shaft.

[0056] The detector 32 is configured to be placed on the inner side of the cylinder 21. For example, the detector can be located on the inner surface of the cylinder, and the measuring element 31 is configured to be placed on the shaft 22.

[0057] In the detection process, when the cylinder 21 rotates to a predetermined position so that the reflective portion 321 is in the optical path of the optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311, the optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 falls on the reflective portion 321, and the reflective portion 321 reflects the optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion onto the light-receiving portion 312, so that the light-receiving portion 312 can determine whether the rotating element rotates normally based on the cycle of the received optical signal.

[0058] Specifically, detector unit 3 is an optical detector unit that detects whether the rotating element rotates normally through optical detection. The detector includes a reflective portion and outputs an optical signal, i.e., a detection signal, by reflection from the reflective portion.Of course, in some embodiments, the detector may also comprise a refractive portion, wherein the first optical signal is refracted by the refractive portion to form a second optical signal that is received by the light-receiving portion; or the detector is a magnetic element, the first detection signal is an electromagnetic wave, and the measuring element is a Hall sensor or a proximity switch; or the detector is a sound source, the first detection signal is an acoustic wave, and the measuring element is a sound sensor; or the detector is an NFC tag for sending information to the measuring element, and the measuring element is an NFC receiver; or the detector is an inductive coil, and the measuring element is an inductive element; or the detector is a light source, and the measuring element is a light sensor.

[0059] Execution option 2

[0060] The difference between this embodiment and the one described above is as follows: the process cartridge comprises a main body and a rotating element; the main body has a first location for placing a measuring element; the rotating element is rotatably located on the main body, while the rotating element has a second location for placing a detector.

[0061] A detector unit may be installed on the process cartridge to check whether the rotating element in the cartridge meets the expected parameters. The detector unit may be the unit described in the above embodiment. Specifically, when the measuring element is installed at a first location and the detector is installed at a second location, and the detector rotates with the rotating element, the measuring element may obtain a first detector signal based on the detector data, and this first detector signal may be used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters.

[0062] Specifically, the process cartridge further comprises a chip mounted on the main body for storing relevant process cartridge parameters, such as the process cartridge model. A sensing element is located on the chip and electrically connected thereto, such that the sensing element can be electrically connected to the imaging device via the chip's terminals.

[0063] Alternatively, the main body has a first mounting groove at a first location, and the measuring element can be installed in this first mounting groove; or the main body has a first protrusion at a first location, and the measuring element can be installed opposite this first protrusion; or the main body has a first installation mark at a first location for guiding the installation of the measuring element at the first location.

[0064] Alternatively, the measuring element may be installed at the specified first location by means of a removable connection, an interference fit, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0065] When the measuring element needs to be electrically connected, the first location is provided with the first contact, and the measuring element is provided with the second contact. When the measuring element is installed in the first location, the first and second contacts touch, ensuring an electrical connection.

[0066] Alternatively, the rotating member has a second mounting groove at a second location, and the detector can be installed in this second mounting groove; or the main body has a second protrusion at a second location, and the measuring element can be installed opposite the second protrusion; or the rotating member has a second installation mark at a second location to guide the installation of the detector at the second location.

[0067] Alternatively, the detector can be installed in a second location using a removable connection, interference fit, adhesive, etc.

[0068] When electrically connecting the detector, the third contact is installed in the second position, and the fourth contact is installed on the detector. When the detector is installed in the second position, the third and fourth contacts are in contact and ensure electrical connection.

[0069] Based on the process cartridge described above, this embodiment also provides a process kit, detachably mounted on an imaging device, comprising a detector assembly and the process cartridge described above. The detector assembly comprises a measuring element and a detector, wherein the measuring element is mounted in a first location and the detector in a second location.

[0070] It can be understood that this embodiment is different from the one described above, but in this embodiment, the detector and the measuring element may still have the same or similar structure as in Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated herein.

[0071] Execution option 3

[0072] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the detector unit includes a measuring element.

[0073] The process cartridge comprises a main body, a rotating element, and a detector located on the rotating element, wherein the main body has a first location for accommodating the measuring element.

[0074] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5, the reflecting portion 321 is a groove opened on the rotating member 2, so that the first optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 falls into the groove and is reflected from it, generating a second optical signal, which is received by the light-receiving portion 312.

[0075] Specifically, the groove is located on the end surface of the shaft 22, and the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 are located on one side of the rotating element 2. When the rotating element 2 rotates to a predetermined position, the projections of the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 on the rotating element 2 are located respectively on both sides of the detector 32. In other embodiments, the groove may also be located on the end surface of the cylinder.

[0076] In the detection process, a first optical signal is emitted by the light-emitting portion 311. When the rotating member 2 rotates to a predetermined position so that the protrusions of the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 are located on both sides of the groove, the first optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 is reflected from the groove, generating a second optical signal that enters the light-receiving portion 312. In this way, the light-receiving portion 312 can determine whether the rotating member rotates normally based on the reception cycle of the second optical signal.

