CN220962146U

CN220962146U - Drum unit and consumable box

Info

Publication number: CN220962146U
Application number: CN202321816632.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赵文杰; 邢静娜; 武新宇; 戴勤
Original assignee: Zhuhai Nastar Information Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Zhuhai Nastar Information Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-14
Filing date: 2023-07-11
Publication date: 2024-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-11
Also published as: CN117406574A

Abstract

The application discloses a drum unit and a consumable box, wherein the drum unit comprises a photosensitive drum and a coupler, the coupler comprises a shell and a rotating mechanism, the shell is connected with the photosensitive drum, the shell is provided with a transmission block, the rotating mechanism is arranged in the shell and at least partially penetrates out of the shell, and the rotating mechanism is used for being matched with a drum driving unit so as to push parts in the drum driving unit to rotate, so that the transmission block can be matched and connected with the drum driving unit; and the coupler is provided with an alignment part which is used for guiding the parts in the drum driving unit to rotate to be engaged with the rotating mechanism in the process of abutting the coupler with the drum driving unit. The coupling and the drum driving unit are simple and convenient in alignment and connection process, simple in structure and low in design and manufacturing difficulty.

Description

Drum unit and consumable box

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of imaging equipment, in particular to a drum unit and a consumable box comprising the same.

Background

Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are increasingly used in the production and life of humans, and such apparatuses refer to apparatuses that form images on recording materials by using an electrophotographic image forming method, and examples of such apparatuses include copiers, facsimile machines, printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), and corresponding multifunction printers, etc. The consumable cartridge is detachable from a main assembly (apparatus main assembly) of the image forming apparatus, and when consumables in the consumable cartridge are used up, the consumable cartridge needs to be replaced.

There is a type of drive transmission unit as disclosed in chinese patent CN202080021684.7, which is engaged with a drum coupling through a plurality of members to drive and brake it. Most of the existing drum couplings for adapting such drive transmission units are integrally formed, and the components of the drive transmission unit are guided to be engaged with the preset portions thereof only by their own structures. The drum coupling is required to be provided with a plurality of guide surfaces, alignment engagement is indirectly realized by guiding translation and rotation of different parts on the drive transmission unit, and the guiding process is relatively complex. In addition, the drum coupling has a complex self-structure and high design and manufacturing difficulty.

Disclosure of utility model

In order to overcome the problems of the prior art described above, a primary object of the present application is to provide a drum unit capable of simplifying the process of alignment engagement between an image forming apparatus and a coupling.

In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application specifically adopts the following technical scheme:

The present application provides a drum unit detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus including a drum driving unit, the drum unit including:

The shaft coupling comprises a shell and a rotating mechanism, wherein the shell is connected with the photosensitive drum, the shell is provided with a transmission block, the rotating mechanism is arranged in the shell and at least partially penetrates out of the shell, and the rotating mechanism is used for being matched with the drum driving unit so as to push parts in the drum driving unit to rotate, so that the transmission block can be matched and connected with the drum driving unit;

And the coupler is provided with an alignment part which is used for guiding the parts in the drum driving unit to rotate to be engaged with the rotating mechanism in the process of abutting the coupler with the drum driving unit.

Compared with the prior art, the drum unit comprises a photosensitive drum and a coupler, wherein the coupler comprises a shell and a rotating mechanism, the shell is connected with the photosensitive drum, the shell is provided with a transmission block, the rotating mechanism is arranged in the shell and at least partially penetrates out of the shell, and the rotating mechanism is used for being matched with the drum driving unit to push parts in the drum driving unit to rotate, so that the transmission block can be matched and connected with the drum driving unit; and the coupling is provided with an alignment portion for guiding the rotation of the components in the drum drive unit into engagement with the components in the coupling during the docking of the coupling with the drum drive unit. The coupling and the drum driving unit are simple and convenient in alignment and connection process, simple in structure and low in design and manufacturing difficulty.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional electronic imaging device.

Fig. 2 is an exploded schematic view of a drive transmission unit of a conventional electronic imaging device.

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural view of a conventional first braking force engagement member and braking force transmission member.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a conventional drive transmission unit.

Fig. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of a conventional drive transmission unit.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a conventional drive transmission unit.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the conventional drive transmission unit from another angle.

Fig. 8 is a schematic exploded view of the drum drive unit.

Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of part of the components of the drum drive unit.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 12 is a structural view of a drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 13 is a structural view of a coupling of a drum unit according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 14 and 15 are internal structural views of a coupling of a drum unit according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 16 is a partial structural view of the coupling in the drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 17 is a first view structural diagram of the casing in the drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 18 is a second view structural diagram of the casing in the drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram of a main shaft in a drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 20 is a structural diagram of the drum driving unit corresponding to the second state of the drum unit.

Fig. 21 is a configuration diagram showing the cooperation of a drum unit and a drum driving unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 22 is a structural view of a coupling in the drum unit of the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 23 and 24 are internal structural views of the coupling in the drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 25 is a construction diagram of a housing of the coupling in the drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 26 is a structural view of a rotating member of the coupling in the drum unit of the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 27 is a fitting structure diagram of the coupling and the drum driving unit in the drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 28 is an enlarged structural view at B in fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is a structural view of the coupling in the three-drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 30 is a partial structural view of the coupling in the three-drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling in the three-drum unit of the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 32 is a structural view of a rotating member of a coupling in a three-drum unit according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 33 is a first view of the structure of the outer casing of the coupling in the three-drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 34 is a second view of the structure of the outer housing of the coupling in the three-drum unit according to the embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 35 is a schematic structural diagram of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 36 is an exploded view of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 37 is a schematic structural view of a rotating member in a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 38 is a schematic structural diagram of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present application after assembling a rotating member, a connecting shaft and a first elastic member.

Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view in one direction of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view in another direction of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present application;

fig. 41 is a schematic structural view of a driving force transmission member and a coupling when a front door of a printer is not closed according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a driving force transmission member and a coupling after closing a front door of a printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 43 is a schematic view showing a structure in which a driving force transmission member and a coupling are engaged according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view in one direction of engagement of the drive force transmitting member with the coupling provided in the fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view in the other direction of engagement of the drive force transmitting member and the coupling provided in the fourth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 46 is an enlarged schematic view at B in fig. 45.

Fig. 47 is an exploded view of a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 48 is a schematic diagram of an assembly structure of a limiting mechanism, a coupling and a photosensitive drum according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 49 is a schematic structural diagram of a coupling combined with a limiting mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 50 is a schematic structural diagram of a coupling according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 51 is a schematic structural view of a limiting mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 52 is a schematic view illustrating another direction of the limiting mechanism according to the fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 53 is a cross-sectional view of a limiting mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 54 is a schematic structural diagram of a coupling, a limiting mechanism and a driving force transmission member according to a fifth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 55a is a schematic structural view of a coupling, a limiting mechanism and a driving force transmission member according to a fifth embodiment of the present application, in which the locking lever is in a first position.

Fig. 55b is a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the present application showing the first position of the locking lever after the coupling, the stop mechanism and the driving force transmitting member are coupled.

Fig. 56a is a schematic structural view of a coupling, a limiting mechanism and a driving force transmission member according to a fifth embodiment of the present application, in which the locking lever is in a second position.

Fig. 56b is a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the present application showing the second position of the locking lever after the coupling, the stop mechanism and the driving force transmitting member are coupled.

Fig. 57 is a schematic view of a driving side end cap according to a sixth embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 58 is a schematic view of a driving side end cap and a driving force transmission member combined according to a sixth embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

The present application will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings and examples, in order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more apparent. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the application.

In the description of the present application, the terms "first," "second," and the like, are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance unless explicitly specified or limited otherwise; the term "plurality" means two or more, and the term "plurality" means two or more, unless specified or indicated otherwise; the terms "connected," "secured," and the like are to be construed broadly, and may be, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, integrally connected, or electrically connected; can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art according to the specific circumstances.

In the description of the present specification, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", and the like used in the embodiments of the present application are described in terms of the angles shown in the drawings, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In the context of this document, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" or "under" another element, it can be directly on the other element or be indirectly on the other element through intervening elements.

The image forming apparatus may be a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), a multifunction printer, etc. The present application will be described by taking a laser beam printer as an example. The consumable cartridge is detachable from a main assembly (apparatus main assembly) of the image forming apparatus, and when the consumable in the consumable cartridge is used, it is necessary to detach the old consumable cartridge and then install a new consumable cartridge. The consumable cartridge accommodates developer (e.g., toner), and may also be referred to as a "process cartridge", "toner container", "toner cartridge", and the like. In the present application, the detachable drum unit may be provided, and when the drum unit is replaced, the drum unit on the original consumable cartridge is detached, then a new drum unit is mounted on the consumable cartridge, and then the consumable cartridge is reinstalled on the main assembly.

Example 1

As shown in fig. 1, there is an electronic imaging device M which is basically the same in structure and principle as the electronic imaging device M disclosed in the patent CN113574469a, and only briefly described below with respect to the electronic imaging device portion, in which the same reference numerals as those of the patent CN113574469a belong to the same components and have the same structure and operation principle.

The electronic imaging device M includes a main assembly 170, a drawer 171, and a door cover 11, and the drawer 171 includes four mounting portions 171a. The main assembly 170 is provided therein with a receiving portion, a drive transmitting unit 203 (shown in fig. 2), a separating mechanism, a transfer unit, and the like, and the drawer 171 can receive the process cartridges 100 (for example, four cartridges, respectively, a first process cartridge 100Y, a second process cartridge 100M, a third process cartridge 100C, and a fourth process cartridge 100K, which can receive 4 different color printing mediums, respectively, can be simultaneously received by four mounting portions) and can move relative to the main assembly 170 to mount the process cartridges 100 into the receiving portion of the main assembly 170. The door cover 11 is provided at an outer side of the main assembly 170, and is capable of opening or closing the receiving part of the main assembly 170.

As shown in fig. 2 to 6, the drive transmission unit 203 provided on the main assembly 170 includes a drive force transmission assembly including a rotation member 201 and a drive force transmission member 180, the rotation member 201 being rotatably supported on a support shaft 202, and a braking force application assembly. The driving force transmitting member 180 includes a cylindrical portion 180c, a flange portion 180a provided at one end portion thereof, and a small cylindrical portion provided at the other end portion. Further, the flange is assembled and supported by the assembling portion 201a of the rotating member 201. Further, a protruding rotation stop portion 180b is provided on the flange portion 180a, and the rotation stop portion 180b receives a driving force when rotated in contact with the rotation stop portion 201b of the rotation member 201; and the small cylindrical portion is provided with a driving force transmitting portion 180v. The driving force transmitting member 180 is movably fitted to the rotating member 201 in the axial direction M1, and the rotation of the rotating member 201 by the driving force transmitting member 180 is achieved by the engagement between the rotation stopping portion 201b provided to the rotating member 201 and the rotation stopping portion 180b provided to the driving force transmitting member 180.

The braking force application assembly includes a braking member 206, a first braking force engagement member 204, a second braking force engagement member 208, a first engagement spring 211, a second engagement spring 210, and a braking force transmission member 207, wherein the braking member 206 includes a fixed side 206a and a rotating side 206b, the fixed side 206a is fixedly connected with the support shaft 202, the rotating side 206b is rotatable relative to the fixed side 206a and generates a braking force, and a method of generating a braking force may be appropriately selected from those using friction and viscosity. The first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are collectively referred to as a movable piece that is sleeved outside the positioning boss 180i of the driving force transmission member 180 and is rotatable about the positioning boss 180i with respect to the driving force transmission member 180. The first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are for applying braking force to the process cartridge 100, and may be assembled together in such a manner that the rotation stop protrusion 208c and the rotation stop recess 204c are engaged, and may have synchronized action. The second braking force engagement member 208 is located inside the first braking force engagement member 204, and the engagement portion 204b of the first braking force engagement member 204 can be fitted to or abutted against the driving force transmission portion 180 v.

The shaft portion 207b of the braking force transmitting member 207 passes through the through holes in the middle of the first and second braking force engaging members 204 and 208 and is connected to the rotation side 206b of the braking member 206 so as to be able to transmit braking force to the first and second braking force engaging members 204 and 208.

Specifically, the first flange portion 207a of the braking force transmitting member 207 is provided with a first protrusion 207e, and the corresponding second flange portion 204a of the first braking force engaging member 204 is provided with a second protrusion 204e, and when the first protrusion 207e of the braking force transmitting member 207 is engaged with the second protrusion 204e of the first braking force engaging member 204, the braking force transmitting member 207 can transmit braking force to the first braking force engaging member 204.

The first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 are movable in the axial direction M1 with respect to the braking force transmission member 207 and the braking member 206, and the second and first braking force engagement members 208, 204 will not receive braking force when the first protrusion 207e of the braking force transmission member 207 is offset or separated from the second protrusion 204e of the first braking force engagement member 204 in the axial direction M1.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, one end of the first engagement spring 211 abuts against the end face 206d of the brake member 206, and the other end abuts against the second flange portion 204a of the first brake force engagement member 204, and the first engagement spring 211 is in a compressed state, which applies an elastic force to the first brake force engagement member 204 in the M1B direction.

The second engagement spring 210 is a compression coil spring, and is provided so as to be sandwiched and compressed between the end surface 206d of the brake member 206 and the first flange portion 207a of the brake force transmitting member 207, and the second engagement spring 210 applies a repulsive force (urging force, elastic force) to each of the end surface 206d of the brake member 206 and the first flange portion 207a of the brake force transmitting member 207.

Among the components of the drive transmission unit 203 described above, the protrusion 207f at the end of the braking force transmission member 207 in the axial direction M1A abuts against the contact surface 180f of the driving force transmission member 180 under the action of the first engagement spring 211 and the second engagement spring 210. The movement of the driving force transmitting member 180 in the arrow M1B direction is regulated (restricted) by the axial direction restricting portion 212 so that the driving force transmitting member 180 does not fall off from the main assembly 170 side driving force transmitting unit 203.

Among the above-described components of the drive transmission unit 203, the drive force transmission member 180 is movable in the directions M1A and M1B with respect to the rotation member 201, and the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are movable in the directions M1A and M1B with respect to the braking force transmission member 207 and the rotation member 201, and are also movable in the directions M1A and M1B with respect to the drive force transmission member 180.

Specifically, after the assembly of the components of the drive transmission unit 203 is completed, the second braking force engagement member 208 is positioned closer to the positioning boss 180i than the first braking force engagement member 204 with the positioning boss 180i of the driving force transmission member 180 as the axis, as shown in fig. 6 and 7. The first braking force engagement member 204 and the driving force transmission portion 180v are located within the same radius range as viewed in the axial direction of the driving force transmission member 180, and since the second braking force engagement member 208 is located inside the first braking force engagement member 204, the second braking force engagement member 208 and the driving force transmission portion 180v are located within different radius ranges. Wherein a face of the driving force transmitting portion 180v facing the first braking force engagement member 204 is provided with a driving force transmitting surface 180d. Further, the first braking force engagement member 204 is also provided with a first engagement surface 2041 near one end of the driving force transmission surface 180d in the direction of M1B, and the second braking force engagement member 208 is also provided with a second engagement surface 2081.

In the electronic imaging device, the driving force transmitting member 180 may not only move in the M1 direction but also be offset in the radial direction.

When the process cartridge 100 is mounted to the electronic image forming apparatus M, the electronic image forming apparatus M can perform a printing operation. When the electronic image forming apparatus M receives a print command, the developer in the process cartridge 100 reaches the transfer unit, and then the developer on the transfer unit is transferred to a medium by a secondary transfer device (not shown), and then passes through a fixing device (not shown), and an image to be printed is presented on the medium.

And establishing a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system XYZ coordinate system. The X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis are mutually perpendicular. The plumb direction when the imaging device is normally used is the-Z axis direction, and the direction right above is the +Z axis direction. The direction in which the door 11 points to the main assembly is the +x-axis direction, and the direction in which the main assembly points to the door 11 is the-X-axis direction. The direction in which the drive transmission unit 203 extends is the +y-axis direction, and the direction in which it retracts is the-Y-axis direction. Further, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 may also be individually referred to as a movable piece, respectively.

The driving force transmitting portion 180V is integrally formed with a cylindrical portion 180c of the edge of the driving force transmitting member 180 as a driving means. The positioning boss 180i, the driving force transmission portion 180V, and the cylindrical portion 180c can integrally move in the Y-axis direction, completing the extending and retracting actions. The distance from the side of the driving force transmitting portion 180V near the positioning boss 180i to the axis of the positioning boss 180i is smaller than the distance from the side of the first braking force engaging member 204 away from the positioning boss 180i to the axis of the positioning boss 180 i. The first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are engaged with each other so that they move together in the Y axis direction and rotate together about the Y axis as the central axis. The first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 do not move relative to each other. The first braking force engagement member 204 and the driving force transmission member 180 are connected together by a spring. The first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are movable in the Y-axis direction with respect to the driving force transmission member 180. And is described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 8, the first braking force engagement member 204 has a first end 104e located on the upstream side in the first rotational direction a, a slope 104b located on the downstream side in the first rotational direction a, and a connection surface 104g connecting the first end 104e and the slope 104 b. The direction of inclination of the inclined surface 104 b: the inclined surface 104b gradually inclines to the downstream side of the first rotation direction a in the-Y axis direction. The second braking force engagement member 208 has: a boss 108a located on the +y axis side and protruding inward in the radial direction, a second end 108e on the boss 108a and located on the upstream side of the first rotation direction a, a slope 108b located on the downstream side of the first rotation direction a, and a connection surface 108g connecting the second end 108e and the slope 108 b. The direction of inclination of the inclined surface 108 b: the inclined surface 108b gradually inclines to the downstream side of the first rotation direction a in the-Y axis direction.

Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of part of the components of the drum drive unit. A denotes a first rotation direction of the drive transmission unit 203. Because the first and second brake force engagement members 204, 208 are moving in synchronization, only the first brake force engagement member 204 is used to represent the moveable part in fig. 9. As shown in fig. 9, fig. 9 (a) shows that the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are located at the first position. At this time, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are located at the position on the +y axis side, the protruding portion 104a on the first braking force engagement member 204 is located above the protruding portion 102a of the driving force transmission portion 180V with a gap H therebetween, and specifically, the lower end face W on the-Y axis side of the protruding portion 104a on the first braking force engagement member 204 is located above the upper end face S of the protruding portion 102a of the driving force transmission portion 180V with a gap H therebetween, and the lower end face W is located above the upper end face S. The flat surface 104c of the protruding portion 104a of the first braking force engagement member 204 engages with the driving force transmission surface 180d of the driving force transmission portion 180V. When the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are located at the first position, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the driving force transmission member 180 rotate in synchronization, that is, there is no relative rotation between the first braking force engagement member 204 and the driving force transmission member 180 at this time, and both rotate together.

Fig. 9 (b) shows the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 in the second position. At this time, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are positioned on the-Y axis side with respect to the first position, the lower end face W on the-Y axis side of the protruding portion 104a on the first braking force engagement member 204 is in contact with the upper end face S on the +y axis side of the protruding portion 102a of the driving force transmission portion 180V, there is no gap therebetween, and the lower end face W is positioned above the upper end face S. When the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 are located at the second position, the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 may be relatively rotated with respect to the driving force transmission member 180, i.e., the driving force transmission member 180 is rotated, the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 are not rotated; when the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are forced to rotate, the driving force transmission member 180 does not rotate. Further, the rotation lock of the movable piece with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180 can be released by the distance between the lower end face W of the-Y axis side of the protruding portion 104a on the first braking force engaging member 204 and the upper end face S of the +y axis side of the protruding portion 102a of the driving force transmitting portion 180V in the Y direction being zero.

Fig. 9 (c) shows the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 in the third position. At this time, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are located on the downstream side in the first rotational direction a than the first position, but the relative position on the Y axis coincides with the first position, that is, the plane 104c of the protruding portion 104a of the first braking force engagement member 204 is not engaged with the driving force transmission surface 180D of the driving force transmission portion 180V with a distance D therebetween.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11 together, fig. 10 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment, and fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment. The three-dimensional coordinate system of the process cartridge 100 coincides with the coordinate system of the image forming apparatus with reference to the position where it is mounted to the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge 100 includes a drum unit 24 and a developing unit 21, and the drum unit 24 and the developing unit 21 are rotatably connected to each other. Wherein the drum unit 24 includes a drum holding frame 115 (one of the process cartridge housings) and a photosensitive drum 241 rotatably supported on the drum holding frame 115. The developing unit 21 includes a developing frame 125 (one of the process cartridge housings) and a developing roller 106 rotatably supported on the developing frame 125, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 241 facing each other to enable a developing operation.

The drum unit 24 and the developing unit 21 are connected by a driving-side end cap 116 and a non-driving-side end cap 117 provided at respective ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100, and one end of the process cartridge provided with a coupling for receiving driving force is defined as a driving end, and the opposite other end is defined as a non-driving end.

As shown in fig. 12, the drum unit 24 includes a rotatable photosensitive drum 241, a first end 24a, a second end 24b, and a coupling 243, the second end 24b being disposed opposite the first end 24a and at both ends of the photosensitive drum 241. The coupling 243 is provided at the first end portion 24a and is movably connected to the photosensitive drum 241 for receiving the driving force applied by the driving transmission unit 203. During normal use, the photosensitive drum 241 transfers developer to the transfer unit.

Referring to fig. 13 to 21, the coupling 243 includes a hollow housing 243a, the mating end of the housing 243a and the main assembly is a driving end, and the housing 243a is provided with at least one driving block 243b protruding from the outer wall of the driving end. The casing 243a is internally provided with a main shaft 243m, the main shaft 243m and the casing 243a are coaxially arranged, a first end of the main shaft 243m penetrates out of the transmission end, and a second end of the main shaft 243m is fixedly connected with the casing 243 a. The main shaft 243m is provided with a rotating mechanism for pushing the movable member to rotate relative to the driving force transmission part 180V at the outer side of the first end, the rotating mechanism comprises a rotating member 243c and a driving member, the rotating member 243c is sleeved on the main shaft 243m and penetrates through the driving end, the rotating member 243c is provided with a joint part 243c1 for being jointed with the movable member and driving the movable member to rotate at the side far away from the shell 243a, the distance from the inner side of the driving block 243b to the axis of the main shaft 243m is greater than the distance from the outer side of the joint part 243c1 to the axis of the main shaft 243m, and the driving member is used for driving the rotating member 243c to rotate around the main shaft 243 m. The rotating member 243c is provided with an outer protruding portion 243c7 on the outer side, the housing 243a is provided with a rotation stopping portion 243a1 recessed on the inner side of the transmission end, the rotation stopping portion 243a1 is used for limiting the rotating member 243c to rotate in a first rotating direction a and move towards the transmission end relative to the main shaft 243m, and a pushing mechanism for receiving the axial pushing force of the positioning boss 180i to push the rotating member 243c towards the second end of the main shaft 243m is arranged at the first end of the main shaft 243 m.

The coupling 243 has a first state and a second state during coaxial docking with the main assembly, in which the outer flange 243c7 is at least partially located within the rotation stop portion 243a 1; in the second state, the positioning boss 180i acts on the rotating member 243c through the pushing mechanism, the outer protruding portion 243c7 is separated from the rotation stopping portion 243a1, the engaging portion 243c1 is engaged with the movable member, the movable member rotates with the rotating member in the first rotation direction a and forms an access gap L with the driving force transmitting portion 180V, in the first rotation direction, at least one transmission block 243b coincides with the access gap L, and the coupling 243 further includes a reset mechanism for returning the rotating member from the second state to the first state.

The pushing mechanism comprises a telescopic column 243e, a first pressure spring 243f and a pressure pin 243g, the main shaft 243m is provided with an axially extending accommodating blind hole 243m1 at a first end, the first pressure spring 243f is positioned in the accommodating blind hole 243m1, the telescopic column 243e is at least partially positioned in the accommodating blind hole 243m1, the first end of the first pressure spring 243f abuts against the end part of the telescopic column 243e, and the second end of the first pressure spring 243f abuts against the end surface of the accommodating blind hole 243m 1. The pressing pin 243g is disposed on the telescopic column 243e in a penetrating manner, and a guiding groove 243m2 is disposed on the side surface of the accommodating blind hole 243m1 along the axial direction, which is matched with the pressing pin 243g, so that two ends of the pressing pin 243g can pass out from the side surface of the main shaft 243m through the guiding groove 243m2 to act on the rotating member 243c. In this embodiment, when the coupling 243 is not subjected to an external force, one end of the telescopic column 243e is located outside the accommodating blind hole 243m1, and the end can be regarded as the protruding end of the telescopic column 243 e.

The movable member can also move axially along the positioning boss 180i, and the spindle 243m is provided with a positioning portion 243a11 protruding from the first end sidewall, the positioning portion 243a11 being configured to guide the movable member to rotate into engagement with the engaging portion 243c1 during coaxial docking of the coupler 243 with the main assembly. In the embodiment, the alignment portion 243a11 is a circular arc protrusion on the outer side of the main shaft 243m, the circular arc protrusion is adjacent to the engaging portion 243c1 in the circumferential direction of the main shaft 243m, and the length of the circular arc protrusion needs to ensure that when a certain protrusion 108a abuts against the alignment portion 243a11 and rotates in the first rotation direction a until sliding from the alignment portion 243a11, the protrusion 108a just falls into the side bayonet 243c4 and engages with the engaging portion 243c1, so that the alignment portion 243a11 can align the moving member. The length of the circular arc-shaped projection in the radial direction of the main shaft 243m should be controlled so as not to interfere with the engaging portion 243c 1. In order to avoid the effect of the rotating member 243c on the alignment portion 243a11, it is necessary to ensure that the distance from the inner side of the engaging portion 243c1 to the extending end of the telescopic column 243e is greater than or equal to the distance from the outer side of the alignment portion 243a11 to the extending end of the telescopic column 243e in the axial direction of the main shaft 243m when the coupling 243 is not subjected to external force.