[0077] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the reflecting portion 321 is a through hole opened on the rotating member 2. When the rotating member 2 rotates to a predetermined position, the light emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 can pass through the through hole and be received by the light-receiving portion 312, wherein the second optical signal is at least a part of the first optical signal. Specifically, said through hole is located on the shaft 22, the light-emitting portion 311 and the light-receiving portion 312 are located, respectively, on both sides of the shaft 22, and the positions of the light-emitting portion 311, the light-receiving portion 312 and the through hole are set accordingly.

[0078] During the detection process, light is emitted from the light-emitting portion 311. When the shaft 22 rotates to a predetermined position so that the light-emitting portion 311, the through hole, and the light-receiving portion 312 are aligned, the optical signal emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 passes through the through hole and falls on the light-receiving portion, so that the rotation cycle of the rotating element can be determined according to the cycle of the optical signal received by the light-receiving portion, and therefore, it can be determined whether the rotating element rotates normally. In other embodiments, the direction of the through hole may be indirect, and the light emitted by the light-emitting portion 311 may also be refracted or reflected in the through hole before reaching the light-receiving portion.For example, the through hole has first and second connected openings, wherein said first and second openings are located at an angle; or a light-transmitting element is located in the through hole, and light is refracted by the light-transmitting element in the through hole and then received by the light-receiving portion.

[0079] Alternatively, the detector is a recess or protrusion located on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating element, and the sensing element is an inductive element configured to be positioned opposite the detector. Specifically, the cross-section of the rotating element at the detector location is a D-shaped surface. When the rotating element rotates to a predetermined position, the sensing element can receive a signal based on the change in the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the rotating element.

[0080] Alternatively, the main body has a first mounting groove at a first location, and the measuring element can be installed in this first mounting groove; or the main body has a first protrusion at a first location, and the measuring element can be installed opposite this first protrusion; or the main body has a first installation mark at a first location to guide the installation of the measuring element at the first location.

[0081] Alternatively, the measuring element can be installed in the first location by means of a removable connection, interference fit, adhesive, etc.

[0082] When the measuring element needs to be electrically connected, the first location has the first contact, and the measuring element has the second contact. When the measuring element is installed in the first location, the first and second contacts touch, ensuring an electrical connection.

[0083] Based on the process cartridge described above, this embodiment also provides a process kit, detachably mounted on the imaging device, comprising a detector unit and a process cartridge as described above. The detector unit comprises a measuring element mounted at a first location, and a detector positioned at a second location.

[0084] It can be understood that this embodiment is different from the one described above, but in this embodiment, the detector and the measuring element may still have the same or similar structure as in Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated herein.

[0085] Execution option 4

[0086] The difference between this variant and the one described above is that the process cartridge contains a main body, a detector unit and a rotating element.

[0087] The detector unit includes a measuring element, which is located on the main body.

[0088] The rotating element of the process cartridge has a second place for placing the detector.

[0089] When the detector is located at the second location and rotates together with the rotating element, the measuring element may receive a first detection signal based on the detector data, and the first detection signal is used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters.

[0090] In addition, the process cartridge includes a chip mounted on the main body. A sensing element is located on the chip and electrically connected to it, allowing the sensing element to be electrically connected to the imaging device via the chip's terminals.

[0091] Alternatively, the rotating member has a second mounting groove at a second location, and the detector can be installed in this second mounting groove; or the main body has a second protrusion at a second location, and the measuring element can be installed opposite the second protrusion; or the rotating member has a second installation mark at a second location to guide the installation of the detector to the second location.

[0092] Alternatively, the detector can be installed in the second position using a removable connection, interference fit, adhesive, etc.

[0093] When electrically connecting the detector, the third contact is installed in the second location, and the fourth contact is installed on the detector. When the detector is installed in the second location, the third and fourth contacts are in contact and ensure electrical connection.

[0094] Based on the process cartridge described above, this embodiment also provides a process kit comprising a detector and a process cartridge. The process cartridge in this embodiment has essentially the same structure as the process cartridge in Embodiment 4, and the detector in this embodiment has essentially the same structure as the detector in Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] The detector is located at a second location and, when the detector on the rotating element rotates with it, the measuring element can receive a first detection signal based on the detector data, which can be used to determine whether the rotating element meets the expected parameters.

[0096] It can be understood that this embodiment is different from the one described above, but the measuring element in this embodiment may have the same or similar structure as that in Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated herein.

[0097] The above describes only preferred specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Anyone skilled in the art can easily imagine changes or substitutions within the technical field disclosed in the present invention, which should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should correspond to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A detector unit (3) configured to be mounted on a process cartridge (100) comprising a main body (1) and a rotating element (2) configured to rotate on the main body (1), wherein the process cartridge (100) is removably mounted on an image forming device, characterized in that the detector unit (3) comprises: a measuring element (31) configured to be placed on the main body (1) and designed in such a way that when a detector (32) is located on the rotating element (2) and this detector (32) rotates together with the rotating element (2), the measuring element (31) can receive a first detector signal based on data from the detector (32), wherein the first detector signal is used to determine whether the rotating element (2) corresponds to the expected parameters.