The rotating member 243c further includes a drum portion 243c8, the drum portion 243c8 has a ring protrusion 243c9 provided on an inner wall near a first end of the main shaft 243m, the engaging portion 243c1 is a plate-like member extending in an axial direction of the drum portion 243c8, the engaging portion 243c1 has a side bayonet 243c4 provided at the first end, and a second end of the engaging portion 243c1 is connected to the drum portion 243c8 and/or the ring protrusion 243c 9. The driving member is a torsion spring 243h, the torsion spring 243h is sleeved on the torsion spring 243h on the main shaft 243m, and the torsion spring 243h comprises a first torsion arm 243h1 connected with the casing 243a and a second torsion arm 243h2 connected with the rotating member 243 c.

The reset mechanism comprises a abutting seat 243i and a second pressure spring 243j which are positioned in a shell 243a, the abutting seat 243i comprises an annular portion 243i 1, the annular portion 243i 1 is sleeved on a main shaft 243m, a first side of the annular portion 243i 1 abuts against the end of a rotary drum portion 243c8, the second pressure spring 243j is sleeved on the main shaft 243m, a first end of the second pressure spring 243j abuts against a second side of the annular portion 243i 1, a second end of the second pressure spring 243j abuts against the inner wall of the shell 243a, a guiding portion 243a2 for guiding a rotating member 243c to return to a first state from a second state in cooperation with the reset mechanism is further concavely arranged on the inner side of a transmission end of the shell 243a, and the guiding portion 243a2 is communicated with the rotation stopping portion 243a 1.

The abutment 243i further includes a tubular portion 243i2, the tubular portion 243i2 being disposed vertically on the second side of the annular portion 243i 1, the tubular portion 243i2 being located between the main shaft 243m and the second compression spring 243j in the radial direction of the main shaft 243 m.

The guide portion 243a2 includes a guide slope 243a14 extending obliquely in the axial direction with respect to the main shaft 243m, and the stiffness coefficient of the first compression spring 243f is smaller than that of the second compression spring 243 j.

Referring to fig. 15 and 16, in this embodiment, the rotating member 243c is connected to the second torsion arm 243h2 through an outer portion, and a hooking portion 243a13 that mates with the first torsion arm 243h1 is further provided inside the housing 243 a.

The coaxial abutment of the coupler 243 with the main assembly is divided into two cases, the first is that the rotating member 243c is engaged with the movable member and the second is that the aligning portion 243a11 is engaged with the movable member. In the first case, the second braking force engaging member 208 coincides with the side bayonet 243c4 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i or the spindle 243m, the positioning boss 180i pushes the telescopic column 243e to retract during axial feeding of the main assembly, then the second braking force engaging member 208 pushes the rotary member 243c against and is pushed by the rotary member 243c to retract at the side bayonet 243c4 to release the rotational lock with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180, the telescopic column 243e pushes the rotary member 243c to retract to release the outer flange 243c7 from the rotation stopping portion 243a1 when retracted to the limit position, the torsion spring 243h is released by a partial angle to drive the rotary member 243c to rotate in the first rotational direction a, and the movable member as a whole rotates with the rotary member 243c and is away from the driving force transmitting portion 180V to form the access gap L into which the driving block 243b is inserted.

In the second case, the second braking force engaging member 208 coincides with the alignment portion 243a11 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i or the spindle 243m, the positioning boss 180i presses the telescopic column 243e to retract during axial feeding of the main assembly, then one boss 108a abuts against the alignment portion 243a11 and the movable element is retracted entirely until the clearance H disappears, and the main assembly cannot continue to be fed axially along the positioning boss 180 i. After that, the main assembly starts to rotate until the aforementioned boss 108a slides off the alignment portion 243a11 and just enters the side bayonet 243c4, and the main assembly continues to feed axially along the positioning boss 180i, the second braking force engaging member 208 is pushed back by the rotating member 243c and the rotational lock with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180 is released, and when the telescopic column 243e is retracted to the limit position, the rotating member 243c is pushed back to release the outer flange 243c7 from the rotation stopping portion 243a1, and the subsequent process is the same as the first case.

Referring to fig. 13 to 15, the housing 243a of the present embodiment actually includes two parts that are in snap connection, an annular protrusion is disposed outside the second end of the main shaft 243m, a groove that mates with the annular protrusion is disposed on a part of the housing 243a below the drawing, a limiting pin similar to the pressing pin 243g is disposed through a portion of the second end of the main shaft 243m that extends out of the housing 243a, the limiting pin abuts against the bottom surface of the housing 243a, and the main shaft 243m is fixedly connected to the housing 243a at the second end through the limiting pin and the annular protrusion.

Example two

The consumable cartridge of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that: the structure of the coupling is different.

Referring to fig. 22 to 28, the coupling 243 includes a hollow housing 243a, a mating end of the housing 243a and the main assembly is a driving end 243a1, and at least one driving block 243b is disposed on an outer wall of the driving end 243a1 in a protruding manner.

The coupling 243 further includes a rotating mechanism for urging the movable member to rotate relative to the driving force transmitting portion 180V, the rotating mechanism includes a rotating member 243c, the rotating member 243c is provided through the driving end, the rotating member 243c includes an engaging portion 243c1 (shown in fig. 26) located outside the housing 243a, the engaging portion 243c1 is for engaging with the movable member and urging the movable member to rotate, a distance from the inside of the driving block 243b to the axis of the housing 243a is greater than a distance from the outside of the engaging portion 243c1 to the axis of the housing 243a, the rotating member 243c is provided with a guide pin 243c2 protruding from the outside, the driving end 243a1 is provided with a guide groove 243a2 for engaging with the guide pin 243c2, the guide groove 243a2 is for guiding the rotating member 243c around the axis of the housing 243a, an end of the guide groove 243a2 near the main assembly is a cut-off end 243a3, the rotating member 243c is provided with a trigger portion for engaging with the positioning boss 180i protruding near the end of the main assembly, the housing 243a is provided with a dodging portion in a region corresponding to the trigger portion, and the rotating mechanism further includes a restoring member urging the rotating member c to return the guide pin 243c to the cut-off end 243a 3.

The coupler 243 has a first state and a second state during coaxial docking with the main assembly, and in the first state, the guide pin 243c2 is located at the cut-off end 243a3; in the second state, the positioning boss 180i abuts against the trigger portion, the engaging portion 243c1 engages with the movable member, the movable member rotates along with the rotating member 243c in the first rotation direction a, and an access gap L is formed between the movable member and the driving force transmitting portion 180V, and in the first rotation direction a, the at least one transmission block 243b coincides with the access gap L.

The coupling 243 changes the relative position of the movable member and the driving force transmission portion 180V only by a simple rotating mechanism including the rotating member 243c and the restoring member, so that an access gap L into which the driving block 243b is inserted is formed between the movable member and the driving force transmission portion 180V, and the implementation cost is low. After the main component is separated from the drum unit, the rotating mechanism can be automatically reset, so that the consumable box can be conveniently disassembled and assembled, overhauled and maintained.

The rotating member 243c further includes a cylindrical main body portion 243c3, an engaging portion 243c1 is provided at one end of the main body portion 243c3 near the main assembly, a relief hole 243a4 is provided in the housing 243a for engaging with the engaging portion 243c1, the engaging portion 243c1 is a plate-like member extending in the housing axial direction, a side bayonet 243c4 for engaging with the movable member is provided at the end of the engaging portion 243c1 at the downstream side in the first rotational direction a, and the guide pin 243c2 is provided on the main body portion 243c 3.

The plate-shaped engaging portion 243c1 is not likely to interfere with a member other than the rotating element 243c, and the side bayonet 243c4 can simultaneously urge the movable element in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i during the coaxial abutting of the main assembly and the coupling 243, the axial force being for releasing the rotational lock of the movable element with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180, and the circumferential force urging the movable element away from the driving force transmitting portion 180V.

The outside of shell 243a is the ladder column, driving end 243a1 includes first transmission section 243a5 and second transmission section 243a6, the external diameter of second transmission section 243a6 is less than the external diameter of first transmission section 243a5, second transmission section 243a6 is closer to the main assembly than first transmission section 243a5, transmission piece 243b and dodge hole 243a4 all are located first transmission section 243a5 terminal surface, guide slot 243a2 sets up on first transmission section 243a5 lateral wall, rotating member 243c is located first transmission section 243a5 at least partially. The triggering portion is an abutment post 243c5 provided on the main body portion 243c3, the abutment post 243c5 is coaxially provided with the housing 243a, the abutment post 243c5 is at least partially located in the second transmission section 243a6, and the avoiding portion is an end hole 243a7 provided at the end of the second transmission section 243a6 for the positioning boss 180i to penetrate.

The stepped cylindrical driving end 243a1 is convenient for coaxial butt joint with the main assembly, and the positioning boss 180i directly abuts against the abutment post 243c5 serving as the triggering part in the butt joint process, so that the stabilizing effect between the rotating member 243c and the main assembly is ensured.

The casing 243a further includes a main casing 243a8, the outer diameter of the main casing 243a8 is larger than the outer diameter of the first transmission section 243a5, the inner cavity of the first transmission section 243a5 is communicated with the inner cavity of the main casing 243a8 and the inner cavity of the second transmission section 243a6, the guide groove 243a2 is a spiral through groove arranged on the side wall of the first transmission section 243a5, the end of the main casing 243a8 is provided with an access hole 243a9 for being matched with the guide pin 243c2, and the access hole 243a9 is communicated with the guide groove 243a 2.

The access hole 243a9 is used for the guide pin 243c2 to pass through and enter the guide groove 243a2, and the guide groove 243a2 is arranged in a spiral through groove shape so as to facilitate the alignment of the rotating member 243c with the housing 243a during the assembly of the coupler 243.

The restoring member is a compression spring 243d, and the main body portion 243c3 has a ring protruding portion 243c6 on a side wall of one end far from the main assembly, which abuts against a first end of the compression spring 243d, and a second end of the compression spring 243d abuts against one end of the main housing 243a8 far from the main assembly. The pressing spring 243d is used as a restoring member, and the pressing of the pressing spring 243d to the rotating member 243c returns the rotating member 243c to the original position under the guidance of the guide pin 243c2 and the guide groove 243a 2.

The abutment post 243c5 has a length in the axial direction of the housing 243a that is greater than the length of the engagement portion 243c 1. The end of the movable member in the main assembly is closer to the coupler 243 than the end of the positioning boss 180i, so the abutment post 243c5, which is longer than the engaging portion 243c1, can act on the main assembly substantially simultaneously with the engaging portion.

The second transmission section 243a6 is provided with a limiting rib 243a10 on the side surface thereof, which cooperates with the boss 108a, and the limiting rib 243a10 is used for limiting the downstream end of the boss 108a in the first rotational direction a during coaxial abutting of the coupling 243 with the main assembly. The introduction of the limit ribs 243a10 can enhance the fit between the coupling 243 and the movable member in the process of coaxially abutting the main assembly and the coupling 243, so that the process of moving the movable member away from the driving force transmission portion 180V is smoother.

The movable member can also move axially along the positioning boss 180i, and the second transmission section 243a6 is provided with a positioning portion 243a11 protruding from the side wall, the positioning portion 243a11 being used for guiding the movable member to rotate to engage with the engaging portion 243c1 during coaxial docking of the coupler 243 with the main assembly.

During the coaxial abutment of the main assembly and the coupler 243, the movable member is separated from the driving force transmitting portion 180V only when the rotary member 243c is engaged with the movable member by the engaging portion 243c1, and the aligning portion 243a11 may guide the movable member to engage with the engaging portion 243c1 by rotating itself when the positions of the movable member and the engaging portion 243c1 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i do not correspond.

In the embodiment, the alignment portion 243a11 is a circular arc protrusion on the outer side of the second transmission section 243a6, the circular arc protrusion is adjacent to the engaging portion 243c1 in the circumferential direction of the abutment post 243c5, and the length of the circular arc protrusion needs to ensure that, when one protrusion 108a abuts against the alignment portion 243a11 and rotates in the first rotation direction a until the protrusion slides off the alignment portion 243a11 during the coaxial abutting process of the main assembly and the coupling 243, the protrusion 108a just falls into the side bayonet 243c4 and engages with the engaging portion 243c1, so that the alignment portion 243a11 can perform an alignment function on the moving member. The length of the circular arc-shaped projection in the radial direction of the abutment post 243c5 should be controlled so as not to interfere with the engaging portion 243c 1.

In the first state, in the axial direction of the housing 243a, the distance between the alignment portion 243a11 and the positioning boss 180i is smaller than or equal to the distance between the engaging portion 243c1 and the positioning boss 180i, and the rotating member 243c of the engaging portion 243c1 satisfying the above conditions does not interfere with the guiding and aligning action of the alignment portion 243a 11.

The coaxial abutment of the coupler 243 with the main assembly is divided into two cases, the first is that the rotating member 243c is engaged with the movable member and the second is that the aligning portion 243a11 is engaged with the movable member. In the first case, the second braking force engaging member 208 coincides with the side bayonet 243c4 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i or the abutment post 243c5, the second braking force engaging member 208 engages with the engaging portion 243c1 and abuts against the rotating piece 243c at the side bayonet 243c4 during axial feeding of the main assembly, and the pressure spring 243d acts on the second braking force engaging member 208 through the rotating piece 243c to urge the movable piece to retract as a whole to release the rotational lock thereof with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180. Then, the positioning boss 180i abuts against the abutment post 243c5 and drives the rotating member 243c, the rotating member 243c integrally rotates in the first rotation direction a while axially retreating along the abutment post 243c5 under the guidance of the guide pin 243c2 and the guide groove 243a2, and the movable member integrally rotates with the engaging portion 243c1 and is away from the driving force transmitting portion 180V, thereby forming the access gap L into which the driving block 243b is inserted.

In the second case, the second braking force engaging member 208 overlaps the alignment portion 243a11 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i or the abutment post 243c5, and the boss 108a abuts against the alignment portion 243a11 and drives the movable element to retract entirely until the gap H disappears during the axial feeding of the main assembly along the positioning boss 180i, so that the main assembly cannot continue the axial feeding. After that, the main assembly starts rotating as a whole until the aforementioned boss 108a slides off the alignment portion 243a11 and just enters the side bayonet 243c4, the main assembly is continued to be axially fed, the second braking force engaging member 208 is pushed back by the rotating piece 243c and the rotational lock with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180 is released, and then the positioning boss 180i abuts against the abutment post 243c5 to drive the rotating piece 243c, and the subsequent process is the same as the first case.

Referring to fig. 22 to 24, in consideration of molding difficulty, the present embodiment divides the housing 243a into two parts fixedly connected, the housing 243a is divided into a first part including the entire driving end 243a1 and a part of the main casing 243a8, and a second part located at an end of the housing 243a far from the main assembly, and a columnar protrusion for limiting the second end of the compression spring 243d is provided on the second part.

Example III

The present embodiment is basically the same as the second embodiment in structure, except that: the structure of the coupling is different. The coupling of the present embodiment and the second embodiment is adapted to the same image forming apparatus and drum driving unit 200, and is also similar in terms of the operation principle.

Referring to fig. 29 to 34, the coupling 243 includes a hollow housing 243a, the exterior of the housing 243a is substantially cylindrical, the housing 243a has a driving end 243a1 for mating with the main assembly and a connecting end 244a2 adjacent to the photosensitive drum 241, and the driving end 243a1 is provided with at least one driving block 243b protruding from an outer end wall.

The coupling 243 further includes a rotation mechanism for pushing the movable member to rotate relative to the driving force transmission portion 180V, the rotation mechanism includes a rotation member 243c, the rotation member 243c is disposed through a driving end 243a1, the rotation member 243c includes an engaging portion 243c1 located outside the housing 243a, the engaging portion 243c1 is configured to engage with the movable member and drive the movable member to rotate, a distance from an inner side of the driving block 243b to an axis of the housing 243a is greater than a distance from an outer side of the engaging portion 243c1 to the axis of the housing 243a, and the driving end 243a1 is provided with a relief hole 243a4 on an end wall that cooperates with the engaging portion 243c 1.

The rotating member 243c further includes a main body portion 243c3 located in the housing 243a, the main body portion 243c3 being cylindrical in shape and the main body portion 243c3 being disposed coaxially with the housing 243a, the main body portion 243c3 being provided with a spiral rib 244c3 on the side, the coupling 243 further includes a transmission mechanism engaged with the spiral rib 244c3 for converting axial movement of the drum driving unit 200 into rotation of the rotating member 243c about the axis of the main body portion 243c3 during coaxial docking of the main assembly with the coupling 243, i.e., the transmission mechanism cooperates with the spiral rib 244c3 for converting axial movement of the drum driving unit into rotation of the rotating member about the housing axis during docking of the coupling 243 with the drum driving unit.