2. The detector unit (3) according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the measuring element (31) comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, wherein: the transmitting unit is used to send the second detector signal, the receiving unit is used to receive a first detection signal corresponding to the second detection signal based on the data of the detector (32), and the first detection signal is used to determine whether the rotating element (2) meets the expected parameters, wherein the second detector signal and the first detector signal are signals of the same type, or the first detector signal is a signal obtained as a result of pre-processing of the second detector signal, wherein the first detector signal and the second detector signal are signals of different types.

3. The detector unit (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the second detector signal and the first detector signal are signals of the same type, the second detector signal is the first optical signal, and the first detector signal is the second optical signal, wherein the transmitting unit is a light-emitting part (311), the receiving unit is a light-receiving part (312), and the detector (32) is used to transmit the second optical signal to the light-receiving part (312) based on the first optical signal.

4. The detector unit (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first optical signal is reflected or refracted by the detector (32), forming a second optical signal, and is received by the light-receiving part (312).

5. The detector unit (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the detector (32) comprises a reflective part (321), wherein the reflective part (321) is located on the outer surface of the rotating element (2), wherein, when the rotating element (2) rotates to a given position, the reflective part (321) can reflect the second detector signal emitted by the light-emitting part (311), forming the first detector signal and transmitting it to the light-receiving part (312).

6. The detector unit (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that the reflective part (321) is designed with the possibility of being attached to the rotating element (2) or is part of the surface of the rotating element (2), wherein the reflection coefficient of the reflective part (321) is higher or lower than that of the surface of the rotating element (2) located near the reflective part (321), or the reflective part (321) protrudes on the surface of the rotating element (2).

7. The detector unit (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotating element (2) is a photosensitive drum or a developing roller, wherein the rotating element (2) comprises a shaft (22) and a cylinder (21), and the shaft (22) is connected to the cylinder (21) and rotates coaxially, wherein when the reflective part (321) is configured to be attached to the rotating element (2) or the reflective part (321) is part of the surface of the rotating element (2), the reflective part (321) is configured to be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft (22), wherein the reflectivity of the surface of the reflective part (321) remote from the shaft (22) is higher or lower than that of other areas on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft (22).

8. The detector unit (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the detector (32) is a through hole located on the rotating element (2), and when the rotating element (2) rotates to a given position, the light emitted by the light-emitting part (311) passes through the through hole and is received by the light-receiving part (312), wherein the second optical signal is at least part of the first optical signal.

9. The detector unit (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the measuring element (31) additionally contains a light-blocking element (313), wherein the light-blocking element (313) is located on the main body (1) and between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit.

10. The detector unit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detector (32) can output a first detector signal, wherein, when the rotating element (2) rotates to a given position, the measuring element (31) can receive the first detection signal emitted by the detector (32), wherein the detector (32) is a light source and the measuring element (31) is a light sensor, or the detector (32) is a magnetic element and the measuring element (31) is a Hall sensor or a contactless switch, or the detector (32) is an NFC tag for sending information to the measuring element (31), and the measuring element (31) is an NFC receiver, or the detector (32) is a sound source and the measuring element (31) is a sound sensor, or the detector (32) is an inductive coil and the measuring element (31) is an inductive element, or the detector (32) is a recess or protrusion located on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating element (2), and the measuring element (31) is an inductive element designed to be placed opposite the detector (32).

11. The detector unit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a chip (33), a measuring element (31) is located on the chip (33), and the chip (33) is configured to be installed on the main body (1), wherein the chip (33) is electrically connected to the measuring element (31), and the measuring element (31) is configured to be electrically connected to the image forming device through the terminals of the chip (33).

12. A detector unit (3) according to any one of paragraphs 1-7 and 9-11, characterized in that it additionally comprises a detector (32), wherein the detector (32) is located on a rotating element (2).

13. A detector unit (3) according to any one of paragraphs 1-11, characterized in that the process cartridge (100) contains a detector (32) located on a rotating element (2).

14. A removable technological kit mounted on an image forming device, characterized in that it contains: a main body (1) having a first location for placing a measuring element (31), a rotating element (2) which is rotatably located on the main body (1), wherein the rotating element (2) has a second location for placing a detector (32), a detector unit (3) according to claim 13, wherein the process cartridge (100) comprises a detector (32) located on the rotating element (2), wherein the detector (32) is located in the said second location, wherein, when the measuring element (31) is installed in the first location, the detector is located in the second location, and the detector (32) rotates together with the rotating element (2), the measuring element (31) can receive a first detection signal based on the data of the detector (32), and this first detection signal is used to determine whether the rotating element (2) corresponds to the expected parameters.

15. A process cartridge (100) with the possibility of removal, mounted on the image forming device, characterized in that it comprises a main body (1), a rotating element (2) and a detector unit (3) according to claim 12, wherein the rotating element (2) is arranged with the possibility of rotation on the main body (1), the detector (32) is arranged on the rotating element (2), and the measuring element (31) is arranged on the main body (1), wherein the measuring element (31) is designed in such a way that when the detector (32) rotates together with the rotating element (2), the measuring element (31) can receive a first detector signal based on the data of the detector (32), and this first detector signal is used to determine whether the rotating element (2) corresponds to the expected parameters.

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