The transmission mechanism includes a pressing rod 244d and a restoring compression spring 244d3, a first end of the pressing rod 244d passes through the transmission end 243a1 and can abut against an end of the cylindrical portion 180c of the driving force transmission member 180 in the process of coaxially abutting the coupler 243 with the main assembly, and a second end of the pressing rod 244d passes through the connection end 244a2. The axis of the strut 244d is parallel to the axis of the body portion 243c3, and the strut 244d includes a built-in section inside the housing 243a, and a first annular protrusion 244d1 and a second annular protrusion 244d2 for limiting are disposed at intervals outside the built-in section, wherein the second annular protrusion 244d2 is closer to the connection end 244a2. The reset pressure spring 244d3 is sleeved on the compression rod 244d and is positioned between the second annular protrusion 244d2 and the inner end wall of the connecting end 244a2, and the second annular protrusion 244d2 abuts against the end part of the reset pressure spring 244d3 so as to play a limiting role on the reset pressure spring 244d 3. The first annular protrusion 244d1 is closer to the driving end 243a1, and can abut against the inner end wall of the driving end 243a1, so as to play a limiting role on the compression bar 244d as a whole.

The compression bar 244d is provided with two clamping bars 244e at intervals between the first annular protrusion 244d1 and the second annular protrusion 244d2, the two clamping bars 244e are located on one side of the compression bar 244d close to the main body portion 243c3, the axis of the clamping bar 244e is perpendicular to the axis of the compression bar 244d, the end portion of the clamping bar 244e is provided with a roller 244f, the roller 244f can rotate around the axis of the clamping bar 244e, the spiral rib 244c3 is located between the two rollers 244f partially, and one side of the spiral rib 244c3 close to the driving end 243a1 and/or one side of the spiral rib 244c3 close to the connecting end 244a2 are propped against the roller 244 f. The end of the spiral rib 244c3 near the driving end 243a1 is a cut-off portion 244c4, and the driving mechanism acts on the cut-off portion 244c4 when no external force from the drum driving unit 200 is received.

The main body 243c3 has a shaft hole 244c5 penetrating through the middle thereof in the axial direction, and a shaft 244a4 engaging with the shaft hole 244c5 is provided on the inner end wall of the driving end 243a 1. The connecting end 244a2 is provided with a tubular supporting portion 244a6 on the inner end wall, one end of the main body portion 243c3 near the connecting end 244a2 is inserted into the supporting portion 244a6, and a stopper ring protrusion 244c6 engaged with the supporting portion 244a6 is provided on the side wall of the main body portion 243c 3. The engaging portion 243c1 is a plate-like member extending in the axial direction of the housing 243a, the engaging portion 243c1 is located at an end of the main body portion 243c3 near the driving end 243a1, and a side bayonet 2434c4 for engaging with the movable member is provided at the end of the engaging portion 243c1 on the downstream side in the first rotational direction a.

The coupling 243 has a first state and a second state in the process of coaxially interfacing with the main assembly, and in the first state, the transmission mechanism acts on the cut-off portion 244c4, that is, the cut-off portion 244c4 is located between the two rollers 244 f; in the second state, the cylindrical portion 180c abuts against the pressing rod 244d, the engaging portion 243c1 engages with the movable member, the movable member rotates with the rotating member 243c in the first rotation direction a and forms an engaging gap L with the driving force transmitting portion 180V, and in the first rotation direction a, the at least one driving block 243b coincides with the engaging gap L.

In the present embodiment, the rotating member 243c of the coupling 243 is only rotatable and cannot move linearly as compared with the coupling of the second embodiment. Also, the rotating member 243c is not directly driven by the drum driving unit 200, but needs to convert the linear movement of the drum driving unit 200 into the rotation of the rotating member 243c by means of a set of transmission mechanisms.

The driving end 243a1 is provided with a tubular centering cylinder 244a5 in the middle of the outer end wall, the centering cylinder 244a5 is provided with an alignment portion on the end side wall for cooperating with the boss 108a, the alignment portion is a segment of arc-shaped rib 244a7 extending from the end side wall of the centering cylinder 244a5, and the arc-shaped rib 244a7 is used for guiding the movable member to rotate to engage with the engaging portion 243c1 during coaxial abutting process of the coupler 243 and the main assembly. In the first rotation direction a, the centering cylinder 244a5 is provided with an abutment projection 244a8 on the downstream side of the end of the arc-shaped bead 244a 7.

The arc-shaped rib 244a7 serves to guide the movable member to engage with the engaging portion 243c1 by rotating itself when the position of the movable member and the engaging portion 243c1 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i does not correspond. The length of the arcuate rib 244a7 is required to ensure that, during the coaxial abutting process of the main assembly and the coupler 243, when a certain protrusion 108a abuts against the arcuate rib 244a7 and rotates in the first rotation direction a until the protrusion 108a slides down from the arcuate rib 244a7, the protrusion 108a just falls into the side bayonet 243c4 and engages with the engaging portion 243c1, so that the arcuate rib 244a7 can align the movable member. In addition, since the rotating piece 243c cannot move axially along the main body portion 243c3, the boss 108a sliding off the arc-shaped rib 244a7 needs to abut against the abutment boss 244a8 to release the rotational lock of the movable piece with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180.

In the first state, in the axial direction of the housing 243a or the positioning boss 180i, the distance between the arc-shaped rib 244a7 and the positioning boss 180i is smaller than or equal to the distance between the engaging portion 243c1 and the positioning boss 180i, and the rotating member 243c of the engaging portion 243c1 meeting the above conditions does not interfere with the guiding and aligning action of the arc-shaped rib 244a 7.

The coaxial interface of the coupler 243 with the main assembly is also divided into two cases, the first being the engagement of the rotating member 243c with the movable member and the second being the engagement of the arcuate rib 244a7 with the movable member. In the first case, the second braking force engaging member 208 coincides with the side bayonet 243c4 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i or the housing 243a, one boss 108a of the second braking force engaging member 208 engages with the engaging portion 243c1 and enters the side bayonet 243c4 during axial feeding of the main assembly, the other boss 108a of the second braking force engaging member 208 coincides with the abutment protrusion 244a8 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i or the housing 243a, and the main assembly continues to axially feed the second braking force engaging member 208 which abuts against the abutment protrusion 244a8 back to drive the movable element back as a whole and release the rotational lock thereof with respect to the driving force transmitting member 180. At the same time, the cylindrical portion 180c abuts against the pressing rod 244d and presses the pressing rod 244d, and the roller 244f rolls along the spiral rib 244c3 during axial retraction of the pressing rod 244d, so that the rotating member 243c rotates in the first rotation direction a, and the movable member integrally rotates with the engaging portion 243c1 and is far from the driving force transmitting portion 180V, thereby forming the access gap L into which the driving block 243b is inserted. Finally, the second braking force engagement member 208 slides off the abutment protrusion 244a8, and the rotation of the rotator 243c with respect to the driving force transmission member 180 is locked to stop the rotation.

In the second case, one protruding portion 108a of the second braking force engaging member 208 coincides with the arc-shaped rib 244a7 in the circumferential direction of the positioning boss 180i or the housing 243a, and in the axial feeding process of the main assembly along the positioning boss 180i, the protruding portion 108a abuts against the arc-shaped rib 244a7 and drives the movable element to retract entirely until the gap H disappears, and the main assembly cannot continue the axial feeding. The main assembly then begins to rotate until the aforementioned boss 108a slides off of the arcuate rib 244a7 and just into the side bayonet 243c4, the corresponding second braking force engagement member 208 is allowed to interact with the abutment boss 244a8, and the main assembly continues to be axially fed. The aforementioned second braking force engagement member 208 is then pushed back by the abutment projection 244a8 and the rotational lock of the movable piece with respect to the driving force transmission member 180 is released, and at the same time, the cylindrical portion 180c abuts against the pressing lever 244d and presses the pressing lever 244d, and the subsequent process is the same as the first case.

Example IV

Referring to fig. 35 to 40, the coupling 243 includes a hollow housing 243a, the mating end of the housing 243a and the main assembly is a driving end 243a1, the driving end 243a1 is in a cylindrical shape, a guide groove 243a12 is provided on the outer peripheral wall thereof, the guide groove 243a12 is provided as a spiral chute, the guide groove 243a12 is provided with at least two, in this embodiment, the guide groove 243a12 is provided with two, and the two guide grooves 243a12 are oppositely provided; meanwhile, a circular hole portion 243a11 as an opening extending toward the M1A direction is provided protruding on the middle of the end of the driving end 243a1 away from the photosensitive drum 241; a driving block 243b is also provided convexly on an outer wall of an end portion thereof, and a driving force receiving portion 243b1 is provided on the driving block 243b, which is a vertical plane perpendicular to an end portion of the driving end 243a1 and extending toward the direction M1A; the driving block 243b is further provided with a pressing surface 243b2 in a protruding manner, the pressing surface 243b2 is in a circular arc shape and parallel to the end of the driving end 243a1, and a vertical plane 243b5, an inclined plane 243b4 and a parallel surface 243b3 are connected with the driving force receiving portion 243b 1.

As shown in fig. 36 to 40, the coupling 243 further includes a rotating member 243c and a first elastic member 25, the rotating member 243c is disposed within the driving end 243a1, and the rotating member 243c has a cylindrical shape with an opening in the middle, and an engaging portion 243c1 is provided on the outer wall of the rotating member 243c so as to protrude, which extends to the outside of the driving end 243a1 in the axial direction K; the outer peripheral wall of the rotating member 243c is provided with guide pins 243c2 protruding radially, and the guide pins 243c2 are provided with at least two, which are slidable in the guide grooves 243a 12; a cylinder 243c4 is provided in the middle of the rotating member 243c, with a groove 243c3 formed between it and the inner peripheral wall. The first elastic member 25 is fitted over the outer side of the cylinder 243c4 in the axial direction K, and one end of the first elastic member 25 abuts against the bottom of the recess 243c3 and the other end abuts against the bottom of the circular hole portion 243a11 on the driving end 243a 1.

The coupling 243 further includes a connecting shaft 243d disposed in the housing 243a and a restoring member, the first elastic member 25 is sleeved on the connecting shaft 243d and located between the rotating member 243c and an inner end wall of the driving end of the housing, and one end of the first elastic member 25 abuts against the inner end wall of the driving end of the housing, and the other end of the first elastic member 25 abuts against the inner wall of the rotating member 243 c. The resetting member is a second elastic member 26, and the connecting shaft 243d has a small diameter portion 243d1, a middle diameter portion 243d2 and a large diameter portion 243d3, wherein the small diameter portion 243d1 passes through an opening in the rotating member 243c to be matched with an opening of the circular hole portion 243a11 in the driving end 243a 1; in the axial direction K, the upper end surface of the intermediate diameter portion 243d2 abuts against the lower end surface of the rotating member 243c, the outer peripheral wall of the large diameter portion 243d3 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the housing 243a, and the second elastic member 26 abuts against the inside of the large diameter portion 243d3 at one end and the photosensitive drum 241 at the other end.

The coupling 243 in this embodiment is configured not to receive braking force.

Next, a description will be given of a fitting process of the coupling 243 and the drive transmission unit 203.

Fig. 41 shows one of phases between the coupling 243 of the process cartridge 100 and the drive transmission unit 203 before the process cartridge 100 is pushed into the main assembly 170 and the door 11 of the image forming apparatus M is closed, and a mating process therebetween will be described as an example.

Fig. 41 shows a state in which the driving force transmitting surface 180d of the driving force transmitting unit 203 and the first braking force engaging member 204 are close to each other. The engaging portion 243c1 of the coupler 243 is projected to the maximum extent from the driving end 243a1, i.e., the guide pin 243c2 is located at the upstream end of the guide groove 243a12 in the axial direction K, at which time the first elastic member 25 is compressed.

As shown in fig. 42 to 46, when the door cover 11 is closed, the drive transmission unit 203 protrudes in a direction approaching the coupling 243, as the drive force transmission member 180 rotates in the rotational direction a, the positioning boss 180i of the drive force transmission member 180 abuts against the end of the small diameter portion 243d1 of the connection shaft 243d, as the rotational force on the drive force transmission member 180 continues, and the coupling 243 remains stationary in the rotational direction a, the rotator 243c pushes away the abutment of the first braking force engagement member 204 with the drive force transmission surface 180d so that the first braking force engagement member 204 and the drive force transmission surface 180d are separated from each other by a certain gap for the insertion of the transmission block 243b, the drive force receiving portion 243b1 of the drive force receiving portion 243b engages with the drive force transmission surface 180d, i.e., the drive force receiving portion 243b1 abuts against the drive force transmission surface 180d, and at this time the abutment surface 243b2 on the drive force receiving portion 243b abuts against the first engagement surface 2041 on the first braking force engagement member 204, and the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second engagement member 208 move toward the flange 204e of the first engagement member 204a, i.e., the braking force transmission flange 207e moves away from the first engagement member 204 e. Meanwhile, the guide pin 243c2 is slid in the guide groove 243a12, i.e., is slid spirally from the upstream end to the downstream end in the axial direction K by the first elastic member 25 and the rotational force, and when the guide pin 243c2 is slid to the downstream end of the guide groove 243a12 in the axial direction K, the engaging section 243c1 is also moved to the corresponding position, i.e., retracted from the maximum protrusion toward the direction approaching the photosensitive drum 241. Eventually causing the drive transfer member 180 to rotate with the coupler 243.

After the engagement of the driving force receiving portion 243b1 with the driving force transmitting surface 180d is achieved, the first braking force engaging member 204 is always subjected to the pressing action of the pressing surface 243b2, and the first braking force engaging member 204 and the brake transmitting member 207 are always in a disconnected state, and no braking force can be applied to the driving force receiving portion 243b.

When the drive transmission member 180 rotates together with the coupling 243, the drive transmission portion 180d pushes the drive receiving portion 243b to rotate, and the pressing surface 243b2 presses the first braking force engagement member 204 to rotate, but at this time, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 do not apply braking force to the drive receiving portion 243 b.

Further, when the drive transmitting member 180 rotates together with the coupling 243, the pressing surface 243b2 on the driving force receiving portion 243b always presses against the first engaging surface 2041 on the first braking force engaging member 204, and in order to restrict the first engaging surface 2041 on the first braking force engaging member 204 from sliding on the pressing surface 243b2 or from approaching and abutting against the vertical plane 243b5 of the driving force receiving portion 243b to form a braking force, the pressing surface 243b2 may be provided as a roughened surface or a substance having tackiness such as glue or the like may be attached thereto.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressing surface 243b2 may also simultaneously press the second engagement surface 2081 of the second braking force engagement member 208, only by setting the pressing surface 243b2 to be larger in the radial direction.

The process cartridge 100 having the above-described structure, since the braking force is not received in the process of receiving the driving force, the process cartridge 100 may be further provided with other locking mechanisms for locking the driving force transmitting member 180, so that the engagement of the driving force transmitting member with the driving force receiving portion is more stable, the disengagement is less likely, and the power transmission is more stable.

Example five

The present embodiment is basically the same as the process cartridge of the fourth embodiment in that the coupling is different in structure.

As shown in fig. 47 and 48, the drum unit 24 includes a rotatable photosensitive drum 241, a coupling 243, and a limiting mechanism 15, wherein the coupling 243 is movably connected to the photosensitive drum 241, and is configured to receive the driving force applied by the driving transmission unit 203, and the limiting mechanism 15 is sleeved outside the coupling 243.

As shown in fig. 49 to 50, the stopper 15 is fitted over the coupler 243 at one end and supported by the opening 116a of the drive-side end cap 116 at the other end. The shaft coupling 243, the limiting mechanism 15 and the opening 116a in the drive-side end cap 116 are coaxially connected.

As shown in fig. 48 to 50, the end of the coupling 243 near the photosensitive drum 241 is provided with a trapezoidal projection 143a, and the projection 143a is provided with a guide slope 143a1 which cooperates with the stopper mechanism 15.

Referring to fig. 49, 51 to 53, the stopper mechanism 15 includes a ring member 151, and a lock lever 152 provided protruding on the ring member 151; the annular component 151 is provided with a large-diameter part and a small-diameter part 151a, a protrusion 153 is arranged on the end surface of the small-diameter part 151a, which is opposite to the photosensitive drum 241, a groove 153a is arranged on one side, facing the locking lever 152, of the protrusion 153, a spring piece 154 is arranged between the protrusion 153 and the locking lever 152, one end of the spring piece 154 is fixed on the locking lever 152, and the other end of the spring piece 154 is suspended; two bosses 151b are oppositely arranged on the end face of the large-diameter part, facing the photosensitive drum 241, at intervals, and an opening is arranged in the middle of each boss 151b for a connecting shaft to pass through. The locking lever 152 protrudes vertically from the annular component 151 away from the first end 152a of the photosensitive drum 241, a guide surface 152a1 and a vertical plane 152a2 connected with the guide surface 152a1 are arranged on the locking lever, the guide surface 152a1 can accurately guide the small cylindrical part 180e on the driving force transmission member 180 to enter, the vertical plane 152a2 is opposite to the protrusion 153, one end of the elastic sheet 154 is fixed on the vertical plane 152a2 and is close to the end surface of the small diameter part 151a facing away from the photosensitive drum 241, and the vertical plane 152a2 can be locked and separated with the small cylindrical part 180e on the driving force transmission member 180 under the action of the elastic sheet 154; the second end 152b of the lock lever 152 adjacent to the photosensitive drum 241 is in the shape of a hook, and an abutment inclined surface 152b1 and a flat surface 152b2 connected to the abutment inclined surface 152b1 are provided on an end surface of the hook, and the abutment inclined surface 152b1 abuts against and separates from the guide inclined surface 143a1 on the coupling 243; a circular shaft 152c is disposed between the first end 152a and the second end 152b, one circular shaft 152c is disposed with two bosses 151b, and the circular shaft 152c and the bosses 151b are coaxially disposed and rotate about a connecting shaft (not shown) passing therebetween.

Further, the locking levers 152 are provided at least two at intervals, and may be provided in 3, 4 or more in order to be more locked with the small cylindrical portions 180e on the driving force transmitting member 180.

Next, a description will be given of a process of engagement of the coupling and the drive transmission unit 203 in the electronic imaging device. For better coupling movement, the drive side end cap 116 is not shown in fig. 54-56.

As shown in fig. 54 and 55, when the process cartridge is mounted in the electronic image forming apparatus, the door of the electronic image forming apparatus is closed, and as the door is closed, the drive transmission unit 203 approaches toward the drive end of the process cartridge, each component in the drive force transmission member 180 comes into abutment engagement with each corresponding component on the coupling 243, the small cylindrical portion 180e on the drive force transmission member 180 enters the stopper mechanism 15 under the guide of the guide surface 152a1 of the lock lever 152, and as shown in fig. 55a and 55b, the second end 152b of the lock lever 152 is away from the projection 143a on the coupling 243, i.e., the abutment inclined surface 152b1 on the end 152b does not abut with the guide inclined surface 143a1 on the projection 143a, and at this time, the vertical flat surface 152a2 on the second end 152a partially abuts with the small cylindrical portion 180e but is not locked, the elastic piece 154 is in a free state, and the lock lever 152 is in the first position.

As shown in fig. 56, as the drive transmission unit 203 moves toward the drive end of the process cartridge, after the respective parts in the drive transmission member 180 are brought into abutting engagement with the respective corresponding parts on the coupling 243, the coupling 243 rotates together with the drive transmission member 180, and the stopper mechanism 15 rotates together with the coupling 243, while the abutment inclined surface 152b1 on the lock lever 152 abuts against the guide inclined surface 143a1 on the coupling 243, the second end 152a on the lock lever 152 moves toward the small cylindrical portion 180e on the drive transmission member 180 under the moving force of the circular shaft 152c, while the elastic piece 154 is compressed, the other end of the suspended arrangement is supported by the groove 153a on the protrusion 153, and the vertical flat surface 152a2 abuts against the small cylindrical portion 180e, and the lock lever 152 is in the second position.

When the lock lever 152 is in the second position, the stopper mechanism 15 rotates together with the driving force transmitting member 180, preventing the driving force transmitting member 180 from being displaced in the radial direction, and avoiding unstable engagement of the driving force transmitting member 180 with the process cartridge 100 and unstable power transmission.

In the present embodiment, the structure of the stopper mechanism 15 is not limited as long as the small cylindrical portion 180e of the driving force transmitting member 180 can be locked during rotation.

Example six

The present embodiment is basically the same as the fifth embodiment in the structure of the process cartridge, except that:

The stopper mechanism is directly provided on the driving-side end cap 116, as shown in fig. 57 and 58, that is, the stopper mechanism is provided at a side of the opening 116a of the end cap 116 facing the driving force transmitting member 180, a guide surface 116a1 is provided on an end of the opening thereof for insertion of the driving force transmitting member 180, a circular surface 116a2 is connected to the guide surface 116a1 and extends toward the photosensitive drum 241, the diameter of the circular surface 116a2 is slightly larger than that of the small cylindrical portion 180e of the driving force transmitting member 180, the small cylindrical portion 180e can rotate inside thereof without deviation, that is, the circular surface 116a2 restricts the moving range of the small cylindrical portion 180e, prevents the deviation thereof too much, and causes unstable engagement of the driving force transmitting member 180 with the process cartridge 100 and unstable power transmission.

The present application is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and any changes or substitutions that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present application are intended to be included in the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A drum unit detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus including a drum driving unit, the drum unit comprising:

A photosensitive drum;

2. Drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a rotation member movably arranged at the drive end of the housing, and the rotation member comprises an engagement portion penetrating the drive end of the housing, the engagement portion being adapted to engage with the drum drive unit.

3. Drum unit according to claim 2, wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises a driving member provided in the housing for driving the rotation member to rotate the components in the drum driving unit.

4. A drum unit according to claim 3, wherein the coupling further comprises a spindle disposed within the housing, and wherein the second end of the spindle is connected to the housing, and wherein the first end of the spindle extends through the housing, and wherein the rotating member is disposed about the spindle.

5. Drum unit according to claim 4, wherein the driving member is provided as a torsion spring, the torsion spring being arranged around the spindle, a first torsion arm of the torsion spring being connected to the housing, and a second torsion arm of the torsion spring being connected to the rotation member.

6. Drum unit according to claim 4, wherein the outer side of the rotating member is provided with an outer flange, the inner side of the housing is provided with a rotation stopping portion, and the rotation stopping portion can be matched and limited with the outer flange;

the coupling further comprises a pushing mechanism arranged at the first end of the main shaft and used for pushing the rotating piece to move towards the second end of the main shaft so that the outer protruding portion is separated from the rotation stopping portion.

7. Drum unit according to claim 6, wherein the pushing mechanism comprises a telescopic column, a first compression spring and a compression pin, wherein the first end of the main shaft is provided with a containing blind hole, the first compression spring is contained in the containing blind hole, the telescopic column is at least partially contained in the containing blind hole, one end of the first compression spring is connected with the telescopic column, the other end of the first compression spring is connected with the bottom wall of the containing blind hole, and the compression pin is connected to the telescopic column and penetrates through the side face of the main shaft.

8. Drum unit according to any one of claims 6-7, further comprising a reset mechanism arranged in the housing for driving the rotation member towards the first end of the spindle such that the outer flange falls into the rotation stop.

9. Drum unit according to claim 8, wherein the resetting mechanism comprises a abutment seat and a second compression spring, the abutment seat is sleeved on the main shaft and abuts against the rotating member, the second compression spring is sleeved on the main shaft, one end of the second compression spring abuts against the abutment seat, and the other end of the second compression spring abuts against the inner wall of the housing.

10. Drum unit according to claim 8, wherein the inner side of the housing is provided with a guide portion communicating with the rotation stop portion for cooperating with the return mechanism to guide the outer projection of the rotating member to fall into the rotation stop portion.

11. Drum unit according to claim 2, wherein the housing is provided with a guide slot, the rotation member being provided with a guide pin, the guide pin being provided through the guide slot to enable rotation of the rotation member about the axis of the housing by means of co-operation of the guide slot with the guide pin.

12. Drum unit according to claim 11, wherein the drive end of the housing is provided with a relief portion, the rotation member being further provided with a trigger portion, the trigger portion being provided through the relief portion.

13. The drum unit according to claim 11, wherein the driving end of the housing is provided with a relief portion, the coupling further comprises a coupling shaft, the coupling shaft is disposed in the housing, and the coupling shaft is at least partially disposed in the relief portion, and the rotating member is sleeved on the coupling shaft.

14. The drum unit according to claim 13, wherein the coupling further comprises a first elastic member, the first elastic member is sleeved on the connecting shaft and located between the rotating member and the inner end wall of the driving end of the housing, one end of the first elastic member abuts against the inner end wall of the driving end of the housing, and the other end of the first elastic member abuts against the inner wall of the rotating member.

15. Drum unit according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the coupling further comprises a reset member arranged in the housing for resetting the rotating member.

16. Drum unit according to claim 15, further comprising a stop mechanism, which is sleeved outside the coupling for guiding the drum drive unit into engagement with the coupling.

17. Drum unit according to claim 16, wherein the limit mechanism comprises an annular member provided with a projection, a locking lever movably arranged to the annular member, and a resilient piece connected to the locking lever and located between the projection and the locking lever.

18. Drum unit according to claim 17, wherein the annular member comprises a boss, the locking lever being rotatably connected with the boss.

19. Drum unit according to claim 2, wherein the outer side of the rotating member is provided with a spiral bead, the coupling further comprising a transmission mechanism arranged in the housing and cooperating with the spiral bead for translating axial movement of the drum drive unit into rotation of the rotating member about the housing axis during docking of the coupling with the drum drive unit.

20. The drum unit according to claim 19, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises a pressing rod, a reset pressing spring, a first annular protrusion, a second annular protrusion and two clamping rods, the pressing rod is arranged on the shell, the second end of the pressing rod penetrates through the connecting end of the shell, the first end of the pressing rod penetrates through the transmission end of the shell, the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion are arranged at intervals on the pressing rod and are positioned in the shell, the reset pressing spring is sleeved on the pressing rod and is positioned between the second annular protrusion and the inner end wall of the connecting end of the shell, the two clamping rods are arranged at intervals on the pressing rod, and the spiral protruding edge is positioned between the two clamping rods.

21. Drum unit according to claim 20, wherein the transmission mechanism further comprises two rollers, which are rotatably sleeved on the two clamping bars, respectively.

22. A consumable cartridge, characterized in that it comprises a drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 21.